New Honda 1200 V4 CrossTourer!!!

[Two Plugs]

Originally Posted by GrahamD

Um.... I don't know whether this is good or bad, I suppose it depends on your point of view...
But I saw that the NC700S and X werer doing pretty well in the German marketplace.
[edit] yeah a few posts back Doh!

Does this mean that Honda will be looking with interest at very economical and practical bikes from now on?

Yep. I am afraid they do. Look at their line up of cars (in Europe). There is an parallel. Focus on boring hybrids and sportcars who arn't really sportcars. Even Kia and Hyundai are more exciting these days.

They should have a look at what Mazda is doing here on the old continent. Exciting cars (even in the most boring sedan class), with good and clever design, handling ánd fuel economy.

Bought an Mazda CX5 in April. Handles like an BMW X5. Build quallity as an Lexus. And the price of a mid-sized hatchback.

Thats what I wanna see in a new Honda bigtrail bike. The build quality is there. But something is missing.

[Two Plugs]

http://varaderoforumcom.h826747.serv...?p=19735#19735

Have a look at the topic above. Anyone encountered this problem?

[Paulvt1]

Odd one that problem. ABS sensor issue?

[GrahamD]

Does this mean a minitourer in the future.

Is 450cc enough these days?

Will they get a rush of blood to the head and get serious in the gnarly ADV segment?



http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/raci...-factory-team/

[markjenn]

Originally Posted by GrahamD

Is 450cc enough these days?

In the class they're racing, I think it is all that is allowed.

- Mark

[GrahamD]

Originally Posted by markjenn

In the class they're racing, I think it is all that is allowed.

- Mark

I know that bit, I was wondering whether they may sell a few de-tuned versions off to cover a few costs. Hopefully not de tuned to the point of "bold graphics".

[Cruz]

Cost would stop anyone buying one.

Who would pay $20,000+ for a detuned 450 with fairings etc?

They don't like paying $14000+ in Australia for a soft lookalike rally bike with 660 capacity.

[GrahamD]

Originally Posted by Cruz

Cost would stop anyone buying one.

Who would pay $20,000+ for a detuned 450 with fairings etc?

They don't like paying $14000+ in Australia for a soft lookalike rally bike with 660 capacity.

BMW buyers

It's based on an existing model, I didn't mean that de-tuned I meant one with a power band greater than 250 RPM

Any way that 660 bike is only the ninth most popular, just ahead of the GSA which people don't like paying 28K for even more

Just wondering whether Honda seemingly serious return may mean a shift in focus a bit.

I wonder what the Xtourer DAKAR edition will look like all jacked up and covered in fuel tanks

[nikoktm]

Too much criticism. The CT is actually a good bike. As someone else said before, the design is quite "boring" but in general is a confortable touring bike. Real contender for the BMW GS, with the advantage of the price and the reliability.
I'm seriously considering this bike ($21.900 with automatic shift... "plus" $1200 for the Akrapovic. First thing to upgrade).
On the other hand, BMW 2012 models are very tempting. $27.000 for the GS A triple black... (Probably a little less than that)
But 2013 models are coming soon and completely redesigned.. I guess that will make the price drop more when time for for upgrade comes.

[GrahamD]

Originally Posted by nikoktm

Too much criticism. The CT is actually a good bike.

I know, and a good price, if you don't want too much dirt, which is not a criticism. I think it has been too much under the radar, especially in OZ.

Time will tell though, I was talking more to those who lament Honda not making Africa Twin style bikes.

Of course 450cc is not enough these days, but really if you want really dirty it is.

[Paulvt1]

Just saw one of the new CRF's at my local Honda shop. Don't know the first thing about it - but it looked bloody lovely!
I reckon the Xtour will be a bit like the Super Ten. It'll take some time - but in the end it'll win it's share of the market.

[Two Plugs]

Hi all,

For anybody interested... Just retured (eh, currently still on the ferry from the UK to The Netherlands) from a pre-visit to Wales where the next International Crosstourer & Varadero meeting will be held.

The venue and location is really out of this World... Its simply GREAT.

Next May 2013 you really don't wanna miss this meeting. Expect registration to start soon at:
www.crosstourer-international.com

[droid]

signing up for one tomorrow, looking forward to it

[Paulvt1]

Nice one. They are rare beasts over here, but like i say, give it time..

[GrahamD]

Originally Posted by droid

signing up for one tomorrow, looking forward to it

looking forward to seeing some out on the road.

I mean I saw a dirty GS on Sunday, so things are looking up.