2008 Honda Motorcycles - Am I missing something?

PJNXX · 09-08-2007, 8:46 PM

A couple of days ago Honda had their American dealers convention where they revealed their new models for 2008. The only new models were a 230cc street legal dual sport and a 700cc ATV. The VFR is still 800cc and a carryover. No new CBR1000, naked liter bike, or even the retro cb750 that I read rumors about, and especially no new Blackbird. Did I miss something?

Venus97 · 09-08-2007, 11:02 PM

It appears Honda is taking an ultra conservative approach. Unfortunately the others (Suzuki, Kawasaki, Yamaha) are bringing out new models, updated ones, etc.

I cannot help but think Honda has to be losing market share.

FiXXation · 09-08-2007, 11:25 PM

Honda doesn't want to be accused of market domination, and besides, both of their motorcycle designers/engineers are busy trying to win MotoGP.

ConqSoft · 09-09-2007, 9:24 AM

There is a new CBR1000RR, and the pictures were accidentally leaked to the Hondanews.com site for a short time. Honda didn't intend to release it until the 28th.

Partsguy · 09-09-2007, 11:34 AM

There's a Honda dealer meeting in I think in Anaheim anyday now,usually not much info comes out before then.
The engine looks way too high up in that 1000.???

ConqSoft · 09-09-2007, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Partsguy

The engine looks way too high up in that 1000.???

Yeah, there have been theories that the pictures were leaked on purpose, and aren't really the new bike. But, I don't think I buy that. I think someone just screwed up. Supposedly they had them at the dealer show and allowed the dealers to see them once they went through security to make sure they didn't have any cameras/recorders of any type. And those who were there said that the pictures match what they saw.

We'll all know for sure soon enough....

Warchild · 09-12-2007, 11:46 PM

I think it is fairly safe to assume the XX will not be re-born. As far as I can tell, Honda has simply turned gay.

In fact, as hard to believe as it is... I am actually starting to study this newly overhauled 2008 platform quite seriously as of late....

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I am seriously diggin' that gorgeous dark silver paint......

Who knows what the future may bring..... maybe this new Heavy Bus could actually be a XX replacement.... and maybe not..... who knows....

GriffXX · 09-17-2007, 12:42 PM

"Am I Missing Something"

No, Honda is missing somehting, like complete market segments and a desire to inspire. They continue to dominate in the BNG category.

Wow, Dale looking at a Busa. A lot of guys looking at (and buying) the ZX14. A lot of Honda (former) loyalists ignoring the ST and going with the FJR or the new C14.

X1rider · 09-17-2007, 3:35 PM

Make sure you get an extended warranty on any Suzuki. They still have poor electrical systems and weak transmissions.

MotoRacerGabe · 09-18-2007, 11:33 AM

Honda has gone to crap now. in '03 they disconued the Valkyrie, Magna, Sabre, Nighthawk 750, A.C.E., and of course the XX in the US. Now the RC51 is gone. I really thought Honda was big about their RC51? they've always won the competitions in that class and then they go and stop making it?! going to Honda's website, i only see 4 sport bikes, and i wouldn't be surprised if Honda decides to get rid of the Interceptor since it really doesnt sell very well. Sure they do have more models that we don't get to the US, but still Honda has been losing everyone's interest.
Kawi, Suzuki, Yamaha, Triumph, etc.. are all competing to make better bikes while Honda just kicks back.

i just dont get it, when Honda first decided to export their cars to the US, the press even said "What does a motorcycle company know about making cars?". Honda has always been known to make an awesome motorcyle, but what's going on now?

jcrich · 09-19-2007, 2:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by X1rider

Make sure you get an extended warranty on any Suzuki. They still have poor electrical systems and weak transmissions.

Hmmm, I have an 01 GSXR-600 with 11,000 miles, most of which have been ridden on the track. Original transmission, stator and R/R. Most likely ridden harder than your XX has ever been.

Jason-1999-XX · 09-19-2007, 7:27 PM

I'm having beers with Dale on this one. That new Busa is looking right. And according to our friends at TWO, there's 198bhp at the crank. Suzuki claims 200mph+ potential unrestricted. They've smoothed out the aerodynamics, and there's no exposed fairing fasteners. I'm loyal to my XX, but I'm guilty of serious thought on the Suz.