2008 Honda Motorcycle Models

What's up with the 2008 Honda motorcycle line-up? What is Big Red going to do to turn up the volume and up the ante?

Rumors abound, so I'm going to try to summarize some of the ones I've encountered while surfing the web.

2008 Honda VFR details revealed in a patent document?

Details of Honda’s 2008 VFR1000 have been revealed in a newly published motorcycle patent document – which shows the motorcycle to have a radical new frame design.

The Honda V-four sports tourer motorcycle, which gets a capacity boost to 1000cc for next year with an all-new engine, features a two-piece chassis, with separate front and rear sections. The engine itself provides the majority of the motorcycle's frame strength.

Source: 2008 Honda VFR revealed in new motorcycle patent (motorcyclenews.com)

There is still some hope for a V-Five VFR variant, apparently :

The patent also reveals that Honda hasn’t yet ditched the idea of a V-five engine, as one picture shows the same frame design with a five-cylinder motor bolted in place of the V-four.

Miscellaneous

This page on vtec.net predicts the following:

• CBR600RR: nothing new.
• CBR1000RR: Major redesign along the lines of the 2007 CBR600. Geez, didn't the 1000 just get a major facelift a few years ago? Things are moving quickly in the 1000 category, aren't they?
• Interceptor: No clear indication of changes, but notes that an update is long overdue.
• Flights of fancy: Wishing for a V5-engined production superbike based on the RC211V. I'll join the chorus of voices calling for this to become a reality...

Motorcycle Daily predicts a new model blitz without providing details, except for one or two new V-4 engined model(s) (unspecified displacement) and the DN-01 'automatic sportbike' - see offsite links, below.

Honda's Official Announcements

"Today we're introducing the first of the 2008 Honda models, led by our flagship the Gold Wing, in dramatic new colors," a Honda spokesman said. "In addition, we've made EPS, our unique electric power steering system, more accessible with its application on the Foreman FM. All 2008 Honda ATVs also now feature a one-year warranty. Several of our most popular models, including the Shadow Aero and CRF150R motocrosser, will be in dealer showrooms early this summer and many of our off-road motorcycles and ATVs are available as well."

Street

Gold Wing

Powered by a fuel-injected 1832cc six-cylinder engine and featuring an 80-watt-per-channel premium audio system. Selected models feature a cold-weather comfort package, satellite navigation, and the first fully integrated rider airbag. Four new colors are offered in 2008: Metallic Red, Pearl White, Titanium and Black join Dark Red Metallic. MSRP $19,599 - $24,649.

Shadow Aero

This 745cc retro-styled V-twin has big-bike looks and feel, impeccable road manners, a low 25.9-inch seat height, shaft drive and an attractive price. New for 2008 are a classic two-into-two exhaust system with bullet-style mufflers, custom-styled Shadow tank logo and five colors: Candy Dark Red, Metallic Silver/Black, Black/White, Candy Dark Red/White and classic Black. MSRP $6,799 - $7,099.

Shadow Spirit 750 C2

Following a complete redesign in 2007, the 750-class cruiser returns with a street-rod style 21-inch front wheel, low 25.7-inch one-piece gunfighter seat and three new colors: Metallic Silver, Candy Dark Red/Flame, and Ultra Blue Metallic/Flame join Black. MSRP $6,799 - $7,099.

Rebel

This entry-level cruiser is available in new Silver Metallic and classic Black, MSRP: $3,199.

Dual Sport

XR650L

The electric-start XR650L dual-sport motorcycle is available in Red, MSRP: $5,949.

Source: dealernews.com

"Dramatic new colors" ? Is that the best Big Red can do? On the other hand, if Honda's satisfied with current sales results...