More V-4 Goodness?

XLV1200: New Honda V-4 Adventure Bike

Honda seems to have more in mind from its new V-4 V-Tec engine than just a new version of the VFR/Interceptor, or ST1300 replacement.  Word from BMW Motorrad is that Honda is also working on a new motorcycle, using that engine to power an adventure bike aimed squarely as a competitor to the R1200GS.

The current model name for the bike is the XLV1200.  Like the GS, it will be a shaft-drive bike, capable of both on- and off-road operation, with a lot of suspension travel.

Honda is apparently still looking at fuel capacity, trying to ensure that they can put a fairly large fuel supply onboard to increase the range.

The new Honda engine is capable of 200 horsepower, so it should be capable of eating up miles like nobody’s business, whether the road is paved or unpaved.  One presumes that Honda will tune this bike more towards torque than speed, however.

The target date for this bike is said to be for the 2011 model year.