What is the story on this Honda engine?

Aurora · 12-24-2006, 10:59 AM

Is this a future XX engine?

flitemdic · 12-24-2006, 11:22 AM

Probably. The replacement for the 'bird is looking more and more likely to have some sort of VTEC type gagetry in it. I still hold out hope that they haven't abandoned the hyper-touring market entirely, and this is the second "VTEC for the replacement 'bird" article I've read. I doubt it'll be in my garage if it has that cylinder cut of non-sense, though.

Good find.

DosXX · 12-24-2006, 11:51 AM

I agree, won't see one of these in my garage. I believe Honda is missing one very valid point. The people that ride bikes like to tinker with them. We like to set our own valves, balance carbs, and so on. This new engine design is not appealing and looks like it will be a real bear to work on.

Who wants to spend $600.00 for a valve check because the special tool for it is at the shop such as BMW electronically checking valve clearances??

Aurora · 12-24-2006, 1:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flitemdic

Probably. The replacement for the 'bird is looking more and more likely to have some sort of VTEC type gagetry in it. I still hold out hope that they haven't abandoned the hyper-touring market entirely, and this is the second "VTEC for the replacement 'bird" article I've read. I doubt it'll be in my garage if it has that cylinder cut of non-sense, though.

Good find.

Maybe someone would develop a way to always run on six cylinders. Just wishful thinking.

tripledigits · 12-24-2006, 1:16 PM

I for one am not a fan of the current VTEC engine in the VFR. I don't see the benefits compared to non-VTEC engines of the same displacement, and it makes owner maintenance more difficult. Refinements such a variable valve timing have proven their worth in cars, yet have been slow to come to bikes. I'd like to see a real gas-electric hybrid bike, complete with regenerative braking. I think we'd see gas mileage skyrocket, with little or no loss in performance. I'm no expert, but I believe current battery technology would make such a bike feasible. My guess is the only reason it hasn't been done is the relatively small market for bikes versus cars.

Partsguy · 12-24-2006, 1:40 PM

Seems

Seems like a lot of uneccessary weight.6 cyls aren't needed to make power as proven by the ZX14,cutting out to 3 must be Honda's way of appealing to the fuel conscious tourer.Who knows,maybe it will make gobs of torque?Bet it never happens anyway.

red-oh-one · 12-27-2006, 10:58 AM

It's getting harder and harder for engines to pass EPA regulations. Even Harley is trying a liquid cooled engine. Perhaps this beast will pass regulations and then you will "cut the pink wire". If you want full beast. Maybe!

Warchild · 12-27-2006, 11:09 AM

Maybe it's just me, but this approach seems a bit silly. OTOH, it's not like Honda is all that much in touch with reality the past 3-5 years, given some of their marketing decisions.

Yeah, I know, that's a bit of a sweeping generalization, but still....

bartonmd · 12-27-2006, 2:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Warchild

Maybe it's just me, but this approach seems a bit silly. OTOH, it's not like Honda is all that much in touch with reality the past 3-5 years, given some of their marketing decisions.

Yeah, I know, that's a bit of a sweeping generalization, but still....

I disagree.. "butt ugly" has been done in the 'birds market segment... "over complicated" has not been as done... they're trying to break new ground...

In all reality, they still have to make it simple enough for the 8th grade drop-out dealership mechanics (ok, only some of them are like that) to work on, so it can't be that hard. Of course, you know my background, but it'll be just like anything else... Know the ins and outs of it, and it really is simple when you get right down to it...

OK, so you have to do a 1-time purchase of a $75 tool to check the valves every 50k miles (if it's anything like the 'bird's engine)... Hell, I won't even spend $750 on exhaust and $300 on a Power Commander, or $1200 on wheels, like a lot of people, but I don't have a problem with spending $50-$100 on a tool to save me $300 at the first check-up...

Mike

X1rider · 12-27-2006, 9:06 PM

I saw this article last summer in MCN from England. Very automotive like. Maybe it will make 180+ rwhp and be smooth as silk with 45-50 mpg hwy. Never know about Honda though. They only sell about 1000 ST 1300s every year (according to the retired tech rep that I know) and they make a profit on.

All I know is my paid for '02 XX will keep me happy for many years to come, provided I don't execute any more dogs with my front wheel.

tomek · 12-28-2006, 12:12 AM

MCN?

If this design would really be based on V4 from VFR it would made very little sense.Viffer makes what ? 100 rwhp ? 150 rwhp in case of V6.Big deal. Liter bikes including Honda`s own 1000 RR make more then that and they have wonderfull powerbands,smooth running,etc.I don`t see a point really.

If they deside to spin it to Gixxer 750 like 14000 rpm then it would have potential for 170-180 rhwp.That would be better.