http://www.leftlanenews.com/cars/ima...honda-v4-3.jpg

Looks a lot like a BMW shaft drive to me. Body work looks similar to
new CBR which when painted is way cute by Honda standards. A liter
version of Honda's V4 would be every SPORT-touring types wet dream.
Windscreen is too high and handlebars too low and the resulting
turbulence is evidenced by joy boy's loose fitting sweater flapping
around him like a Janet Jackson wardrobe malfunction.


Hopefully, they'll find some nice attachable luggage as without it,
the bike is nothing but a smooth, torquey, heavy CBR with a shaft.
The stubby tail tells me no top box, which is the single most useful
part of a regular rider/two-up touring machine.

Front brakes look to be a set of several caliper, radial mount brick
wall specials.

Passenger pegs look comfortably low and sufficiently out of the way of
the feet of the rider. Nice grab rails too.

Appears to have a good size tank and thankfully a shifter (i.e. manual
transmission) and a hydraulic clutch. Shifter looks placed radically
low though.

Body screws not readily apparent, could be a night mare stripping it.
Turn signals integrated in the bodywork too. Maybe it's all done with
typical Honda dick in grommet panels. That would be nice.

Looks like a CBR pipe which is a fresh new nicely integrated look.

No centerstand is readily apparent, but then again, I don't even see a
kickstand.

Anyway, it's nice to see Honda getting back in the game. They've been
resting on their laurels an awful long time now...

On Jun 24, 9:54*pm, saddlebag <saddle...@aol.com> wrote:
> http://www.leftlanenews.com/cars/ima....php?postid=19....
>
> Looks a lot like a BMW shaft drive to me. *Body work looks similar to
> new CBR which when painted is way cute by Honda standards. *A liter
> version of Honda's V4 would be every SPORT-touring types wet dream.
> Windscreen is too high and handlebars too low and the resulting
> turbulence is evidenced by joy boy's loose fitting sweater flapping
> around him like a Janet Jackson wardrobe malfunction.
>
> Hopefully, they'll find some nice attachable luggage as without it,
> the bike is nothing but a smooth, torquey, heavy CBR with a shaft.
> The stubby tail tells me no top box, which is the single most useful
> part of a regular rider/two-up touring machine.
>
> Front brakes look to be a set of several caliper, radial mount brick
> wall specials.
>
> Passenger pegs look comfortably low and sufficiently out of the way of
> the feet of the rider. *Nice grab rails too.
>
> Appears to have a good size tank and thankfully a shifter (i.e. manual
> transmission) and a hydraulic clutch. *Shifter looks placed radically
> low though.
>
> Body screws not readily apparent, could be a night mare stripping it.
> Turn signals integrated in the bodywork too. *Maybe it's all done with
> typical Honda dick in grommet panels. *That would be nice.
>
> Looks like a CBR pipe which is a fresh new nicely integrated look.
>
> No centerstand is readily apparent, but then again, I don't even see a
> kickstand.
>
> Anyway, it's nice to see Honda getting back in the game. *They've been
> resting on their laurels an awful long time now...

Wonderrrful, thanks. I'm very excited for the bike - if they can keep
the weight down it will step all over the BMW line.

And all your quibbles are pretty easy to mod to fit. Luggage is very
easy to add, and I'm sure an accessory rack for a topcase would be a
simple plug and play after you remove the grab rails temporarily.
Some GIVI V35's would wrap the tail nicely, too

We shall see!

On Jun 24, 9:54 pm, saddlebag <saddle...@aol.com> wrote:
> http://www.leftlanenews.com/cars/ima....php?postid=19...

I'm not exactly crazy about the front end design and headlight
arrangement, but I'll reserve final judgment until it appears in its
finished 'livery', as it were. If the bike has a 1000cc mill, all
styling flaws will be immediately forgiven.

