In anticipation of the launch of the new vertices VFR1200F Honda spoke of the birth of a “new breed of bike,” meaning that the ‘powertrain’ innovative sport-touring V4 was also the basis for other models, thus achieving what in automotive, which is called “platform”. What
going on in the heads of the Honda designers we can not know but the first and most accepted hypothesis is that in the near future, perhaps as early as 2011, see the light of a new generation of Pan – European, currently the coach is so equipped with a V4 engine, but cross and connecting automotive industry.
convenient, fast and very protective, the current Pan European, virtually unchanged since 2002, year of launch of version ST1300, is credited with 126, 5 hp at 8,000 rpm and peak torque of 125 Nm at 6,000 rpm, thanks to the engine 1261 cc, DOHC 4-valve liquid-cooled, and with 36 mm throttle body injection.
Much loved by bikers from all over the world to the talents of tireless grinder km (the tank is far from 29 liters capacity) is part of the segment populated by Yamaha FJR 1300 , Kawasaki GTR 1400 , BMW K1300 GT, and the twin front, BMW R1200 RT and Moto Guzzi Norge GT 8V .
But What will the new model? Exploiting the ‘platform’ created by VFR1200F will certainly V4 engine but longitudinal, if only for the asymmetry between the two banks – the front is wider than the back – which would lead to clutter too much different between the two sides of the engine if willing transversely. Transmission shaft drive, aluminum chassis, integrated, and handbags, of course, a number of “assists” electronic imperative on motion of this lineage, such as ABS, traction-control and perhaps even electronic suspensions.
In our view, being ready Honda with the dual-clutch gearbox (the DCT, Dual Clutch Transmission, which equips the VFR1200F) Pan European new generation could be even as basic equipment, entirely suitable for a motorcycle for which the additional weight of the device would be more than offset the pleasantness and ease of driving at speeds tourism.
There are still assumptions aesthetic or photomontages of the new Pan European (except a design quite reliable), nor we are unbalanced in creating one that would inevitably be too “fancy”, but l ‘ arrival of coach Honda is granted. All that remains is to await the first ‘rumors’ on models 2011, reserve will be some surprise, not least because of the Wing House with its sixth-generation V4 will not stop some two models, persistent rumors even speak of a new Varadero and even versions of media displacement.
