Dirck Edge
Can Honda Interest Gen Y in the 2014 CTX700s?
Americans less than 30 years old seem to have substantially less interest in cars and motorcycles than their elders. I have had this discussion with various representatives of the motorcycle industry before. What is it that will get Gen Y away from high tech toys so that they can focus some attention on the latest two wheelers?
What if Steve Jobs had designed a motorcycle? Unlike most major motorcycle OEMs, Jobs didn't believe in market research, customer surveys, etc. He believed Apple could figure out what people wanted to buy, even though they had never seen it, or imagined it. Maybe it will take this type of approach to product design to get Gen Y interested in two wheelers.
I am not implying that the new 2014 Honda CTX700 and CTX700N, announced at the end of last week, represent the magic pill that will get young people interested in motorcycles again. Honda is thinking outside the box, however, and combining features that will appeal to new riders, including a very low seat height (28.3″), unintimidating power delivery and available automatic transmission.
These new models are reminiscent of Honda's poorly received (at least in this marked) DN-01 and, going even further back, Dan Gurney's motorcycle design, the Alligator. In addition to the low seat height, the CTX700N (naked) pictured above, as well as the CTX700 (faired, below) are powered by a 670cc parallel twin, first introduced by Honda in the NC700 bikes last year. These are not horsepower monsters, rather emphasizing smooth, low-end power delivery.
The brakes and suspension are fairly basic. The suspension is non-adjustable, and there is only a single disc up front (thankfully 320mm in size). The two machines will weigh rough 480 pounds wet.
The CTX700N will be priced at $6,999 or $7,999 with the DCT automatic, and ABS. It will be available in Candy Red or Black. The CTX700 is a bit more expensive at $7,799 or $8,799 with DCT and ABS. The CTX700 comes in Candy Red or Pearl White.
Honda says these models are just the first in a new line of CTX models to be introduced in the future. CTX stands for comfort, technology and experience.
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rapier says:
For more and more of today's youth a car is out of reach and a motorcycle is beyond even a dream. It isn't they are uninterested as much as they are unable to afford them. The motorcycle industry is going to have to deal with a stagnant in size middle class, something that is an absolute certainty and that's the best case scenario.
Truth be told the US is becoming a secondary market for many manufacturers or just part of the global mix. The fate of the industry not dependent upon the US.
Simon Evans says:
Again, Honda seem to be trying to blur distinctions between genres which have become established precisely because partitioning was required by the market: In so doing they're busy applauding themselves for definition-busting but what they've forgotten in the fuss to build a better mousetrap is that it still has to catch the mouse. To attract new markets you need new genres, not bastardisation of others…
Both the CT tourer and nekkid lack the tank space of the other models. Both have piddly little 3.17 gallon tanks, and both they AND the other 700 models dismally fail to take advantage of the `laid down` engine concept with a boringly conventional high headstock design that compromises aerodynamics, and with it mpg. The one thing the DCT does is remove the need for a fixed foot position for gearchanging so why not develop a true `car alternative` single track vehicle that is not intended for the likes of thee and me?
The main things that prevent motorists becoming motorcyclists are not horsepower or gearchaning, it's primary safety, wind and weather protection, cost of ownership and the fear of not being able to hold the thing up at a standstill. So where are the airbags (Honda have them), the near enclosed riding position and the automatic stand?
Missed opportunity that proves Honda are out of ideas. Which is a true shame.
Montana says:
Inspired concept, brilliant engineering, uninspired design.
How 'bout this platform with minimal plastic, chrome steel fenders, solo seat and styling cues from the classic Norton Interstate?
Just add it to the CTX line-up Honda, before you decide to can the whole line prematurely for lack of sales.
And give it a name new riders can relate to. Who's proud to announce they own a Honda CTX700? A what? Even bikers can't keep track of this nonsense.
How about Eco Warrior or Liberty?