Natch. (-:

Regards,

Tim Kreitz
2004 ZRX1200R
2003 ZX7R
1973 S1A
DoD #2184
http://www.timkreitz.com

"Tim Kreitz" <timkreitz@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:073e7ef0-c655-45ff-bbb9-aa2d6d8b8d41@y38g2000vbl.googlegroups.com...
> On Jun 24, 9:54 pm, saddlebag <saddle...@aol.com> wrote:
>> http://www.leftlanenews.com/cars/ima....php?postid=19...
>
> I'm not exactly crazy about the front end design and headlight
> arrangement, but I'll reserve final judgment until it appears in its
> finished 'livery', as it were. If the bike has a 1000cc mill, all
> styling flaws will be immediately forgiven.
>
> Natch. (-:
>
> Regards,
>
> Tim Kreitz
> 2004 ZRX1200R
> 2003 ZX7R
> 1973 S1A
> DoD #2184
> http://www.timkreitz.com

I'm sure that's not the final plastic arrangement. That headlight had a
decidedly late '90's look. :-)

On 25 June, 03:54, saddlebag <saddle...@aol.com> wrote:
> http://www.leftlanenews.com/cars/ima....php?postid=19....
>
> Looks a lot like a BMW shaft drive to me. *

<snip>

It really does, doesn't it? I can't see if it's hinged like a BMW
Paralever system or not. A helluva lot of unsprung weight there, mind.

screen appears a tad low and pililon pegs a tad high, but apart from
that, yeah, bring it on. But only if the engine is gear cam drive ;-)

"TOG@Toil" <totallydeadmailbox@yahoo.co.uk> wrote in news:187115bd-7b7b-
4028-9d55-f6ef87b83b64@e20g2000vbc.googlegroups.com:

> On 25 June, 03:54, saddlebag <saddle...@aol.com> wrote:
>> http://www.leftlanenews.com/cars/ima....php?postid=19..
> .
>>
>> Looks a lot like a BMW shaft drive to me. *
>
> <snip>
>
> It really does, doesn't it? I can't see if it's hinged like a BMW
> Paralever system or not. A helluva lot of unsprung weight there, mind.
>
> screen appears a tad low and pililon pegs a tad high, but apart from
> that, yeah, bring it on. But only if the engine is gear cam drive ;-)
>
>

Do test riders typically wear blue jeans and soft jackets?

--
Bob Mann

Cap'n, ah need moor pow'r.

Bob Mann wrote:
> "TOG@Toil" <totallydeadmailbox@yahoo.co.uk> wrote in news:187115bd-7b7b-
> 4028-9d55-f6ef87b83b64@e20g2000vbc.googlegroups.com:
>
>> On 25 June, 03:54, saddlebag <saddle...@aol.com> wrote:
>>> http://www.leftlanenews.com/cars/ima....php?postid=19..
>> .
>>> Looks a lot like a BMW shaft drive to me.
>> <snip>
>>
>> It really does, doesn't it? I can't see if it's hinged like a BMW
>> Paralever system or not. A helluva lot of unsprung weight there, mind.
>>
>> screen appears a tad low and pililon pegs a tad high, but apart from
>> that, yeah, bring it on. But only if the engine is gear cam drive ;-)
>>
>>
>
> Do test riders typically wear blue jeans and soft jackets?
>

I live close to the Buell factory, and ride with several Buell
engineers. They at least wear armored textile or leather jackets. In
fact, it's required.

"saddlebag" <saddlebag@aol.com> wrote in message
news:13d3e89f-bb9f-438f-bd61-a3b66f9ccb35@s6g2000vbp.googlegroups.com...
> http://www.leftlanenews.com/cars/ima...honda-v4-3.jpg
>
> Looks a lot like a BMW shaft drive to me.

I wonder what the price will be? I might not need to be talked into
one of those. I do like shafties for touring.

On 25 Jun 2009, Bob Mann wrote in news:kCK0m.54826$gz5.15229
@newsfe07.iad

> Do test riders typically wear blue jeans and soft jackets?
>

I suspect he was dressed with marketing in mind.

--
Lew

On Jun 25, 9:56*am, "TroytheTroll" <f4_...@hotmail.com> wrote:
> "saddlebag" <saddle...@aol.com> wrote in message
>
> news:13d3e89f-bb9f-438f-bd61-a3b66f9ccb35@s6g2000vbp.googlegroups.com...
>
> >http://www.leftlanenews.com/cars/ima....php?postid=19....
>
> > Looks a lot like a BMW shaft drive to me.
>
> I wonder what the price will be? I might not need to be talked into
> one of those. I do like shafties for touring.


With the new V-4 motor, shaft drive, C-ABS and Traction Control, it
won't be cheap.

