Tag Archives: honda

2020 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade | 217 hp


Unlike the forecasts of many pundits the all new CBR1000RR Fireblade retains an in-line four-cylinder powerplant ino 2020.

Honda Fireblade CBRRR
2020 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade

However, while it does not share the V4 layout of the RC213V MotoGP machine, it does share the same short stroke design and exact bore dimensions as the machine that Marquez races.

Honda Fireblade CBRRR SP
Marc Marquez with the 2020 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP

Forged A2618 aluminium (same material as used in RC213V-S) pistons swing off forged light-weight TI-64A titanium con-rods and slide a total of 48.5 mm inside an 81 mm bore towards a crescendo of 217 metric horsepower (160 kw) at 14,500 rpm, and 113 Nm at 12,500 rpm. That is the largest bore size of any four-cylinder superbike and a dramatic difference to the 76 mm bore and 55.1 mm stroke of the previous machine. That’s claimed 25 more ponies than the outgoing SP model. 

Honda Fireblade CBRRR SP
2020 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP

Honda say they have concentrated on fighting friction losses using technical solutions developed on their MotoGP bikes to make the new engine as efficient as possible.

Honda Fireblade CBRRR
2020 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade

32.5 mm inlet valves and 28.5 mm exhaust valves are operated by finger-follower rocker arms and cam lobes are coated with Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) which Honda claims is a first for a mass­ produced motorcycle that translates to a 35 per cent reduction in friction losses compared to non DLC coated lobes. 

Honda Fireblade CBRRR SP
2020 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP

Those large valves are driven by what Honda calls a semi-cam gear train system that they have taken out a patent on. Due to the high-lift cams the chain is driven from a timing gear located on the crank-shaft via the idle cam gear which makes the set-up shorter in length. 

Honda Fireblade CBRRR SP
2020 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP

Crank big-ends are also DLC coated while the small-end bushes are made of shaved C1720HT Beryllium copper for high-rim reliability. 

Honda Fireblade CBRRR SP
2020 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP

Despite their larger size than before, each piston is 5 per cent lighter than found in the previous model and the skirts are Ober coated (Telfon and Moylbendum base) and nickel-phosphorous plating for the pistin pin’s clip groove. All this HRC-like special bits inside the crankcases appear to be common across both models and are not limited to the SP.

Honda Fireblade CBRRR SP
2020 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP

Helping to keep the temperature under contral is a multi-point and multi-directional oil spray system which only operates at higher rpm. When not required at lower rpm check-balls within the jets shut off the flow of oil to help maintain more oil pressure elsewhere.

Honda Fireblade CBRRR SP
2020 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP

A totally new aluminium diamond frame uses the rear of the engine as the upper shock mount; the swingarm is longer and based on the RC213V-S design. The rigidity balance, weight distribution and steering geometry have been carefully adjusted for the increased engine output, in terms of front and rear grip levels, and feel for both.

Honda Fireblade CBRRR
2020 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade

In the standard model Showa’s 43mm Big Piston Fork (BPF) is matched to a Showa Balance Free Rear Cushion Light (BFRC-L). The front discs are larger in diameter and worked by new Nissin four-piston calipers while the ABS is adjustable for track riding. 

Honda Fireblade CBRRR
2020 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade

The SP gets new 43mm Öhlins NPX front fork to replace the NIX fork of the previous model and second-generation Öhlins Object Based Tuning interface (OBTi) offers finer control of settings front and rear. The front discs are larger in diameter and worked by new Brembo Stylema four-piston calipers while the ABS is adjustable for track riding. The rear tyre is now sized 200/55-ZR17 on both machines.

Honda Fireblade CBRRR SP
2020 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP

A six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) provides accurate 3D estimation of riding dynamics and provides input to manage all of the electronic systems. It also controls the new rod-type 3-level Honda Electronic Steering Damper (HESD).

Honda Fireblade CBRRR SP
2020 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP

Honda’s RC213V MotoGP machine has leant some of its slippery aerodynamics to the CBR1000RR-R, including winglets to increase downforce and improve braking stability. The riding position is also much more compact.

