Photo: Honda
Aside from the question of how much market traction a bike like the Honda Bulldog would get, it looks like House Tokyo is close to delivering a new middleweight motorcycle. The Bulldog concept was introduced last year, but no indications as to whether it will become a real model or not were provided then.
However, we got to see a patent rendering of the Bulldog showing a bike that looks ready to hit the market. We cannot help thinking about Honda's recent takes on the utility vehicle design and how it was mixed with a dash of adventure, and the Bulldog concept is entirely coherent with the likes of the City ADV scooter or the incredibly affordable Navi.
The Bulldog is more about function and less about form, with Honda not making a secret that they are envisaging a model whose functionality extends beyond the point where almost any bike would get.
Compact and unassuming, the Bulldog's tank is flanked by plastic covers that serve as panniers, making this model a very interesting option for commuters, too.
Not an adventure wannabe, the Bulldog comes with cast wheels (seemingly 17" units), yet they are shod with knobby tires that can easily take on hard-packed and gravel roads, and even moddy trails. The high front fender is yet another indication that Honda expects the Bulldog to tackle rough terrain, too.
Cue crash bars, headlight protection in the form of a cage whose upper part also serves as a mini luggage rack, and tall handlebars that make steering easy even when the going gets tough.
While Honda is dead-silent as to when and where the Bulldog will arrive, we can guess that the Japanese OEM will want this bike in the western and North-American markets as well.
The initial Bulldog was intended for Honda's domestic market and built on the CB400F platform, so maybe dreaming about seeing a CB500F spin-off in Europe and America is not THAT far-fetched. It would also comply with A2 license limitations in the EU, while still being highway-worthy and plenty of fun for more experienced or returning riders.
Not sure if there's such a thing as a "farming bike," but the Honda Bulldog might definitely be one of the machines in the niche. If the price is right, the Honda Bulldog could be a very nice do-it-all bike for both tarmac and mud, and for almost everyone.
The Bulldog is more about function and less about form, with Honda not making a secret that they are envisaging a model whose functionality extends beyond the point where almost any bike would get.
Compact and unassuming, the Bulldog's tank is flanked by plastic covers that serve as panniers, making this model a very interesting option for commuters, too.
Not an adventure wannabe, the Bulldog comes with cast wheels (seemingly 17" units), yet they are shod with knobby tires that can easily take on hard-packed and gravel roads, and even moddy trails. The high front fender is yet another indication that Honda expects the Bulldog to tackle rough terrain, too.
Cue crash bars, headlight protection in the form of a cage whose upper part also serves as a mini luggage rack, and tall handlebars that make steering easy even when the going gets tough.
While Honda is dead-silent as to when and where the Bulldog will arrive, we can guess that the Japanese OEM will want this bike in the western and North-American markets as well.
The initial Bulldog was intended for Honda's domestic market and built on the CB400F platform, so maybe dreaming about seeing a CB500F spin-off in Europe and America is not THAT far-fetched. It would also comply with A2 license limitations in the EU, while still being highway-worthy and plenty of fun for more experienced or returning riders.
Not sure if there's such a thing as a "farming bike," but the Honda Bulldog might definitely be one of the machines in the niche. If the price is right, the Honda Bulldog could be a very nice do-it-all bike for both tarmac and mud, and for almost everyone.
Google News