But man oh man will it be nice!

On Jun 25, 8:05*am, Bob Mann <bobm...@mtsremove.net> wrote:
> "TOG@Toil" <totallydeadmail...@yahoo.co.uk> wrote in news:187115bd-7b7b-
> 4028-9d55-f6ef87b83...@e20g2000vbc.googlegroups.com:
>
> > On 25 June, 03:54, saddlebag <saddle...@aol.com> wrote:
> >>http://www.leftlanenews.com/cars/ima....php?postid=19...
> > .
>
> >> Looks a lot like a BMW shaft drive to me. *
>
> > <snip>
>
> > It really does, doesn't it? I can't see if it's hinged like a BMW
> > Paralever system or not. A helluva lot of unsprung weight there, mind.
>
> > screen appears a tad low and pililon pegs a tad high, but apart from
> > that, yeah, bring it on. But only if the engine is gear cam drive ;-)
>
> Do test riders typically wear blue jeans and soft jackets?
>
> --
> Bob Mann
>
> Cap'n, ah need moor pow'r.

Apparently, the Japanese variety prefer tool belts to compliment their
track day boots and gloves...

Given how totally upright the bike is in these shots, the CA plate and
time of year, I can't say as I blame them.

On Jun 24, 11:23*pm, Tim Kreitz <timkre...@yahoo.com> wrote:
> On Jun 24, 9:54 pm, saddlebag <saddle...@aol.com> wrote:
>
> >http://www.leftlanenews.com/cars/ima....php?postid=19....
>
> I'm not exactly crazy about the front end design and headlight
> arrangement, but I'll reserve final judgment until it appears in its
> finished 'livery', as it were. If the bike has a 1000cc mill, all
> styling flaws will be immediately forgiven.
>
> Natch. (-:
>
> Regards,
>
> Tim Kreitz
> 2004 ZRX1200R
> 2003 ZX7R
> 1973 S1A
> DoD #2184http://www.timkreitz.com

It appears to be a 1200... according to this rag.

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/Ne...rer-revealed-/

On Jun 25, 10:29*pm, Vaughn <vbra...@gmail.com> wrote:
> On Jun 24, 11:23*pm, Tim Kreitz <timkre...@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
> > On Jun 24, 9:54 pm, saddlebag <saddle...@aol.com> wrote:
>
> > >http://www.leftlanenews.com/cars/ima....php?postid=19...
>
> > I'm not exactly crazy about the front end design and headlight
> > arrangement, but I'll reserve final judgment until it appears in its
> > finished 'livery', as it were. If the bike has a 1000cc mill, all
> > styling flaws will be immediately forgiven.
>
> > Natch. (-:
>
> > Regards,
>
> > Tim Kreitz
> > 2004 ZRX1200R
> > 2003 ZX7R
> > 1973 S1A
> > DoD #2184http://www.timkreitz.com
>
> It appears to be a 1200... according to this rag.

These guys hop from one extreme to the other. 1200cc, what the hell
is it really an air-cooled twin?

"saddlebag" <saddlebag@aol.com> wrote in message
news:13d3e89f-bb9f-438f-bd61-a3b66f9ccb35@s6g2000vbp.googlegroups.com...
> http://www.leftlanenews.com/cars/ima...honda-v4-3.jpg

Why bother with spy shots when the specs of the whole bike, including
pictures from all angles and in all it's expected guises was published in
MCN this week?


--
Beav

VN 750
Zed 1000
OMF# 19

saddlebag wrote:
> On Jun 25, 10:29 pm, Vaughn <vbra...@gmail.com> wrote:
>> On Jun 24, 11:23 pm, Tim Kreitz <timkre...@yahoo.com> wrote:
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>> On Jun 24, 9:54 pm, saddlebag <saddle...@aol.com> wrote:
>>>> http://www.leftlanenews.com/cars/ima....php?postid=19...
>>> I'm not exactly crazy about the front end design and headlight
>>> arrangement, but I'll reserve final judgment until it appears in its
>>> finished 'livery', as it were. If the bike has a 1000cc mill, all
>>> styling flaws will be immediately forgiven.
>>> Natch. (-:
>>> Regards,
>>> Tim Kreitz
>>> 2004 ZRX1200R
>>> 2003 ZX7R
>>> 1973 S1A
>>> DoD #2184http://www.timkreitz.com
>> It appears to be a 1200... according to this rag.
>
> These guys hop from one extreme to the other. 1200cc, what the hell
> is it really an air-cooled twin?

