When they first came out, I thought it was a bit odd. But after just a little while, they really started growing on me and now I like them.
However, I still like the looks of the older ones a bit better.

 

i was looking seriously at getting an 06/07 when they were new, but waited for the much-anticipated 08 model to be revealed before i went in on one. when the 08 style first appeared, it was one of those polarizing things - everyone was like 'wtf?'. but the longer i looked at it, it actually came to the point where i find it that much more attractive than the others. again, it comes down to preference. (to draw a comparison, it reminded me a lot of when dodge came out with the ram pickup style with the 'big rig' headlights. everyone was weirded out at first, but then it grows on you and you can't remember it NOT being that way.)

i'm not sure what you mean by bulky - the seat on my f4 was much wider, taller and less comfortable than the 1k, and comparing the 1k next to the 6 at the dealership the 1k actually looks smaller. the riding position on the 1k feels much more comfortable and i feel more 'integrated' into the bike. the 1k feels lighter and is much more flickable than the f4, and i think the wind buffeting is reduced as well.

i will agree that whoever designs the color schemes must be getting paid a bonus to out-ugly each previous year. but if cosmetics are of major concern then there are plenty of aftermarket goodies to take care of whatever bothers you.

and i'm still trying to decide what it is about an exhaust that determines sexual preference.

 

OK, so it sounds like the bike's look grows on people after a while. I'll have to give it some time and see what happens....

 

The stock exhaust is the smallest and cleanest out of them all IMO. After market is still the way to go though.

The frame is smaller than my 06.

The paint jobs look fine to me. Though they are simple. That just gives you more room to customize.

 

i agree completely, they are ugly.

 

I think they look pretty good from the factory, with a couple tasteful mods they look real sleek. Taylor made exhaust looks very nice on them. I just noticed the frame and subframe on the 11 are not coated black anymore, that's kind of a bummer, I think they look sleeker black. I would guess that's why the frame may appear larger to you OP.

 

^ Yep. Frame and swing arms are both silver now. I liked the PC frame and swing arm more.

Probably saved them some cash going back to silver.

 

Yeah, I'm not sure how I feel about the silver frame and swingarm on the new ones. Still doesn't look too bad, but I like the older pc black.

 

Exactly!!!!!!! The new frame and swingarm are much wider than those on the pre '08 models and the fact that they aren't powder coated anymore really brings them to the front and takes away from the overall image of the bike in my PO!

Either way though, I am going to give it a chance. I'm going to try to look at it for a while every day and see if it'll grow on me...

 

Regen, I really like that yellow one in your sig.

I was just on Honda's site yesterday though, and by god, what is with that silver stripe?!? I mean, red and orange as the only two colors of '11 REALLY?!

I know there's plenty of aftermarket support, even tank covers, but holy cow, just like with the 600's, I'd rather step back, and get an older one for the colors I want.