What's Honda been smoking lately?

[4eyes]

Suzuki does make a bigger version- the Boulevard (650cc Savage).:
http://www.suzukicycles.com/Product%20Lines/Cycles/Products/Boulevard%20S40/2011/S40.aspx

But that's a cruiser, not a standard. That's what ticks me off, nobody makes standards anymore. At least not bigger than two-fiddy. Except Triumph and Guzzi, and they are selling well.
But Kelly IS diggin' the S-40, so we may have one in the stable next year.

 

[DrJ]

Best bet is for Yamaha to bring over the SR400. There's already a cult following around the old SR500. They could also cultivate a custom scene like did with their Star cruisers. I can see that working.

 

[4eyes]

I would go in debt to buy a SR-400. A new bike, that all you have to do is maintenance, and it's good to go. Plus it looks like a bike should. 8)

I wish they would make a new RZ-350 with the direct injection two-stroke that Evinrude developed for their outboards.

 

[stroker crazy]

+1 on the direct injection RZ350!

Crazy

 

[djelliott]

Maybe they're not making them because so many of the originals from the 70's are still around and still run great. I do agree that they should at least offer a range of bikes with that look. Not everyone is as resourceful as the members here and would love to buy the look but have the reliability and a warranty. More then a few times my buddy has sold customers a brand new Enfield when they originally came in to check out a vintage Honda. I'd still take the Honda IMO.

 

[DreadRock]

didnt Ducati make two retros a few years ago ? went to the bike show and had two there. both looked killer and had new gear on them but looked old . im just getting into the the vintage bikes because im sick of all the sport bikes looking the same just diff color. and like seeing stuff thats not cookie cutter but someone made. would love to see a 86 SRX600 remade ! had one when i was younger and sold it to get a newer , nicer, faster rocket and now all i want is that bike back ! as for the fury its a 20 footer and looks cheap up close !

 

[crazypj]

If you check your history, you'll find a lot of motorcycle companies have gone broke building what people SAY they want.
The Suzuki 250 was brought in after the $4.00+ gas prices, Suzuki actually used advertising with expected MPG figures.
It does 80mpg or better and is fine for around town (which is what the CB's were originally designed for)
Quite simply, a bigger bike with more power, uses more gas
Moto Guzzi made a real nice retro.
Yamaha could probably re-manufacture the SRX (or something similar) as they have a suitable motor from the YZF range
Suzuki could make a 'street' version of the DRZ400SM, change swing arm and forks but keep the Super-moto wheels

 

[DreadRock]

Agreed they would go broke ! and with todays gas prices you would think if they would make something around 500cc with out all the fairings and well just simple and easy to ride more of the people buying knock -offs or scooters might head to them. you do see alot of new riders on them or buying older bikes to get started which is a good way to start. but might also pick up the riders who love the old style bike just dont want to work on them ? then again might be me smoking lol

 

[4eyes]

I think the whole supermoto craze came about from the dearth of standard bikes available.

 

[djelliott]

These should be out soon.


http://www.clevelandcyclewerks.com/bikes/tha-misfit-by-cleveland-cyclewerks/


http://www.clevelandcyclewerks.com/bikes/tha-ace-by-cleveland-cyclewerks/

 

[crazypj]

Any chance of getting service manuals and spares for those Honda CG125 knock off motors?
It's easy to work on, pushrod motor
I know, the Chinese bored them out so they are bigger, but, it's what they were based on.
Very reliable engine, friend took Honda CG to Greece and back (6,000 + miles)
He wasn't in any hurry ;D

 

[hillsy]

"Tha Misfit" ??

Anyone who calls a bike "Tha" anything is pretty much earmarked for fail.

 

[DreadRock]

Now see that bike has a nice look to it ! dont know about it tho if you cant get parts or manual or any good info on them .

 

[poster]

I really like the Honda Shadow RT. I would love to buy it used but since they just started selling them you can't find one anywhere. I sat on one few months ago. felt like a standard bike to me.
I hate that they stopped selling standard bikes too. At this point, I am looking into getting a newish Cb750 or something like Suzuki SV650. Pretty much go with a naked bike. Don't get me wrong I like the sports bikes too but insurance is too expensive and I am not sure if I would trust myself with a crotch rocket.

 

[joeyputt]

The 1989 Honda GB500 is my favorite modern era vintage style motorcycle.

 

[mercuno]

can you even start a motorcycle company and use other companies motors?

how hard would it be to build your own motor geesh!

 

[Rickman101]

If honda tried to produce a modern cb750 theres a good chance it would fail and ruin the image of the 70s cb750s.

 

[crazypj]

Building motors is going to be real expensive for the first ten thousand or so
They do get 'cheaper' after a the first few million
The ones I know about,
Yamaha have supplied engines to MuZ (previously MZ) and BSA (DT175 motors)
Honda supplied engines for the 'new' Vincent
EPA will get involved and things will get 'worse' ;D

 

[biker_reject]

The best, most successful recent retro UJM sold in NA was the Kawi ZRX1100/1200. But it didn't stick around that long, did it? There are plenty of these used for under $4000, so who's buying?

Yeah, guys are practically giving these things away. Same with Buells. Sad...

 

[DreadRock]

Really like them Kaws but i went with a 919 which was a really nice bike and good run around bike !