EZ Mark says:
So what I have learned from this post is that the majority of riders think everyone should only ride bikes that they approve of.
The Great Secret among motorcyclists is that we cultivate the image of the rugged individualist–the social outcast, or rebel–and yet we are absolute slaves to our cliques. Sportbikes must all look a certain way. Kneesliders. Boots. Biker outlaws must all wear those silly helmets and have their feet forward. V-twins required. Etc. Don't get me started on touring bikes.
When someone makes a bike that breaks the mold, the rugged individualists pitch a fit because it violates the norm. It's quite funny, actually.
HotDog says:
You are spot on. These look like great bikes.
John A. Kuzmenko says:
That's not how I feel about it.
I just don't want a bike that makes me say, "Gross" when I look it.
Then you are free to pass and buy/ride something else. No one is holding a gun to anyone's head telling them this is it and this is what you'll ride. Different strokes for different folks. It's more than a little disturbing that so many seem to want conformity. How boring is that?
I think Gary is stating it pretty close to the way it is. These bikes are not aimed at the seasoned rider so much as the new. They are built to a price, they're built low, and are made thrifty. Unless you're on racer road these bikes will most certainly keep up. Again, not your cup of tea, then move on.
Very true Gary – many are totally conformist in thier non-conformity!!!
Us Guzzi riders are just off piste misfits. 🙂
You mean, if I don't like it, I don't have to buy it?
Golly.
What'll they think of next? 😀
Mike Simmons says:
I didn't read that into the posts at all. I think everyone was pretty much just voicing their opinion about the bikes. Although, I don't think I would buy one, if some one else chooses to do so, then, more power to 'em. I hope they enjoy it!
Gg says:
Bikes for non-bikers, again. Hmmmm. Probably a sales failure in the making, again.
whisperquiet says:
I saw these bikes at the Indianapolis Motorcycle show yesterday……….horrid, horrid bikes no matter which angle I viewed them from. They looked cheap and dull……….like a Buell Blast/that bad.
kirk66 says:
As a professional motorcycle insurance agent and rider of 30 yrs, I believe that Honda is on the right path to intro bikes in this country. I know that many new, young riders will still look toward the mini-replica racer looks of the CBR250 and Ninja 300, but a good sales person should actually take the time to investigate the reasons for why they are buying a bike. If commuting is the top answer then bikes like this should be what these people are switched to. Lower cost of maintenance and low insurance rates show make for a persuasive argument as to why to buy something like the CTX. Not only that, but older riders that love the sport but hate the weight of their 'wings may pick this to extend their riding lifestyle.
Z1 says:
soi cowboy says:
"Actually, the cbx was a marketing disaster. This was one of a number of foulups after Soichiro retired. Also, many of the engineers got transferred to the car division."
Z1 says: No, it really wasn't a disaster. It did not sell many units, but it was not intended to. It was a showcase of Honda engineering to raise the image of the rest of the lineup…and it did that well.
soi cowboy says: "the oval piston experiment- who knows how much was spent on this idea. Can you buy an oval piston engine?"
Z1 says: Yes, you can buy one…it's called the NR750. You need to use the Google machine a little more.
cbx introduced in cycle magazine, not in the showroom for nearly a year afterward. CBX had overheating issues, displacement was intentionally increased to 1050 so that it would not be eligible for superbike.
I have owned a cb750 sohc, a cb 750 twin cam, and a 750 interceptor. RE vf- the lower rad was surrounded on both sides by exhaust pipes and enclosed by a cowling- WTF?? The plan was to use an aluminum frame for the vf(silver painted steel frame instead), but the cost of the bike was excessive, so they used steel. This gave the al frame intro to suzuki's gsxr.
The gsxr750 was successfully campaigned by dozens of privateers. The vfr only won because of honda's unlimited race budget.
The oval piston never won anything. The nr 750 is rarer than an enzo ferrari, and is as fast as the nc750.
