Honda R&D America's (HRA) concept model New American Sports (NAS) was unveiled in 2001. The highlight was not only the Italian styling of the VTR1000F's V-twin engine but also the super unique front and rear cantilevered suspension.
Advanced technology results in a new styling concept.
The project started in the winter of 1999. NAS is a concept model that shows a new direction for motorcycles and pursues beauty in sports bikes. It is thoroughly built to appeal to a different segment of customers than those seeking a conventional racer-style sportbike.
As designer Martin Manchester says, all the hardware of this machine is designed for aesthetics, everything is shaped by design first, with no consideration for productivity or cost. This is why it is so unconventional and fascinating.
One of the most eye-catching features is the cantilevered suspension in the front. Although it is not known if it actually works, it is said to have dampers and springs built into the extremely thick steering head. HRA describes this as a mono-arm suspension, and its appearance is quite unique.
Furthermore, the brake discs were rim-mounted before Buell to reduce unsprung weight, and the W calipers (or should I say "W calipers"?) strengthened braking power. The rear radiator was adopted to give the engine area a clean appearance.
Pursuing the beauty of the mechanism over performance, NAS is a concept model at the level of a work of art.
HONDA New American Sports (NAS). The concept model was built in the U.S. and unveiled in 2001. The engine is the VTR1000F, and the pivotless frame is also inherited from the VTR.
The exhaust system shaped like an under-cowl is also quite innovative. The front and rear wheels are machined from aluminum, and the front and rear cantilever suspension style are unique.
In 2001,In 2001, when it was unveiled to the public, the Tornado Tre by Benelli Italy was available with a rear radiator, but it is still a rare mechanism.
The mono-arm suspension is a hybrid structure of carbon fiber and aluminum to reduce unsprung weight.
A suspension mechanism with dampers and springs was set in the steering head. In addition, it was even equipped with variable casters.
The steering head also has a steering damper mechanism built in, and soft-to-hard adjustments can be made at the top bridge.
The duct on the right side is supposed to be for the engine, and a cartridge-type air filter is set. The duct on the opposite side leads to the radiator built into the tail cowl.
The clutch has been converted to a dry type. The water pump is located in front of the clutch, and the radiator hose is dressed up as having a mesh cover.
HONDA VTF1000F was Released in Japan under the name Firestorm and in North America under the name Super Hawk 996. It had a pivotless frame and used side radiators to close the front and rear lengths.
Exhibited in Japan at the Tokyo Motor Show as ZAXIS
NAS was exhibited for reference at the Tokyo Motor Show in October 2001 under the name ZAXIS. The introduction is as follows
The compact front cowl with four projector headlights, tail cowl with a built-in radiator, and exhaust system that also serves as an under-cowl are all innovative styling elements in pursuit of functional beauty.
This concept model was created by HRA (Honda Research of America) with the aim of offering adult users a unique sports style that combines formative beauty and high technology.
Zaxis was also expected to be released, but in the end, rumors did not stand. At that time, Honda's youth-oriented development team N Project, which included Ape and Zuma as well as Byte, was producing hit after hit.
The Zaxis and Elysion (in the back) were lined up in the pre-information section at the time. The Elysion was launched in 2004 as a four-wheeled luxury minivan, but the Xaxis was never marketed.
