Topic: Game changer for Honda and the new rider market?

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

New Honda CB300R with Cornering ABS!  Pretty advanced electronics for $4,649 MSRP.  It could help with the millennial market.

[BomberMann650]

Rider assists are pretty cool. 
But you really get the best from them when the rider has skills to match.  A helper that enables improper technique is not much help long term imo.

[Paintedseat]

I agree. But let's be honest, we are not far away from self driving motorcycles. There will be a time when the mods will be to remove all the sensors so one can drive themselves.

[J-Rod10]

As a Millennial, this will do nothing for the millennial market, IMO. Most of us are on used sport bikes, 600-1,000cc. Bottom end of Millennials are 22 these days. They've had their starter bikes, and are on to bigger, and not necessarily better things.

Personally, I think 99% of these guys, and gals, are idiots. Can't ride, but litre bike!

A 300 is serious fun in the mountains where a straight is few and far between.

Very well could snatch up some of these Tide Pod eatin', condom snortin' Generation Z kids, though.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

As a Millennial, this will do nothing for the millennial market, IMO. Most of us are on used sport bikes, 600-1,000cc. Bottom end of Millennials are 22 these days. They've had their starter bikes, and are on to bigger, and not necessarily better things.

Personally, I think 99% of these guys, and gals, are idiots. Can't ride, but litre bike!

A 300 is serious fun in the mountains where a straight is few and far between.

Very well could snatch up some of these Tide Pod eatin', condom snortin' Generation Z kids, though.

Your generation has the lowest engagement rate in motorcycling -- for various reasons (debt, safety, other interests, etc.).  There is also a lower percentage of female riders.

Not everyone 22 or above is so experienced that they do not need a starter bike.  The stats are the inverse.  Most people of your generation in that lower age spectrum have little to NO riding experience.  I seriously doubt you can say with such certainty that the vast majority of millennials are motorcyclist and have had sufficient seat time as to not need a starter bike.

For someone coming out of college or trade school with debt, a bike like this offers an affordable entry into motorcycling with VERY low maintenance costs.  A $4K bike is an affordable price for a modern, reliable bike with fuel injection and rider aids (TC, ride modes).  This bike has cornering ABS -- a challenge to find in ANY bike smaller than the KTM Duke 790.  It allows you to trail brake into a turn without folding the front.  Not a bad feature to have if you find yourself too hot into a decreasing radius turn.  This bike is $1K cheaper than a Rebel 300 (which does not have ABS, cornering ABS or TC).

Not everyone wants the burden of maintaining a vintage or carbureted bike.  This new bike offers a reliable turn-the-key-and-go alternative.  It has 30 hp, 6-speed motor, is lighter than any stock vintage CB and has better brakes.  All warrantied, too.  Not everyone is a builder or a competent wrench.  If I was going to buy my 16 or 21 year old nephews a new starter bike, I'd get them something like this.

Not everyone wants a 600-1000cc bike.  It's a much better idea to start on a smaller 300-400cc bike that is easier to handle.  Getting seat time on a 300-400 can save you from your dank squid-tendencies.  Also to the extent you want  to go fast, it's much more fun riding a slow bike fast than a fast bike slowly.  For Chrissakes, Ari Henning rides a RC390 as his fun, race bike.  It's a good bike to get around town or drive anywhere where serious highway mileage is not required. 

I can bet you dollars to donuts that there will be a few of these bikes customized and featured on Bikeexif in not much time.

Just my $0.02 from an old guy.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Rider assists are pretty cool. 
But you really get the best from them when the rider has skills to match.  A helper that enables improper technique is not much help long term imo.

Agreed.  Many rider aids (TC, ABS) will likely become standard safety features.  These aids are not bad as long as the rider does not use them as a crutch for bad riding.

70 mpg and 300 lbs wet are both nice features, too.

[J-Rod10]

I don't think the majority of Millenials are riders, or that they don't need starter bikes.

I think those of us that are riders, have a bit of a warped sense when it comes to want vs need.

Couple of the groups I am in on FB are well into the six figures, and roughly 90% millennial. 250-300's are frowned upon. Go big, or go home. Litre bike or bust. Granted, maybe .5% of the people in those couple groups could ride a CBR250 on the rails.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

I don't think the majority of Millenials are riders, or that they don't need starter bikes.

I think those of us that are riders, have a bit of a warped sense when it comes to want vs need.

Couple of the groups I am in on FB are well into the six figures, and roughly 90% millennial. 250-300's are frowned upon. Go big, or go home. Litre bike or bust. Granted, maybe .5% of the people in those couple groups could ride a CBR250 on the rails.

