Honda unveiled the Bulldog concept at the 2015 Osaka Motorcycle Show today. Billed a ‘playful, next-era concept model’, the new 400cc motorcycle pulls together the design cues of the Ruckus (aka Zoomer) with the functional on/off road attributes of larger bikes in the company’s Crossover ‘X’ range.
Not to be confused with the mini-CUV concept car* Honda unveiled at the 2001 Tokyo motor show (see below), the Bulldog motorcycle concept looks solid and capable with its exposed frame and cladded fuel tank, but it is not aggressive. Its two-tone light blue and black color scheme lends an air of playfulness to the overall design.
The concept motorcycle is also equipped with a carrier suitable for carrying camping-touring gear and features accessory storage on the sides of the fuel tank, which also act as an aesthetic design element.
According to Honda, the Bulldog promotes “a new world of leisure with motorcycles”; a world where riders are not confined to riding on tarmac. Developed to be a “lovable touring partner” the Bulldog was designed to go beyond the boundaries of conventional leisure motorcycles and is suitably equipped with 15-inch wheels, off-road tires and low center of gravity, thanks in part to its low 730mm seat height.
Powered by a liquid-cooled 400cc four-stroke DOHC inline two-cylinder engine, the Bulldog promises to be easy to handle in both urban and rural areas.
The Bulldog concept will be on display at 42nd Tokyo Motorcycle Show from March 27-29th at Tokyo Big Sight.
*Honda Bulldog concept (2001)
The Bulldog car concept unveiled at the 2001 Tokyo motor show was a four-passenger show car that featured two e-DAX removable electric motorcycles in the rear. The electric motorbikes formed the rear seatbacks of the two rear seats when they were folded up and placed in the trunk.
