Honda NM4 Returns for 2018

Dennis Chung
by Dennis Chung

After a one-year hiatus, Honda‘s audacious NM4 is coming back to its U.S. lineup for 2018. The NM4 is joined by the CRF125F, CRF125FB, CRF110F and CRF50F youth dirtbikes in the first round of 2018 Honda model announcements.

First introduced as a concept at the 2014 Osaka Motorcycle Show, the NM4 (also called the Vultus in other markets) sported a bold futuristic design so outlandish, we didn’t really believe it when Honda announced it was coming to market back in 2015 (it didn’t help that Honda announced it on April 1 that year). Even Honda admits the NM4 appeals to a very narrow (but dedicated) following.

“From time to time over the years, Honda has pushed the envelope with unconventionally styled models like the Pacific Coast, Rune, Big Ruckus and DN-01,” says Lee Edmunds, American Honda’s Manager of Motorcycle Marketing Communications. “The NM4 is very much in this tradition, and while it’s not for everyone, that’s really the point; the model has proven to be a hit with a dedicated segment of consumers from a surprisingly varied array of demographics, including tech-savvy millennials but also veteran tourers and women. Those that buy NM4s tend to put a lot of miles on them, so we’re pleased to welcome it as our first street bike for 2018.”

The NM4 wasn’t offered as a 2017 model but it comes back for 2018 without any changes, apparently taking the year off to co-star with Scarlet Johansson in Ghost in the Shell (an obvious fit, given its anime-style look). It remains powered by the forward-canted 670cc parallel Twin with DCT found on the NC700X, which gives it a low center of gravity and seat height. The 2018 Honda NM4 arrives in showrooms in June in Matte Black Metallic with a $11,299 price tag.

Also returning without any changes are Honda’s smallest dirtbikes. The CRF125F comes with a 17-inch front and 14-inch rear wheel for $2,999 but for larger kids (or adults for that matter), Honda offers the CRF125FB which sports a 19/16 combination, taller gearing and more suspension travel for $3,399.

For younger riders, the CRF110F comes with a smaller engine and an automatic transmission, priced at $2,249 while those starting out, Honda offers the CRF50F for $1,499.

Dennis Chung
Dennis Chung

Dennis has been a part of the Motorcycle.com team since 2008, and through his tenure, has developed a firm grasp of industry trends, and a solid sense of what's to come. A bloodhound when it comes to tracking information on new motorcycles, if there's a new model on the horizon, you'll probably hear about it from him first.

More by Dennis Chung

Comments
Join the conversation
Next