[Flash Report] Honda's New CB1000GT Debuts in Japan for the First Time! Does this mean that it will soon be released in Japan?

Honda's new sports tourer CB1000GT, a derivative of the CB1000 Hornet, has already been unveiled in Japan, and although the new model made its world premiere at the EICMA (Milan Show) held in early November, it will not be long before we can ride it in Japan!

It is like a Porsche Macan on two wheels!

The CB1000GT (GT) was unveiled at Honda's media event "Editor-in-Chief Meeting" held on November 26. Mr. Sousuke Miki, the head of development, and Mr. Masahiro Yoshida, the acting head of development, came to the event and showed the actual car as a surprise, and also made a presentation. Here is a summary of their presentation. The development concept of the GT is a "High Performance Tourer" that can go faster and farther in comfort, and while keeping in mind the deep pockets of the CB and the tough driving environment of Europe, it also offers the handling pleasure of a sports naked, the comfort and loadability of a tourer, and the sensual feel and outstanding dynamic performance of a 1000cc parallel 4-cylinder sports engine. The CB1000 Hornet is based on the CB1000 Hornet. Based on the CB1000 Hornet, it offers a high level of performance in a wide range of situations, based on the high-spec engine and comfortable driving performance derived from supersports. In addition, it is equipped with an electronically controlled suspension, applying ergonomics that take both rider and passenger into consideration, as well as a full range of touring comfort equipment.A vehicle that can expand the experience and pleasure of riding by allowing the rider to taste distant scenery and air, while retaining the sense of fulfillment of unlocking the performance ofa large high-speed sport vehicle... Mr. Miki, the development manager, compares the GT to "a sports SUV like the Porsche Macan GT if it were a four-wheeler. As direct competitors, he envisions the Yamaha Tracer 9GT and Suzuki GSX-S1000GX.

Improved high-speed stability while maintaining a sense of lightness

Let's start with the chassis. The weight distribution and riding position have been optimized in pursuit of a stable tourer with handling as nimble as a sport naked.
The

frame is a steel diamond frame based on the Hornet, with steel's unique comfortable and tenacious characteristics that provide a sense of security over a wide speed range. The seat rails have been revised in every detail, including the extension of the upper pipe and the addition of a cross pipe, to optimize rigidity while minimizing weight gain and improving front and rear seat comfort. The addition of exclusive die-cast aluminum rear grips has also significantly increased passenger comfort. The wheelbase was minimized to 1465 mm (+10 mm from the Hornet), and the caster angle was maintained at 25 degrees, the same as the Hornet, while the amount of trail was changed from 98 mm to 106 mm (+8 mm). The swing arm length is also increased by 16mm to 635mm compared to the Hornet, improving high-speed stability when loaded while maintaining lightness. Despite the addition of cowling and other equipment, the vehicle weight is 229 kg, only 18 kg more than the Hornet (STD). A center stand is standard equipment. The upright upright position provides an open view height, and the highly flexible ride position makes it easy to maneuver the vehicle. The seat height is 825mm, 16mm higher than the Hornet's, but the seat cushion is 15mm thicker on the main rider's side and approximately 40mm thicker on the passenger's side compared to the Hornet, for improved comfort on long trips. 21 liter fuel tank ensures a range of over 340km. The 21-liter dedicated fuel tank ensures a range of more than 340 km.

Electric suspension delivers wide-range fun

The engine is based on the Hornet, but the FI settings and throttle-by-wire program have been revised, especially to make the throttle opening smoother to reduce fatigue during long-distance driving. Output/torque is 152ps/11000rpm and 10.6kg-m/9000rpm for the Hornet (STD), while 150ps/11000rpm and 10.4kg-m/8750rpm for the GT (published values for overseas specifications). To cope with a variety of driving and loading conditions, the suspension is equipped with Astemo (Showa)'s EERA electronically controlled suspension as standard equipment, which adjusts the damping force of the front and rear suspension as necessary based on body information from the 6-axis IMU, contributing to a fun and comfortable ride in a wide range of situations. Five riding modes are available for integrated control of engine and suspension settings: standard, sport, rain, tour, and user. The most notable is the Tour mode, which changes damping force in conjunction with vehicle speed more significantly than the other modes in order to provide soft and easy handling at low speeds and a sense of stability at high speeds even when fully loaded with luggage. Other electrical features include cruise control, quick shifter, smart key, and auto-cancel turn signals.

Design that combines sportiness and functionality

In terms of design, the CB1000GT features sporty styling with a pointed tip like a horn to express a dynamic forward thrust. Although the front area has a voluminous appearance, attention has been paid to air management by using an inner tunnel structure to relieve pressure around the front. In terms of aerodynamics, CFD analysis was used to derive the optimal pitching, roll, and yaw moments under various driving conditions, as well as to evaluate the rider protection capability in actual driving conditions. The result is a sharply designed frontal area that offers both high protection performance and neutral handling. The variable screen can be operated with one hand and has five selectable positions (81 mm adjustment range). A high screen is also available as an option. In addition, pre-consumer recycled materials are used for the seat bottom plate, and Durabio, a plant-derived engineering plastic, is used for the windscreen. The windscreen is made of Durabio, a plant-derived engineering plastic, which is also recyclable.

While the GT shares the same engine and frame with the Hornet and CB1000F, it achieves "faster, farther, and more comfortable" at a high level through dedicated control and equipment, and the development team is confident that it can provide GT-specific value, not just a dress-up Hornet model. The development team is confident that it can provide the unique value of the GT, and not just a dress-up Hornet model. Test drives have already been held in Europe, and the model is receiving high acclaim. As for when it will go on sale in Japan, no decision has been made as of yet. That said, the vehicle photographed is a planned Japanese-spec production model with a Japanese caution mark, so we can expect an official announcement in the near future. Based on the two vehicles mentioned as competitors (Tracer 9GT = 1,595,000 yen / GSX-S1000GX = 2,057,000 yen), we expect the price to be around 1,800,000-1,900,000 yen, considering the equipment.

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