Background. Last Fall, Southern California based Honda Research & Development Americas asked 3 of its young designers to build custom motorcycles based on the 2010 Honda VT1300 series (all models are less than $11,000 and use the excellent 52-degree 1312cc liquid-cooled V-Twin engine with overhead cam, two spark plugs per cylinder and three valves per cylinder) Briefing included a time frame of only 3 months and just 2 requirements. Bikes had to be full on runners and stay true to the Honda core direction of the vehicle. A different style for each designer: Bagger, Chopper and Pro Drag or Pro Street. You are looking at the work of 33-year old designer Eric Dunshee, a gorgeous bagger whose lines are not only superb but redefine the concept of low long distance riding.
And when you will know, contrary to what you may think, that frame, swingarm, VT 1300cc engine and gas tank are kept stock, you will agree with me. that this conversion is quite amazing. In addition to a flawless looking simple but very sophisticated body work, very low stance is provided via a radical air ride adjustable front and rear suspension with maximum 6″ ride height and minimum 2.25″ when lowered. Tricky Air & Billet provided the new prototype front air-suspension with new 5 degree trees and hidden air lines. Other main features include a 23” custom designed front wheel, a custom crossover exhaust system, composite coated narrow track front rotor with 6-piston caliper, black controls by Accutronix, navigation/multi media head unit with GPS speed display, a 500-watt sound system with 2 speakers and a 10″ subwoofer. Paint is 2-tone satin/metallic black & pearl.
Eric Dunshee has a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Design from Savannah College of Art & Design, has worked for Electrolux of Sweden /(Bombardier Recreational Products (Can-Am/Sea-Doo/Ski-Doo/Rotax) before joining Honda Americas 2 years ago. A fabulous custom job for his first Honda project and I can’t wait to see what he is going to come up with next time his employer gives him only 3 months to make the Honda badge as or more attractive than the Harley logo on a CVO model. I will feature the Honda Chopper and Pro-street during the next couple of weeks. Honda Motorcycles (pictures copyright and courtesy Honda R&D Americas, Inc. for Cyril Huze)
Wow!
Wow!! Very nice, the lines flow perfectly. Nice job!!
LOOKS FAMILIAR
very very nice and is not a harley thanks
What do you say about such nice flowing lines and design. At first blush it may look
like a Ness bike but the detail of lines flowing from frame to tank to fairing say otherwise.
The fairing. Manufacturers should wake up and offer something like this, which is more
than an empty shell. Give riders a design which benefits the rider with coverage of the
grips, benefits the bike by looking as if it was meant to be their and finally give us what
this does which is use of the otherwise empty space.
So manufacturers, can you get out of the old and in to the new? Change your molds and
offer more than the ‘easy’ you’ve been doing for years? Those fog/driving lights are nice
but how about an integrated fog/turn in one? Can a manufacturer offer that? You may
need to license a pre existing reflector to avoid the long process of govt. approval but you
just may benefit from sales.
I saw this bike at the IMS show here in Detroit. It’s an amazing bike even in person. Snapped a couple pics as well.
And just in front of it, they had the stock version of the bike. Really really nice setup by Honda.
Amazing! Really nice lines/design.
Did this guy sleep with a victory brochure under his pillow? Back fender and faring are real close to a crossover and the bag lines are from a vision, Jap company stealing designs from American Companies again.
Correction on my last faring is identical to a Victory cross-country
If Honda will either produce this or start making their own aftermarket parts like these(at a reasonable price), then I would say they are on the right track in getting the Sport Bike guys to convert.
They put that on the market for less $11k or so & its a Harley killer. Very nice looking bike!
I will never, repeat, NEVER, drive a bagger. But if I did, I’d want it to be this one. What a great looking bike. Can’t wait to see the chopper and pro-street versions.
Can I have one?
One of the top ten hottest bikes ever!
How much did this project cost?
not realy a honda guy , but the knocked this one out of the park very nice work .
Great Bikes.. Mighty Fine!
Viewed this baby in Long Beach at the IMS event a couple weeks ago as well as met the designers and builder.
One helleva design and quite the finished product. The other bikes were killer also.
