Honda releases second design sketch of new 800cc V4

Honda has issued a second image of the new VFR800X – a V4 bike the firm is dubbing a ‘crossover’ bike that mixes adventure bike looks but with road bike manners and ability.

This bike will be released in finished form at the Milan motorcycle show on November 2. The firm has also officially confirmed it will be showing a second V4 concept which will be based on the VFR1200 V4 engine.

This bike will be an on/off road concept aimed at taking a shot at the massive adventure bike market so cornered by the BMW R1200GS.

You can read all about this 800cc V4 bike and all of the other seven new Honda’s the firm will be showing in tomorrow’s issue of MCN on sale on October 20.

Honda’s official statement reads:
Honda today released a second design sketch of the mid-range crossover motorcycle that expands its V4 engine configuration offering.

The image shows the front face of the motorcycle, with a fairing design that improves high speed stability as well as engine cooling; and an innovative ‘floating’ instrument panel to put the gauges in the rider’s field of vision for improves safety.

This crossover is a midrange capacity motorcycle – Honda will also reveal at EICMA a new concept motorcycle using the 1200cc V4 engine first seen in the VFR1200F, to further prove leadership in this evocative and powerful  engine configuration.

This mid-range machine is an exciting new approach – a crossover machine that represents the best aspects of two separate biking genres.  It will have the flexibility and exciting attitude of a Naked performance machine, with the upright riding position and rugged appearance of an adventure bike.

This mid-range machine is an exciting new approach – a crossover machine that represents the best aspects of two separate biking genres.  It will have the flexibility and exciting attitude of a Naked performance machine, with the more comfortable upright riding position and design cues inspired by adventure bikes.

With the low centre of gravity of a performance bike it is great fun to ride, and because of its wide handlebars and upright riding position it is both easy to manoeuvre and comfortable .

Honda research had revealed that customers want a machine that has both a unique style and is also fun to ride in all conditions throughout the year. Honda has delivered this customer request.

The final production motorcycle will be shown for the first time at the EICMA show in Milan from 2nd November 2010, when pictures, the date for production and date of availability in dealer will be revealed.