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Honda News

Honda has developed a new 670cc motorcycle engine, with powerful torque in the low- to mid-speed range and top class, fuel-efficient environmental performance. Second-generation Dual Clutch Transmission has also been developed to further complement the new engine configuration.

Honda has developed the engine as a centre-pin for a range of mid-class motorcycles that offer superb fuel efficiency, while delivering powerful, useable torque for both urban and touring riding. The result is an engine that is easy to handle, with plentiful torque throughout the rev range but with top-class fuel efficiency and environmental credentials, all packaged in a lightweight, ergonomically efficient and versatile design.

A liquid-cooled, 670cc, 4-stroke, in-line, 2-cylinder engine, with fuel economy expected to exceed 76mpg,*1 the new engine technology represents the best in the mid-class range, and an approximate 40% improvement over other sports models in the same class.*2 In addition, a combination of measures including the adoption of an electronically-controlled fuel injection system (PGM-FI),*3 allows the engine to achieve an emission level approximately half the European emission standards (Euro 3).*4 The resulting environmental performance is ranked among the top in the world without compromising powerful, smooth output.

This new engine can be coupled with a lightweight, compact second-generation Dual Clutch Transmission, featuring a smooth, direct feel and excellent transmission efficiency, in addition to a 6-speed manual transmission option. The Dual Clutch Transmission - developed for the first time by Honda for motorcycles and initially installed on the VFR1200F - is now lighter and more compact through a simplified hydraulic circuit and other design enhancements. A learning function has been added to each selected running mode to detect a variety of riding environments from city streets to mountain passes and automatically performs the most suitable shift control.

The first machine to feature the new engine will be the Integra, a model based on the New Mid Concept revealed at EICMA (Milan show) in November 2010, although this machine will have limited availability in the UK due to mainland Europe being its primary markets. Two further models for 2012 will be unveiled at EICMA this November that will also incorporate the same engine technology and be available with both manual and DCT options across Europe.

Honda Announces New Motorcycle Engine and Transmission Technologies

Honda today confirms that the Crosstourer model unveiled as a concept (see images above) at the 2010 EICMA show will go into mass production, and will be first revealed at the 2011 EICMA Milan show in early November, followed by its UK debut for customers to see at Motorcycle Live show from 19-27 November.

The Crosstourer will deliver all the fun and excitement of a sports-tourer, with the comfortable, upright riding position and manoeuvrability of an adventure machine. It combines sports touring features, such as the powerful V4 engine configuration - also found in the VFR1200F - with long travel suspension, adventure focused riding position and dynamic off-road machine styling.

Underpinned by Honda's V4 expertise, the machine will also be offered with the option of Honda's innovative second-generation Dual Clutch Transmission technology. The Crosstourer offers a unique and versatile package that will provide great all-weather, all-road capabilities.

Yosuke Hasegawa, leader of the Crosstourer development team said, "The Crosstourer offers a high-level fusion of vibrant off-road styling, upright riding position, V engine power and Dual Clutch Transmission that offers more direct power transmission and easy operation. We are convinced that we have successfully brought out new value in what can be termed the true crossover concept."

Honda Announces Plans for New Adventure Sports Tourer

Honda's versatile ST1300 Pan European 'tourer' motorcycle has been chosen by the AA (Automobile Association) to enhance its two-wheel recovery fleet.

The previous fleet of Silverwing 600 scooters and NT700VA Deauvilles, supplied by Honda (UK) in 2008, reached the end of their service and the AA has once again chosen Honda to supply the new fleet. In total, 50 ST1300 Pan Europeans, in the distinctive yellow AA livery, will be riding around the streets of London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Glasgow, Derby and Nottingham, as these areas are heavily congested areas and so best suit a mixture of two and four wheeled vehicles to service the AA's members.

The Pan European was considered the most suitable motorcycle for road-side assistance by the AA for a number of reasons, to include its good luggage capacity in the form of top box and panniers, as well as its superb versatility, performance and handling, coupled with great comfort for the rider.

Steve Ives, the AA's Chief Engineer, said: "We carried out an extensive evaluation of a number of different motorcycle models but the Honda Pan European tipped the balance on a number of counts. It has an exceptional carrying capacity as standard, so our patrols can carry extra tools and equipment without the need for pannier upgrades. Other considerations were its larger battery, which will allow us to charge car batteries using the bike, the shaft drive for improved durability, as well as its excellent handling and comfort for the rider. The Pan European is a very capable bike that will allow our motorbike patrols to respond to a wider range of breakdowns than before. We have always had great service from them in the past so look forward to welcoming the Pan back as the flagship of the AA motorbike fleet."

