Honda’s New “Bulldog” Concept

Is it an overgrown motorcycle version of the Honda Ruckus? Or a mini-retro ADV bike for the urban jungle? Either way, Honda’s recently revealed “Bulldog” concept is cool and unique, and may fill a niche that hasn’t even been tapped yet.

The Honda “Bulldog” concept motorcycle, revealed at the Osaka Motorcycle Show on March 20.

If you were looking at the Honda Ruckus scooter for the first time, you probably wouldn’t expect it to be a huge commercial success; the minimalistic styling, exposed tube frame and googly-eyed headlights look more like something out of an urban custom garage than a production vehicle from the worlds largest motorcycle manufacturer. But the Ruckus (AKA the “Zoomer”) is a worldwide hit with a fanatical cult following, and its odd styling makes it instantly recognizable and is one of the keys to its success.

It is with that same industrial-looking design philosophy that Honda approaches its latest concept vehicle, the Honda Bulldog, just revealed at the Osaka Motorcycle Show in Japan last week. You could easily describe the Bulldog as an overgrown, motorcycle version of the Ruckus; with a diminutive 28-inch seat height, tiny 15-inch wheels with fat knobbies, and the same bug-eyed facade, the Bulldog has Ruckus DNA all over it.

With a similar tube frame, fat tires, and bug-eyed headlights, the Bulldog definitely has some Ruckus inspiration in its design.

But instead of a big scooter, you could also call it a small motorcycle; the Bulldog has kind of a miniature retro-adventure bike look to it, like a mini-ADV bike built for rutted city streets instead of off-road trails. With a 400cc parallel-twin engine, 6-speed transmission, and integrated racks and storage compartments, Honda clearly made this capable of more than just scooting across town. The Bulldog’s marketing slogan is “lovable touring partner” which, the bit of corniness aside, indicates that Honda expects its riders to get out there and go places with it.

But take a look at one of Honda’s retro adventure bikes too; you could also argue that the Bulldog’s styling is a miniature urban version of an adventure machine with old-school styling.

Regardless of which way you look at it, the Bulldog could fill a niche the market didn’t even know was there (a feat Honda has pulled off before.) A mini-motorcycle with rugged styling and useful features like this could not only be a very approachable option for new riders, but something great for those drawn to the novelty of Honda’s fun little two-wheelers, but who need something that can actually hit the highway or carry some cargo when necessary.

Following the success of the Ruckus and the recently introduced “monkey bike” the Honda Grom, there’s no reason the Bulldog couldn’t see the same kind of demand if it’s affordable enough. The Bulldog is currently still a concept vehicle and no pricing has been announced, but given the popularity of the Ruckus and Grom, a production version seems likely.

What do you think of Honda’s Bulldog Concept? Would you buy or ride one?