Honda has filed patent designs for a bike that seem to suggest they will build the CB4X concept shown at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan last November.
New patent drawingCB4X patent
Not a lot is known about the concept and the patent filing doesn’t reveal any extra details.
It appears to have a mid-capacity engine, possibly an old 600cc engine from the CBR600RR, but down-tuned to meet Euro5 emissions targets.
That is a good way to use old engines. Ducati has successfully done that with its 03cc and 1100cc Scramblers, using old Monster engines.
At EICMA, Honda described the CB4X as blending sports, naked and touring, although it doesn’t look like much of a touring bike to me.
However, it does have an adjustable windscreen.
The CB4X also features a diamond-shaped headlight, daytime running lights, aluminium subframe, sharp tail and 17-inch front wheel.
CB4X design
The bike has been designed by Valerio Aiello and his team of young designers at the Japanese company’s Rome centre for design and research.
Honda’s official EICMA press release said:
The CB4X features flowing, yet compact lines, designed to enhance the contrasting personality of a motorcycle that’s born to use every day on urban routes, and on carving mountain bends or long journeys on the weekend.
The fuel tank hunches forward, like a cobra ready to attack its prey.
The Honda CB4X is an idea dedicated to those riders who live for sports riding – but don’t want to give up the possibility of relaxing, two-up travel experiences whenever or wherever.
Unfortunately, it’s not the six-cylinder CBX that Honda filed patent drawings (below) in 2018 that looks a little like its 1980s six-cylinder CBX with a bubble fairing.
Patent drawingsBut don’t get too excited yet about the CB4X or CBX.
As we know, Honda has been busy with a lot of patents for various bikes, engines and innovations in recent years.
They include the recent 850cc parallel twin which could be destined for a smaller Africa Twin.
Obviously not all will go into production. It seems more likely Honda is intent on protecting its intellectual property.
Other recent Honda patents include:
Goldwing forks patent- Goldwing Hossack-style forks on smaller models;
- Active aerodynamic tail end;
- A telescopic side stand;
- Bikes that respond to your emotions by adjusting throttle and brakes and suspension;
- Active aero where winglets deploy above a certain speed;
- Direct injection;
- A bike with a variable riding position that converts from a sports bike with a crouched riding position to a street bike with an upright position;
- A small-capacity bike with non-ventilated drum brakes;
- A helmet that integrates with the bike and monitors for of an impending rear-ender;
- A helmet that recognises your face when you put your helmet on and acts as a remote key fob to switch on your motorcycle;
- A rider air-conditioner;
- A “climate seat” that blows hot or cool air;
- A leaning trike; and
- A hydrogen-powered motorcycle.