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Honda NM4 Vultus: the motorcycle that looks like science fiction

Honda combined futuristic styling with practical dual-clutch engineering.

Motorcycle designers sometimes take inspiration from an unexpected place. The Honda NM4 Vultus, first presented in 2014, has a low, angular profile that looks more at home in a futuristic film than a traditional motorcycle showroom.

Underneath its striking bodywork, the NM4 used a parallel-twin engine and Honda's Dual Clutch Transmission. The result combined an unconventional appearance with automated gear changes—a very different design brief from a stripped-back manual sports motorcycle.

Perhaps its most memorable feature was the relationship between seat, handlebars and fairing. The riding position and the broad front bodywork made it visually distinctive even when parked. It was an exercise in making the entire motorcycle feel like one deliberate design idea.

The NM4 also illustrates an important point about comparing manual and automated motorcycles: the transmission is only one part of the experience. Rider ergonomics, engine character, visibility, weight and intended usage all have a role in whether a motorcycle suits a particular person.