Photo: Honda
Honda revealed the Neowing concept ahead of the Tokyo Motor Show that will take place at the end of the month. It is, of course, very nice to see Honda finally joining the three-wheeled concept party, after we got the 03Gen designs from Yamaha and the even more futuristic Kawasaki J concept.
Three-wheeled machines seem to be the latest fad, and an increasing number of manufacturers are buying into this, with Gilera, Quadro, Piaggio or Yamaha only being the first to take firm steps in this territory.
As its very name says it already, Honda's Neowing aims high and aims at the future. The three-wheeler is powered by a flat opposed-four engine and also comes with dual electric motors, so we are tapping into the hybrid turf.
There is no credible info about the internal combustion power plant now, but we can spot the Gold Wing reminiscence. Assuming that Honda would cut two cylinders from the GL1800's engine to obtain a 1,221cc unit is indeed preposterous when dual electric motors are also on the list.
Such a vehicle would be hard to keep under control especially in the absence of well-trimmed and carefully-engineered riding modes. Plus, this engine would most likely be too heavy a lump for the purpose, with other units possibly serving it better.
Likewise, we'd like to know if Neowing is a self-balancing machine or it needs rider support. We liked three-wheelers and enjoyed testing the Yamaha Tricity, but to others, having the bike doing the balancing work even when halted is a must.
On the other hand, it's rather hard to believe that riders would be so thrilled with this leaning three-wheeler, but we suspect Honda already knows this. However, it will be interesting to see how much from the Neowing concept will be retained in the machine that will make it into production, if it ever will, naturally.
As its very name says it already, Honda's Neowing aims high and aims at the future. The three-wheeler is powered by a flat opposed-four engine and also comes with dual electric motors, so we are tapping into the hybrid turf.
There is no credible info about the internal combustion power plant now, but we can spot the Gold Wing reminiscence. Assuming that Honda would cut two cylinders from the GL1800's engine to obtain a 1,221cc unit is indeed preposterous when dual electric motors are also on the list.
Such a vehicle would be hard to keep under control especially in the absence of well-trimmed and carefully-engineered riding modes. Plus, this engine would most likely be too heavy a lump for the purpose, with other units possibly serving it better.
Honda mentions a different front linkage architecture but keeps things secret
Honda says that the Neowing introduces a new fork linkage architecture that is different from what current three-wheelers are running. However, it looks like we must wait for the Tokyo show to learn more about this.Likewise, we'd like to know if Neowing is a self-balancing machine or it needs rider support. We liked three-wheelers and enjoyed testing the Yamaha Tricity, but to others, having the bike doing the balancing work even when halted is a must.
As for the rest of the design, the Honda Neowing seems to bring happily together elements from the motorcycle world and the wide track of the Can-Am Spyder.
This might draw riders who are no longer that confident in their two-wheeled skills but still want to feel the wind in their face and hear an engine roar. At the same time, would-be rider who are not necessarily into motorcycles could find Neowing a more suitable choice, too.On the other hand, it's rather hard to believe that riders would be so thrilled with this leaning three-wheeler, but we suspect Honda already knows this. However, it will be interesting to see how much from the Neowing concept will be retained in the machine that will make it into production, if it ever will, naturally.
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