The following is a Google translation from a post on the French website http://www.scooter-station.com:

"It is now an open secret: Honda should introduce a new Maxiscooter in Milan. But which one? Anti T-Max, as the Griffon concept presented in Tokyo in 2003? A SW-T 600 hi-tech? Or a brand new vehicle, combining the style of the GT-sport VFR 1200 F étrennées technological solutions on the DN-01? Scooter-Station enlighten you ...

We can not say that journalists jostled on the Honda stand the last exhibition in Cologne. It is understood elsewhere: no new motorcycle or scooter was presented at Intermot. Honda reserves in effect for Milan, where the manufacturer will unveil 8 models in brief. In any case, that hammer the latest press release of the brand winged. On our favorite segment, where the speed is king, we know that Honda will introduce, among others, a new Maxiscooter for the European market. There is little chance that the craft resembles the very conceptual Griffon as we had been presented at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2003. However, to truly undermine the hegemonic Yamaha TMAX on its own ground, Max could take the features of the scooter we had imagined last year. (Read the article about the Honda TMAX killer here)

At the time, we imagined in effect until the VFR 1200 F, the same style "grand touring sport" could be of interest to users looking for a scooter that is both comfortable and stylish. To do this, the newcomer would have an aluminum frame, cast as the TMAX. To make it rigorous enough to face all the curves in style, it should also be equipped with an engine in central position, large diameter wheels, a final drive and a separate mono-shock. Several elements of transmission should also be inspired solutions used on the DN-01. The product we looked attractive, the style that we had also imagined, but a problem of costs remains, and even more so in these times when there is no good out revolutionary products ... therefore expensive. The market down, is clearly not yet ready for such innovation.

A SW-T 600 at the forefront of technology

So, we think it will be more like a SW-T 600, which we redesigned to be presented in Italy. We believe that the scooter will have a more advanced technology than the current 600 Silverwing GTactuellement distributed in Japan. Given the success encountered by the PCX, why not graft the system at Stop and Go Maxiscooter range? And to better utilize the power of its twin 600 cm3 for the less efficient, this machine could "recycle" the transmission of robotic DN-01. It would become a huge Forza (the luxurious scooter 250 cm3, which is no longer in the catalog of the mark). Thus equipped, the Japanese have finally Maxiscooter GT cards to impress, and why not take ascendancy over its competitors, Yamaha head. This scooter will be there day in Milan? The denouement is imminent, so stay tuned! Live Lounge, Scooter-Station will not fail to keep you informed."

Here is a rendering of what the french would like to see:



I hope they are right!

Regards,
Peter

The scoot in the pic does absolutely nothing positive for me.

It would certainly catch my attention if it was the E4-01 concept. ~ bugjr ~

I like it, especially the modern looking muffler.

Thumbs up for the larger wheels especially the low profile rear but that front fairing!!!!! Nooooooooo.

As somebody who rides: I see poor weather/wind protection in the French picture.

Price: anything over $5,000 would be high

Easy to work on? No adj valves, spare tire, too, ABS, outside temp gauge, heated grips, 4 way flashers, bright colors so idiots on the road can see you...before they run over you----radio?....distraction for me.....luggage/storage to be carried low...not like current SilverWing with top bos 5 ft in air.

As a person who usually buys at least one new bike/scooter a year I see little movement in the Maxi scooter area----I would like great air management, easy to work on, belts (if that is way to go) last 50,000 miles. Price, non- stepped seat.
Big displacement not necessary----many Americans think they need big engines, but would fill their pants at German speeds, say 400 single fine. These are scooters should remain light, SilverWing is a bit of a pig on scale.

Final design should be that you do not need to change seat, buy a series of windshields to get comfort right. We don't buy new cars and swap out seats or windshields, should be same on bikes/scooters.

John Grinsel I am buying a new bike/scooter in the coming months, and there ain't much out there......and I have age, handicap and experience to consider.

In real world there is still stuff out there under the $5,000 limit....with enough performance to keep from getting run over--ex. Kymco Grand Vista, Suzuki GS500E (great bike available discounted now, my GS500E went 62,000 miles in 15 months, except fork seals first week). How much you spend does not determine how much fun you have! Great to have cheap bike nobody wants to steal!
And considering bikes/scooter have no heater/AC/radio, etc I like to shoot for the $5,000 when I can----look you can get a new Hyundai, with windows you roll up yourself, AC for about $11,000 with $2,000 in rebates, so could be on road for $10,000-----better bargin than scooter.

Just like to see stuff priced fairly.......weak dollar does not help. Every dealer I have purchased from made something on the deal.


John Grinsel At what my next scooter will be priced at, who knows?

The pic really seems to be approaching the DN-01 model. Without a nice foot rest area and big pass through I think the scooter looses a lot of the ease and convenience it has over a motorcycle. Granted my street bike is an RC-51 which does not like putting around town and is kind of a beast. But there is something really comfortable and easy about the pass through deck. The hump in the Swing is about as big as i'd like to see, and would even like to see it smaller,or at least thinner.

A scooter should be a scooter, and a motorcycle a motorcycle, when the lines blurred I think you lose what makes each one unique and fun.

I like the larger wheels.

Me too...larger wheels would definitely be nice...