Honda Fireblade CBRRR SP
2020 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP

The fully customisable 5-inch TFT display offers intuitive control operated via a simplified four-way controller on the left handlebar.

Honda Fireblade CBRRR SP
2020 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP

2020 Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade Specifications

  • Engine – Liquid-cooled 4-stroke 16-valve DOHC Inline-4
  • Engine Displacement (cm³) 999.9cc
  • No. of Valves per Cylinder 4
  • Bore ´ Stroke (mm) 81mm x 48.5mm
  • Compression Ratio 13.0 x 1
  • Max. Power Output 160kW @ 14,500
  • Max. Torque 113Nm @ 12,500
  • Oil Capacity 4.0L
  • Carburation PGM-DSFI
  • Fuel Tank Capacity 16.1L
  • Fuel Consumption 16.0km/litre
  • Clutch – Wet, multiplate hydraulic clutch with assist slipper
  • Transmission 6-speed
  • Final Drive Chain
  • Frame  Aluminium composite twin spar
  • Dimensions (L x W x H) 2100 x 745 x 1140mm
  • Wheelbase 1455mm
  • Caster Angle 24-degrees
  • Trail 102mm
  • Seat Height 830mm
  • Ground Clearance 115mm
  • Kerb Weight 201kg
  • Front Suspension – Showa Telescopic inverted fork with an inner tube diameter of 43 mm, and a Big Piston Front Fork with preload, compression and rebound adjustment, 120mm stroke
  • Front Suspension SP – Telescopic inverted fork with inner diameter of 43mm and Ohlins NPX Smart-EC with preload, compression and rebound adjustments. 125mm stroke.
  • Rear Suspension – Unit Pro-Link with gas-charged HMAS damper featuring 10-step preload and stepless compression and rebound damping adjustment, 137mm stroke. Showa BFRC-Light
  • Rear Suspension SP – Pro-Link with gas-charged Ohlins TTX36 Smart-EC damper featuring preload, compression and rebound damping. 143mm stroke.
  • Front Rim 17 inch x 3.5
  • Rear Rim 17 inch x 6.0
  • Front Tyre 120/70-ZR17
  • Rear Tyre 200/55-ZR17
  • Front Brakes 330mm disc with radial-mount 4-piston Nissin caliper
  • Front Brakes SP 330mm disc with 4-piston Brembo caliper
  • Rear Brakes 220mm disc with 2-piston Brembo caliper
  • Rear Brakes SP 220mm disc with 2-piston Brembo caliper
  • Instruments TFT-LCD
  • Security System HISS
  • Headlight LED
  • Taillight LED

Source: MCNews.com.au

Marquez overtakes Doohan as Honda’s top premier class GP winner

Marquez passes Doohan as Honda’s most successful premier class rider with record breaking 55th win

A hard-fought victory at the Australian Grand Prix cemented yet another record for eight-time World Champion Marc Marquez as he becomes Honda’s most successful rider in history.

Mick Doohan 1998

During Honda’s home race at the Japanese Grand Prix, Marc Marquez joined mighty Mick Doohan and former team-mate Dani Pedrosa as one of just three riders to win 54 Grand Prix races on Honda machinery. Now just a week later, the Repsol Honda Team rider raises the bar once again, clinching victory at Phillip Island for a record-breaking 55th premier class win on the Honda RC213V.

Marc Marquez Mick Doohan
Mick Doohan and Marc Marquez

Since 1998, Australia’s Mick Doohan has held the honour of being Honda’s most successful rider after taking his 54th win at the Argentine Grand Prix as he celebrated his fifth straight premier class title on the NSR500.

Honda th Road Racing Doohan Marquez
Mick Doohan with Marc Marquez

Doohan’s records and results stood as the standard for Honda riders for almost two decades after the Australian surpassed the feats of Freddie Spencer from the 80s.