KSW – If it was a Ness it would rust and pit up in a year.
Up there with the coolest Honda ever. Are we ever going to get over the flat black?
lovely shapes
Vince From Redneck Eng. Had this design down pat and took it to Bonnieville as well a few years ago. Although this is a very nice bike, Its core design it seems was pioneered by Vince…
thanks
Steve Carr
NICE RIDE!!! fix the angle of the bottom 1/3 of that front fender, so it flows with the lines of the bags or pipes and where do i buy one?
i like how he made the fairing look hi tec yet didnt build in any of the 3 headlamps and went with the traditional 3 lamp set up
Talent and money sure make a great combo when it comes to design……….yeah its got a lil ness in it but hey………..some of ness’s and sumax front fenders are off 1950’s honda sooters so all is equal and fair!!
http://njsupercub.blogspot.com/
“YOU MEET THE NICEST PEOPLE ON A HONDA” ! THERE YOU GO! HOW MANY OF YOU DOOD’S REMEMBER THAT ONE? PS. LOOK AT THE RUNE , AND THAT WAS A REAL BIKE.!
video of it I found on youtube, love this thing, the paint seals the deal for me. Its just the right amount of sheen and subtle and still bold as all hell
Top bike, style and top tecnologie=good results.
All the best.
I like it!
I would prefer a bigger tail light, something similar to what comes on the Victory Cross bikes.
Where is the 10″ subwoofer??
I like this way better than the Fury.
Where and when can I purchase?
very nice. looks ‘sleek’ and futuristic.
My congratulations to Honda and Eric Dunshee! Beautiful bike! I would say it is a wonderful combination of new and unique lines blended with classic styling! I would expect to see it imitated in the future!
Honda had an amazing unveiling of the three in-house built Honda’s as well as a couple really nice bikes by Denny Berg / Cobra. They were unveiled about halfway through the media day walk-through schedule (which has so many presentations it feels like you never stop moving for more than 2 minutes) After Honda did their thing, no one would leave for the next presentation. Not even going to say who was next….. wouldn’t matter anyway, The next stop could have been an open bar and nobody would have left. Was really proud to be part of the MC industry that day, It felt great to see the factories come out of hibernation. Well done!
I agree with chopmonster this is a HOME RUN!! All the way. Would have been nice to see a legal version; with makers and mirrors. Just to see how he would have designed them in keeping with the over all design. Brilliantly executed design!
AMAZING….I must admit it….I like it a lot!! Even being a Honda.. I can escape my thoughts of the Honda name this once.
wow.wow.wow.
bought a vtx in 4 and still one of my fav bikes.
My hats off to the photographer who brought out the true sculpture of this bike showing the lights and darks, not easy.
Very nice, flows well and really works for me. If it follows traditional Honda pricing, I can sure find room for one in my garage.
1000 other bikes have gone the same route… but this one stands out.
A for execution.
good job eric,
I/2 the price,faster,cooler,less maintenance, duh!! Job well done.
I gotta realy squint to see if it’s a Harley or a Honda [the people that brought you Pearl Harbor]. “Well Tommy, How many basic designs were stolen from an American original?” I have to admit it’s a nice cover tune, but it’s still a copy. Sure, there are better dicks out there, but I’m sticking with mine! Everything could have been done to a Road King with the same results and it would be AMERICAN!! Wiz
As a concept, beautifully executed. Full marks! As a practical tourer, 2/10. Can not and should not be compared with (say) a Harley-Davidson Ultra. One is a stunning exercise in design while the other is a proven practical touring machine offering serious two-up comfort, weather protection and many of the comforts we have come to take for granted over years of serious miles. As Cyril said ,the machine does “redefine the concept of low long distance riding” but not in any practical way that I can see. However, as a stylistic exercise it is indeed superb and fulfils the design brief admirably. As a “Harley killer” – you’d have to be joking Sidewinder, surely?
Was all over this beauty at the IMS Show in Long Beach. Full out production of this Honda at $11,000 would kill the custom motorcycle business as we know it. However, too much too late. They’ve missed the market.
Awesome design !
AWESOME !!
