I think I could speak for most people. If Honda would release a liquid cooled 650EX with electric start/reverse, I don't think there would be any shortcoming of people to line up to buy it, period.

Honda's problem is the people buying the 650 would be mostly the same people buying the 450R. Speaking for myself, I would have both.

The 450R is a good all-around trail, track and dune machine where the 650 could be a good trail and dune machine with more emphasis on all day riding comfort. I spent Memorial Day weekend at Silver Lake Sand Dunes and I can tell you the 450R is very potent, fun and very tiresome. A better handling/nimbler version of the DS650 is what is needed in this environment. Gobs of torque not HP thrusting you through the sand.

But alas, it could represent too much liability for them to make the leap so I'll enjoy what they have given us...a great 4 stroke machine with kickstart.

 

Dirt wheels keeps hinting of its existence, so I think we could see pics of it this fall, and see it in person next spring at the honda dealer show. So what if it takes sales away from the 450r, honda would get the money anyway, and make new sales to riders like me, who would rather ride a ds650 or raptor than a cramped and little 450r or yfz. It's simple, the people who want to race mx will buy the 450r, the people who want comfort and speed will buy a 650ex. The real question is when will suzuki release the z650.......And dont think for a moment there isn't a couple of those running around at suzuki HQ in japan.

 

uhh...err...ok.

 

Honda has a habit of taking thier time. They never responded to the banshee or lt500R. They did come out with the 400ex before the rest had a similar bike, but it took them 5 years to make another and it was months behind the yfz. The rincon was late to the big bore ute party and despite problems and machines that are much larger and more capable its still the top of the heap. Heck the foreman and rubicon lines took forever for a decent upgrade.

In other words, its just like honda not to have a machine like this or take its sweet time making one. I wouldnt be suprised if we never see one on a dealership floor.

 

What would the 650ex compete against? Raptor and ds650. And how long have they been in production? 5-6 years. You are wright, it does take honda 5 years to do something. AS for why no honda "banshee" or 500r, they only made the great 250r for a few years. Honda simply didn't think 2 strokes had a future.