SANTA ANA, Calif. — Honda has just introduced a motorcycle that looks about as far from a Honda as one could imagine.

The 2010 Fury was unveiled at the New York International Motorcycle Show, and it’s already creating some serious waves.

“The Fury opens the door to the most extreme level of custom looks,” the company said. “But once you’re rolling, the Fury experience is all about that special bond between rider and machine.” The bike will be available in March or April and will retail for “around $13,000,” according to Bill Savino, manager of motorcycle press at American Honda.

Savino said the company’s test-riders have said that “the neat thing about the motorcycle is it gives you that sense of going back: It’s simple, it works and it handles well.”

Honda will offer an array of accessories for customizing the bike, as will outside companies such as Cobra.

What remains to be seen is whether motorcycling enthusiasts embrace a chopper made by Honda.

“You always have the naysayers,” Savino said, “but … what we’ve heard the most, is, ‘Why (make) a chopper now? It died off five years ago.’

“We don’t believe that. … A chopper has never been made by a major manufacturer, and it’s never been made at a reasonable price.

“There is this younger generation that has a CBR600 or 1000 in their garage and wanted a weekend cruiser. Now we are giving them something to go after.”