Yet, the VFR series of bikes were very popular with a very loyal following. I knew two that had CBX's, my brother and a friend. Neither that I recall had overheating problems and in fact had no real issues at all. In the case of my brother he had two, the standard and the sport tourer model with faring. I found the CBX's a real hoot to ride and nothing had the presence of those six cylinders with gleaming chrome pipes like a CBX. No the fastest in their class but they didn't need to be, there was nothing else like them.
Besides, what do those bikes have to do with today's? Honda is a very successful company which has taken the daring route in motorcycle architecture and design more than most any other company I can think of.
Agent55 says:
Honda's motorcycle division and car branch seems to be headed in the same direction, nowhere. These are utterly tone-deaf designs.
I'm not so sure about that. While motorcycle sales today aren't what they could be perhaps it seems that Honda is leading the most recent charge with easy to ride and affordable bikes and sales are showing it. Honda's car division obviously cut back as most have over the downturn but take a look at their sales. They have remained very good through it all. As the economy recovers I think you'll see all the brands open up more and blossom.
I hear what you are saying about sales, but my comment is about integrity of design and not-designing for the lowest common denominator.
The Civic is getting beat up for not being as fun as the older models and coming up short for interior quality so they've rev'd it for 2013. The Accord has been reviewing extremely well. It's easy to criticize from our viewpoint (motorcyclists) but the Toyotas continue to sell like crazy and they're the most uninspired cars on the market.
Motorcycling in the US is where Cadillac and Buick were 5-10 yearz ago. Honda is after the non-rider because the existing rider's market is getting old and shrinking.
Mars says:
I think maybe what is keeping younger people away from bikes is not that the bikes are over powered and have gears, rather, it is the years-long loans that must be taken out, combined with insurance requirements and, in some places, stringent licensing requirements, that are causing them to (smartly) avoid the whole process. Making dumbed-down, ugly, spongy, over-sized-scooters is not the answer. I tossed my twenty-thousand-dollar Harley and got a used KTM supermoto for a couple thousand, put some work into it, and now have the funnest, cheapesst bike I have ever ridden. It's the bankers, ruining everything, again.
Norm G. says:
i dunno, i kinda like this bike. something tells me it has potential.
Probably so, but not in the US Market.
England's Motorcycle News (MCN) says: "They are USA only models."
hh says:
The 700 series will appeal to old men and old women maybe. Not really old just old in the head. Consider the bike choice of the young is the single speed or fixee and the 700 moto is NOT repeat NOT even close to on point. The bike for folks coming up is a 350 to 650 cc single cylinder with simple adjustment such as 3 position fork and shock adjustment, abs, and mimic some urban cafe rat racer or motard style something with minimal body work and heat wrap or think custom chop/scramble/cafe version of a XS650. Honda's new 500 series is closer to the mark but still imitates the big boy bike..screw that, make it clean cool and simple, affordable.. a CR&S Vun for the mass production and then you have something worth having, worth using and abusing, worth getting the gear and just getting down the road even if it is just for a cheap breakfast or a latte.
Gary Turner says:
I've read nearly every review and the verdict is a C- at best, maybe a D. Why do these modern bikes have to have so many odd shaped 'slapped on' plastic panels, hidden motors and weird looking headlamps? The bike looks like it was designed by a committee and each designer was oblivious to what the rest were up to. The final product lacks a harmonius smooth flowing style. Honda's CB-1100 retro seems to be the only road oriented bike in Honda's current line-up that looks quite nice so maybe a better idea to go with that same classic theme in smaller displacements? Why keep trying to re-invent the wheel? Guess it's like McDonalds and Burger King in their efforts to re-package and market new and improved hamburgers!
ziggy says:
I didn't even read the text. The photos alone were sufficient evidence. This is the worst motorcycling concept I have ever seen and it speaks of a company grasping at straws.
