04-26-2015, 09:01 AM
(04-26-2015, 03:03 AM)BestStandard_imp Wrote: Even if it is the last of its kind, I don't think its reign is over yet. Except for their home market (Japan), there seems to be a two year strategy behind Honda's distribution of the CB before taking a break. They sold it in Australia for two years (2010-1011), then in the US, Canada and Europe for two years (2013-2014). The run in Japan was from 2010 to 2014, with a limited edition of just 200 for 2015. So there does appear to be a marketing plan, including the current break in production. The question is will it come back and if it does will it be the same or have additional changes. It could have just a mix of color changes, spoke wheels, etc. (maybe we will get the EX and Europe will get the DLX), or it could have additional improvements to those already made for 2014. One clue comes from this statement made in CB1100 Engineers Talk: “The engine feel for the 2014 model reflects and refines the opinions of our customers and the R&D Center, and we’ll refine it even further. Maybe it will be a process of going as far as we can, then coming back to the beginning”. IMO, this statement says the CB will definitely be back at some point with further refinements. I also don't believe they would have designed a completely new transmission requiring revised engine cases for just the 2014 model year.
I believe you're right. Honda's engineering, testing of motor and gearbox is the heart of their investment, and its unlikely they'll abandon a design/model with so much potential.
The surplus stock of 13's is primarily the result of the intro 14 six speed. And the black 14 surplus stock problem is the the black-on-black paint scheme. Better would have been white on silver or silver on silver, as in Japan.
The 14 DLX is more inline with the target demographics, and will be an easier model to refine within the modern classic trend.