I'm not pointing the finger at you, but that kind of mentality indicates insecurity.  As someone who provides parts and service to others, I am sure you are aware of this.  Many parts of the world require stepped licensing to require new riders to get valuable seat time.  The US values individual freedom and the manufacturers' right to sell a more expensive bike to a newbie over safety.  Most people who have survived riding a motorcycle for a few years will agree that brand new riders should NOT ride a modern super sport (600/750) or a literbike.  You simply don't have the experience to react appropriately a panic situation or you're too busy trying to go fast or do dank wheelies.  For those, the Sausage Creature awaits.

Out here, there is some great vintage racing and track days, including some small bore bikes for those not wanting to spend a ton of money and instead wanting to hone their skills.

FYI -- which do you think is faster?  A 47 hp CB550 weighing in a 437 lbs or a 31 hp CB300R weighing in at 300 lbs?  The CB300R will flick easier and stop much faster, too.

I assume you have been riding much longer than the majority of others in your generation.  My point is that this kind of bike makes the sport more accessible and safer to young newbies.

[J-Rod10]

I don't disagree that there is absolutely a need for them.

There is also a social stigma about them in groups of riders my age. I did the same thing. First street bike I bought, was a CBR954RR. It'd do 150 across the causeway all day long. I couldn't turn it to save my life. I laid that one down at about 65mph. Didn't buy another big bike.

Personally, I think we should have the tiered system a good many other countries have. 5-6 years ago here, a kid strolled in the Honda shop, took out a loan on a new CBR, and didn't make it home. He had never ridden a bike before. Missed a curve about 30mph over the speed limit.

[Yamahawk]

I like small displacement bikes, they will crack 105mph top speed, some 110mph, and the 2 strokes will do 120mph, and out corner the 600-1000cc sport bikes. The curves are a blast on a small displacement bike, and they carry 7mph higher corner speed than the liter bikes... that says a lot. We had a racing series out at Nelson Ledges a couple years back, and the competition was greater in the 250cc class than the 600 or liter class bikes. Matter of fact, those guys used to come watch us race, as there would be 3-4 bikes across coming into the turns, and wow, is that exciting hehe...
The liter bikes might be going 160 down the back straight, but they have to brake hard for the kink, where we keep the throttle pinned and take it at 105mph, and then brake hard for turn 12 and 13. It's a blast.
Anyone who tells you that a modern 600cc bike is a 'starter' bike has their head up somewhere other than reality. With 120hp and a top speed of 165mph, they are race bikes with turn signals and lights. Even the CBR600 Hurricane from the late '80's will crack 140mph with the 90hp they put out... and that CBR954RR was one WICKED fast bike! DEFINITELY NOT A STARTER BIKE lol. But it is still a formidable track bike. Most newer bikes 600cc's and up can't be tapped for their full potential on the street, and most riders can't tap their potential on the track. That's how good they are.
And yes, Ari Henning likes small displacement bikes for a reason... they are much more fun and challenging on the race track than the larger bikes. Buff Harsch and Ari have lap records on their CB350f of 143mph! whoa...
Charlie

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

I don't disagree that there is absolutely a need for them.

There is also a social stigma about them in groups of riders my age. I did the same thing. First street bike I bought, was a CBR954RR. It'd do 150 across the causeway all day long. I couldn't turn it to save my life. I laid that one down at about 65mph. Didn't buy another big bike.

Personally, I think we should have the tiered system a good many other countries have. 5-6 years ago here, a kid strolled in the Honda shop, took out a loan on a new CBR, and didn't make it home. He had never ridden a bike before. Missed a curve about 30mph over the speed limit.

Jerrod,
You've obviously learned more than a thing or two from experience.  Good on you!  It's too bad so many testosterone-jacked-up youngsters have to be all "Quien es mas macho."  I think had more fun riding my GSXR750 over my RC51 because it was lighter and more nimble in the turns.  My FZ09 is even more easier to flick around and makes me smile every time I ride it. 

And as Yamahawk said, a CBR954RR was no joke back in the day or even now.  I will never be as good as the sport bikes I ride -- to take full advantage of their potential.

For myself, I'm kind of "over" liter super bikes. I think my next bike will be something like the Duke 790 or a derivative of it.

I am tempted to buy one of these little 300-ish bikes (maybe slightly used) and offer it up to my nephews or flog the bejeepers out of it in the canyons or at a track day.

[ken65]

In the last few months I've done roughly 3000 kilometres on my little 2T   RD350Lc.
Its so much fun and as a result I'm going to sell my FJ1200 .
Took the fj out today. Big heavy thing .. Have to man handle it when you over cook a turn.
The rd rocks . Such a little thing with about 40hp on a good day.
The  skinny little tyres on it just stick to the road.  This is a 37 year old bike.

[Yamahawk]

In the last few months I've done roughly 3000 kilometres on my little 2T   RD350Lc.
Its so much fun and as a result I'm going to sell my FJ1200 .
Took the fj out today. Big heavy thing .. Have to man handle it when you over cook a turn.
The rd rocks . Such a little thing with about 40hp on a good day.
The  skinny little tyres on it just stick to the road.  This is a 37 year old bike.

