10-18-2013, 04:29 PM
(10-18-2013, 02:08 PM)SanPete_imp Wrote: What would be the severity impact difference between a crash going 110 mph as opposed to 135 mph? There are too many variables to consider, making it difficult to conclude that the lower speed will be any safer than the higher speed. In either case the results would be catastrophic. In my experience 110 mph has proven to be too fast. Therefore 135 mph is out of the question, at least for me. In this regard I find no use for the speed limiter. Unless, it is to prevent the engine from blowing a gasket. Don't take me serious on this one, but I am interested to know what prompt Honda to include the limiter.
All vehicles sold in the Japanese domestic market (cars, trucks, motorcycles) are restricted to a max speed of 180 kph (roughly 112 mph). I don't think Honda envisioned large enough international sales volumes to prompt them to remove the limiter function. I'm also guessing that the target market for this bike (mostly old geezers) had something to do with the decision.
Conversely, most sportbikes would be unsellable with the same limitation, so they manufacturers make international versions. Interestingly enough, that doesn't mean they have no limit, though. High end sportbikes like the 'busa, Fireblade and ZX-14 are limited to 186 mph (300 kph) by an unwritten agreement between the major manufacturers.