Honda VT1300-based Concept Cruisers

[Administrator]

Original Article:
Honda VT1300-based Concept Cruisers

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[The_AirHawk]

If you’d asked us before this year’s Long Beach, Calif., stop of the 2010/11 IMS whether custom-type bikes were still a strong part of the cruiser segment, we’d have guessed no, not so much. Honda thinks differently.

No, Honda thinks the "same". As in; same line of thinking that's been prevalent since the death of Sochiro Honda.

Same thinking that let Suzuki, Kawasaki, and Ducati run-away with the light-twin market because WAAAAAAAAY back in '88, they introduced an overpriced version that didn't sell because they butted it up-against their own 600cc Supersport (that they underpriced to also compete with Kawasaki).

Same thinking that allowed Kawasaki to essentially OWN the 250 entry-level market, because they HAD to give their offering a ridiculous "inboard" braking-system to test (before putting it on the biggest, heaviest, most-expensive mass-produced touring bike ever built), and then price their 250 $500 higher than Kawasaki's entry-bike, and then wonder at them languishing in the showrooms.

Same "follow the Leader because we're Honda" thinking that has a company with NO "History" of Cruisers and Choppers chasing and copying their American "rival" with crap like this.

The last time Honda did any Moto-Innovation was the '80s. Since then, they've been a car-company that also happens to make Generators, Lawnmowers, and the occasional motorbike.

[Duken4evr]

Honda seems listless, sad and uninspired - even their car line is ho hum. I think it needs therapy...

[Kevin_Duke]

Originally Posted by Duken4evr

Honda seems listless, sad and uninspired - even their car line is ho hum. I think it needs therapy...

I share these sentiments about the post-Soichiro era of Honda. However, I think these concepts look really cool. They were created to inspire, which I think they do.

[Dr_Sprocket]

Originally Posted by Kevin_Duke

I share these sentiments about the post-Soichiro era of Honda. However, I think these concepts look really cool. They were created to inspire, which I think they do.

I would agree, big Kev. These bikes actually make me think, "Wait! Is that really a Honda?"

[Dr_Sprocket]

All this Honda talk actually makes me wonder, what does Honda actually have going for it right now? To put it another way, what do you think their best motorcycle product is currently? I would have to say the CBR1000RR is their best product in the lineup right now.

[12er]

I'm trying to figure out where my knees go on those concepts.

[jmdonald]

I started out with a Honda in the early 70's and always had one until 2004.I desperately wanted to like the new VFR but it just doesn't get me as excited as other bikes do.I like the new CB1000r but not as much as the Z1000 for example.Brand loyalty only goes so far.

[Matt7even]

I usually think of Honda as the "Harley" of metric cruisers and depending on your take that can be seen as good or bad. Honda doesn't upgrade their V-twins as often which makes them a little longer in the tooth compared to some of it's competition but it also means there is quite an extensive after market available to give it any power or flair that might be lacking. I would also say they have a decent resale value when the market is good as well. Personally I would like to see an 1800 touring bagger like the X-Country & Vaquero in the Honda line up that could bridge the VT and Goldwing lines. It could be that Honda is testing the waters a little with the Slammer concept.

[Morbo the Destroyer]

I like the middle one..SwitchFury or whatever it is

Of of course, it's just a decoration. I couldn't imagine riding it more than a mile or two.