Photo: Honda
It looks like we might get to see a new maxi-scooter from Honda, in case the platform extension principle used for the NC750 family is maintained. Honda is already offering multiple bikes based on the same platform, and after the NC750S and NC750X, the smashing Integra maxi scooter was revealed, and the pattern is not hard to figure out.
For the half-liter platform, Honda already has three bikes: the CB500F, CBR500R and the CB500X middleweight crossover, and using the same parallel twin engine inside a new maxi scooter would not be too much of a surprise for everyone. While we’re still in the rumor zone, Honda is offering plenty of indications for such a possible move, especially since it looks like the habit of building more bikes on the same platform will affect even the ST1300 Pan European, possibly already a phased out machine. Read this autoevolution story for more on the new CTX1300-based motorcycle rumored to replace the Pan European.
However, in case Honda does indeed plan to surface a CB500-based maxi scooter, it will be interesting to see which design solution will be adopted. The Integra had to be a “step over” machine because of the dimensions of the engine and the fuel tank. In case Honda plans to retain this design, things are in a way easier, with minor modifications to the original frame.
But if a “step through” design is envisaged, engine and tank relocation are needed, and a completely different chassis will have to be made, with so much more work involved than fitting new wheels and retuning the suspension, redesigning the seat another outer structure elements.
Still, Honda seems to be on a slightly radical trend, if we take a quite look at the CTX1300 and the bold all-new NM4 Vultus, an equally bold scooter design would only appear as natural. Anyway, in case Honda is really planning such a move for the EICMA 2014, we’ll surely find out months before the Milan show.
However, in case Honda does indeed plan to surface a CB500-based maxi scooter, it will be interesting to see which design solution will be adopted. The Integra had to be a “step over” machine because of the dimensions of the engine and the fuel tank. In case Honda plans to retain this design, things are in a way easier, with minor modifications to the original frame.
But if a “step through” design is envisaged, engine and tank relocation are needed, and a completely different chassis will have to be made, with so much more work involved than fitting new wheels and retuning the suspension, redesigning the seat another outer structure elements.
Still, Honda seems to be on a slightly radical trend, if we take a quite look at the CTX1300 and the bold all-new NM4 Vultus, an equally bold scooter design would only appear as natural. Anyway, in case Honda is really planning such a move for the EICMA 2014, we’ll surely find out months before the Milan show.
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