Low speeds is exactly where I had the most difficulty on my VFR1200F DCT. I'm also concerned about how well Honda can make it work on a dirt bike---one that's expected to crawl frequently through slow, difficult terrain.Having a clutch to control power and wheel slip is pretty critical to offroad riding... Having said that, I've never ridden anything with a DCT, so I won't knock it!
+1Low speeds is exactly where I had the most difficulty on my VFR1200F DCT. I'm also concerned about how well Honda can make it work on a dirt bike---one that's expected to crawl frequently through slow, difficult terrain.
Just what I thought when I first saw it. It is obviously geared more to compete with the big KTM than BMW and Yamaha. They can keep it. I want a true adventure bike, not just a big CC dirt bike. Do a 1000-1200cc, shaft drive adventure bike with optional side cases and top box to compete with what is selling great for the other brands.Why can't they put a shaft drive in it??????
Weight, power consumption, cost, easier to self recover if it fails in a remote environment, and most serious off roaders want to be able to tweak drive ratios by swapping out sprockets. How many reasons do you need?Why can't they put a shaft drive in it??????
It does seem that Honda is missing the mark by putting a chain on a 1000 cc bike but Suzuki is doing the same with the VStrom 1000. I would guess the Honda will be much better off-road than the VStrom and will still be touring capable. I doubt it will hang with the KTMs off-road but it should be more reliable than the orange bikes. My guess it there will be something missing from this bike or some odd combination of parts that will leave you scratching your head. My other guesses are it will be heavy with crappy suspension......typical Honda.Bear with me while I think this through. Most current dual sport bikes fall into two categories (except the KTM), big engine and shaft drive or medium size engine and chain drive. It seems that 800 cc is the dividing line between the chain and shaft drive models, with the KTM being the exception to the general rule. Suzuki, BMW, Triumph, KTM, and Yamaha already market bikes in one of these two categories in the US. Honda has what appears to be two models which fit these two general categories of dual sport or adventure bikes yet refuses to bring either to the US. Instead, they design a new dual sport bike which is a hybrid between the big bore, shaft drive and medium size, chain drive bike.
It looks like Honda has yet again designed a bike to answer a question no one asked. At close to 500 lbs. it's very close to the BMW 1200GS which already is too heavy to be a real dirt bike and the chain drive makes it a deal breaker for anyone looking for a little lighter shaft drive bike. How can this be a big seller? It's almost like Honda brings weird bikes to the US that don't sell well on purpose. At least its not as quirky as some of the other recent Hondas.
I suspect you are right about a quirk. It's almost like they do it on purpose.It does seem that Honda is missing the mark by putting a chain on a 1000 cc bike but Suzuki is doing the same with the VStrom 1000. I would guess the Honda will be much better off-road than the VStrom and will still be touring capable. I doubt it will hang with the KTMs off-road but it should be more reliable than the orange bikes. My guess it there will be something missing from this bike or some odd combination of parts that will leave you scratching your head. My other guesses are it will be heavy with crappy suspension......typical Honda.
Ultimately, I don't really care as I'm not in the market for a new bike right now. Just watching on the side lines and throwing in my two cents on occasion.
Mike
I dunno, this new AT is looking very temptingHmm - I think I'll keep my present Honda adventure bike. 998cc v-twin, dual high exhaust, and an efficient chain drive. Very fun... Varadero.