Honda's new V4 spied!

Honda showcased the prototype version of its new V4-powered 1200cc sports tourer at the 6th International Motorcycle and Scooter Fair held in Cologne (Intermot Show) last year in October. The V4 concept bike with its hubless wheels and ultra-futuristic looks predominately intrigued the global media about this new model as it was a big moment for Honda who celebrated 30 years of V4 engines in 2008. Speaking to the media at the 2008 EICMA show held in November in Milan, Shigeru Takagi, President and MD of Honda Motor Europe Ltd, commented, "I am happy to be able to confirm that there is a link with the V4 Concept to more than one model in our future model lineup. The first production machine related to the V4 Concept Bike will be delivered in the first half of 2010. And there be more to come."

Ever since then Honda has given out step by step updates about the development of its V4 project and finally last week, first prototype of the production ready model was caught testing in the Swiss Alps. Our sources confirmed that the new bike carries the same design philosophy as seen on the prototype displayed at the Intermot show. The most ground-breaking addition on the new V4 is the integration of Honda's latest technological innovation - the Dual Clutch Transmission system. The headlight styling is quite identical to the concept model albeit with a more production-friendly design. The concept bike's aerodynamic styling is carried forward on this new big-bike from Honda that is very likely to replace Honda's warhorse, the Super Blackbird as well as it will also form the base for the next generation VFR.