January 16, 2009 Honda finally released the fine detail and first photos on its 2010 Fury motorcycle today at the New York International Motorcycle Show, and the rumors we’ve been hearing have at last been confirmed – Honda is to build a full-on chopper, styled far more radically than anything Harley has ever put into production. Though no-one outside Honda has ridden it yet, we’d suggest that it will be the best handling, sweetest running, most comfortable, most reliable chopper the world has yet seen, lacking just one thing – a Harley Davidson badge.
Sketches from Honda’s trademark application for the Fury have been circulating across motorcycle news magazines around the world recently, and we’ve gotta say that the first reaction amongst the motorcyclists on the Gizmag team was … why?
The Japanese big four bike manufacturers have been chipping away at the Harley Davidson market for decades, and we thought that it had already been proven that you can build a better Harley in every respect, add more cubes and take full page adverts in all the magazines, but it still won’t be a Harley Davidson. You can even build it in America, but it still won’t be a real Harley.
Perhaps the regular winds of change and the passing of time that slowly soften and dissipate long-held, deeply-rooted, emotionally-based attitudes and prejudices within certain population groups will prove us wrong, but … we’re still wondering why now we’ve seen it.
We love what Honda does – it makes great motorcycles that are faster, more economical, more reliable, cheaper to run and buy, with much better roadholding than the bikes which wore the brands it banished. As a company, it is primarily responsible for bringing two wheeled technology into the modern era. Maybe a couple more decades down the track the Fury or its next generation offspring will be seen by the Harley Davidson brotherhood as equivalent motorcycles. Maybe not. Maybe we’ll eventually see prime specimens of manhood down at the supermarket with “Honda Fury” tattooed on their massive biceps. Maybe not.
Here’s Honda’s press release: On Friday, January 16th at the New York International Motorcycle Show, American Honda introduced to the world what many have deemed the most radically styled production Honda ever built: the 2010 Fury. The Fury radiates attitude and delivers a total riding experience approaching the outer limits of motorcycling.
The Fury opens the door to the most extreme level of custom looks. But once you’re rolling, the Fury experience is all about that special bond between rider and machine: the unmistakable big V-twin pulse, the characteristic Vee engine note and the no-nonsense riding stance bring you back to the core elements of riding.
Destined to become a milestone machine, the Fury captures the pure, undiluted chopper essence, places it within easy reach of nearly every rider and then backs it up with the same quality and reliability built into every Honda. It’s a radical concept in a unique package, a combination never before offered - until today.
FURY KEY FEATURES:
- Full-on chopper styling- Longest wheelbase ever in a production Honda motorcycle- Muscular V-twin power, sound and feel- Clean looks, superior attention to detail- Spacious riding position- Low seat height- Single-shock rear suspension with hard tail look- Extra-wide 200-series rear tire- Slim-look 21-inch front tire- Legendary Honda fit, finish and reliability- Unrivaled value FURY SPECIFICATIONS:
Engine Type: 1312cc liquid-cooled 52° V-twinBore and Stroke: 89.5mm x 104.3mmCompression Ratio: 9.2:1Valve Train: SOHC; three valves per cylinderInduction: PGM-FI with automatic enricher circuit, one 38mm throttle bodyIgnition: Digital with three-dimensional mapping, two spark plugs per cylinderTransmission: Five-speedFinal drive: ShaftSuspension Front: 45mm fork; 4.0 inches travelRear: Single shock with adjustable rebound damping and five-position spring preload adjustability; 3.7 inches travelBrakes Front: Single 336mm disc with twin-piston caliperBrakes Rear: Single 296mm disc with single-piston caliperTires Front: 90/90-21 Tires Rear: 200/50-18 Wheelbase: 71.24 inchesRake (Caster Angle): 38.0°Trail: 3.5 inchesSeat Height: 26.7 inchesFuel Capacity: 3.4 gallonsColors: Dark Red Metallic, Metallic Silver, Ultra Blue Metallic, Black, Matte Silver Metallic (2010 special color - limited production)Curb Weight including all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel, ready to ride: 663 pounds