Those shots in MCN, make the 1125R look downright 'purdy in comparison.

saddlebag <saddlebag@aol.com> wrote:

> These guys hop from one extreme to the other. 1200cc, what the hell
> is it really an air-cooled twin?

The 'V4' designation suggests not.


--
BMW K1100LT Ducati 750SS Honda CB400F & XBR500 Triumph Street Triple
Suzuki TS250ER
If you don't know what you're doing, don't do it. And RTFM.
chateau dot murray at idnet dot com

saddlebag <saddlebag@aol.com> wrote in
news:13d3e89f-bb9f-438f-bd61-a3b66f9ccb35@s6g2000vbp.googlegroups.com
:

> http://www.leftlanenews.com/cars/ima...ry.php?postid=
> 19115&defimage=http%3A%2F%2Fphotos.leftlanenews.co m%2Fphotos%2Fimag
> eresizeronfly%2FphpThumb.php%3Fsrc%3D%2Fphotos%2Fc ontent%2Fmay2009%
> 2Fhonda-v4-3.jpg

To my eye, that thing is just plain fugly. While I wouldn't mind having
a 1200cc V4-powered, shaft-driven replacement for my aging Blackbird,
that one won't be it. I think I'll continue to keep the 'bird in tip-
top shape and make it last a lot longer.

-Keith
'03 Blackbird

On Jun 26, 1:25*pm, Steve Mackay <mackay.st...@att.net> wrote:
> saddlebag wrote:
> > On Jun 25, 10:29 pm, Vaughn <vbra...@gmail.com> wrote:
> >> On Jun 24, 11:23 pm, Tim Kreitz <timkre...@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
> >>> On Jun 24, 9:54 pm, saddlebag <saddle...@aol.com> wrote:
> >>>>http://www.leftlanenews.com/cars/ima....php?postid=19...
> >>> I'm not exactly crazy about the front end design and headlight
> >>> arrangement, but I'll reserve final judgment until it appears in its
> >>> finished 'livery', as it were. If the bike has a 1000cc mill, all
> >>> styling flaws will be immediately forgiven.
> >>> Natch. (-:
> >>> Regards,
> >>> Tim Kreitz
> >>> 2004 ZRX1200R
> >>> 2003 ZX7R
> >>> 1973 S1A
> >>> DoD #2184http://www.timkreitz.com
> >> It appears to be a 1200... according to this rag.
>
> > These guys hop from one extreme to the other. *1200cc, what the hell
> > is it really an air-cooled twin?
>
> Those shots in MCN, make the 1125R look downright 'purdy in comparison.

Here's some better images to assess the bike:
http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/26/s...aught-testing/

I really like the symmetry and lines to the bike. They flow together
really well in a sleek, curvy package. Sounds like quite a powerhouse
v-4 w/ near 200hp.

From the front however, the "Cylon-like single front headlamp" is a
bit menacing.

On Jun 24, 10:54*pm, saddlebag <saddle...@aol.com> wrote:

1. Styling is highly subjective, but to my eye the bike is quite
ugly. The front half is too bulbous and heavy looking, with lines
starting from nowhere and tapering off into nothing. The rear end
simply fades away and disappears with no character at all.

2. If it's to be s sports tourer with a shaft drive, it ought to have
standard saddlebags. Any bags added to this bike will likely be as
"tacked-on" looking as aftermarket bags on any pure sportbike. Also
agree that it does not look as though it were designed with a top box
in mind, and MOST of the sport touring types I know demand a top box
for longer trips.

3. Again, as a sports tourer, it doesn't need, nor should it have, a
rear fender/license plate bracket assembly that looks a) quick detach
for the racetrack, and b) far too tiny, light, and airy to actually
provide meaningful protection from mud, water, gravel, and muck thrown
up from the road surface by the rear wheel.

4. The passenger accomodations look simply spartan; certainly nothing
anyone I know would want to inhabit for hours on end.

