From what I can see, the bike they've come up with isn't an "enduro" style adventure bike like the BMW GS or KTM 990 Adventure, but more of a "standard" sporty roadbike meant for sport touring... much like the Suzuki V-Strom, Kawasaki Versys or Triumph Tiger 1050.
This was the original sketch. Some of the enthusiast boards started buzzing about a VFR1200-based adventure bike. The sketch clearly shows the continued use of the "layer concept" fairing as debuted on the VFR1200F... which will surely be incorporated into all future Honda sportbikes. The sketch also clearly shows an upright riding position with high handlbars.
This is the second sketch that was released a week later. The styling reminds me of the Versys. The layer concept fairing is shown again and Honda hinted at a "floating instrument panel"
This final sketch was released today. Clearly this isn't meant to be a true enduro adventure machine, but more of a "real world" sporty standard bike with an upright riding position that should be comfy for long distances. The bit of engine and frame visible is clearly carried over from the VFR800 VTEC, and not a derivative of the new 76' unicam V4 in the VFR1200. Maybe I'll be proven wrong but this to me looks like the replacement for the VFR800. There looks to be a lot of carry-over parts, including the wheels and conventional fork. If they've made it a bit lighter and more rideable than the 800 it could be a big hit. If what I think is true, and it's a re-styled VFR800 then the price should be quite reasonable too.
edit: The bike in the 3rd sketch doesn't have a brake pedal but the second sketch clearly shows 2 levers. These sketches usually contain important clues so I don't think that's just an oversight. You can clearly see a pulser ring on the front rotor for ABS... I wonder if Honda have fitted a simpler combined ABS that is operated only by a hand lever? I could imagine it having a delay valve which progressively increases rear braking. Can't wait to find out.
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