V4 Honda Supersport?

[dirkterrell]

If 1987 500cc motorcycle grand prix road racing world champion Wayne Gardner can be believed, Honda are likely to launch an all-new V4-engined Fireblade soon. The bike is likely to be announced towards the end of 2011 and could go on sale in early-2012.

http://www.fasterandfaster.net/2010/...lade-very.html

I'll be the first in line...

Dirk

[Sean]

That would be sweet! Hopefully they don't take any visual design ideas from the current CBR 1k front! It'll be interesting if they do launch it. Kind of a risky time for new production with the economy and motorcycle sales the way they are.

[Mother Goose]

Pics, or it didn't happen.

[salsashark]

That would be sweet! Hopefully they don't take any visual design ideas from the current CBR 1k front! It'll be interesting if they do launch it. Kind of a risky time for new production with the economy and motorcycle sales the way they are.

I'm guessing that if it becomes reality, it'll look like the new VFR lineup...

[Mother Goose]

[puckstr]

I would like one, but keep the SSA and chop off the F@ckin' ugly exhaust.
In the mean time I still dream of a NC30 or NC35

[salsashark]

agreed... but since these are the last two bikes Big Red has put out, I'm seeing the CBR's going this direction as well.

[MetaLord 9]

^^I both agree and am disappoint.

[Sean]

I'm guessing that if it becomes reality, it'll look like the new VFR lineup...

Maybe, I just see it as needing to be a sportier bike. Why have a 1000 and 1200 look exactly the same? They would be to similar imo. I think it would need to be a unique design to be more successful. Chances are, they're consulting Dirk as we speak.

[TinkerinWstuff]

you guys are nuts. If it's MotoGP inspired it would have to have a more sporty look. The 1200 is is billed in Honda's own corporate investor reports as being a touring bike with a flare for sport.

[TinkerinWstuff]

Total demand for motorcycles in Europe* during calendar
2009 declined approximately 16%, to about 1.05 million
units. Although demand in some countries rose because of
government incentives to support the purchase of new motorcycles
and changes in the driver’s license system, overall
demand fell because of the impact of the economic downturn
throughout Europe.
Amid this business environment, in May 2009,
Honda introduced its VTR250 naked-type leisure bike with a
slimmer body and featuring easy handling. Also, in January
2010, Honda introduced the VFR1200F, a large sports tourer
with a V4-stroke engine, which combines a sporty performance
with high-quality riding comfort.
In fiscal 2010, the full-year contribution of the
CBF125, which was launched in the previous fiscal year, the
new CBF1000 naked-type leisure bike, the new VFR1200F and
other models had a positive effect; nevertheless, the number of
large scooters and other products declined. As a consequence,
total unit sales in Europe decreased 27.9% from the previous
fiscal year, to 199,000 units.

According to Honda research. The motorcycle market includes 10 countries:
the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Portugal, the
Netherlands, Belgium and Austria.

http://world.honda.com/investors/ann...0ar-p12-17.pdf

[Sean]

http://world.honda.com/investors/ann...0ar-p12-17.pdf

Maybe it'll never even make it to the states?

[brennahm]

The new CBR250 looks like the VFR, is that not supposed to-be a member of Honda's sporting lineup? I don't love the direction Honda's going, but I don't hate it either.

[TinkerinWstuff]

Maybe it'll never even make it to the states?

Maybe. considering Honda sells nearly double the number of units in Thailand alone compared to all of the US, we're probably lucky to see anything.

[MetaLord 9]

The new CBR250 looks like the VFR, is that not supposed to-be a member of Honda's sporting lineup? I don't love the direction Honda's going, but I don't hate it either.

Sporting sure, but I wouldn't say super sport, at least not for the 250. To my understanding, Honda sees the VFR as more of a sport touring bike and that's the way most 250's are viewed nowadays. Kawasaki considers the 250, 500, and 650 Ninjas to be more sport touring and so the designed them to look different. If the VFR is to be a supersport, I'd expect it to look more aggressive.

*Keep in mind, I didn't read the article because...well...I got noth'n.

[CYCLE_MONKEY]

It would be interesting, for sure. I liked the older VFR's. The new ones, are especially hideous on the front end. That's something you CAN'T easily change, unlike the incessant complaints about today's ugly exhausts......

If it was a V4 supersport built and looking like the RCV, then I'm all for it.

[drago52]

I like the VFR 800s, old and new. The V-4 engine is a blast to ride with usable power across the board. I think the vtec is great, but not well suited to the track because of the slight change in power delivery at the band is a little unsettling while in turns. I haven't ridden the VFR 1200, but I would be psyched to get on a race-inspired VFR 1000. one can hope.

[puckstr]

I wish the CB1100 and CB1100R was here

[CYCLE_MONKEY]

I wish the CB1100 and CB1100R was here

i likey. Nice clean look.