New Honda...

Motorcycle-USA has an article announcing a new Honda model just prior to the Milan
show. Is it a bike; a scoot; or a crossover? What ever it is, it gets the new DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) that is also available on the new VFR1200.
Here's the link: http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/624/8334/Motorcycle-Article/The-Honda-New-Mid-Concept-is….aspx

You may need to copy and paste into your browser.

Take care,
Wes

That thing's ugly.

Hmmm. If they come out with either of those bikes with an 800cc or a 1200cc, then I may need to add one (or both) to my garage...

Don't know about ugly. It's certainly different. And not my cup of tea, although it might appeal to some. Looks like the only thing going for it, if they actually put it on the production model, is they seem to tout a dual transmission. You can either have it auto or manual and switch between the two. That and the built-in scooter style floorboards. Think I"ll stick with getting a s'wing.

I'd ride it!

I posted on this topic a few days ago. Once again, quoting from Scooter-Station.com, this is Honda's announcement of a new maxi concept. The following text is translated from the original French by Google.

"This is probably the next response to the T Honda Max! With his style mixing sport and comfort, this prototype Mid New Concept promises to introduce in maxiscooters nice innovations, starting with its dual-clutch transmission and a DCT type chassis type motorcycle. The question is when the final model arrives.

Alongside its new SW-600 on the T segment GT Max performance, luxurious and comfortable, Milan is also an opportunity for Honda to introduce proactively another highly anticipated scooter. In its current form, Mid New Concept is not yet ready to enter the range, however, from what we said Honda France, it could be produced in the future (very) near. We hope so, because we must admit that coming face to New Mid Concept is a delightful experience to say the least. Its original front is not without reminding us that the motorcycle VFR 1200 F The optics are similar, such as side vents present on the flanks. Behind this large bow that can be imagined protector, a strong double central beam emerges. Luxury liner in the saddle we appear comfortable, both for its breadth than for its design. Finesse, the rear unit is minimal - a stylistic feat made possible through the adoption of a flashing light and deported on the mounting plate.

A hybrid scooter and motorcycle

In addition to this distinguished and elegant style, Honda New Mid Concept is distinguished by its chassis inspired in part on the bike. Indeed, the Maxiscooter Honda adopts 17-inch wheels, a rear shock (Central Standard Link Pro) and a final drive by chain. Judging from the criticism of the Gilera GP 800, it appears that the latter element technique is not very wise on a scooter in that this type of transmission requires more maintenance than a belt for example. However, as the VFR 1200 F appeared in 2010, we welcome the fact that "NM" Aboard the Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), an innovative technology into the two-wheeler segment. As we have seen on the VFR 1200 F, it allows a shifting more fluid and smooth, sequential mode using a handlebar control or fully automatic. New Mid Concept - whose name is probably not final - he will resume in full the DCT system? We do not know yet. However, the arrival of a model closely derived from this prototype is already certain."

An here is a picture:



Where do I sign up for one?

Regards,
Peter

Peter,
Check in General Chat section under New Honda. I posted a link to Motorcycleusa.com's article about this new bike/scooter/crossover...
There has been no commital on engine size, yet.

Wes

More pictures (courtesy of Wes Ingram's reply):



and



I really like this bike! IMHO it's much nicer looking than the Yamaha T-Max (to this point in time my pick for best looking maxi scooter motorcycle).

Regards,
Peter

Interesting, but I see two things that would make it a problem for me.

First is the chain. I will not willingly EVER have a chain drive bike again.

Second is under seat storage, as in it does not look like it has any. One of the reasons I bought the SWing to replace the GoldWing instead of the NT-700 is storage. 700 will not hold a helmet without a top box. The Swing swallows an amazing amount of stuff without anything hanging out in the breeze or making it top heavy.

The rest remains to be seen.

Certainly like the design. Has a Yamaha TMax look to it. The big wheels are a plus too.

As for owning one. Jury's out at the moment, lets see what size engine they decide upon and of course the all important price tag Honda slap on it!!

Rear passenger pegs ... the passenger seat is probably removal able and useless.

I really like it. Fresh design.

Hardcore Rider wrote:

... snipped ... Don't know about ugly. It's certainly different. And not my cup of tea ...

+1

I agree that it wouldn't be my cup of tea & it's really not a scooter. With so many maxi-scotters available now, I doubt that this will take as a scooter replacement (maybe as a scooter alternative for some).

It looks too much like a BMW for my liking. Not that there's anything wrong with a BMW, it's just that I personally do not like the styling of any of the BMW bikes. The removable saddlebags look exactly like the BMW and it looks like it has that huge gas tank thing too.

SOMEONE is going to come out with a 750 or 800cc scooter over the next year or two. But it makes me wonder again why Honda is not announcing the MSRP of the 2011/2010 Swing.

I really can't see who it's aimed at; Piaggio brought out the Gilera GP800 over two years ago but it hasn't really caught on although it's a lovely machine and indecently quick (I have ridden one).

I suppose Honda's reputation for reliability might give it the edge.

http://www.google.be/search?q=gilera+gp800&rlz=1I7DLUK_en-GB&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=ie7&redir_esc=&ei=7LPRTNKxJtDqObfmkIgM

I merged teh two threads dealing with the single topic.