When will we find out about the 2015 Hondas?

[NightRider_imp]

I think part of the problem is Honda in general. They really have thrown some spaghetti at the wall to see what sticks, with some strange new models. Their current range is mostly uninspiring, albeit high quality. And they do price their products at a premium. My sense is that many enthusiasts that might have eyes the CB and other Hondas have moved on the European brands.

I can understand that thought. At the same time, I recall having Iooked at the Triumph and BMW and Italian offerings before buying the CB. The primary reasons I did not buy an European offering were a love for the Japanese four cylinder bikes, and the Honda four cylinder in particular. I also felt the CB line has a great reputation over and above anything else I Iooked at. Plus as a child of the 70s, I remember how crappy most bikes were compared to the Japanese fours back then and am still convinced these bikes will outlast any offering and exceed any offering in quality of build and reliability.

I am afraid the younger generation will want to buy high powered sport/racing bikes. These younger buyers are not from that time when everyone knew Harleys were oil leaking junkers to avoid so instead they are easily seduced by the dark side. Our bike is a classic and like classics they are loved by classics which means a limited customer base. But who cares? They were sold when we wanted one and we only need to buy one....okay, never mind that last point, some of us have bought two.

[the Ferret]

I think part of the problem is Honda in general. They really have thrown some spaghetti at the wall to see what sticks, with some strange new models. Their current range is mostly uninspiring, albeit high quality. And they do price their products at a premium. My sense is that many enthusiasts that might have eyes the CB and other Hondas have moved on the European brands.

Since 1959 Honda has produced affordable bikes meant for the masses. While the Europeans have built specialized bikes meant for the few who were willing to pay the difference. You could always buy a Honda cheaper than a Beemer, Guzzi, Ducati or Triumph

When Honda wants suspension, or brakes for example they start a division within the company for those products and use the in house products. It has been that way as long as I can remember and I remember back pretty far (just don't remember what I had for lunch yesterday). You don't find premium products, like Brembo brakes or Marzocchis and Cerianis forks or Marchesini wheels or Ohlins shocks, on Hondas, like you would on say a Ducati, or MV Agusta or KTM....and the Euro bikes cost more because of it. If Honda used those top of the line products and then charged correspondingly for them, people would say "I'm not paying $22,000 for a Honda sport bike, if I'm going to pay that kind of money I'll by a KTM or Ducati or MV. Honda sport bikes should cost $13K.

They had the same problem with cars... when Honda started charging over $20K for Accords people would say, I'm not paying that much for a Honda, I'll buy a Beemer or Mercedes if I'm going to spend that kind of jack, because they were used to Hondas being cheap... so Honda started an Acura Division where they could sell $40K cars.

Honda does try new things... different styles, different technologies, DCT's etc but in the USA, I'm afraid they just don't go over well. Honda doesn't understand that,( Oh I don't know, American motorcyclists in general?), don't accept new technology much. Honda says we can make this better, more efficient, easier and people don't buy it. Look at ABS, and linked braking systems.. it's been available for years, yet most motorcyclists don't want it. Mandatory in many countries. In the USA we STILL don't get a lot of models with ABS because they don't sell well here.That barrier is finally breaking down, but it's been a long, tough fight. And we probably won't get entire line up ABS until the government mandates it.

The average motorcyclist wants the same ol thing... they just want it different...the same, but better, and they don't want to pay any more for it either.

[rboe]

Well I think that the target customer for the CB wants the CB for what she is and either already have a European bike (like me) or would not buy one because, well, Europeans didn't build the first CB (you wouldn't buy a bike that looked like an early BMW air head from a Japanese manufacture either).

All bets are off for other bikes. The motivation is going to be completely different.

[NightRider_imp]

I cannot seem to find many Euro or Harley bikes from 1969 in good shape. Trident anyone?

[BIGGREEK_imp]

When I first started looking in the market for a new bike (may 2013), I laid my eyes on the cb1100 and fell in love immediately. I then explored other manufactures. Triumph, too expensive, and the dealer sucked. Moto Guzzi, (v7) great looker, but limited servicability (dealer was 2hrs away), and low on power. BMW, way way way too expensive.
What sold me on the Honda, other than it looking good, was that it was a Honda..they rarely break, very smooth, and did I mention, it looks great!

I'm in the 18-24 crowd and I hate sportbikes and not looking for a cruiser yet.

[nhawk7504_imp]

When I first started looking in the market for a new bike (may 2013), I laid my eyes on the cb1100 and fell in love immediately. I then explored other manufactures. Triumph, too expensive, and the dealer sucked. Moto Guzzi, (v7) great looker, but limited servicability (dealer was 2hrs away), and low on power. BMW, way way way too expensive.
What sold me on the Honda, other than it looking good, was that it was a Honda..they rarely break, very smooth, and did I mention, it looks great!

I'm in the 18-24 crowd and I hate sportbikes and not looking for a cruiser yet.

Very well stated. I test rode the Guzzi and liked it for its simplicity. But it is way down on power for highway use and the dealers are few and far between if you travel at all. I've done 20,000 miles on Honda Nighthawks and aside from clogged carbs after buying used, they were alway spot on running like a top. Aftermarket shocks are my only to do list.

[JetA_imp]

Hoping for a CB400...500..ish...in CB1100 Deluxe style.
I would love to have a new CB400F

[LostViking_imp]

Hoping for a CB400...500..ish...in CB1100 Deluxe style.
I would love to have a new CB400F

I have to admit a modern version of this would get my attention.
The 400 Four Super Sport,
http://www.motorcycleshdwallpaper.com/ya...upersport/

I lusted after one of these badly when I was young.

But I need baby steps here. I haven't even got the CB1100 bought yet.

[ClassicVW_imp]

IMO, we can lust after any number of configurations the next retro offering from Honda will appear as, but I think this is it (CB). It's a different world and a different reality as to what constitutes a "small" bike, and what a small bike is used for. Many of us went cross country on a Honda 350 and thought nothing of it, just like a family of four used to pack into a VW Beetle with all of its 36 HP and went on vacation. That was then.

Nowadays, small bikes are mostly looked upon as a beginner bike, something you start out on and then sell or trade up to something bigger in a year or so.

I just don't see the bike buying masses lining up to buy a 400cc bike to keep for a long time.
And I also don't see Honda recouping the manufacturing costs of an inline 4 in such a small displacement machine when a twin nowadays can certainly suffice at a low cost.

[the Ferret]

On todays ride, I rode our 400 Majesty. I was having a great time. It got me to thinking about Hondas DCT offerings ( which IMO ties into this conversation about Honda trying different things for motorcycles in the US. The ergos on a scooter are great. Up right seating, hands in a natural place, feet can be anywhere from sport bike to cruiser and anywhere in between. I tend to ride mine like a motorcycle, feet under my hips. I thought what a great motorcycle this would make. At least the concept of it. It got me to thinking how enjoyable a NC700 DCT might be. I'm going to have to test ride one in the spring for grins and see how they compare.