- Vie Sep 08, 2006 9:19
#174264
2007/2008 Honda XL1000V Varadero
It is expected that Honda will launch an updated version of the road biased adventure bike Varadero this autumn. To get closer to the all conquering BMW R1200GS it is believed the new Varadero will get a more sporty edge with a stronger engine. Expect the engine to increase performance from today's 93bhp to closer to the 100bhp mark. The Varadero is thought to still feature a slightly detuned VTR 1000F engine that easily conforms to Euro 3. Rather than just being a big heavy tourer with offroad design we believe Honda has lightened the chassis, used new wheels more adaptable to varying tarmac and better suspension with more wheel travel. Whilst at it we believe Honda has redesigned the whole bike for a more sleek less massive appearance to make it more agile off the beaten track. It is up for speculation whether Honda will actually follow BMW and KTM in offering one standard, ABS'd road biased model and one more sporty version more suited to gravel and obstacles in the road. I any case it was high time Honda did something to the ageing Varadero.
Do you want a new Varadero? TS/Image by Luc1
ADEMAS UNA SM 1000
Honda FMX 1000-Japanese twin motard?
Honda is restructuring its whole model range these days and we will see more and more different models with similar engines-much in the lines of how the European manufacturers operate today. For the 2006 season Honda launched six new motorcycles where only the Deauville had any real differences to its engine in a larger capacity. Honda CBR1000RR had some big tweaks and refinements to its already powerful engine. CBF 1000 got virtually the same engine, but with more torque and less horsepower. We believe Honda has been and still is hesitant to launch yet another new engine configuration, such as a V5 XX. This is to rationalise the huge model range and make it even more profitable. Honda can easily do so and a large capacity FMX could be one of the bikes in the pipeline. Honda launched the FMX 650 in 2004 following the growing Supermoto trend both in Europe and in the US. Now that both KTM and Ducati will have a "king-motard" in its range a market has slowly been created. As soon as these start selling in considerable numbers it will be worthwhile for a huge corporation such as Honda to start their R&D machinery too. Bear in mind, as far as we know it has not started yet and our FMX 1000 is an artist's impression to illustrate what could happen. Or perhaps the FMX concept bike from the Paris show could be the basis for a new model? Add some radial brakes, spoked wheels and sporty tyres. Take one VTR 1000 V-twin engine, take the Varadero 1000 chassis and style it like the FMX 650 and you have got a Honda Hypermotard. Would you buy one?
It is expected that Honda will launch an updated version of the road biased adventure bike Varadero this autumn. To get closer to the all conquering BMW R1200GS it is believed the new Varadero will get a more sporty edge with a stronger engine. Expect the engine to increase performance from today's 93bhp to closer to the 100bhp mark. The Varadero is thought to still feature a slightly detuned VTR 1000F engine that easily conforms to Euro 3. Rather than just being a big heavy tourer with offroad design we believe Honda has lightened the chassis, used new wheels more adaptable to varying tarmac and better suspension with more wheel travel. Whilst at it we believe Honda has redesigned the whole bike for a more sleek less massive appearance to make it more agile off the beaten track. It is up for speculation whether Honda will actually follow BMW and KTM in offering one standard, ABS'd road biased model and one more sporty version more suited to gravel and obstacles in the road. I any case it was high time Honda did something to the ageing Varadero.
Do you want a new Varadero? TS/Image by Luc1
ADEMAS UNA SM 1000
Honda FMX 1000-Japanese twin motard?
Honda is restructuring its whole model range these days and we will see more and more different models with similar engines-much in the lines of how the European manufacturers operate today. For the 2006 season Honda launched six new motorcycles where only the Deauville had any real differences to its engine in a larger capacity. Honda CBR1000RR had some big tweaks and refinements to its already powerful engine. CBF 1000 got virtually the same engine, but with more torque and less horsepower. We believe Honda has been and still is hesitant to launch yet another new engine configuration, such as a V5 XX. This is to rationalise the huge model range and make it even more profitable. Honda can easily do so and a large capacity FMX could be one of the bikes in the pipeline. Honda launched the FMX 650 in 2004 following the growing Supermoto trend both in Europe and in the US. Now that both KTM and Ducati will have a "king-motard" in its range a market has slowly been created. As soon as these start selling in considerable numbers it will be worthwhile for a huge corporation such as Honda to start their R&D machinery too. Bear in mind, as far as we know it has not started yet and our FMX 1000 is an artist's impression to illustrate what could happen. Or perhaps the FMX concept bike from the Paris show could be the basis for a new model? Add some radial brakes, spoked wheels and sporty tyres. Take one VTR 1000 V-twin engine, take the Varadero 1000 chassis and style it like the FMX 650 and you have got a Honda Hypermotard. Would you buy one?
XL 1000 V + RMX 450 Z
