Prices Of New For 2011 Honda Motorcycles Announced | Honda Press Release

Press Release:
Honda (UK) is pleased to announce the prices and ‘on sale’ dates of three of its new-for-2011 motorcycles –the CBR125R, CBR250R and CBR600F. In the 125 corner, the revised CBR125R now comes equipped with the latest advances in fuel-injection, exhaust and catalyser technology making it even more fuel efficient while still carrying the ever-popular sporty styling of its larger siblings. The new CBR125R retains the ‘big bike’ feel this learner legal has always had and comes in Terra Silver Metallic, Ross White Tricolour and Asteroid Black Metallic for 2011. Available now, the CBR125R costs £3,170 OTR (including first registration fee and road tax totalling £70).

Its CBR250R bigger brother, which is a brand new edition to the Honda range for 2011, gives more novice riders the perfect step-up from a 125cc machine whilst also making a great commuter bike for every level of rider. This sports contoured model offers a punchy all-new single-cylinder four-stroke engine with 249cc, which is equipped with advanced fuel-injection for extra performance and economical riding. The CBR250R will be launched in Asteroid Black Metallic and Pearl Blue Tricolour and will be in Honda dealerships from the end of March priced at £3,688 OTR (including first registration fee and road tax totalling £88).

Honda has recognised customers’ desires in the middle-weight class and reintroduced an old favourite - the CBR600F - but with a modern-day usability and the addition of ABS. Production of the CBR600F ceased in 2006 as Honda’s focus turned to the CBR600RR, but recent research has shown a desire for the return of the F model, which carries the performance capabilities of a sports bike but combined with greater versatility, practicality and comfort for all-round riding. The modern day version features a modern, sleek design with the latest Combined Anti-Lock Braking System (C-ABS) technology. The all-new CBR600F will be available from dealerships from the end of March in Pearl Cool White/Hyper Red, Pearl Cool White/ Moody Blue Metallic and Pearl Nightstar Black/Matt Cynos Grey Metallic and priced at £7,055 (including first registration fee and road tax totalling £105).

A wide range of Honda Genuine accessories will also be available for customers to customise and kit out these fantastic machines to their own requirements.

Further details of the highly anticipated Crossrunner adventure styled motorcycle will be announced closer to the ‘available in dealership’ date of June.

For full details on the new-for-2011 machines or any other model in Honda’s great range of motorcycles and scooters, ‘Genuine Honda’ parts and accessories, latest offers and forthcoming events, visit your local Honda dealer, go to www.honda.co.uk or call 0845 200 8000.

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Honda Announces All New Gold Wing | Honda Press Release

TORRANCE, Calif., U.S.A., February 21, 2011 - American Honda Motor Company announced the first release of machines for the 2012 model year, the Gold Wing and FourTrax Foreman. These two 2012 models kick off the beginning of an exciting new season for Honda.


“This pair of 2012 new-model releases really illustrates the great diversity we have in styles of machinery for Honda customers,” said Powersports Press Manager Bill Savino. “Both the Gold Wing and Foreman serve as the newest extensions of incredibly popular models that have built up large and loyal fan bases in their respective fields over the years. The Gold Wing now expands its reputation as the premier touring motorcycle in the world, while the Foreman is the newest iteration in a full line of machines built to work—but are also ready to lead the way to good times when a day off comes around. With these two especially popular models we’re starting off the 2012 model year in a big way, and we’re equally excited about the additional new releases to follow later this year.”


The first opportunities to view these new Honda models will be at the International Motorcycle Show in Greenville, South Carolina, February 25-27 and Daytona Bike Week in Daytona Beach, Florida, March 5-12.


More detailed information and images of Honda’s model line can be found on powersports.honda.com or see your local Honda powersports dealer.


- Gold Wing: The Gold Standard For Two-Wheeled Journeys

Long acknowledged as the pinnacle of two-up motorcycling, the 2012 Gold Wing® continues its remarkable legacy. Its travel-oriented creds include the latest generation of sophisticated electronic amenities, starting with an updated and innovative GPS navigation system with user-friendly programmability for sharing favorite ride routes with friends and other riders, which can be accessed online via computer. The Gold Wing also now incorporates a built-in MP3/iPod® interface for a new SRS CS Auto™ technology surround-sound system for a premium listening experience. In addition to its renowned power-laden yet refined drivetrain and delightfully sporty handling, the 2012 Gold Wing also brings upgraded styling, increased luggage capacity, greater protection from wind and weather, revised suspension settings for enhanced ride compliance, and unparalleled comfort for both rider and passenger. In addition, packages for Navi, ABS and airbag do much to further the Gold Wing’s reputation as the most celebrated touring machine in motorcycle history. Price: $23,199 to $28,499 TBD. Availability: May 2011.


