Honda NM4-02 goes into production in Japan

Honda Japan has announced that the NM4-02 motorcycle has entered production and will go on sale on June 10, next week. Based on the NM4 Vultus concept that debuted earlier this year, the motorcycle looks straight out of the pages of a manga comic. There are a number of influences visible from the Honda DN-01, Valkyrie, as well as the cult anime hit, Akira.

The Honda NM4-02 also tips its hat at practicality with built-in panniers, which is good because it is intended to be a practical tourer underneath that flashy skin. Not only do the panniers add 7.5 litres of luggage space, but they also reduce the front heavy look of the concept, resulting in a more attractive look overall.

According to Honda, the NM4 was “developed under the keywords of ‘the Neo-futuristic’ and ‘COOL,’ pursuing new, unique styling.” That’s a bit hard to decipher, but it is clear that the NM4 was built to be a New Age-y version of the DN-01, with the same “front massive” styling and cockpit position. Powering the machine is a 745cc, two-cylinder, 55 PS engine with power sent to the fat 200mm rear tyre via a 6-speed, dual-clutch auto transmission. 

The NM4-02 is the highest-spec model in Honda’s ‘New Mid’ range that includes the Integra scooter, NC750S, NC750X, CTX700 and CTX700N as well as the base NM4 Vultus. With its outlandish styling and features that are openly targeted at much more matured markets, it will be a safe bet to say the Honda NM4-02 won’t be coming to our shores anytime soon.