Despite the company not being known for producing the most exotic-looking motorcycles, for the last few years, Honda has tasked its Italian R&D team with whipping up sleek and unique concept bikes to present at EICMA. The Rome-based design team awed the public back in 2017 with its breathtaking CB4 Interceptor concept, before repeating the feat last year with the stunning CB125X and 125M prototypes, but this year they managed to outdo themselves once again with the sleek new CB4X concept.
Based on the inline-four cylinder platform from the CBR650F and penned with the theme of “fun seven days a week”, the CB4X is a futuristic take on the mid-sized adventure-tourer. The proto-bike sports a one-piece fairing and tank unit that feeds back into a waspish suspended tail section with an integrated brake/taillight and an under-tail illuminated “X” logo. Handguards and a tall windscreen point to more of an ADV vibe, while the street tires and low-hanging dual-pipe SC Project exhaust (and its lack of bash-plate) suggest a more road-focused machine. Other highlights on the far-out concept bike include a single-sided swing-arm, Ohlins forks, a dual disc Brembo brake setup, LED lighting throughout with front DRL’s, and 17-inch wheels front and aft. While Honda has yet to release specs or plans for production — or lack thereof – it’s hard to imagine Big Red wouldn’t have a winner on its hands if it puts the CB4X in showrooms next year.