Ducati saw sales of their hard core sport tourer (the ST4S and ST4S/
ABS) founder on the rocks of high price and hardcore sporting
pretensions with too little effort given to rider/passenger long term
comfort. What will keep this Honda effort, which - with the
exception of the shaft drive system - looks to inhabit much the same
niche - from failing in the marketplace as well?

On Jun 26, 4:46*pm, Vaughn <vbra...@gmail.com> wrote:
> On Jun 26, 1:25*pm, Steve Mackay <mackay.st...@att.net> wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
> > saddlebag wrote:
> > > On Jun 25, 10:29 pm, Vaughn <vbra...@gmail.com> wrote:
> > >> On Jun 24, 11:23 pm, Tim Kreitz <timkre...@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
> > >>> On Jun 24, 9:54 pm, saddlebag <saddle...@aol.com> wrote:
> > >>>>http://www.leftlanenews.com/cars/ima....php?postid=19...
> > >>> I'm not exactly crazy about the front end design and headlight
> > >>> arrangement, but I'll reserve final judgment until it appears in its
> > >>> finished 'livery', as it were. If the bike has a 1000cc mill, all
> > >>> styling flaws will be immediately forgiven.
> > >>> Natch. (-:
> > >>> Regards,
> > >>> Tim Kreitz
> > >>> 2004 ZRX1200R
> > >>> 2003 ZX7R
> > >>> 1973 S1A
> > >>> DoD #2184http://www.timkreitz.com
> > >> It appears to be a 1200... according to this rag.
>
> > > These guys hop from one extreme to the other. *1200cc, what the hell
> > > is it really an air-cooled twin?
>
> > Those shots in MCN, make the 1125R look downright 'purdy in comparison.
>
> Here's some better images to assess the bike:http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/26/s...v4-motorcycle-...

Quick somebody do something, a humpback whale has beached itself!

On Jun 26, 5:02*pm, "tomor...@erols.com"
<tomorrowaterolsdot...@yahoo.com> wrote:
> On Jun 24, 10:54*pm, saddlebag <saddle...@aol.com> wrote:
>
> 1. Styling is highly subjective, but to my eye the bike is quite
> ugly. *The front half is too bulbous and heavy looking, with lines
> starting from nowhere and tapering off into nothing. *The rear end
> simply fades away and disappears with no character at all.
>
> 2. If it's to be s sports tourer with a shaft drive, it ought to have
> standard saddlebags. *Any bags added to this bike will likely be as
> "tacked-on" looking as aftermarket bags on any pure sportbike. *Also
> agree that it does not look as though it were designed with a top box
> in mind, and MOST of the sport touring types I know demand a top box
> for longer trips.
>
> 3. Again, as a sports tourer, it doesn't need, nor should it have, a
> rear fender/license plate bracket assembly that looks a) quick detach
> for the racetrack, and b) far too tiny, light, and airy to actually
> provide meaningful protection from mud, water, gravel, and muck thrown
> up from the road surface by the rear wheel.
>
> 4. The passenger accomodations look simply spartan; certainly nothing
> anyone I know would want to inhabit for hours on end.
>
> Ducati saw sales of their hard core sport tourer (the ST4S and ST4S/
> ABS) founder on the rocks of high price and hardcore sporting
> pretensions with too little effort given to rider/passenger long term
> comfort. * What will keep this Honda effort, which - with the
> exception of the shaft drive system - looks to inhabit much the same
> niche - from failing in the marketplace as well?

Especially given that that V-4 will not be a cheap bugger to maintain
either. For the record, the STx Ducs did have a topbox/passenger back
rest option. In fact, mine now resides on my FJR. They were also
quite comfy with a new seat and bar risers...

On Jun 26, 4:02*pm, "tomor...@erols.com"
<tomorrowaterolsdot...@yahoo.com> wrote:
> On Jun 24, 10:54*pm, saddlebag <saddle...@aol.com> wrote:
>
> 1. Styling is highly subjective, but to my eye the bike is quite
> ugly. *The front half is too bulbous and heavy looking, with lines
> starting from nowhere and tapering off into nothing. *The rear end
> simply fades away and disappears with no character at all.
>

Did you see the most recent photos I posted minutes before your
posting?


