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TOYKO – The 44th annual Toyko Motor Show doesn’t open until Oct. 30, but Honda has already revealed some production and concept models that will be on display. Among them is a reverse trike concept dubbed the NEOWING. (Yes, Honda spells it with all caps.)
While the NEOWING appears to be a slightly more compact version of a Cam-Am Spyder, it is decidedly different. It’s a hybrid that “combines a horizontally-opposed 4-cylinder engine and electric motors to generate plentiful torque for powerful acceleration,” Honda says.
Like Piaggio’s MP3 three-wheeler, the NEOWING’s wheels are also capable of leaning, which enables it to offer “the cornering feel and sporty ride equivalent to a large-sized motorcycle while realizing excellent stability in low-speed ranges.”
Another concept model that Honda plans to show is a CB1100 Custom, which has a cafe racer look with bar-end mirrors and checkerboard paintwork. The engine and exhausts are basic black.
There’s also a next-generation CB1100 with a redesigned gas tank, a modified seat and new footrests.
Another concept model from Honda is a battery-powered version of the Super Cub dubbed the EV-Cub.
There’s also the gas-powered Super Cub.
One other concept getting unwrapped in Tokyo by Honda is a model described as a “Light Weight Super Sport,” apparently based on the CBR300.
Agreed. Add turn signals, etc. to a quad and it would be pretty darn close to these reverse trikes, although with the off-road tires I can argue they aren’t as stable at speed as the trikes. Aren’t quads already street legal in some more rural states? There’s no debating that as consumers, we certainly have a lot of interesting choices these days.
You have a point. Some would see it as a shorter wheelbase, single rider version of the Spyder.
But I see it as something fantastically close to a quad / four wheeler. And I don’t know if I can imagine these machines on the street.
I think that if these become legal, they are only “blinkers and a horn” away from the quads and four wheelers that are already here. Also, the large side-by-sides made by Polaris and other companies could be considered viable forms of transport once we’re down this path. Quads are capable of high rates of speed, arguably more stable than scooters as they have four wheels, and can carry things on racks safely. Yet these machines are considered a menace to society. Some may argue these machines are designed for off road use only. That is not completely true as anyone who has seen these on the streets of New Haven and Bridgeport can attest to.
I don’t think the general public or the lawmakers are ready for this machine. But who knows. There have been a lot of new vehicles pushing boundaries and what we accept as the norm. We’ll see what happens.
I don’t see any reason why it wouldn’t immediately be legal. It’s not any different from a Can-Am Spyder.
I think that NEOWING will really open up another can of worms if they try to bring that to the States. Good luck getting that thing passed in CT. Not a chance.