I think it's pretty clear what the motorcycling world is calling out for right now—a $110,000 bagger. Of course, this couldn't be further from the truth and it's a pretty extreme example. But in a time where the cost of living is getting out of hand, we as motorcyclists have one refuge, and it's on two wheels.
Unfortunately, motorcycles haven't been spared from inflated prices, but some manufacturers are still trying to give riders the quality and performance they want in a fairly packaged deal. The manufacturer I tip my hat to today rhymes with "smhonda".
Honda has never been a brand I associated with great value. That's not to say its motorcycles were overly expensive, but it's one of the biggest motorcycle manufacturers in the world, known for reliability, and priced accordingly. But over the past couple of years, without shouting it from the rooftops, Honda has produced some stellar value options, without skimping on the things us riders care about.
The idea that Honda was quietly producing better value bikes than before hit me last summer when I first rode the Transalp XL750, which is just $9,999. That's $1,000 less than Yamaha's Tenere 700 and $3,160 less than a new Suzuki V-Strom 800DE Adventure. But, almost a year since this idea began doing laps around my mind, Honda has come out with even more, arguably better value, motorcycles.
Over in Europe, Honda's CB1000 and CB1000SP have caused more than a stir. This model has caused a whirlpool that's sucking in riders who would potentially go out and but a Yamaha MT-09 SP or Triumph Street Triple 765RS. The reason is simple: the new Hornet SP has significantly more power and costs significantly less, like a few thousand GBP less, than its competitors, while keeping all the special parts from the manufacturers you want.
It's difficult to say what motorcycles are the new CB1000's competitors because its value proposition is so shockingly good. We'll know more once it comes to the US and see an official MSRP.
Finally, there's Honda's recently launched GB350S, which isn't available in the US, yet, but costs £3,949 ($5,091) in the UK. That puts it right up against some Royal Enfield models, and a manufacturer that's positioned as a bang for buck brand.
The only drawback, which is pretty evident, is the fact that most of these models aren't available in the US, yet. The GB350S is unlikely to come to the states, however, it's bigger sibling, the GB500, might. And, once the CB1000SP lands, you best believe Honda will clean up in the upper-middleweight naked class unless the competition does something drastic.
Something tells me there's more to come from Team Red, and hopefully it'll be powered by a V3 with an electric turbocharger.
