Go Big or Go Home.... Honda WILL bring out bigger motor...it's in their genes...
Go Big or Go Home.... Honda WILL bring out bigger motor...it's in their genes...
" Truth is often deemed rude, blunt and to the point which is why so few make their friend " Freddy Hayler ..352-267-1553 Sanford, FLA Gutterman6000@Gmail.com
Several have posted about bigger motors but I say, maybe so and maybe not. Bigger motors usually means more weight so if you're into handling performance, that can be a disadvantage. Adding to that, motors these days don't have to be large to make power. After all, I know guys making 500 hp with 2L engines. Frankly, I don't see needing more than 150 hp on a bike the size and weight of our B's and that could be done without increasing the displacement. What's nice about the current engine is the torque. Like some of you, I've had higher hp bikes but wound up shifting a lot. And speaking of shifting...since I started driving a car with DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) and dual clutch with shifting paddles, I'm thinking this would be pretty cool for my dream future bike. Believe me, DSG with dual clutches can change gears faster, smoother, and better than you can manually. All that would be at your fingertips . Cool tech like this comes at a price but, on the bright side, companies seem to be figuring out how to offer these features at increasingly temping prices. Won't it be interesting to see what kind of bikes we'll be riding 10 years from now?
Ken (Hornblower)
Someday soon, the Wing will have an Electric motor, or at least a hybrid.
I think the power-to-weight ratio on the Wing can support it.
It will be a brilliant showcase for Honda Automotive Electric technology.
Re-tired, or Re-tard. Depends on your attitude.
I don't consider this a prediction but rather something to go on a wish list. Honda needs to fix 1st gear. It's too low in my mind. Taking off in 2nd feels better at times and the motor sure has plenty of torque for that. Fix that and adjust the other four gears then maybe people wouldn't want a 6th.
Just something to consider with this...if you ride exclusively in the "flat" country, I could possibly agree with you. In our mountainous areas however, there is no way I personally would want a higher first gear. Having to start off on a steep incline can be tricky, even with the low first. For normal riding, and due to the stock gear ratios, I usually start off in first but short-shift to second. As a result, I'm OK with it as is (YMMV).
Ken (Hornblower)
I hear ya on the 1st gear thing... but the bike needs to be able to handle the extremes like pulling a fully loaded trailer and 400 lbs of people up Lombard St in San Francisco... from a stop.
A better option IMO is to offer the OPTION of a lower final drive ratio for people who know they will never need such high torque multiplication. The existing ratio is about 3:1; they could offer a 2:1 ring and pinion which would do everything that a higher 1st gear and having a 6th gear would do.
You know Ken you are right about the torque. Unless you go through a town or come to a complete stop this thing doesn't have to be shifted much. Down to 25 mph roll on the throttle and it picks it right up. That's why I don't understand guys wanting a 6 speed. Just more shifting. Right now 5th is good from 25 to 125. That's what you call a broad powerband.