Honda’s just announced a very interesting machine at EICMA, the CB4X concept bike. Not quite an adventure bike, not quite a touring bike, it’s more of a crossover, and it could be something that Honda really needs in its lineup.
The CB4X concept was built by Rome’s R&D centre, near as we can figure from the press release, and is on display at EICMA as an experimental machine “developed under the theme of ‘fun seven days a week.’” It’s powered by an inline four, most likely a version of the same engine that’s in the CBR650 platform, but maybe something bigger. In past years at EICMA, Honda’s teased adventure bikes built around the CBR650 engine, and it would be no surprise to see it again.
It’s definitely aimed at street usage, with a 17-inch front wheel and cast wheels. Presumably, it would occupy a market space similar to Ducati’s Multistrada and BMW’s XR models. Honda doesn’t say either way—see the presser below for the scant details that were sent out this morning.
Press release
Honda’s Rome R&D Centre proudly unleashes the CB4X at EICMA
For the fifth successive year, Honda will use the ‘Design Studio’ area of its EICMA stand as the backdrop to showcase something totally new – in this case, the bold CB4X Concept.
The experimental machine – developed under the theme of ‘fun seven days a week’ – blends elements of Sport and Touring with a healthy dash of Crossover. It’s a design from the imaginative pen of Valerio Aiello, and his team of young designers, and is born from the desire to explore – and push – existing boundaries.
The CB4X features dynamic, yet compact lines, engineered to enhance the contrasting personality of a motorcycle that’s born to use every day on urban routes, but with which a rider can have fun on weekends carving mountain bends or devouring long journeys.
Its engine is a classic inline four-cylinder powerplant – the essential signature of the Honda Wing. The fuel tank hunches forward, like a cobra ready to attack its prey, while the screen is fully adjustable and integrates into the fairing. And the headlight is set like a diamond, injecting aggressive sophistication alongside the Daytime Running Lights (DRL). A beautiful aluminium subframe underpins the short, sharp tail while the 17-inch front wheel maximises steering precision.
The Honda CB4X is an idea dedicated to those riders who live for sports riding – but don’t want to give up the possibility of relaxing, two-up travel experiences whenever or wherever.
Gorgeous. Absolutely gorgeous.
Stick hard bags and maybe a tank bag on this and cross the country, all while listening to that 4-cylinder soundtrack. *drool*