While I've made some comments, I would not classify any of them as ranting or raving. As I've stated, I'm disappointed in Honda, am not interested in their new CTX line, and wish that instead something I enjoy more would have been offered. Just because I don't believe with your line of thought, I should take my ideas to another thread, or so you seem to be stating. But wait -- what's the title of this thread? Is it for CTX owners only? Is it for CTX prospective owners only? Get off your high horse.
Here are some concepts I would love to see from Honda: An updated XR650R / XL650R bike with EFI, electric start, subframe that has real capacity, a decent fuel capacity, etc. Make a competitor for the Husqvarna Terra / Strada line. A cafe style bike like this concept that was abandoned: Those are two, off the top of my head.
I expect if the CB 1100 is going to sell well we'll see the 1100 engine in a bike looking like that concept thing. I'd love a dual sport 650ies thing as well, altough I would expect Honda to build more something to compete with the tiger 800 / 800GS bikes.
That would be fine too. I love those styles of bikes, and would like to see more competition and innovation.
The DS 650 market is owned by the KLR65R0, and it's generally available at good prices, everywhere sold. Honda would have to have a competitive price and their XR/XL's were already higher than the KLR's an DR's. It may be tough to improve them without raising the prices even more. The new Husky 650 Terra impressed me on paper, but with the sale to the KTM guy, that BMW engine to Husky frame combo is likely to be gone soon. That's a shame, too. The cafe concept is beautiful. I started to buy a Thruxton once, and even with the newer bar set up, was too cramped feeling for me. That Honda would probably be the same. I'd almost consider buying one though, just to place it in my living room and look at it instead of the TV. No, I'm not married, so I could actually do that if I really desired.
I think the KLR 650 is mainly sold in the USA. I pretty much never see them in Europe (don't have stats though....just gutt feelling). The whole real adv markt doesn't seem to be that big here apart from the 1200GS's and stuff (which are REALLY big here). I guess we just have a little bit less space in Europe.
The fairly new Honda PCX150 scooter manual says it needs valve checks every 2000 miles. According to the PCX forum, it's a 3 hour job, mostly removing and reinstalling bodywork. I went with a Yamaha Zuma 125, which takes about 10 minutes to check the valves on, and 20 minutes to adjust them. But if it is like my '08 Vino 125, they will never need adjusting. There is just no way I can ride a bike where you have to support your weight with your arms. Even on what everybody seems to be calling a standard (now, not what a standard used to be) I'm limited to about 50 miles before the pain starts getting bad. The 1969 CB750 was a standard. No way is a Ninja 650 a standard. It's not a supersport, but it's far from being a standard. The CTX700 is a little more relaxed than even the old standard, which should be perfect for me.
Just wanted to throw in that the CTX series is supposed to eventually come in multiple displacements. I have not heard if any will be larger.
They have a retro bike out there as well. All rush out and buy one and I am sure there will be more. These 700 serious things are trying to get new people in so the old style stuff is not really relevant. But if the 700 series does well you may see a Cafe700S out there that everyone can moan about..
Just out of curiousity, since I really cannot figure it out. What does valve checks of the PCX and yamaha Zuma have to do with this thread :huh? Anyway: Buy what floats your boat. Everyone has different comfort levels. I recently sad on the CB1100 and fell completly in love with it. Will take a few years to save up for it though Please buy lots of 'em and sell it to me in a year or 2 / 3
I would not hold your breath. since Honda and others are totally moving towards the platform sharing concept (same underpinnings, different bikes.) i'd more expect a cafe version of the CB to be released with updated suspension and a fairing. it's the way they can survive & thrive these days. if they do not, look to the aftermarket to possibly producing something.
I don't mean to piss in anyone's wheaties, but that cafe racer CB1100 is hideous to my eyes. One man's trash is another man's treasure, I guess. I would like to have seen Honda bring the Transalp to the US. I guess that will never happen, though...
At least we're consistant! I drool muchly over the CB1100R, and would have moved heaven and earth for one had they been available. The Transalp- meh. (Great sacriledge here, I know, lol)
I just watched the video. The riding position looks PERFECT for me. Slightly forward pegs, not as much as my current cruiser. I can't wait for this thing to hit the dealers. I know where my tax refund is going.
They gave us the Transalp in the late 80's and no one bought one, so I imagine they have little incentive to do it again. Stupid me, I had a choice of an '88 Transalp or the VLX600, in '90, at dirt cheap prices, and I got the cruiser. Worst choice decision I've made, except marrying my now ex wife...
Not important to the discussion, but the CB1100 is almost the prototypical definition of a UJM standard, and I haven't heard of anyone calling it a cafe racer. If the CB1100 is a cafe racer, then so is a Sportster. - Mark
Here's a custom cafe made from parts available in Japan for the CB1100. Nice looking bike. http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=820439 Link to the CB1100 for this site. 92 pages of good stuff already. tp dd50
Yer loopy. :huh -The DN-01 had a shaft driven 680cc V-Twin, -it's frame, engine, CVT transmission, wheels, bodywork, brakes etc.,- absolutely nothing has the slightest in common with the brand new NC series. "Intent on ramming the 670 engine down our throats". "Left over parts they are trying to get rid of." "overstock 670 engines" -Uh, it's brand new clean sheet design concept as of 2012. They are just beginning to make these brand new "left over" parts, Sherlock. -A Mana GT 850 gets the same fuel mileage as an NC700 engine? Huh.
I think he was referencing the picture of the CB1100R concept cafe racer shown a few posts up, not the new production F.