Honda Changes up Line up - Adds at least 2 New Bikes

Message

RhadamYgg · #1 Unread post by **RhadamYgg** » Thu Oct 02, 2008 1:12 pm

So, in my journeys checking out motorcycles I found that Honda tossed up its line-up a bit.

1) They changed Cruiser/Standard to Cruiser/Crossover - they dropped several models and added the DN-01 - a CVT transmission scooter-like motorcycle which can run the transmission as a manual or automatic. It is included under the 'standard' segment with the Nighthawk. (It is horribly expensive for what you get though...)

2) Under sport - the 600 and the liter bike now have ABS versions. A new bike was added - CRF230M. 223cc engine - looks more like a dual sport than a sport bike. Relatively low price$ 4749, but still more expensive than the Ninja 250 by close enough to 1,000 for me to seriously question if they'll gather a lot of riders to the bike. It is only $200 more I think than the off-road version of the bike. Seat height might be a little high for some beginners looking at this bike at over 31 inches.

Still, interesting anyway.

RhadamYgg

RhadamYgg · #2 Unread post by **RhadamYgg** » Thu Oct 02, 2008 1:22 pm

Hmmm I take that back about the DN-01.

It does have computer controlled FI, and ABS and shaft drive and a decent sized motor. It might not be super overpriced.

RhadamYgg

jstark47 · #3 Unread post by **jstark47** » Thu Oct 02, 2008 2:45 pm

DN-01 is overpriced. I can get a standard (non-ABS) ST1300 for the same money! But the pricing problem is typical for Honda - why their USA market share continues to erode, IMO.

p.s. It's fugly, too!!!!

RhadamYgg · #4 Unread post by **RhadamYgg** » Thu Oct 02, 2008 3:02 pm

Well, I was being nice by not talking about its looks...

It may be tilted toward the people with excess money getting in to motorcycling that can't stand getting a Rebel market and don't want to die on a 600cc superbike?

RhadamYgg

HYPERR · #5 Unread post by **HYPERR** » Thu Oct 02, 2008 4:24 pm

RhadamYgg wrote:

It may be tilted toward the people with excess money getting in to motorcycling that can't stand getting a Rebel market and don't want to die on a 600cc superbike?

That's the target market for Harley Davidson isn't it?

RhadamYgg · #6 Unread post by **RhadamYgg** » Thu Oct 02, 2008 4:59 pm

oh, that's just so wrong.

Pricewise, though, you can get a fully outfitted F 800 ST from BWM with ABS and stuff, I think for less money than this crossover bike. There's something wrong about that, too.

RhadamYgg

Thumper · #7 Unread post by **Thumper** » Thu Oct 02, 2008 5:50 pm

Hey now...no taking potshots at the people to whom the DN-01 is a thing of beauty. I'd buy one in a heart beat if it were a little less expensive and if I hadn't bought an MP3 last month.

Sadly, with that price, I can see it vanishing from the US market in a couple of years.

Grey Thumper · Thu Oct 02, 2008 6:08 pm

Are they selling the new Hornet in the US?

Kawasaki's got the ER-6n, Suzuki's possibly launching the Gladius, Yamaha's still got the FZ6, seems like manufacturers are more willing to cater to people who don't want a cruiser or sportbike, or sport tourer, or whatever. Some of use just want to ride a motorcycle.

High_Side · #9 Unread post by **High_Side** » Thu Oct 02, 2008 8:18 pm

No new VFR.

No dealer in my city of over 1 million people (there used to be 4 dealers here).

And then the only new models are a model so-overpriced, underpowered, ugly and full of gadgets it's destined to fail and a 230cc playbike?

Perhaps Honda is being shrewd in getting out of the motorcycle market as the world economy is tanking. For whatever reason, they have decided not to try to sell bikes to enthusiasts anymore. Where the hell could I buy one anyway?

Thu Oct 02, 2008 8:43 pm

I never thought I'd say this... but "fudge" honda. New models my "O Ring". Thanks for the weak lineup honda, thanks a lot. Even Yamaha has a better lineup.