That's an excellent article from Ash, Graham. I found the first-ever collaboration with the Honda automobile division to be fascinating. From the article:

"What can’t be understated is the originality and importance of this new approach to engine design. Assuming this bike is a success (and I am...) then it will prove to be as important a milestone in motorcycle history as the bike which was launched to the press at the same event, no less than the Fireblade. The NC700X really does represent as important a change in direction as did the first ’Blade, finally giving a large number of riders a bike that suits their real world needs rather than conforming to the fantasy performance template forged by sports-oriented bike journalists."

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"Adidas has officially unveiled the Adidas Bystander, the first shoe designed for running away from a mass public shooting."

This could set the stage for the long-awaited Harley-Davidson/John Deere collaboration.

Sounds like this could be an excellent commuter bike. Sounds like the power delivery would be akin the the aforementioned HD but less unsmooth.

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Sent from my Hewlett-Packard 75C, using the Flying Merkel motorcycle app.

Stromin'Nroman NC28729, USA

DL650A K7 (Greywolf Moto Lab's R&D test mule) June 1, 2012 - present
DL650A K7 April 23, 2007 - January 6, 2012, RIP

"Look here brother, who you jivin' with that cosmik debris?" Frank Zappa, 1975

It's very hush-hush, but I am currently beta-testing a new Harley Davidson outboard motor!

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"Adidas has officially unveiled the Adidas Bystander, the first shoe designed for running away from a mass public shooting."

Hope it comes with a paddle.................

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Current Rides: 2008 Yeller Wee + 2000 ZRX1100
2013 May Rally: http://2013easterngathering.weebly.com
I'm so ugly I stuck my head out the window and got arrested for mooning.
Apparel Security Cables... http://www.stromtrooper.com/group-bu...m-apparel.html

Harley Davidson Powered F-15 Mini Speed Boat

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'08 Vee: Suzy luggage, Crash bars, Rad Guard & front mudguard extension, Zumo 550, Oxford Hot grips, Stebel, PC-8, 12v acc, Scott oiler & lube-tube, Remus Revolution Cans, Bark Busters, Phillips Extreme vision +100 bulbs.

'08 Concours 14: Rad guard, Stebel, Oxford Hot grips, Projekt D Screen, Hugger, GPS mount, helmet locks & front guard extension, Zumo 550, Stebel, Phil's rack & Givi V46, Sheepskin seat cover, Phillips Extreme vision +100 bulbs.

My Website
My Blog

That's not too outlandish.

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Sent from my Hewlett-Packard 75C, using the Flying Merkel motorcycle app.

Stromin'Nroman NC28729, USA

DL650A K7 (Greywolf Moto Lab's R&D test mule) June 1, 2012 - present
DL650A K7 April 23, 2007 - January 6, 2012, RIP

"Look here brother, who you jivin' with that cosmik debris?" Frank Zappa, 1975

I saw one of those for sale on Beach Street in Daytona a couple Bike Weeks ago. It was beat to crap; the gelcoat was cracked, rust everywhere, etc. It's a tiny little thing; hard to imagine running it anywhere but a small lake. Given the HD's abysmal power output, combined with the power loss through the outdrive, I suppose anything bigger wouldn't plane out with 2 people on board.

For the $30,000 they want for this POS, you could buy a real boat...one that could take you to the Bahamas or further.

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"Adidas has officially unveiled the Adidas Bystander, the first shoe designed for running away from a mass public shooting."

I ain't in the market. It certainly wouldn't work as a fishing mount here...

Your US$30,000 would get a real good ally boat here with a proper merc on the back.

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'08 Vee: Suzy luggage, Crash bars, Rad Guard & front mudguard extension, Zumo 550, Oxford Hot grips, Stebel, PC-8, 12v acc, Scott oiler & lube-tube, Remus Revolution Cans, Bark Busters, Phillips Extreme vision +100 bulbs.

'08 Concours 14: Rad guard, Stebel, Oxford Hot grips, Projekt D Screen, Hugger, GPS mount, helmet locks & front guard extension, Zumo 550, Stebel, Phil's rack & Givi V46, Sheepskin seat cover, Phillips Extreme vision +100 bulbs.

My Website
My Blog

You know, I'm actually quite excited for this bike. Sure, I'll probably never be able to ride it since I'm a mite bigger than the guy they designed it for, but I'll surely recommend it as a beginner bike to anyone (pending reviews). Honestly- ~50 hp out of a bike is fine. More than fine. I survived perfectly on my old Shadow 600, with it's asthmatic little motor cranking out 38 hp, lugging my fat self and a pillion anywhere we wanted to go (including up and down the steepest streets in San Francisco). 13 seconds on the quarter mile is fine- you'll out-accelerate almost anything on the streets (my Shadow probably could manage a 17 second on the 1/8th...)

We as a community tend to make such a racket about power and how important it is, when in reality, the best selling bike in America makes 28 hp and will do 75 mph easily.

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"I'm not advocating bike abuse... but I'm way into it."
-Stratocastinator

"Definitely do not sit on a DL1000. Big mistake. You'll end up buying one. Happened to me. True story."
-busarider54

"Purchasing a V-Strom from a Harley dealer does have poetic justice. Almost like removing a talented child from a meth house."
-ShortOnSkill

Interesting bike. I'd like the power characteristics. Probably identical to most British twins, though the new Bonnie makes a few more hp. I rode a thumper before getting my Wee. 25 hp but I loved the way it got off the line, accelerated without downshifting & never felt like it was working hard. Now & then I wind out the Wee but most of my riding is under 6K rpm. Speaking of torque, my old Ford F100 had a straight 6 & only made 120 hp but was the torquiest vehicle I ever owned so it was a pleasure to drive.

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Blue '07 DL650