ApriliaRST says:
Ziggy, do you have ANY actual evidence Honda is grasping at straws, or are you just hoping that asserting such will cause it to happen? I get REALLY annoyed when people get on the internet and cast spurious claims designed to harm a company. The people to date that I've seen do that have never themselves accomplished much. Maybe that's the source of their envy for those who have. FWIW, I'm not a particular Honda fan (nor detractor); it's simply that I think that along with the power of being able to write publicly comes some responsibility to control one's desire to rant.
sherob says:
Sochirio is spinning in his grave right now! Look what they have done to his once leading edge motorcycle company… they've turned it into a scooter company.
They bring this out as a "Touring" model, instead of a ST1300 refresh? How long has a new Wing been on the wait? You have BMW, Triumph, Kawasaki leaving Honda in the exhaust!
SNOOZE!
Provalogna says:
"Soichiro"
Let's just say it doesn't break new ground, like, say, the 1978 CBX, in red, with Honda's optional OEM "Sport Kit" (cast low bars, rear sets, control hoses, cables, electrical harness, etc).
I have no idea why people even comment about it if they hate it so much. Click away to something else and ignore it. This bike can not, I repeat, can not harm you.
MGNorge says:
Because so many have nothing good to say about things they do not like. In this case something only seen in photos. It's like this on just about any forum you care to go to. I agree though, if this isn't for you, move on. Constructive criticism is fine but too much just is vile.
Actually, the cbx was a marketing disaster. This was one of a number of foulups after Soichiro retired. Also, many of the engineers got transferred to the car division. eg: 1- the oval piston experiment- who knows how much was spent on this idea. Can you buy an oval piston engine- no. 2- the twin cam cb 750: just as big and heavy as the single cam but more complicated and had reliability issue. The race bike was successful but only due to factory honda's cash flow. No privateers ever raced the v4 3- the v4 interceptor- unfinished design, reliability issues 4- the other v4s, needless complexity and expense.
"Actually, the cbx was a marketing disaster."
Marketing disasters? All the bikes you've listed are iconic.
"Also, many of the engineers got transferred to the car division."
Which went on to become the leading car manufacturer in the world. They weren't punished, they were promoted.
"No privateers ever raced the v4"
Nobody cares. Privateer racers don't exist in big enough numbers to quality as a customer base. If they did, track only bikes would be sold in along side street bikes in dealerships. VFR's/Interceptors sold well for decades.
I am going to keep kicking this dead horse until….
The cbx did sell well initially. In fact I saw one in my hometown. But within a few months word started getting around.
As much as I like and respect Honda for the CBX for putting the marker forward (or, at least sideways) the last ones, the pearl white touring models, were gathering dust in crates in warehouses — and in the end had to be given away (usually to school vo-tech classes).
The CB750 is what gave Honda the money to create the automobile arm of Honda! LOL!!!
Tuskerdu says:
PN says:
Good for Honda for trying to revive the industry with affordable, comfortable, sensible bikes because the way it was going with too-intense, intimidating sport bikes and overstuffed cruisers, wasn't going to keep working. It's amazing how many people can't drive a stick nowadays, but automatic transmissions are what's going to be mainstream. I still drive a car with a stick, and am proud to ride a bike that still has a clutch, but who knows what my next car at least will have?
Hefner says:
But why does new technology have to come wrapped in such ugly clothes? The VFR750 was an iconic bike, and although I lamented the new VFR750/800's weight gain, and decidedly more touring related ambitions rather than sporting, it was still a decent looking bike. The VFR1200? Probably did more to kill the DCT than it helped.
The DN-01 and NC700 bikes are just weird looking, and not in a good way.
