Quote Originally Posted by Walcrow View Post
According to this article, wheelbase is now 1/5 inch longer and overall length is 5.2 inches shorter.
My guess is that the new front suspension has something to do with the shorter overall length. The rake of forks requires a significant gap between the front wheel and the engine/frame to keep the tire from hitting when the forks are compressed. Since wheel travel is closer to vertical with the new automotive type suspension, less space is needed behind the tire. This allowed Honda to move the rider, passenger and everything else forward, decreasing rear overhang and improving handling as well.