Honda's new crossover motorcycle

Honda has released the third and final sketch of its new motorcycle that will make its debut at EICMA in Italy on November 2, showing off the bike in full.

Love it or hate it, Honda appears to pushing its V4 range upmarket in a distinct BMW fashion - but is this a good thing?

The Japanese company previously released a media statement, and we can now confirm the motorcycle will be a "mid-range crossover motorcycle" designed to expand Honda's V4 engine range.

Expect an engine size between 800 and 1000cc, automatic dual-clutch transmission, traction control and plenty of other goodies.

Developed based on research that showed many customers "want a machine that has both a unique style and is also fun to ride in all conditions throughout the year," we will see this all-new model in full production form at EICMA.

We've seen several 'crossover' vehicles in the car industry, usually people-movers with SUV capabilities, but most often their true appeal lies in their ultra-modern designs. We can expect the new Honda to boast a unique look and feel to help confirm its 'crossover' status.

This crossover approach will combine elements of both naked bikes and adventure bikes according to Honda, splicing "...the flexibility and exciting attitude of a Naked performance machine, with the more comfortable upright riding position and design cues inspired by adventure bikes."

Honda says the new 'Naked-venture' motorcycle will feature wide handlebars and an upright riding position to ensure a comfortable ride yet with easy manoeuvrability.

Sure, it sounds good in theory, but unless the execution is spot on, the unnamed model could find itself in a no-man's land between two popular genres.

Take a close look at the new sketch (second image) and you'll see the back of the "floating" instrument panel that Honda has designed in order to improve at-a-glance telemetry. Potentially, this would mean you won't have to move your head - only your eyes - to do a speed check, "to put the gauges in the rider's field of vision for improved safety," to use Honda words.

A completely different concept motorcycle will also be shown on the Honda exhibit at EICMA in Milan, Italy. Using the VFR1200's powerplant to "further prove leadership in this evocative and powerful engine configuration," Honda is clearly working away on several new V4 applications.

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