Good for you! But, if you want to do some touring, the FJ1200 is a great bike for that! Saw a guy who made a FJ1400 out of his, and updated it with newer suspension parts, quite the sport tourer then!
Charlie

[ken65]

In the last few months I've done roughly 3000 kilometres on my little 2T   RD350Lc.
Its so much fun and as a result I'm going to sell my FJ1200 .
Took the fj out today. Big heavy thing .. Have to man handle it when you over cook a turn.
The rd rocks . Such a little thing with about 40hp on a good day.
The  skinny little tyres on it just stick to the road.  This is a 37 year old bike.

Good for you! But, if you want to do some touring, the FJ1200 is a great bike for that! Saw a guy who made a FJ1400 out of his, and updated it with newer suspension parts, quite the sport tourer then!
Charlie

All good points Charlie. But these days I couldn't be bothered venturing to far from home. I've had a few really close calls with cars in the last couple of years with drivers  who just didn't look or see me and at best if I'd have lived I'd never ride again.  Just to many numb sculls in cars on phones rushing around with no situational  awareness. Sadly these days I just don't enjoy sharing the road with people who dont seem to care till its to late.
They all seem to cry and beg for forgiveness when their fronting court  but hey , they are the ones that lived. Just my two bobs worth.

[ken65]

Forgot to add Charlie. If I get the urge to let my hair down , I'll jump on one of these bad boys . Sorry to hijack.

.

[FuZZie]

Needs a picture 

[calj737]

There is also a social stigma about them in groups of riders my age.

All the evidence necessary that you can’t legislate common sense. Anyone driven by a social stigma isn’t responsible enough to ride a motorcycle, drive a car, own a firearm or vote. Put a liter-sized foot up their arse instead.

[J-Rod10]

There is also a social stigma about them in groups of riders my age.

All the evidence necessary that you can’t legislate common sense. Anyone driven by a social stigma isn’t responsible enough to ride a motorcycle, drive a car, own a firearm or vote. Put a liter-sized foot up their arse instead.

No disagreement there.


I wish they'd bring back the CBR250RR and bikes like that. 250cc inline 4's that revved to 20K.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Personally, I'd love an NC30 -- essentially an RC30 (VFR400) with a 400cc V4.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_VFR400

[J-Rod10]

Personally, I'd love an NC30 -- essentially an RC30 (VFR400) with a 400cc V4.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_VFR400

Someone in VA had one of those for sale a month or so ago. Wanted, I think, $6K for it. It was sweet.

[J-Rod10]

$5,500, and likely worth every penny.

Sent from my VS988 using Tapatalk

[Yamahawk]

Forgot to add Charlie. If I get the urge to let my hair down , I'll jump on one of these bad boys . Sorry to hijack.

.

Ken,
  I like the older R1, its a nice bike! I would go for that myself. Still faster than anyone has a right to ride on the street lol but they were legendary machines.
Charlie

[dave500]

im with the smaller bike ridden hard vs the big bike ridden slow idea,i like twisties man!,ive never been or will be keen on those dumbing down devices like abs/traction control etc,never even liked cruise control in cars!new riders have GOT TO learn how to handle the feel of everything not have a computer do it for them,some may get lulled into a false sense of security with all those gizmos having grown up in the computer age?

[Yamahawk]

im with the smaller bike ridden hard vs the big bike ridden slow idea,i like twisties man!,ive never been or will be keen on those dumbing down devices like abs/traction control etc,never even liked cruise control in cars!new riders have GOT TO learn how to handle the feel of everything not have a computer do it for them,some may get lulled into a false sense of security with all those gizmos having grown up in the computer age?

Is that a Gamma 500 Dave? THAT'S a fast bike lol... but, I am with you. I like the twisties better than straight roads. And really, the smaller bikes are faster in the curves. I love my RD350 2 stroke, it's just Fun,and my 1989 VTR250 Interceptor is a really good handling bike... after I grafted a CBR600F1 front end on it, its Very Good.
As far as all this TC and ABS, it's crap... we all have to figure out how to ride a bike, and learn what its limitations are, and what ours are too. Why rely on an electronic device to give you what you already have in your own senses??
Charlie

[dave500]

yep ya gotta learn how to crash aswell yammaman,like a lotta us in the day I grew up on dirt bikes,toy mini bikes then small cycles then full size motocross or enduro machines,ive spent more time on dirt than paved I think?had a lotta crashes,never got really hurt but we all had some great high speed crashes,its this experience im sure that's given me an edge as a road rider?aswell as the fact ive driven heavy trucks for 40 years that gives me a few hours of expecting the unexpected to happen right in front of you?
dig this ford Fairmont wagon,351 Windsor,went the same towing bikes or not.