Honda shocks with new NM4 Vultus

Don’t be fooled by the futuristic styling and concept bike looks, this is a full production bike from Honda called the NM4 Vultus which has just been officially announced.

The looks are going to be something of an opinion divider for sure and it remains unclear why Honda has done something as oddball as this when the Honda DN-01 was such a resounding failure when it was launched a few years back.

MCN has known of the plans for something called “NM4” for many months but initially this bike was going to be called Blackcrow; that has now been changed to Vultus and it has appeared in the form of this 745cc parallel-twin, twin clutch scooter/motorcycle hybrid that is said to combine Japanese manga styling with existing Honda underpinnings.

The engine and twin Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) are lifted straight from the recently updated NC750 range and give options between fully automatic or a manual mode. It has 43mm front forks, single rear shock with an 18in front wheel and 17in rear which has a fat 200 section rear tyre.

There are some new ideas on the NM4 Vultus; different colours are available on the dash with four options. The bike also has full LED headlights and will be on sale soon.

Honda’s press release states: “The young social media-engaged urbanite lives a digital existence in a fast moving world. And they’re totally engaged by the new. Without question, the NM4 Vultus is just that. It is avant-garde in both the way it looks but also, and perhaps more importantly, in the detail work that has gone into creating a unique riding experience. The reactive dashboard – with colours that change depending on driving mode – and flip-up pillion seat that acts as rider backrest are just two examples.

“Vultus is Latin for appearance, expression – or face. The NM4 Vultus, with its LED lights, future-shock style and stealth bomber silhouette presents a look that will not have been seen in any cityscape this side of an anime movie…”