- FourTrax Foreman: Built To Work Hard, Day In and Day Out

Over the years, the FourTrax® Foreman® range of 4x4 ATVs have proven themselves to be hard-working partners that also know more than a thing or two about recreation. For 2012, the Foreman line of ATVs boasts a brand-new liquid-cooled 475cc single-cylinder OHV four-stroke engine that’s powerful enough for taking on those extra-tough jobs. The introduction of a new fuel injection system with 36mm throttle body for instant throttle response, consistent performance at high altitude, and hassle-free cold-weather starting adds to the Foreman’s performance package. The rolling chassis has been re-engineered as well, featuring an all-new and lighter rear suspension system incorporating a single, high-quality shock for increased comfort, precision, and work capabilities, plus a shorter wheelbase for agile handling and a tighter turning radius. With a wide variety of choices in configuration including manual shifting or Honda’s renowned Electric Shift Program (ESP®) that delivers push-button convenience for shifting, plus the option of Electric Power Steering (EPS) there’s a model to suit everybody. Throw in new body styling with a more aggressive look and you have one full-sized machine that will carry you through a week’s worth of chores with ease, then beg for some playtime adventuring come the weekend. Price: TBD. Availability: May 2011.

Article from world honda

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Castrol Honda confirm return

The name of Castrol Honda is to return to the Superbike World Championship this year after the lubricants firm confirmed its return to major motorcycle racing sponsorship.

The Castrol Honda team won the Superbike World Championship in 1997 with John Kocinski and in 2000 and 2002 with Colin Edwards when it was based in Lincolnshire.

For 2011 the team, which will be run by Ten Kate Racing in Holland, will have riders Jonathan Rea and Ruben Xaus contesting the World Championship.

Carl Fogarty, who won the world title four times, and two-time winner James Toseland have also raced for Castrol Honda.

Article from the press association

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Honda drives in new CBR250R

Mumbai, Maharashtra, October 28, 2010: Honda has unveiled its all – new 2011 CBR250R motorcycle to the world in Thailand.

The new CBR250R is a lightweight motorcycle developed to cater to the rising international demand for small and efficient lightweight bikes. Currently there is a lack of options in that segment internationally with a very few players like Kawasaki and Hyosung producing such motorcycles.

The Japanese auto company has also confirmed that the 2011 CBR250R will make its way to India early – mid 2011. The bike will be launched in Thailand this November though.

The new bike has been developed by Honda Japan with significant involvement from Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India (HMSI) and Honda Thailand.

The CBR250R will be powered by a 250cc single cylinder engine, with a flat and well – spread power and torque curve for maximum driveability at low and mid range rev band and better efficiency.

The bike will source materials and components from strategic sources to keep the prices as low and competitive as possible.

We hope that by ‘competitive’, Honda is not implying a price tag close to that of the Kawasaki Ninja 250R, which retails for a very high price of close to Rs 3- lakh in India. The CBR250R uses a light construction, diamond shaped, tubular frame that is said to offer agile handling and great manoeuvrability.

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Honda XBR 500cc 1987 Review

Overall Rating: 

Review My very first XBR was a fantastic bike. I was delighted by its handling and on full chat it made a great head turner by te sound out of ....Read More Want to read more reviews? Or want to write a review yourself? Visit www.ukbike.com

Honda Unveils Electric Motorbike

With the EV-neo electric motorcycle, Honda, which sells the Insight and other gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles, and the FCX Clarity hydrogen powered fuel-cell car, brings some of its latest green technology to motorbikes.

Associated Press

A woman rides Honda Motor Co.'s new electric scooter EV-neo at Honda's research facility in Wako, a Tokyo suburb, Japan, Tuesday, April 13, 2010.

Honda said it will begin leasing the bike in Japan in December, but has no plans to sell it at the moment.

