Honda has announced the NM4 Vultus motorcycle, a ground-breaking machine inspired by futuristic machines seen in the anime and manga TV and film styles, known collectively as “Japanimation”.
Created by a young design team which remained true to their original concept at every stage through to production, the NM4 Vultus (Latin for appearance, expression, face, though also a carrion-eating large bird, perhaps from Latin vellere, to rip or tear) brings radical style to the streets with function from the future for a new breed of rider.
The NM4, Honda says, represents a machine capable of crossing traditional two-wheeled lines and "reaching out to a wider audience".
'LOW-FRICTION TECHNOLOGY'
"The NM4 Vultus, with its LED lights, future-shock style and stealth bomber silhouette," Honda adds, "presents a look notseen in any cityscape this side of an anime movie…"
Underneath the brooding menace is a rock-solid chassis and engine package, the bikemaker clams. "It's packed with low-friction technology, its 745cc twin-cylinder enginecanted forward to create space and a low centre of gravity."
The engine is said to deliver strong low and mid-range power and torque for smooth acceleration - and excellent fuel economy. It is also equipped with a dual-clutch transmission to give its rider the choice of automatic twist-and-go 'drive' and 'sport' modes as well as "trigger-operated, computer game-style", manual gearchanges.
Honda adds: "The Vultus is intuitive and easy to use, adding to its futuristic appeal, and is the perfect complement to the engine’s gutsy, usable performance."
Created by a young design team which remained true to their original concept at every stage through to production, the NM4 Vultus (Latin for appearance, expression, face, though also a carrion-eating large bird, perhaps from Latin vellere, to rip or tear) brings radical style to the streets with function from the future for a new breed of rider.
The NM4, Honda says, represents a machine capable of crossing traditional two-wheeled lines and "reaching out to a wider audience".
'LOW-FRICTION TECHNOLOGY'
"The NM4 Vultus, with its LED lights, future-shock style and stealth bomber silhouette," Honda adds, "presents a look notseen in any cityscape this side of an anime movie…"
Underneath the brooding menace is a rock-solid chassis and engine package, the bikemaker clams. "It's packed with low-friction technology, its 745cc twin-cylinder enginecanted forward to create space and a low centre of gravity."
The engine is said to deliver strong low and mid-range power and torque for smooth acceleration - and excellent fuel economy. It is also equipped with a dual-clutch transmission to give its rider the choice of automatic twist-and-go 'drive' and 'sport' modes as well as "trigger-operated, computer game-style", manual gearchanges.
Honda adds: "The Vultus is intuitive and easy to use, adding to its futuristic appeal, and is the perfect complement to the engine’s gutsy, usable performance."