What's with Honda's Sport Touring Lineup?

Got my first chance this weekend to see the NT700V and I have to say, I was SUPREMELY unimpressed, if not totally disappointed. For one, it seems to be a replacement for the 800 sized sport tourers (is there a 2012 VFR800??? Honda's website does not list one, but google lists plenty of sources) and it is WAAAAYYYY more touring looking than sport. It's also TERRIBLY ugly; The headlight looks like it came off a 10 year old CBR, the windshield might as well be on a goldwing (although I LOVE the amount of height adjustability), the bags are permanent (non-removable on the fly) and the tail section is the worst looking thing I have seen since the PC800, which this might as well be the new version of. The exhaust even looks like it came off of a Harley! I would have called it the 2012 PC700B (B for Boring). Looks like they slapped parts from all their other bikes onto a smaller chassis and said, "Hey! A new bike!"

I have no idea what they were thinking about but besides for the seemingly much more offroad worthy NC700x, they have no dual sport bikes that aren't dirtbikes. Where is their answer to the very well selling for many years V-Strom? I was thinking the NT700V was going to be it, but it looks so soft, marshmallows may dent it...

Just my POV, but here's the website for proof:
2011 NT700V ABS Overview - Honda Powersports

It's one saving grace is its price, but even where it is, I would have to be blind and dumb to buy one and if that's the case, I might as well get a CanAm spyder...

 

Before I even started reading the info on the link you posted, I looked at the pics and immediately thought a small version of the ST.

I don't find the bike striking, but I think its kinda cool. It definitely looks to be a touring bike, but I like Goldwings, too. I like the way the blinkers are integrated into the fairing - looks slick. The exhaust? Ahh, jury is still out on that one for me

Having permanent bags is not necessarily a bad thing. I'm sure there's plenty of useful times for it.

That's my first impression.

 

All I can say is that I know a few owners (of the NT), and they all love the bike - but it isn't their only bike. I personally don't love it, partially because a 450 lb bike with 45hp and no dirt cred just doesn't seem right.

 

I know 1 person who owns one, and she loves it. It's her 1st ride, and she just loves the bike and Honda in general thanks to my geekyness.

 

why would you need a small version of the ST, though? And that small? Why didn't they go with something like a 900, especially if it isn't the same engine as the NC700x (10cc different). Or smaller, like a 500 if it is supposed to be a commuter/tourer. It just doesn't make sense. Why would you pick the NT over the ST unless you couldn't handle the size or the price...seems senseless...there are just better gaps to fill in their line-up (how about a 1200 adventure?)

Permanent bags are great for big bikes that are already huge but having those big plastic parts on your bike all the time are A) bad for gas mileage (for two reasons...weight and wind resistance) and just look terrible for around town usage. That bike would be way better with removable bags, a better, cleaner exhaust and a 900 engine, but then it would basically just be a VFR with a bigger engine, which is what the 1200 is.

Instead of the NT700, they should have made the NC1200x as a compliment to the VFR 1200, not one to the ST1300, which is just a bigger, more lazy VFR...

 

@ FootHillRyder...absolutely...I had no idea it only had 45 hp...that makes me like it even less...

@pjvtec...I think you said it all when you mentioned that it's a girl's first bike. That's about where it should be...

 

I didn't know it only had 45hp, which is definitely weak. A glorified scooter.

But I still think its a neat little bike. Is it for me? No. But I still like it. Then again, a CBR1000 isn't for me either, because I don't think I need 178hp. At least not at the moment since its raining out...