Thanks pekingduck. With them side by side I see things I actually didn't notice before, like the Honda emblem on the tank and I prefer the letters over the badge. The tailpiece looks a little bigger on Freddie's and I prefer that too.I think the gap between tire and fender look similar on both and with the number plates you almost can't see the dual shocks on Freddie's. The wheels actually LOOK lighter on the 2021 version. Do miss the finning on the motor. Overall though I think it's pretty nice.
Thought I would compare some retro standards with their origins. To me, the Honda is truest, retro without compromise. The Kaw's laid-down shock forces the airbox under the tank, causing it to be very bulbous. The tank looks too far back, and the engine looks puny, especially with the gap above it and the small sidecover. It looks busy and really tall. The Katana is all bodywork, not about the engine at all. I have no words to describe it except busy.
Nice, R-top and R middle = best for me
Thanks for sharing PD
Great comparos, thanks. I'm partial to the originals, though the Katana never floated my boat (and definitely doesn't now). I'd love to see the upcoming 2060 versions of these bikes -- you know, how they'll appear 40 years from now. I think we'd be appalled.
Those "tails in the air" on all the moderns look a bit silly, particularly the Suzuki. Makes me more happy the CB1100 became available.
I’m still digging everything on the new Honda except that absurd little front fender. That might as well not even be there.
I doubt they'd use that short fender in a production version, unless they want a lot of radiator damage warranty claims. Call me a heretic, but I still dig the new Katana.
(03-28-2020, 05:10 AM)Gone in 60_imp Wrote: [ -> ]I doubt they'd use that short fender in a production version, unless they want a lot of radiator damage warranty claims. Call me a heretic, but I still dig the new Katana.
That front fender is the same shape as all the current CB/CBR 1000s, 650s, and 600s. Warranty claims on radiators were pretty rare, and damage from road debris was never covered anyway.
Really? Huh, I'll bet radiator covers are popular for those bikes! I'll stick with the Katana then. Looks like a short fender, but has that little black extension dealio on the back to protect the radiator.