"It is becoming important for companies to meet society's needs for CO2 reduction," said Toshiyuki Inuma, a general manager at Honda's motorcycle unit, at a test-drive event in Wako City, north of Tokyo.

Honda, Japan's second biggest car maker and the world's biggest motorcycle maker by volume, first leased electric motorcycles 16 years ago, albeit in small numbers, rolling out only 200 bikes over three years.

But in a sign of potentially deep demand in some emerging markets for such advanced electric motorbikes, Yamaha Motor Co., the world's second largest motorcycle maker, also plans to roll out its latest electric motorbike this summer.

Yamaha hasn't said whether it will sell or lease the bike.

Honda plans to lease its EV-neo scooter to businesses, such as pizza restaurant operators and others that run delivery services in Japan. It doesn't plan to lease it overseas. The leasing price hasn't been disclosed and Honda hasn't decided how many bikes it will lease.

The EV-neo uses a lithium-ion battery with double the power density of the nickel-cadmium battery used in the earlier electric motorbike.

The charging time for the new model is half the eight hours of the previous bike. Honda says rapid charging equipment gives the new battery an 80% charge in 20 minutes, and the bike can travel more than 30 kilometers on a single charge.

However, the company isn't certain if it can commercialize its electric motorbike operations on a large scale, Mr. Inuma said. Honda is still sizing up the potential market for such bikes, as demand will depend on costs.


To succeed with this product line Mr. Inuma said: "We have to differentiate our technology from others. Then, we'll see whether we can offer the price that customers would want."

One of the main challenges has been making the battery smaller and reducing the total vehicle cost.
The EV-neo's electric motor shares key parts with the Insight hybrid, and that cuts costs, said Koichiro Honda, an assistant chief engineer.

The company said it will use battery technology by major Japanese electronic equipment maker Toshiba Corp. Toshiba's lithium-ion batteries give nearly twice the power as those used in Honda's earlier electric bikes, so it was chosen over GS Yuasa Corp., with which Honda has a joint battery venture, said Mr. Honda, the engineer.

"One of the reasons is the durability," he said.

 Article from the wall street journal

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Honda 3R-C concept World Debut at Geneva International Motor Show 2010

The revolutionary Honda 3R-C concept will make its world debut in Geneva, alongside the EV-N concept which makes its European debut at the show.

Both the three-wheeled 3R-C concept, which envisions a single occupant vehicle for zero emission commuting, and the EV-N urban concept, draw on Honda’s vast working knowledge of vehicles utilising electric motors.
This revolutionary three wheeled battery electric vehicle concept shows what a future minimal urban transport vehicle for one person might look like. The battery electric drivetrain is mounted low in the three wheeled chassis, therefore keeping the centre of gravity low and thus improving stability.
The 3R-C has a clear canopy that covers the driver’s seat while it is parked and not in use. When 3R-C vehicle is in motion, the canopy becomes an enveloping wind-shield that provides the pilot, who sits low in the vehicle, with significant protection from the bodywork and doors.
The high sides of the safety shell seat give greater safety to the occupant, reducing the threat from side impacts and improving weather protection. In front of the driver is a lockable boot area, which gives significant secure storage for luggage or other items. The 3R-C’s designers created a flexible cover that surrounds the upper torso to reduce exposure to bad weather and improving comfort.
The 3R-C study was created by European designers working at Honda’s Research and Design facility in Milan.

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Honda to build Rs450-crore motorcycle plant

While a world-wide recession has slowed motorcycle sales and production in North America, Europe, and other places, India seems to have no such problem.

Honda has announced that it will build a second motorcycle factory there and that 2,000 people will work in it. Cost: about $100 million Cdn.

Growing demand in India for Honda's motorcycles has prompted the move, and Honda says it could double production in the plant if necessary. Once the factory is on-line late in 2011, it will make about 600,000 motorcycles a year, and Honda's total production in India will be 2.2 million vehicles a year. The plant will be located near Delhi.

There's only one other market of comparable size for makers of motorcycles and other good things — China, and sales of just over a million motorcycles there in 2009 set a ninth straight record and were up 11 per cent over 2008 sales.

PTW industry holding on during the downturn

Numbers in from the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA) show that motorbike sales in the UK throughout 2008 remained healthy despite the economic downturn, as a wider range of people turned to bikes as an effective solution to rising transport costs.