Wiz, What does Pearl Harbor have to do with this discussion or Honda?
Your own website shows lots of look-a-like bikes by your standards.
Harley uses foreign made products and so do you unless you’re machining
every piece in house.
As far as long distance tourers go this isn’t meant to be that. Honda already
has an amazing Tourer with a flat 6 engine.
I’d still challenge Memphis Shades, Corbin or anyone making a batwing or fairing
that is nothing more than an empty shell to produce something like the one on this
bike.
I like it. It caught my eye instantly and will more than likely do the same with the buyer. Price is definately right in this tough economy.
Hey A1 CYCLES , looks like everybody is knocking off the redneck bagger uh ???????????
RUB
everybody is knocking off the redneck bagger uh ???????????
or a BBC gtx with one Trask’s bikes paint jobs
I/2 the price,faster,cooler,less maintenance, duh!! Job well done ……….or do the corners ride and zero break downs!!!!!!!
I like it…basically nice lines, but, IMHO, the lower edge of the front fender needs to match the lines of the rest of the bike. A Harley, Victory, Redneck knock-off? Well, maybe to some extent, but how many really new designs are out there? The Victory, Redneck and this Honda all imitate the Harley somewhat. Good job to Eric.
Umm guys…read it again…the BUILDERS could only go to $11,000 for their concept bike. If this ever were a bike to p[urchase, doubt very much it would be $11,000. However, they did their “GREAT” chopper & that was about $12,000 & it did not KILL anyone, other then probably which ever exec approved the making of the bike.
Back to this bike…..I give any builder all the credit in the world for trying to come up with something new. However, if this thing ever hit the market, I would NEVER buy it. I don’t like it at all after you move away from the creative genius to come up with it.
A Bagger is supposed to be a touring bike & for 2 people. Well to stat, that seat is not a touring seat in any stretch of the imagination, let alone for 2 people. The bags are terrible, 1st there is no back bag. I don’t like the bags wrapping around the pipes & I’d like to know their real storage compared to a regular bagger.
Again, touring bike, yet very little fairing or wind shield & no way to put a stereo in it. Sorry, not a bagger guy to begin with, but Hell, if I’m going to get one, I want everything you can have on one.
I HATE the back end of this bike. Sorry, I like old style bikes that look like machines, not some futuristic thing that looks like a robot from a terminator movie or an H.R. Giger painting.
Again, for what it is…a concept bike made by a obviously creative man, it is awesome, but as a practicle bike I am going to tour many 1,000’s of miles on…hate it.
Ok check that, it is a bagger based on a VTX that only goes to $11,000, but still highly doubt any bagger ever gets produced for that kind of price.
Wow- if Honda price-points this one correctly, they will destroy the bagger market…….. Awesome design, no headaches- call it the Retro 70’s Japanese invasion- taking advantage of stagnant American products…..
Yeah, Harley- keep churning out flat-black committee designs at $25K+ per unit, while paying your executives insane money to add ZERO marginal revenue to the business model;
Always been a formula for success- NOT.
Brett,
Why is a bagger suppose to be a touring bike? Say you’re me or many that travel sans wife.
I’m going to Daytona ,Riding, with my leathers on and I through some pants and shirts in one
bag, shoes, camera, toiletries in the other. I get to Daytona unpack the bags and go out on the cold mornings
with my jacket. It warms in the afternoon and I throw my heavy warm jacket in the bag. I keep some
water in there, munchies and my camera. I don’t need a tourer for that. I like the wind in my hair
but appreciate the reduced wind in my chest that gets tiring on a 6 hour ride to Daytona. This bike
has a stereo and subwoofer in that fairing. iPod speakers fit in my ears also or even better my
helmet speakers. Heck, get to Daytona, remove the bags and you’re stylin’ on an awesome ride with
an adjustable suspension you can slam while parked on Main St. then raise and go hit the twisties
if they had twisties in Daytona. This is a versatile ride. Something tells me someone will have a
solo seat with back rest. Can you say Corbin, Mustang, Alligator Bob?