> 2. If it's to be s sports tourer with a shaft drive, it ought to have
> standard saddlebags. *Any bags added to this bike will likely be as
> "tacked-on" looking as aftermarket bags on any pure sportbike. *Also
> agree that it does not look as though it were designed with a top box
> in mind, and MOST of the sport touring types I know demand a top box
> for longer trips.
>

Totally disagree that it would be difficult to dress this bike up. A
rear rack would fit easily, as would hard side bag mounts. Look
closer:

http://www.autoblog.com/photos/honda...mages/2110223/

If you look at the undertail mounts and grab rail mounts, they all
offer integrated rail accessory options. I'll bet Honda will make a
fortune in accessories on this by developing plug and play racks and
then selling hard bag systems for $1200.

> 3. Again, as a sports tourer, it doesn't need, nor should it have, a
> rear fender/license plate bracket assembly that looks a) quick detach
> for the racetrack, and b) far too tiny, light, and airy to actually
> provide meaningful protection from mud, water, gravel, and muck thrown
> up from the road surface by the rear wheel.
>

a) The racetrack quick detach look is to appeal to sport riders. b)
the rear license rack is for the large buying populace in EU countries
where HUGE yellow license plates are required to be placed behind the
rear tire.

> 4. The passenger accomodations look simply spartan; certainly nothing
> anyone I know would want to inhabit for hours on end.
>

Every bike of this ilk needs a better seat for passenger comfort,
that's why companies like Corbin, Rick and Russell Mayer, et. al. do
sell so many seats. Add with a padded topcase any dame under 175 lbs.
could enjoy the ride.


> Ducati saw sales of their hard core sport tourer (the ST4S and ST4S/
> ABS) founder on the rocks of high price and hardcore sporting
> pretensions with too little effort given to rider/passenger long term
> comfort. * What will keep this Honda effort, which - with the
> exception of the shaft drive system - looks to inhabit much the same
> niche - from failing in the marketplace as well?

The EU will buy them by the shipload.

This is a Honda, with a reputation for extraordinary reliability
(unlike Ducati eight years ago). Perfect for the ST crowd.

I'm seriously considering a savings plan for one, in a metallic sky
blue, if they please - with the C-ABS option.

On Jun 26, 4:06*pm, saddlebag <saddle...@aol.com> wrote:
> On Jun 26, 4:46*pm, Vaughn <vbra...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>
>
> > On Jun 26, 1:25*pm, Steve Mackay <mackay.st...@att.net> wrote:
>
> > > saddlebag wrote:
> > > > On Jun 25, 10:29 pm, Vaughn <vbra...@gmail.com> wrote:
> > > >> On Jun 24, 11:23 pm, Tim Kreitz <timkre...@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
> > > >>> On Jun 24, 9:54 pm, saddlebag <saddle...@aol.com> wrote:
> > > >>>>http://www.leftlanenews.com/cars/ima....php?postid=19...
> > > >>> I'm not exactly crazy about the front end design and headlight
> > > >>> arrangement, but I'll reserve final judgment until it appears in its
> > > >>> finished 'livery', as it were. If the bike has a 1000cc mill, all
> > > >>> styling flaws will be immediately forgiven.
> > > >>> Natch. (-:
> > > >>> Regards,
> > > >>> Tim Kreitz
> > > >>> 2004 ZRX1200R
> > > >>> 2003 ZX7R
> > > >>> 1973 S1A
> > > >>> DoD #2184http://www.timkreitz.com
> > > >> It appears to be a 1200... according to this rag.
>
> > > > These guys hop from one extreme to the other. *1200cc, what the hell
> > > > is it really an air-cooled twin?
>
> > > Those shots in MCN, make the 1125R look downright 'purdy in comparison.
>
> > Here's some better images to assess the bike:http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/26/s...v4-motorcycle-...
>
> Quick somebody do something, a humpback whale has beached itself!

Heh heh. It does look marine like, though I was thinking more of a
large manta ray.

tomorrow@erols.com wrote:
[snip discussion of the VFR1200's shortcomings as a Sports Tourer]

> Ducati saw sales of their hard core sport tourer (the ST4S and ST4S/
> ABS) founder on the rocks of high price and hardcore sporting
> pretensions with too little effort given to rider/passenger long term
> comfort. What will keep this Honda effort, which - with the
> exception of the shaft drive system - looks to inhabit much the same
> niche - from failing in the marketplace as well?