I will say that the unfaired CTX700 here is less assaulting to the eyes, mostly because it doesn't exaggerate the anemic looking front end, but it's still awkward at best. And a single disk for a 480 lb bike? Come on… Beginners may be "scared" by the performance of modern supersport bikes, and to the uninitiated, dual monobloc 4-piston calipers biting on 320mm discs, but that can be adjusted with pad compounds and master cylinder ratios, all while still maintaining the ultimate power of a dual disk setup, just without the twitchiness that racers love. If anything, I think newer riders will be buying the current wave of 250-500cc bikes (as they should) and will avoid such large and heavy bikes. You want unintimidating power? Buy one of the cool new 250's. Do NOT buy a 1000 superbike and put it into neutered power mode. And do NOT buy a heavy 750 that's been sleeved down to a 700, with old enough engine tech that it won't scare my grandma.
So too weak for experienced riders, yet too heavy for newbs, all the while carrying unproven technology. Sorry Honda, I just don't see it.
TomS says:
I'm not sure whom this bike is supposed to appeal to. The unfaired model looks at first glance to be a sort of chunky-loking standard, then I saw where the rider's footpegs are, and… WTF?
Funny, I know quite a lot of Gen Y'ers who love cars and motorcycles. In fact, nearly all of my regular riding friends fall into the Gen Y demographic. None of them would have any interest in this thing, in large part because of the forward controls. All the Gen Y'ers I know ride sportbikes, dual sports, or ADV bikes.
Honda may find themselves having more luck with the NC700X, which even I would consider as a commuter if I lived farther away from work.
I have not seen a single NC700X on the road, but I've seen plenty in the showroom. I am afraid this model will likely be a sales loser.
It's February and motorcycles are toys to American consumers. That combined with the current economic climate means that there are not many motorcycle products that quality as "sales successes" right now. Hopefully we'll see it get better closer to spring.
Dave … yes, let's hope. It gives me no pleasure to see the U.S. motorcycle market swirling round the bowl.
For $7k I can think of a lot better buys than this Honda that don't look like a design project reject. And while the DCT may be an attraction for some, why can't they put it into a "normal" looking bike? Why does it always have to be something like the NC series, or the VFR1200?
It's obviously being brought to market for riders and would-be riders other than yourself. Just as with any consumer item, not everyone is going to like or want the same thing. Be glad there is choice and that the manufacturers are trying to reach some new blood. Sales on the showroom floor will help your local dealers who in turn will be there to help you with your sales and service needs.
It's a bit early to see many NC700X's on the road. They didn't make it to showrooms until pretty late in the season last year, as I recall. I expect we'll be seeing more this summer, especially around bigger cities. The NC700X is not a bike that would be at the top of my list for recreational riding or touring, but it would make an excellent commuter. It's a better-looking bike in person than it is in photos, and a friend of mine test-rode one and said it's actually pretty fun to ride, with excellent handling. The weight is low down, so the bike feels much lighter than it actually is. With the gas mileage it gets and that storage compartment where the gas tank would normally go, it's ideally suited as an around-town transport.
I've seen two NC700X's on the road here in Tucson so far. I wouldn't expect to see them in most other parts of the country this time of year… It's one of the choices I'm considering.
I wouldn't even consider one of these CTX700's though. The last thing I want is cruiser positioning, then add in scooter bike styling, and it's a fail to me. I do like some of the styling on some of the more subdued cruisers, like Victory Judge, or HD1200, but I have zero desire for a cruiser seating position. Something with some nice custom/retro/cruiser aesthetics, but a standard or sportbike seating position would seem to be more up the GenX/Y alley. This is the opposite of that, cruiser seating position, with generic boring styling…
The thing that intrigues me about these is that they are ergnonically cruisers, but look more like modern sport bikes.
So, I guess we know find out if people ride cruisers for the looks, or for the awkward riding position.
And if it doesn't vibrate a woman to orgasm, does it really have any use a'tall?
I mean, let's face it, women don't want to ride Harleys because they look cool to them. They've HEARD about what they do and want to find out if it's true.
Auphliam says:
I like the looks of the top one (without the fairing) better. Not really a bike that piques my interest enough to consideer aa a purchase option. Seems like they would be a nice communter bike for people that live in places where 1) Afternoon traffic jams are the norm, and 2) Lane splitting is illegal.