I dont get it, how do some of you guys think this looks like one of Redneck Eng. bikes? I just dont see it? I mean both are pushing forward and progressive stuff but to say someone ripped it off is pretty hardcore, at least when its without merit. I like the bike and would love to see a more streetable/legal version without to much compromise.
With that, they would have my cash for this one. Will be keeping my eyes open
KSW, What does Honda and Pearl Harbor have in common? Are you kidding me? YEEZE!! Japan vs USA! Mitsubieshi built the ZERO!! Of course it was designed by Howard Hughes and offered to the US military as a low cost fighter and they turned it down so he sold it to the Japs. You can’t swing a dead cat without hitting something made by the orientals I admit. It’s a sad fact. But I try to support American manufacturers whenever I can. You sit at a stoplight and look around and you see Toyoties, Kia’s, Mitsubieshies, Suzukies, Honda’s, and every kind of forien make an’ model and maybe one or two Ford or Chevy’s totaly outnumbered 10 to 1. Wonder why our industry is in the crapper! People wave the American flag and then sell out their own country. It’s for the money, isn’t that what Judas said? Wiz
That’s one sweet bike … Great job !! Now put the 1800 motor in it and it will sell fast….
Rub…mine was done way before vinces, just becuase mine took a year to come out in the magazines, his came out in paid adds. You need a history lesson, and neither vinces or Honda is a copy of mine but it goes to show class and style can be made in three different places by three different people and nobody copied anyone, just good looks all around
I have a VTX1300 that I went old school with. After seeing this bike I have two things to say:
1: I agree with the front fender at the bottom needing to align with the rest of the bike.
2: I want to convert my bike to this look. If anyone knows where I can get the parts please send an e-mail to seefriedm@yahoo.com
I am a fan, even though it is a Honda.
LF
Beautiful work. The bottom line is when ya start it, it still sounds like a Honda!
A1 Cycles- “Rub…mine was done way before vinces, just becuase mine took a year to come out in the magazines, his came out in paid adds.”
Not sure which of your baggers you are talking about, (maybe the one with the Corbin Bettle bags, that says 2008?)
Vince debuted the Redneck Undresser at Cinncy Feb 2007 and then took it to Daytona Bike week. First feature was Robb Report Precious Metals Aug/Sept 2007 which probably came out in July. He built another that was ridden out to Bonneville and raced in the Speed trials by Bub “Run What Ya Brung” class Labor Day 2007 to demonstrate you could have a cool looking bagger and still ride it in reliable “one up” comfort cross country.
This VTX is sweet, sure it has swoopy lines like many long customs, but I’ve never seen one like it. The execution is wonderful. I know plenty of HD riders that would like to have that body work on their Street Glides. Nice work Eric!
You don’t suppose Honda will make a conversion kit for a Harley?
In the picture .. under the motor area … is that a shadow or a puddle of rice? If it is rice it must have an oil leak! Just an observation!
Over & Out,
Jeff
PS: With the exception of the Victory looking fenders and the fact that it is a Honda…. this bike is killer!
some folks take this bike to personal
this is concept design and it look great all parts are proportional and not gody looking
when its gonna hit production design lots things gonna be changed on this bike by engineers and designers to meet DOT /TUV standards
I’d like to see Harley let their designers go wild as well as introduce a new engine platform. For too long American companies (including the automotive) have rested on being too complacent or scared to take a chance. Harley Davidson is an American company that can take some fresh and bold steps to show the world their leadership in fresh motorcycles. There is no reason why Harley Davisdon an Icon American company cannot introduce another platform to attract a younger buyer. Otherwise we wake up one day and say, what the hell happened. Missed opportunities are seldon gained back. The automotive got their big wake up call. Nothing pains me more to see an American company just cruise along with the status quo when America used to be a world leader in those industries. Hats off to the young Honda designers and Honda for letting them go at it.
mine was built aug..07 same time..and i have never been to vinces shop…debut to the world at oct 2007 rats hole..like i said not knocking anyone..just same timeline and i have had to defend it more than once..thats all
and mike..it was titled as a 2008 becuase we were showing it and were not riding it..so we wiat for the new year to title the show bikes…instead of it being a year old and brand new…
Mike Kiwi Tomas, Kiwi Indian Motorcycle Co Jan 16th, 2011 at 5:52 pm
Good comment
——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————–
How does one get the masses to get over the mind set that the only ” Compatible engine ” is a 45 degree push rod engine.