I agree 100%, this bike isn't even as good of a sports tourer candidate
as a ZZR1400 or a Hayabusa, the inclusion of a shaft drive will appeal
to those who want to avoid chain maintenance but it is looks like
pillion accommodation and the ability to hang bags/top box on is minimal,
which slots it into a narrow niche, in my opinion.

On Jun 26, 4:29*pm, Mark Olson <ols...@tiny.invalid> wrote:
> tomor...@erols.com wrote:
>
> [snip discussion of the VFR1200's shortcomings as a Sports Tourer]
>
> > Ducati saw sales of their hard core sport tourer (the ST4S and ST4S/
> > ABS) founder on the rocks of high price and hardcore sporting
> > pretensions with too little effort given to rider/passenger long term
> > comfort. * What will keep this Honda effort, which - with the
> > exception of the shaft drive system - looks to inhabit much the same
> > niche - from failing in the marketplace as well?
>
> I agree 100%, this bike isn't even as good of a sports tourer candidate
> as a ZZR1400 or a Hayabusa, the inclusion of a shaft drive will appeal
> to those who want to avoid chain maintenance but it is looks like
> pillion accommodation and the ability to hang bags/top box on is minimal,
> which slots it into a narrow niche, in my opinion.

Minimal accommodations for luggage?!

I'm guessing you haven't looked closely at newer bikes lately have
you?

For example, look at the second image of this comparable ST machine,
then the fourth image.

http://www.webbikeworld.com/BMW-moto.../bmw-k-1300-s/

The Honda is designed to compete directly with this type of flagship
vessel.

On Jun 26, 4:48*pm, Vaughn <vbra...@gmail.com> wrote:
> On Jun 26, 4:29*pm, Mark Olson <ols...@tiny.invalid> wrote:
>
>
>
> > tomor...@erols.com wrote:
>
> > [snip discussion of the VFR1200's shortcomings as a Sports Tourer]
>
> > > Ducati saw sales of their hard core sport tourer (the ST4S and ST4S/
> > > ABS) founder on the rocks of high price and hardcore sporting
> > > pretensions with too little effort given to rider/passenger long term
> > > comfort. * What will keep this Honda effort, which - with the
> > > exception of the shaft drive system - looks to inhabit much the same
> > > niche - from failing in the marketplace as well?
>
> > I agree 100%, this bike isn't even as good of a sports tourer candidate
> > as a ZZR1400 or a Hayabusa, the inclusion of a shaft drive will appeal
> > to those who want to avoid chain maintenance but it is looks like
> > pillion accommodation and the ability to hang bags/top box on is minimal,
> > which slots it into a narrow niche, in my opinion.
>
> Minimal accommodations for luggage?!
>
> I'm guessing you haven't looked closely at newer bikes lately have
> you?
>
> For example, look at the second image of this comparable ST machine,
> then the fourth image.
>
> http://www.webbikeworld.com/BMW-moto.../bmw-k-1300-s/
>
> The Honda is designed to compete directly with this type of flagship
> vessel.

BTW, just like BMW and Kawasaki did, I'll bet within a year Honda will
also likely introduce a new Pan European / GT 1200 V-4 based on the
same platform. So guys who need their hard bags included with their
purchase can rejoice when the next V-4 based on this base package is
released with a fat seat, fat windshield, and even more plastic.

Will be interesting to see if they also make a mostly nude roadster
from it.... Those big plant muscle bikes don't make as much sense to
me.

Vaughn wrote:
> On Jun 26, 4:29 pm, Mark Olson <ols...@tiny.invalid> wrote:
>> tomor...@erols.com wrote:
>>
>> [snip discussion of the VFR1200's shortcomings as a Sports Tourer]
>>
>>> Ducati saw sales of their hard core sport tourer (the ST4S and ST4S/
>>> ABS) founder on the rocks of high price and hardcore sporting
>>> pretensions with too little effort given to rider/passenger long term
>>> comfort. What will keep this Honda effort, which - with the
>>> exception of the shaft drive system - looks to inhabit much the same
>>> niche - from failing in the marketplace as well?
>> I agree 100%, this bike isn't even as good of a sports tourer candidate
>> as a ZZR1400 or a Hayabusa, the inclusion of a shaft drive will appeal
>> to those who want to avoid chain maintenance but it is looks like
>> pillion accommodation and the ability to hang bags/top box on is minimal,
>> which slots it into a narrow niche, in my opinion.
>
> Minimal accommodations for luggage?!
>
> I'm guessing you haven't looked closely at newer bikes lately have
> you?
>
> For example, look at the second image of this comparable ST machine,
> then the fourth image.
>
> http://www.webbikeworld.com/BMW-moto.../bmw-k-1300-s/
>
> The Honda is designed to compete directly with this type of flagship
> vessel.