AA Chooses Pan European

for Two-Wheel Fleet

Honda (UK) is delighted to announce the acclaimed 'blood runners' charity, SERV (Service by Emergency Rider Volunteers), has been nominated by staff as the company's supported charity for the year.

SERV, a member of NABB (Nationwide Association of Blood Bikers), is a charity that transports blood, plasma, platelets, samples, vaccines and other urgently required medical items to hospitals completely free of charge. It is run by dedicated volunteers who receive no financial compensation for their time or costs, allowing the NHS to divert funds to where they are needed most.

Having formed in 1981 so celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, SERV is now seeking to expand. This will enable them to provide a more comprehensive service within their current fourteen operating areas across the South East which respond to over 5000 emergency calls annually across the region - as well as grow the national coverage of this vital service through setting up new SERV branches, as well as working in partnership with other 'blood runner' organisations across the UK.

Honda (UK)'s support includes a financial donation as well as ongoing fundraising activities being organised internally with Honda employees undertaking their own initiatives which are fund-matched by Honda (UK). SERV will be promoting Honda and its products to its dedicated and loyal two-wheel volunteers, whilst also benefitting from increased exposure and awareness by the charity being showcased at a number of Honda's activities in the coming months, including a presence on Honda's stand at the forthcoming Motorcycle Live event at the NEC from 19-27 November.

The association with SERV is also timely, as it coincides with the recent launch of the latest mini-film in Honda's Channel 4 documentary sponsorship 'idents' running until the end of October, now focusing on one SERV volunteer, Roger, who delivers vital blood supplies to hospitals in his local area.

This mini-documentary is the third in a series of short feature films which explore and celebrate real-life people who use their Honda motorbikes, cars, ATVs, lawn mowers, generators and marine engines in unusual and extraordinary ways. The first featured Philippa, an alpaca breeder in Oxfordshire, who tends to the animals on her farm using her trusty Honda ATV. The second starred Ben, a night fisherman from Brixham Harbour in Devon who takes his boat, powered by two Honda BF135 marine engines, out at night to catch fish in the dark.

This latest short film features a gentleman called Roger who volunteers for SERV with his trusty ST1300 Pan European motorcycle. Roger voluntarily dedicates his evenings to transporting blood from central blood banks to hospitals across his local area in the home counties on his beloved Pan-European. He has ridden Hondas since he was 16 years old and he now relies on his Pan-European to regularly ride 100 mile journeys in the middle of the night. To view the full two-minute version of the mini-documentary visit www.honda.co.uk/bloodbike.

Tim Goodman, Chairman of SERV, commented, "We have some great Honda motorcycles on the SERV fleet and it is also the most popular  choice of bike manufacturer amongst our volunteer blood runners who use their own machines as well" they have time and again proved to be an ideal equipment partner. We are absolutely delighted that Honda's staff have chosen SERV as their nominated charity. We believe the opportunity of a partnership with the Honda brand will provide enhanced recognition for SERV, and encourage a better public understanding of the ways in which socially caring businesses and not for profit organisations can work together to benefit the community at large."

Steve Martindale, Honda (UK) Motorcycles General Manager said, "SERV is a highly regarded charitable organisation and the work they do, coupled with the dedication and passion of their volunteer riders, is truly humbling and worthy of total support. There were a number of motorcycling related charities we identified but our staff voted unanimously to support SERV, mainly because it is a service which can potentially benefit everyone and anyone, and not just those within the motorcycling industry or community, and Honda and two-wheels being 'out there' in local communities is something we all at Honda feel strongly about."

To find out more about SERV and how you could get involved, support or donate, visit www.serv.org.uk or Twitter @SERV_Bloodbikes.

Honda Chooses SERV

as it’s Nominated Charity

Honda has officially unveiled its revised CBR1000RR Fireblade for 2012, a model which celebrates 20 years of this iconic sports bike following its debut as a CBR900RR in 1992.

The new machine was revealed simultaneously at two world class racing events, the Le Mans 24 hours round of the Endurance World Championship in France, and the eleventh round of the World Superbike Championship in Imola, Italy, to great praise from attending race-goers.

The revised Fireblade sports a new styling package with a more angular front end, layered main fairing and revised tail section, with new front and rear suspension providing a key new feature. Introduced for the first time on a production motorcycle, an advanced new rear shock uses a double-tube design to ensure smoother and more accurate response, superior damping and improved traction. The front features inverted 43mm telescopic front forks with Showa's Big Piston technology, offering improved damping, increased front tyre grip and better stability under braking. The two combined provide for unrivalled traction without the need for electronic aids in this area.

