Hot Hondas For the Future!
HOT HONDAS FOR THE FUTURE!
ROUNDUP
Matthew Miles
WHAT OPEN-CLASS wonders does Honda have up its sleeve for 2003 and beyond? If the rumors are true, there’s a restyled and even more potent CBR1200XX, a V-Four replacement for the RC51 and-hang on to your exhaust pipes, all five of ’em!-a street-going knock-off of Valentino Rossi’s new RC211V GP bike.
A hotted-up CBR1100XX makes sense. After al rent bike has remained mostly unchanged since its 1997 introduction, exceptions being the ’99 changeover to fuel-injection, refinements to suspension and linked brake system, and other mechanical updates. Also, as noted in this month’s comparison with the Kawasaki ZX-12R and Suzuki GSX1300R Hayabusa, the XX still falls short in the all-important “mine’s faster than yours” speed wars. As such, expect increased displacement and with it, more midrange oomph. As for styling, don’t look for a complete re-do, though it’s unlikely any of the new plastic will interchange with the current panels. Most obvious visual makeover will be a striking stacked headlight treatment. HID, anyone?
When World Superbike rules change in 2004 to permit lOOOcc Fours, Honda will have a new V-Four at the ready.
This is not-we’ll say it again, not-a replacement for the CBR954RR; the next-generation, reportedly VTECequipped, lOOOcc inline-Four CBR is already being tested. If the alleged V-Four is an exotic, limited-production racer, as was the previous WSB-winning RC30 and RC45, Honda must build at least 500 to meet homologation regs.
Honda is typically tight-lipped about its plans for a V-Five streetbike. One source swears he saw one being ridden (quickly, no doubt!) on the street in Japan. As is the case with Yamaha and its four-cylinder YZR-M1, Honda must capitalize on its costly 990cc four-stroke MotoGP entry. That said, does a Rossi Replica make the most sense, or should the for-sale platform be more sport-touring-oriented? Another question mark is horsepower. Exactly how many of those suspected 240 ponies is Honda willing to give its customers? Time will tell.