That's probably correct- the Sport Tourer in BMW's line is the
K1300GT. I've ridden one (only about 15 miles) and it's a great
bike, maybe even as good as my FJR...

If you want a bike for 2-up sport touring, you probably really
want to buy a sport tourer that's designed with hard bags and
the option of a top box integrated, rather than tacked on.

Vaughn wrote:

> For example, look at the second image of this comparable ST machine,
> then the fourth image.
>
> http://www.webbikeworld.com/BMW-moto.../bmw-k-1300-s/
>
> The Honda is designed to compete directly with this type of flagship
> vessel.

I test-rode a K1300S, among others, a couple of months ago. A touring
machine it ain't, at least not my kind. Those funky little bags are the
same ones they add to the F800ST. They don't hold much and they look
like some cheesy pseudo-country cottage.

The K1300GT is the tourer for me in that line. Much more comfortable
seating position, integrated hard bags, real rear rack, yadda, yadda.

On Jun 26, 6:15*pm, Mark Olson <ols...@tiny.invalid> wrote:
> Vaughn wrote:
> > On Jun 26, 4:29 pm, Mark Olson <ols...@tiny.invalid> wrote:
> >> tomor...@erols.com wrote:
>
> >> [snip discussion of the VFR1200's shortcomings as a Sports Tourer]
>
> >>> Ducati saw sales of their hard core sport tourer (the ST4S and ST4S/
> >>> ABS) founder on the rocks of high price and hardcore sporting
> >>> pretensions with too little effort given to rider/passenger long term
> >>> comfort. * What will keep this Honda effort, which - with the
> >>> exception of the shaft drive system - looks to inhabit much the same
> >>> niche - from failing in the marketplace as well?
> >> I agree 100%, this bike isn't even as good of a sports tourer candidate
> >> as a ZZR1400 or a Hayabusa, the inclusion of a shaft drive will appeal
> >> to those who want to avoid chain maintenance but it is looks like
> >> pillion accommodation and the ability to hang bags/top box on is minimal,
> >> which slots it into a narrow niche, in my opinion.
>
> > Minimal accommodations for luggage?!
>
> > I'm guessing you haven't looked closely at newer bikes lately have
> > you?
>
> > For example, look at the second image of this comparable ST machine,
> > then the fourth image.
>
> >http://www.webbikeworld.com/BMW-moto.../bmw-k-1300-s/
>
> > The Honda is designed to compete directly with this type of flagship
> > vessel.
>
> That's probably correct- the Sport Tourer in BMW's line is the
> K1300GT. *I've ridden one (only about 15 miles) and it's a great
> bike, maybe even as good as my FJR...

Heh, their RT is a far better bike than our FJR. If that 1300 fuels
anywhere near as perfectly as an RT and can be braked as hard into
corners without telescopic dive...fahget about it.

> If you want a bike for 2-up sport touring, you probably really
> want to buy a sport tourer that's designed with hard bags and
> the option of a top box integrated, rather than tacked on.

Vaughn's gal rides her own, a speedy VFR will suit him fine I suspect.

On Jun 26, 8:13*pm, Doug Payne <dwpa...@ist.uwaterloo.ca> wrote:
> Vaughn wrote:
> > For example, look at the second image of this comparable ST machine,
> > then the fourth image.
>
> >http://www.webbikeworld.com/BMW-moto.../bmw-k-1300-s/
>
> > The Honda is designed to compete directly with this type of flagship
> > vessel.
>
> I test-rode a K1300S, among others, a couple of months ago. A touring
> machine it ain't, at least not my kind. Those funky little bags are the
> same ones they add to the F800ST. They don't hold much and they look
> like some cheesy pseudo-country cottage.

Yep...and make the bike SUV wide when accordianed out to actually
carry a load.