Honda's show-season concepts
A world premiere concept, two trick-looking smaller-capacity bikes, some old favourites and a swathe of production bikesJapan's two largest cities, Osaka and Tokyo, will be the centre of powered two-wheeler attention over the next two weekends as they host their respective motorcycle shows on March 20-22 and March 27-29 respectively. It's Osaka's 31st show and Tokyo's 42nd.
Honda's announced its plans for the shows, where 21 bikes will be displayed under the slogan "We Love Bikes" – what would we do without a good motto? – including a 'world premiere concept model' and two other concepts: the CRF250 Rally and SFA150.
The former is based on the current CRF250L, with styling inspired by the CFR450 Rally. It all looks rather solid and macho, even though it would be hard pressed to make it through a Dakar Rally in the current chassis guise. But fitting the components to make that happen would be an easy task for a company of Honda's means – and a quarter-litre class in Dakar would probably be welcome as well….
The streetfighter-styled SFA150 raises a few eyebrows as well, with its single-cylinder engine, trellis frame, single-sided swingarm, vertically stacked headlights and light weight. Actually, it would probably weigh even less with a conventional double-sided swingarm, but it's obviously still a concept and things may change if Honda eventually decides to put it into production – at a price that would have to be competitive in a market where price point is critical. The SFA150 would be yup against bikes like the KTM Duke 125, which has been a big success with its keen visual cues.
Elsewhere on the Honda stand, there will be two prototypes that we've already scrutinised: the RC213V-S and 'True Adventure'. Only weeks ago, we ran a story that the RC213V-S was close to production, but we may have been wrong.
Production models at the two shows will focus on recent models such as the CB series, Goldwing, VFR800X and GROM. Displayed models will be equipped with aftermarket parts such as dress-up accessories ideal for various lifestyles.
Honda's three Japanese competitors haven't announced their plans for the Osaka and Tokyo shows.
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