Yeah I did too. The site just seem further evidence that Honda doesnt have a clue for the American market. Damn shame.. MD
I 100% agree. I am more & more losing faith in the motorcycle industry. Why can't the OEM's make a motorcycle that looks like a freaking motorcycle instead of a freaking lunar rover? KC-10 FE out... lane: :usa2:
It is beginning to seem to me, that Honda isn't as misguided as most think. The current strategy seems to be just throw a bunch of parts out there, the best of one thing on one model, the best of another thing on another model, and the ever adaptable/egotistical americans will spend countless metric assloads of money and time to combine the parts as they see fit. All the while espousing and pontificating about how my bike is so much better than yours, which then escalates the modification war to a fever pitch to discredit the other guy. This method also increases specific model and generation loyalty, to the point of almost being rabid. The money isn't in the actual machines, it's in the ridiculousness that follows. It truly is a brilliant marketing strategy imo.
Among the many previous discussions at this forum in which it is lamented that a total redesign of the VFR is long overdue, many have complained that Honda seem to ignore and not invite rider feedback and opinions... perhaps until now. Even if this new Honda V4 Concept web site and pre-marketing survey might for now appear to be more oriented towards the European market, I think that those of us on the North American continent would do well to complete the survey as well as subscribing to the V4 Concept email list, since the latter in particular may provide opportunities for us to continue offering our opinions and input as this concept bike slowly takes shape. It may be that Honda are finally beginning to pay attention to those who are most likely to purchase a new iteration of the VFR.
The lingering agony over this is that so many other manufacturers are embracing high-performance V4 powerplants in products that will absolutely see the US market: Aprilia, MV, Ducati, Yamaha/Star... Expensive products? Yes. But the investment is there, and technology always trickles down. Honda continues to focus on the CBR I4 platform, most certainly because this is where market growth has been greatest. Why we're looking at nearly a decade of stagnant V4 development from Honda is beyond me; the CBR lines currently are on a timeline of no more than 4 years between complete redevelopment. Who knows what Big Red has been doing in the back room - perhaps there is something in the works. But it just seems to me to be a slap in the face of a very long standing, loyal customer base that deserves far better.
No arguments here, as I did complete the survey. What was really interesting (and somewhat annoying), from my perspective, was that the only "performance" oriented question that I recall had to do with suggested engine displacement. The rest of the survey was about the look and impression of the concept bike. Kinda feels like I went to a restaurant to form an opinion about the food, and the only thing I was asked about was the tablecloth and flatware.
new bike Honda should make a new bike with 1000cc and do away with the 800cc motor now being used also the bikes should be painted with new writing on the body panel would be nice.
