Shown during the 2017 EICMA show in Milan last
November, the Honda CB4 Interceptor concept bike is based around the Neo Sports
Cafe design that was shown in Tokyo last year. The Interceptor name began in
1983 for Honda, with the first of the V-four sports bikes that were avant-garde
and cutting edge then, but this time around, it is being applied to a
retro-looking racer.
Taking cues from the Honda Bol D’or racers of the
80s, notably the CBR1000F, the CB4 Interceptor has its roots in the CB4 Concept
that was given public display in 2015. Pride of place is given to an
inline-four with a four-into-one exhaust.
Shod in racing slicks, Brembo Monobloc radial
callipers clamp solid floating brake discs in front – when was the last time
you saw a large displacement motorcycle without drilled discs? – while Ohlins
supplies the suspension front and rear. Honda’s Pro Arm single-sided swingarm
holds up the rear-end, with a five-spoke wheel derived from the NSR racing
motorcycles.
Designed by Italian designer Valerio Aiello, the CB4
Interceptor is murdered out in matte black, and the lines of the front cowl
flow seamlessly into the tank. Inside the cockpit a gauge displays the necessary
information for the rider, while a touchscreen located on the tank shows
navigation as well as connectivity, including the ability to make emergency
calls.
Interestingly, a fan powered by the forward motion
of the CB4 Interceptor provides power for the touch screen, decreasing battery
load. Starting is keyless with a start button, located on the tank where the
key barrel would be in a normal bike.
