Honda's new models for 2012 take the world's biggest motorcycle manufacturer in several directions it has never been before and, in at least one case, where no bikemaker, as far as we can tell, has been before.
Let's start with the big news: Honda's first full-sized adventure tourer. First shown as a concept in 2010, the 1200 Crosstourer adds long-travel suspension, spoked wheels shod with “universal” rubber, an upright riding position, rugged all-rounder styling and hard luggage to the traction control, combined ABS and optional dual-clutch automatic transmission of the proven VFR1200F.
Yes, Cyril, you can now buy an industrial-strength beetle-crusher with an auto box; Steve McQueen would've screwed up one side of his face in disapproval. The Crosstourer will be available in South Africa from February 2012, although we may have to wait a little longer for the dual-clutch 'box.
Then there's the Integra, which completely blurs the line between scooters and motorcycles. It's one of three new Honda models that use the company's all-new, high-torque 670cc parallel-twin engine - in this case with a dual-clutch auto transmission as standard.
The architecture is standard motorcycle stuff, with 17” cast wheels and decent suspension (full-length conventional forks in front and a decent swing-arm with chain final drive at the rear) but the styling is pure maxi-scooter.
Honda SA says this thing is aimed straight at the T-Max, Yamaha's indecently sporty 500cc single-speeder, and to be viable in South Africa it would have to come in at a competitive price (i.e. well under R100 000). We consider that unlikely, and so does Honda SA, but nothing is set in stone yet.
We think the King of Cool might have approved of the next two new models - and their chances of being released in South Africa are better, for much the same reasons. The NC700X and NC700S share the same 670cc parallel-twin engine with the Integra (and will also be available with dual-clutch transmission) but in a very butch tubular-steel chassis.
Their styling is completely different, however; the NC700S is pure street hooligan, with the most attitudinous persona we've seen on a Honda since the Bros; it will compete directly with Kawasaki's unexpectedly successful ER-6n.
The X, on the other hand, is a rather sexy crossover in the mould of the latest Ducati Multistrada (although, of the two, the Honda's styling is the more coherent) and will provide the same combination of predictable road-bike handling in a comfortable off-road-styled package with an upright seating position.
No decisions yet, however, on whether or when they will come to South Africa.
Honda also has two new entries in Europe's burgeoning scooter market, the 110cc Vision and the fuel-injected 110i Wave; Honda SA is looking at them but we don't see how a 110cc spritzer can compete with the flood of disposable Chinese cheapies.
There are also substantial upgrades for two of Honda's flag-wavers: the GL1800 Gold Wing ubertourer gets more aerodynamic styling with more integrated lines, a re-shaped tail light and special rear air vents to reduce the area of negative pressure that forms at the back of the bike, improving stability at speed.
The suspension has been revised for more initial compliance and an even smoother ride, (we were surprised at how stiff the suspension of the 2011 Lead Sled was) and luggage capacity is up “more than 150 litres”.
There's even a new, six-speaker, 80W surround-sound audio system with an iPod jack and a USB socket and, on models with the optional airbag (no, Cyril, I'm not kidding), an upgraded satnav system.
The 2012 Gold Wing is due for SA release in the second quarter of the year.
Finally, Honda's iconic sports flagship, the Fireblade, celebrates its 20th anniversary with a host of refinements and upgrades that make it a far more mature package that the twitchy, fractious little 900cc hellion that turned the sportsbike world on its ear in 1992.
It's also likely to be the last transverse-engined Fireblade, with ever-stronger rumours buzzing around the cybergarage that the next litre-class Honda sportster will be a V4.
The 'Blade's engine is unchanged for 2012, but wheels and running gear (in particular the all-new rear suspension ) have been updated. The styling has been updated, incorporating the layered body panels first seen on VFR sports tourers to improve airflow and lead hot air away from the rider, and the instrument panel gets a couple of new functions.
The 20th anniversary Honda CBR1000RR FireBlade will be available in South Africa from February 2012.