2009 Models are up on the Honda web site! This of course tells us what will be continuing unchanged for 2009 (everything I think?), but nothing about other possible models.

I rode a Honda prototype a couple months ago that embraced a new concept, and I hope it will make it into the lineup. But...with the ecomomy being slow, R&D and retooling for new models will probably not be as big a priority as selling off the stock already on hand. (Have you noticed how slow the forum has been? Obviously folks have other things on their minds....)

One scary thing is that the 450R/450ER are both listed. I was hoping to see the ER "economy" continued as is, but the R (kickstart) get fuel injection, a wider stance, and perhaps the new motor introduced last year in the CRF450R dirt bike (ala what Yamaha did with the YFZ last year).

 

I saw that power steering is optional on the GScape Rubicon, why not the Rubicon without the gps??

You got to wonder about thiose folks some times.

 

I agree. If I'm why would you want a GPS unit that you can't take with you into the woods after you park your Quad? Having one restricted to your gauges is a waste. My GPS mounts great on the handle bars and can go where ever I do. On a snowmobile, car or to my tree stand.

 

I would think Honda must have some kind of "quota" with Garmin and they need to sell them some how so they make it mandatory with what they think will be a high demand option.

If that's what it takes to get PS on a Rubicon I guess one day I might end up with an ATV with a built in GPS. (insert rolling eyes)

 

Look at it this way. You will pay for power steering and get the GPS free. GPS would be handy when all your doing is trail riding.

 

I want to see some real dual-sport motorcycles! The 650L is ancient and kind of a pig, and the CRF230L is a basic entry leverl machine. There should be dirt worthy dual-sport versions of the 450 and 250X, to fill in between.

 

We all know that Honda is MORE than capable of dominating in every class there is. Why they don't I will never understand.

They get one step away and stop, go figure.

 

For an eternity, absolutely NOBODY stepped up to the plate with any truely dirt worthy dual-sports (so no need to single out Honda)!

Then gas prices went through the roof and the market took off, so they finally had some motivation. A couple years ago the Europeans KTM and Huskie, came up with street legal bikes that are nothing more than their already excellent off-road models, fitted with lights and mirrors and a slightly corked up exhaust....and they meet all the government standards for emissions. I was out riding last weekend, and the woods were full of these. They are making a killing, and these are very expensive bikes!!!

All I know is that I am unlikely to buy anything in the future that cannot be licensed street legal, so that means dirt bikes!

 

I am an idiot! Honda begins putting the unchanged next year models up on the web site early, and that is what I was looking for. Thing is, it was the 2010 models, not the 2009. Don't know what I was thinking. I have to get more sleep!!!

So, the good news is that there is some hope for some changes next year.....

 

It has always seemed that Honda sees what sells and follows suit with a great product.
It is usually a improvement on something that is already selling.