VFR not sold in Japan anymore?

If you go to Honda's Japanese site, you'll no longer find the VFR. Probably means they phased out the model for the home market?

However, there's a new model offered, a 680cc bike that looks odd w/ pegs in front like a HD:

http://www.honda.co.jp/motor-lineup/dn-01/photo/index.html

What does this mean for the venerable VFR bikes?

Pat

 

I can't really navigate that site as I don't speak/read/understand Japanese.

But if they did in fact remove the VFR from their site, I wouldn't worry.

Market demands for machines are different in different regions, just because Japan doesn't want 'em doesn't mean Honda won't make them for the US.

 

I've been thinking about this a lot. You can buy 06/07 vfr everywhere. The position for the vfr isn't very good at all.

First not cheap. Second if you want a sports tourer your're up against the FJR and the Connie the VFR is much more sport. So that's a hard spot to be in. STours will kill the VFR in the comfort zone for 2 up.

Now the other problem the VFR isn't sport enough for the sport bike guys. I wouldn't be that surprised if it goes bye bye very soon.

What market is it really selling to but us guys that know how great the bike really is?

Joe

 

That's the DN-01. They've been working on if for a while. It's going on sale in Japan now, and supposedly coming over here early next year.

http://www.webbikeworld.com/Motorcycle-news/honda-dn-01.htm

 

I'm going to Japan next week and had planned to visit a few bike shops in Ueno while I'm there. I'll ask about the VFR.
From what I've seen in Japan, 95% of bikes being used are 400 or smaller.
I'm sure the VFR isn't a big seller in Japan.

 

it looks like a pissed off version of the PC800's little brother







Edit:
what engine is in that thing?

 

found the engine


and it's not a V4

 

According to a recent magazine article I read (can't remember which mag), The VFR still sales real well in Europe because of the HP restrictions over there and the type of riding most Europeans do. The VFR has been kept going and has not advanced as far as HP goes since it fills a market niche over there.

 

it is the engine they use in the Deuville in Europe. This model is only sold in Europe and I would classify it as a mini ST1300... looks lik it, but instead a V4 uses a 680 cc twin engine.

http://www.viamichelin.com/viamichelin/gbr/tpl/mag5/art20060901/htm/route-honda700.htm

 

The VFR is still doing well over here due mainly to it's almost iconic build quality and replutation, I'm not sure how our riding differs over here, apart of course, you lot drive on the wrong side!! (can't work the smileys)
The HP restrictions don't apply here in the UK. I think there's an 80 HP (ish) limit in France but I didn't realsie this was for the whole of Europe. Us UK dwellers are a fickle bunch right on the outside of Europe having not adopted completely the European Union so as such many of our own laws and regulations are unique to us.

 

8th Gen VFR? lol just kidding.

 

is that a gaint scooter... ohh well the vfr is dead at least i got one when they were still alive.............

 

Hey Hey Hey,

I owned a PC 800 and you bet this is the pissed off brother.

It heard how much people made fun of its older brother.

Joe, lol

 

I remember when the PC was new,
I loved them
seem like a great mix of atributes

in fact,
I picked up an 89 for my dad about 2 years ago (hoping to get him riding again)



they say it's a bike for people who don't like bikes
super quiet, no mechanicles showing, and a trunk

this thing looks like a "sporty" version to me

 

I attended the Tokyo motorcycle show last week and they were shwoing off that big scooter thingy. Ugly as a can of smashed arseholes if you ask me. Typical of the scooter culture over there. Probably 19 out of 20 two wheelers are scooters there. I have some custom scooter photos if you'd like to see them.... uke:

I headed down to Ueno while I was there but didnt see any VFR's, nor did I ask though.

Wesley J