Dr Ethan Rust says:
They look like great bikes for people who just want to ride. I may buy one myself.
80-watt Hamster says:
The negativity about these machines is astounding. Don't like it? Don't buy it. It's that simple. But what's the point of berating Honda for releasing a product that doesn't meet your personal stamp of approval? I dislike cruisers, but am not going to fault Honda (or any other manufacturer) for chasing that segment of the market when the bottom fell out of the others. If the CTX tanks, so be it. Honda's not taking away your existing bike. Besides, haven't people been complaining of the sparsity of the Honda two-wheel lineup for the past few years? And now that they're finally coming around and creating a broad product line, all the internet curmudgeons can do is bitch. Get over it, people.
TimU says:
Honda is really loosing it. This thing is butt ugly and useless.
When will this "transformer" styling exercise be over? I just can't stand these Japaneses and European ugly bikes.
I'll take a CB1100 please.
Doesn't do a thing for me. Looks more like a styled farm implement instead of a bike. I think the idea of Italian stylists would be good for Honda. These are so… um… parochial!
Joe Lewis says:
Ugly scooters. Not motorcycles. Honda needs to hire some Italian stylists.
Funny you should say that. The first thing I thought when I saw this bike was that it looks like a smaller Ducati Diavel. http://www.ducati.com/bikes/diavel/diavel_dark/index.do
Crusty Kris says:
Does HONDA not rememeber the DN-01 (Do Not Own One)? This thing will sit on the sales floor while REAL motorycles continue to sell. I've yet to see a DN-01 on the street…
Funny how Ducati pulled it off with the Diavel but Honda couldn't do it with the DN-01.
Totally different machines.
Put a Ducati badge on a Ural 2wd and it would sell out.
This is true.
dman says:
Actually, though these are not my style (I ride a Ducati, VStrom and DR650) I think these may do OK with re-entry riders who can't afford a Harley and maybe owned a 550 Maxim or 450 Nighthawk 25 years ago. The far superior fuel economy compared to a V twin won't hurt. But they won't bring many new riders into the fold (in the US). A retro-Dream, with integrated luggage and clutchless transmission and 120 mpg might get lot closer, but unless you can park on the sidewalk, split lanes legally in all 50 states, and get full coverage insurance for a 20 year old for $200 a year, there are still some big hurdles to cross.
They're going to sell a BOATLOAD in India if this video is any indication –
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=klteYv1Uv9A
most of my young friends buy manual transmission cars/bikes. i'm not sure why you old farts thinks the male excitement of driving and riding bikes has disappeared. the automatics are for your old wives.
as for this bike. not my style, but good to see the choice of smaller displacement/learner/efficient bikes increasing. one bike is not going to draw the younger crowd, but Honda has it right filling the gap between their rebel and bigger bikes. better for us young guys to start, more choices for us all. all around this is a good release, even if it's not your cup o tea.
TimC says:
Youngin's be hatin' shifting? SHIFTING? What happened to enjoying the zooom??? Pansies!
Time for HST's "Song of the Sausage Creature" to be REQUIRED READING.
After riding for over 40 years and owning over 20 different motorcycles, for some reason, this bike make sense to me.
Of course I would strip off all the plastic, install a new can and disable that pesky rev limiter.
Make mine a standard trans, please
If you stripped of all the plastic you would be down to a bare frame and crankcase. I'll bet that even the valve covers are plastic, just like on the FURY.
