A chopper... from Honda? That's right!

Honda is focusing on a new approach for the development of its future two-wheelers: they will produce class leading machines in every target segment. They are doing away with its previous approach, which consisted producing excellent machines, while incorporating small compromises here and there to arrive at a more balanced, all-around end-product rather than the extreme statement in a given category. The resulting bikes were somewhat diluted in the process and often lost out in direct comparisons with more focused competitors - always great machines, but not always the ultimate.

The all-new, American-designed Honda Fury is born from the same philosophy but in the purest tradition of choppers.

New sport bikes like the 2008-2009 CBR1000RR and CBR600RR show how Honda has now taken off the Kid gloves and produced the best performing, track-oriented sport bikes they could, even at the cost of some comfort and friendliness on the road. The standard RRs can now whip anyone's butt on racetracks and come out on top in media comparisons, which has major impacts in dealer showrooms.

The all-new, American-designed Honda Fury is born of the same philosophy applied to the purest chopper tradition. Look at the radically-raked front end, the stylish, swooping tank, and the clean surfaces, hiding components that are usually visible (wires and cables, water, oil and fuel hoses, water radiator, rear suspension, etc). Add mid-position footpegs, raised steering head, 21-inch front wheel fitted with a narrow tire and ultra-low seat, and you get a true chopper look that compares favorably to American as well as Japanese rivals -- even though fitting a liquid-cooled engine to a chopper represents a deadly sin in the minds of purists.

And the good news extends to the mechanical components, as the Fury boasts a 52-degree V-twin borrowed from the VTX1300. The engine has been revised lightly to modify the torque curve and produce a richer-sounding exhaust note that will appeal to riders without disturbing the entire neighborhood. The nicely-calibrated 5-speed transmission and final shaft drive ensure smooth, low-maintenance operation, while the shaft is beautifully concealed under a side cover, resulting in a much sleeker look than the big pulley and belt final drive used by some competitors.

The Honda Fury boasts many subtle qualities, starting with a 52-degree V-twin borrowed from the VTX1300.