A total of 139,715 motorbikes were registered in 2008, which is merely 4,866 or 3.4% less compared to 2007. The car market plunged by 11.3% in 2008.

The MCI's Sheila Rainger said: "With a robust performance very close to 2007, the motorcycle market and industry is providing further evidence that powered two-wheelers offer a credible and very affordable transport option. We will all continue to face financial pressures in 2009, and with rail fares increasing by as much as 11% and incentives such as bikes being able to use bus lanes, motorcycle use is more relevant and practical than ever."

"There was a big increase in motorcycle tests in 2008, and dealers selling new and used bikes to people taking to two wheels for the first time. The industry is well-placed to offer people a cost and congestion-busting alternative for everyday transport and this year, we will be campaigning hard to urge people to join in, as well as working to increase safety and transport provisions for motorcyclists."

Last year's top-selling model was the Honda CBR 1000RR (pictured above).

Honda's future UK plans in doubt following F1 pull-out

Last week's announcement that Honda have pulled out of Formula 1 racing has led to speculation about the Japanese giant's future plans, both in terms of sporting involvement and vehicle production.

Despite figures from the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA) showing that bike sales have steadily increased since August, the economic downturn has put jobs at risk across the motoring industry.

Honda recently revealed that workers at their Swindon production plant have had their hours reduced in an effort to avoid redundancies, while staff at the Brackley, Northamptonshire plant (closely linked with the F1 team) have been hit harder, as they have been told to expect some lay-offs towards Christmas.

Neil Tuxworth, head of Honda Racing, told the BBC on Friday that Honda will continue to be involved in the 2009 British Superbike season, with Glen Richards and Josh Brookes lined up to race for the team.

Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade voted the UK's favourite bike

The 2008 model Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade has been voted Britain's favourite motorbike in RiDE Magazine's annual RiDER Power survey.

Over 7,000 readers took part in the survey, and the Fireblade came out on top with an impressive 92.19% satisfaction rating, with special praise for its accessible power, sharp handling, outstanding build quality and overall usability.

RiDE themselves fully agreed with the result, stating that the Fireblade "delivers that most elusive of all things: rider satisfaction. But unlike other bikes in RiDER Power that score highly on that front, it isn't let down by the important stuff – like reliability and build quality."

Honda announce "life saving" GPS technology

At the Car2Car Communication Consortium event in Dudenhofen, Germany, Honda have revealed a biker safety initiative that uses GPS data to warn riders and drivers about potential collisions, allowing time to react.

The design of this safety system was heavily inspired by the EU-backed Motorcycle Accident In-Depth Study (MAIDS), which found that 35% of motorbike accidents were collisions at intersections and right-turn collisions (left-turn in continental Europe and the US).

Eight vehicle manufacturers have participated in the technology, known as Vehicle To Vehicle (V2V). Using on-board V2V technology, bikes and cars can constantly swap GPS information including position, direction and vehicle dynamics. This allows riders to be alerted of potential danger either by an indicator display or an in-helmet audio warning sent via Bluetooth; likewise, car drivers can receive alerts on their navigation system displays.

Honda have a strong reputation for innovation in bike safety, having launched the first motorbike airbag in 2006, as well as announcing electronically-controlled Combined ABS for the SuperSport range earlier this year.

Honda to release electric and hybrid bikes from 2011

The word from Japan is that Honda are set to launch small electric motorbikes and scooters in 2011, with hybrid bikes to be rolled out a few years later.

Initially, Honda are planning on producing a new line of electric scooters and a small motorbike to replace the Cub series, which will have an as-yet-undetirmined engine size, thought to be between 50cc and 125cc.

Existing four-wheel hybrid technology will then be used to produce a range of bikes with engine sizes between 200cc and 1000cc. According to Honda, these bikes will be up to 50% more fuel-efficient.

Yamaha are also set to launch their own electric and hybrid ranges from 2010 onwards.

Last weekend, Jim Corning from Prometheus Solar showed off his converted Ninja 250R in Santa Monica, which apparently reaches speeds of 70mph and covers 50 miles between charges. The picture below demonstrates Corning's modifications, which improves the bikes' aerodynamics, and gives it a touch of the Sinclair C5 to boot.



Story and picture source: http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/09/29/altcar-2008-prometheus-solar-powered-electric-motorcycle/