I think Honda has it right in that for the past couple of years they have been adding new options. I can't say I would buy this bike, but just to see another option makes me happy. I'm not really Gen Y, more like Gen X I guess. I only started riding a couple of years ago. First bike I got was a cheap little vintage (shifting) scooter, just to get my feet wet with plans to upgrade fairly quickly. When the time to trade up came around, I was somewhat surprised to find the market just didn't cater to new riders. It catered to old guys that have been riding for years. Trust me, there is a huge interest in motorcycles in younger generations, however you go to a dealer and they are trying to shove an 800 cruiser down your throat. That's fine if that's what you want, but no offense older riders, those bikes are for old guys. So the choices when I was looking for a new (easy to ride, light, low displacement) bike were ninja 250, tu250x, rebel, and the new cbr250. I think Honda USA is realizing, more choices = more sales = more young riders = more customers for life that can work their way through the ranks.
So since I bought my cbr250, (which I absolutely love, though I wish there was a naked version) the hole between those few 250s and 600-700 range is closing with the ninja 300, honda 500s, NC700x, and now these. I don't necessarily believe they are trying to win Gen Y with this one bike, rather they're trying to win them by making sure when a young guy/girl goes looking for his first bike (or even 2nd bike) they find one that suits their style, taste, and needs. I welcome this bike, though I will probably never buy one. And scoff at it or not, we young folks do want things more efficient (mpg), less maintenance, and over all more practical. Harley's will not sell to young people, too much gas, too much maintenance too much COST. When I'm older I hope to have something to tinker with on the weekends, but for now, starting out, simple, affordable, and efficient are things that attracted me to the CBR.
I'd also like to see a bigger version of the tu250x, because as was mentioned above, young people like vintage, and would probably flock to something similar in the 500-650 range as a starter/2nd bike.
David Duarte says:
I'd love to see a TU500 with a kick starter and front/rear disc brakes. That would be the bomb!
Harley is selling tons of Road Glides and Street Glides. So Honda thinks about new riders getting the same thing but more manageable. I think they are nice machines. GREAT motor. Rode the NC700X. Young people are not buying supersports as they were. Those prices are crazy and they do not maintain them. Gas is going up. Cruisers have sold very well. So here is a reflection of sales data. Actual desire is something else. We may want the MV. But who can afford it? Ducati? Ditto. Harley? Heavy and expensive as hell. Motorcycling needs new riders but not just a million Ninja 250s. These bikes are for people who will ride a lot, who cannot then stop themselves from riding a lot. As such they are great. Think price point too. They don't want an old 70s bike…yet. Maybe retro will catch on as in Japan.
I'm trying not to hate the CTX but I admit it's hard.Something about all that flat black plastic on the sides and lower areas really looks wrong.Maybe some innovative kids will mod one and make it look cool but until then I just can't warm up to it.I think the 500's will be more appealing to new and returning buyers.
TmaxGixxerBlur says:
it's a great looking bike for GEN "1960's", NOT Gen Y! because i'm an old fart from the good old days, i find it very attractive, but my kids' friends that ride? they want the supersports with the crazy hp and full fairing.
Jeremy in TX says:
but they want the bikes to drive and shift themselves.
Tommy See says:
I truly believe that this engine design will win for Honda.
Hurry up with the 900 or 1100-X .
ROXX says:
That is NOT a gen Y bike.
I'm thinking something more like a "Zero".
If they (gen Y) believe the whole "global warming" garbage then have fun waiting while your bike is stuck on a charger.
I'll be out riding mine, that is until you continue to vote in politicians that will one day take mine away from me or just make it prohibitively too expensive to own any longer.
Satoru says:
Great, now Honda is going to provide Crosstours and ZDX in 2 wheels.
Of course, the biggest problem is, how do you ride one of these while texting your girlfriend at the same time?
your girlfriend…who lives in Russia
SausageCreature says:
The naked one doesn't look too bad… kind of like a (somewhat) futuristic Shadow RS. The fairing is subtraction by addition though. The Brit mags are heaping plenty of praise on that engine (at least as it is in the NC700) for its flexibility and frugality. And the price seems right.
However, I think new/younger buyers will gravitate more toward the new CB(R)500's and CBR250. I'm already seeing quite a few of the latter around town.