New 2012 Honda NC700X 700cc Parallel Twin!

[eakins]

from the words you guys use, it looks like two plugs has done his job and convinced you guys there is a new africa twin.

[sbn]

Originally Posted by Dust Buster

That assemblyline is still running, producing the Latest Transalp XL700, pretty much the same bike as the old Transalp and Africa twin, but fuelinjected, 17/19 wheels, 60 hp, claimed wieight 219 kg with oil and gas ready to run.

[

Hey Dust Buster. That is one nice looking transalp....is it yours? Do you have any more pics? How about Info on parts and upgrades on that thing?

[Dust Buster]

All or mostly Touratech parts i think. No not my bike, found it with a simple google pic search, i have an Ktm 990S -08,

[sbn]

Originally Posted by Dust Buster

All or mostly Touratech parts i think. No not my bike, found it with a simple google pic search, i have an Ktm 990S -08,

Ok thanks. I found it on the internet. Its from the xrv.org.uk forum website.

Nice bike you have the ktm 990S I sold my 990 from 06 this summer because I want a smaller bike like the transalp.

[danketchpel]

Originally Posted by bluesman

Ladder106 - this is spot on...
"What most manufacturers don't seem to understand is that it's much easier for a dirt oriented machine to function at a reasonable level on the street than it is for any street oriented machine to function at any reasonable level in the dirt." - sums it up to perfection. Hear hear.

This is my feeling exactly, can you say Super Motard for example?

Even if you are planning for 80/20 or even 90/10 street/dirt usage, the bikes that begin as dirtbikes are more comfortable, stronger, and "generally" lighter to start with. The only bad thing about some is they need the steering geometry revised for higher speed street riding to make them more stable at speed.

[danketchpel]

Originally Posted by Dust Buster

That assemblyline is still running, producing the Latest Transalp XL700, pretty much the same bike as the old Transalp and Africa twin, but fuelinjected, 17/19 wheels, 60 hp, claimed wieight 219 kg with oil and gas ready to run.

I can't understand why Honda isn't making an attempt to sell this bike in the States. It looks very competitive to what others are offering and more attractive to me than much of the existing Honda line up.

For example, I find this more attractive than a Versys and it's got the right sized wire wheels to start with.

[eakins]

Originally Posted by danketchpel

I can't understand why Honda isn't making an attempt to sell this bike in the States. It looks very competitive to what others are offering and more attractive to me than much of the existing Honda line up.

For example, I find this more attractive than a Versys and it's got the right sized wire wheels to start with.

comprehending why Honda has done anything lineup wise in the last few years is a fruitless endeavor.

many years ago, i thought Honda was the best brand to own...
when mr honda died so did the fire.

[Stormforce8]

Originally Posted by eakins

when mr honda died so did the fire.

[Ladder106]

it's got the right sized wire wheels to start with.

[Banjax]

Just had a re-read of the MCN and Honda press release cockwaffle.
They seem to be mentioning "pleasant throbbing" a bit too much.
Are they going for the Gay market with these bikes?.

[GrahamD]

Pleasant Throbbing?, a nice rasp?

Is that the UK mob again?

They seem to have a very different priority list than me, not that there's anything wrong with that.

Cheers
Graham

[Ladder106]

Ever picked up BIKE magazine from the UK....Brilliantly done.....

but.....heavy emphasis on road bikes and racing....not alot on off-road type machinery. Doesn't seem to be a priority over there.


Stormforce has his work cut out for him changing the minds of all those people.

[danketchpel]

Originally Posted by eakins

.......many years ago, i thought Honda was the best brand to own...
when mr honda died so did the fire.

I'd have to agree.

I feel they also lost their vision or maybe it just became seriously blurred.

These days I don't see anything in their American market lineup that I am interested in. Maybe if they made a CRF650X that was street legal .........

[Two Plugs]

Originally Posted by danketchpel

I'd have to agree.

I feel they also lost their vision or maybe it just became seriously blurred.

These days I don't see anything in their American market lineup that I am interested in. Maybe if they made a CRF650X that was street legal .........

There are a lot of chats (not only at ADVrider, but also on other forums around the Globe) about the way Honda is riding right now regarding design & developpement of new (heavy) motorcycles.

I think that the main- reason for the 'custommer complains' towards Honda are based on the fact that their R&D departement is developing heavy motorcycles which don't appeal to the public as much as Honda's have done in the past... Read the comments f.e. from the VFR community on the new 1200... And the Transalp community over the new 700 (Which I think is also a very, very good bike - but it doesn't appeal to the loyal Transalp/Africa Twin public). That is the key problem here. Not the fact if the bike is good or poor, but the emotion which comes with it...

Besides that... I love the finishing touch of the VFR. The bike ís put together very, very well and like I stated in my roadtest report, on that level the VFR1200 sets new standards. But that's it. There is no emotion at 'the Wings of Honda' anymore.

[Zapp22]

they have become a niche motorcycle company, and their niche is Fat people.
Fat, lazy, obese - the motorcycle and the prospective customer

Originally Posted by Two Plugs

There are a lot of chats (not only at ADVrider, but also on other forums around the Globe) about the way Honda is riding right now regarding design & developpement of new (heavy) motorcycles.

I think that the main- reason for the 'custommer complains' towards Honda are based on the fact that their R&D departement is developing heavy motorcycles which don't appeal to the public as much as Honda's have done in the past... Read the comments f.e. from the VFR community on the new 1200... And the Transalp community over the new 700 (Which I think is also a very, very good bike - but it doesn't appeal to the loyal Transalp/Africa Twin public). That is the key problem here. Not the fact if the bike is good or poor, but the emotion which comes with it...

Besides that... I love the finishing touch of the VFR. The bike ís put together very, very well and like I stated in my roadtest report, on that level the VFR1200 sets new standards. But that's it. There is no emotion at 'the Wings of Honda' anymore.