New fuel injection settings for the 999cc inline-4 engine will make throttle response even smoother and easier to use, particularly at smaller throttle openings, while the stylish 12-spoke cast aluminium wheels provide more consistent rigidity around the whole wheel to work with the new forks to deliver improved handling.

Final revisions to the Fireblade focus on its multi-function LCD instrument panel which now incorporates a lap timer, gear position indicator and tachometer with 4 modes of display, whilst the world first electronically controlled C-ABS braking system remains an optional extra.

On hand to unveil the new machine were John McGuinness, 17 times TT winner and racing at Le Mans for the Honda TT Legends Team, and Jonathan Rea, rider for the Castrol Honda Team in the World Superbike Championship.

John McGuinness commented, "I've got a real soft spot for the Fireblade. I've ridden it in many of its evolutions and different racing events over the years and had a lot of success with it. In fact, some of the most memorable moments of my career have been on the Fireblade - from TT wins to this year in the World Endurance Championship. Unveiling the new model here at Le Mans is pretty exciting and I'm honoured that I was chosen to do it. It's great that all the thousands of racing and Fireblade fans around the world will now have the chance to see it for real."

Jonathan Rea said, "I feel like I have grown up with the Fireblade. It's such an iconic machine and it's an unbelievable feeling being the man to actually reveal the latest version. It really looks fantastic and I can't wait to get my hands on it."

Hirofumi Fukunaga, the 'Large Project Leader' for the 2012 CBR1000RR Fireblade concluded, "This is a model allowing all sports bike lovers, including the most experienced, to savour the joy of owning the CBR1000RR Fireblade, while at the same time feeling more fun in sporty riding and more joy of riding than ever before, whether it be on winding open roads or at a circuit."

The colour schemes for the 2012 Fireblade include Pearl Sunbeam White (tri-colour), Victory Red and Graphite Black and will be priced at £11,300 OTR for the standard version and £12,000 OTR for the ABS-equipped model. The 'on sale' date will be released closer to the end of the year and the new Fireblade will be sold alongside the current model which is currently available with 0% APR representative finance as well as a superb value sports pack offer.

Honda Announces 2012 Fireblade

Honda today announces its comprehensive 2012 model line-up, ahead of the opening of the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan on Tuesday 8 November.

 Honda’s much awaited 2012 full motorcycle model line-up has today been announced and includes the new V4 1200cc Crosstourer and 670cc Integra, with two further mid-sized machines sharing the same engine platform – NC700X and NC700S – to complement the comprehensive range from a new 50cc scooter – the Vision 50 – to an updated 1800cc luxury Goldwing tourer.

The new  models cover a huge range of rider needs and styles. Highlights include:
 
- The Crosstourer - an adventure sports tourer which takes Honda's unique V4 heritage in a new direction. Unveiled as a concept model in 2010, the Crosstourer’s 1200cc engine, adventure styling, long-travel suspension, upright riding position, Traction Control System, Combined Antilock Braking System and optional Dual Clutch Transmission make it a formidable all-round package.

- The Integra: a new machine offering the stability and dynamic ride of a motorcycle, with the protection, comfort and design of a large scooter, plus Dual Clutch Transmission as standard and an all-new highly fuel efficient, torque-focussed 670cc engine.

- Two new fun and affordable mid-sized machines – the NC700X and NC700S. The NC700S offers the practicality of a commuter with the distinctive styling of a naked machine. The NC700X promises a fun, engaging, upright riding experience combined with crossover style. Both will be available as standard or with Dual Clutch Transmission as an option.

- The expansion of Honda’s range of Dual Clutch Transmission models to five machines: The VFR1200F (upgraded for 2012), Crosstourer, Integra (the first model to have the system as standard), NC700X and NC700S. First released on sale in 2010 for the VFR1200F, this second-generation Dual Clutch Transmission offers seamless shifting in both manual and in its two automatic modes.

- Three stylish and affordable machines offering fun, low-cost mobility: The Vision 50, Honda’s first all-new 50cc model for Europe for nearly ten years – which complements the 110cc Vision released earlier this year – plus the Wave 110i, whose lineage can be traced back to the 60million plus selling Super Cub.

- Upgrades to two iconic Honda machines – the GL1800 Gold Wing, boasting a 36 year history and, the 20th anniversary edition of the legendary CBR1000RR Fireblade.

 In addition to a total of 7 new models (Integra, NC700X, NC700S, Crosstourer, Vision 50, Vision 110 and Wave110i) and 6 upgraded machines (CBR1000RR Fireblade, GL1800 Gold Wing, VFR1200F, CFR450R, CRF250R and CRF150R), a total of 15 models will also be offered with new colours.

Honda Announces

the 2012 Model Line-Up

NC700S

NC700X

Wave 110

More details >>

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