No, The V rod doesn’t count. Good bike ? Poor oversite by those involved.
Eric,
I think the bike turned out great. Congratulations on your continued sucess! It was a pleasure working on this project with you. Can’t wait til next time.
This is a great looking bike and being Honda will no doubt be dependable as well. If I am not mistaken that bike is basically a Honda FURY with the fenders changed out and a set of bags and faring added. It would be very easy for honda to mass produce these bikes at a low price, the base price for their Fury is around $11,300 it would not take much to make these changes and keep the price low. Things keep getting worse for HD. The good news is that if HD wanted to produce a bike like this they could but the bad news is the price would likely be closer to 25 or 30 thousand than it would be at this price range. This is a great looking bike and will no doubt take a small share of market from HD if produced and sold on the Honda showrooms.
The down side for Honda is that their Fury motorcycles look good and ride good but they are very uncomfortable for any long distance riding. That and being American made are the only advantages HD has over these bikes.
Eric,
Beautiful concept ,great finish! It was fun working with you and your team. Enjoy your success.
Ditto Kiwi..
reminder to all the “buy American” comments…
Honda did everyone in motorcycling a favor in the 60s whether you like it or not or have the mental capacity to admit it. Honda raised the bar for every OEM and consumers all benefited. No longer should bikes leak oil or have shitty electrics if they want to compete.
You’re right Mike @ Kiwi about the complacency.
nice design & work regardless of what origin.
Dragon Bob – how many deer run through Shenandoah NP? Think about it next time you’re filming no hands on your Victory.
fckn amazing, nice lines, really cool, suddenly I’m thinking, maybe i’ll buy a honda…
A1 CYCLES , you still got that thing for sale with Big “O” ???
Looking forward to seeing this thing at the New York IMS show this weekend, awesome work from what it looks like, cheers
Amazing bike!!!
Simply the best bagger I’ve ever seen. I truely hope honda puts this bike into production. It’s the only bagger I’ve ever seen that I would proudly ride.
The rigid chopper is pretty tight too. I’d like to see the Pro-Street bike. Got any pics, Cyril?
Bud. Yes, have 2 features ready for these 2 bikes. Next week…
It seems really well crafted and well built overall. Obviously piles of work went into it and I really, really, really like that Honda vt1300. But I just can’t get into the over all style. A little over done for my taste. But that is just my personal taste. I’m really happy to see Honda producing bikes with this kind of potential though. Especially at the price they sell them for. I’d love to get the chance to tear into one and see what i could come up with.
This bike is so hot. I saw it at the show in NYC. It is art work! I would buy one ASAP. Eric is really cool guy, and will talk to you about everything on the bike. I love it!
na na na na na na na……Batmaaaaan
this bike was at the NYC IMS show. amazing!!! There were also 2 other custom hondas that were incredible! it was the highlight of the show next to the ducati booth babes.
I think the Figure of $11,000 as Cyrill reported was taken out on context! What was the $11K figure about. ? The 11K figure was a start amount of what the Price of the Honda’s are before the work was started! Eric you have done a great Job on youe design. It does not mean much sometimes if the Chicken came before the Egg! You have certainally produced a Killer Bike. I think it also needs to be understood that this bike would have a least a selling price of $25,000., not a rediculous price of $11,000 as Cyrill mentioned. This figure would still be quite amazing to be able to purchase for $25 K. It would take a Builder like Honda to give the Public a Bike like this for that fair of a price.
Bigalyts. I didn’t make any price mistake. Read again. My article states clearly that this custom is based on the 2010 Honda VT1300 series (all models are less than $11,000). So, evidently, it’s not the price of this one-off (for now) customization work.
You can wrap in sugar and dip it chocolate, but it’s still not a Harley, and not built in America, support the US you retarts
Hey Buck Berg. First of all, it’s RETARDS, you retard. Second of all, if you think that Harley is a pure American made bike, you are a bigger RETARD than I first thought.