In the long run it makes for greater availability of replacement parts as well!
No official word from Honda yet, but the engine definitely has the power to be put into bikes like Deauville or the CBF.This means that a bike manufacturer spends a certain amount of money on engineering, and delivers a new engine on the market to be used in a number of different bike models. Some variations are also engineered and tested alongside the new engine, such as new mappings, new transmissions and the likes.
In the long run it makes for greater availability of replacement parts as well!Not exactly an earth shattering concept - most British, European, Japanese and American manufacturers (even Honda 50-125cc's) have made their engines multi-task in different models since the dawn of motorcycles. As noted, it's a good way to spread development costs and offer customers more choices and hold prices down. Oh yeah, and improve profits.
Looking forward to the NC1000XD.