Honda th Road Racing Doohan Marquez Spencer Takahashi
60 years of Honda Road Racing celebration earlier in the year – Kunimitsu Takahashi, Freddie Spencer, Mick Doohan and Marc Marquez

His first victory in 2013 at Austin saw him beat fellow Honda legend Freddie Spencer’s 30-year old record as the youngest premier class Grand Prix winner.

MotoGP COTA Marquez
Marc Marquez celebrting his first MotoGP victory – COTA 2013

From his 125 premier class starts, Marc Marquez has taken to the top step of the podium 55 times and has finished on the podium in 75 per cent of the races since his 2013 MotoGP debut.

Only Valentino Rossi (89) and Giacomo Agostini (68) have more premier class victories to their names than the 26-year-old from Cervera.

2019 has also seen Honda take their 300th premier class win, Marc Marquez taking victory in France, continuing the story of Honda’s premier class success which began in 1966 with Jim Redman, who won a total of 45 races for Honda.

MotoGP Rnd LeMans Marquez Flag
Marquez dominated the #FrenchGP this year

Alongside holding the win record for Honda riders in the premier class, Marquez is also the most successful Honda rider in terms of premier class World Championships with six titles and holds the outright pole position record in the premier class with 62 – four more than Mick Doohan.

MotoGP Motegi Honda Constructors
Marquez and Honda celebrate Constructors Championship at Motegi, which Marquez won for them by himself…

Marquez needs just nine more podium finishes to equal Pedrosa’s record 112 premier class podiums on Honda machinery.

With two races still remaining in 2019, Marc Marquez (375 points) is just nine points away from surpassing Jorge Lorenzo’s record 383 points from a single premier class season.

Source: MCNews.com.au

Honda recall on Grom rear rack

The official recall notice, issued through the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) says the rear rack may crack and fall off if overloaded.

It says it could possibly fall into the path of traffic or other road users “increasing the risk of an accident or injury”.

Owners should contact their nearest authorised Honda motorcycle dealer and arrange to have the rack removed. The purchase and installation cost of the rack will be refunded.

2017 Honda Grom stars eofy pace
Honda Grom

This is the third recall Honda has issued this year.

The others involved a locking rear wheel on learner-approved  2019 CBF300N, 2018 CBR300R and 2017 CRF250L models and CFR450L dual-sport bikes with the horn dropping off!

Even though manufacturers and importers usually contact owners when a recall is issued, the bike may have been sold privately to a rider unknown to the company.

Therefore, Motorbike Writer publishes all motorcycle and scooter recalls as a service to all riders.

If you believe there is an endemic problem with your bike that should be recalled, contact the ACCC on 1300 302 502.

To check whether your motorcycle has been recalled, click on these sites:

• Australia

• USA

• New Zealand

• Canada

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

When will 2-litre Honda Goldwing arrive?

The long-awaited 2-litre Honda Goldwing has again failed to materialise, instead receiving minor tweaks for 2020, just two years after a major update.

Honda fans have been tapping a 2-litre version for some years, but instead of making a more powerful bike, the Honda techs have made one that handles better at low speeds, such as parking.

We’ve seen people grappling with the heavy bike in parking situations and dropping them.20202 Honda Goldwing

So Honda has improved the fuel injection and Dual Clutch Transmission so it is smoother at walking pace.

They have also fiddled with the suspension for better balance in parking situations and some other minor tweaks.

Surely these minor tweaks for 2020 mean the bike might finally be due for an upgrade to two litres the following year for Euro5.

It is also tipped to get emergency brakes,  a head-up display windscreen with touchscreen sensitivity, a climate-controlled seat and a seven-speed DCT.

2020 Honda Goldwing20202 Honda Goldwing

Other minor tweaks for 2020 are a second USB connector in the left saddlebag, while the new Tour version gets LED fog lights and bigger passenger grab handles.

The 2018 update was much more extensive with the introduction of Apple CarPlay, adjustable electric windscreen, major weight loss, new frame, double wishbone front suspension, Smart Key, four selectable riding modes, Hill Start Assist and Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC).

The flat-six engine was also revamped with four valves per cylinder.20202 Honda Goldwing

There is no word yet from Honda Australia on arrival or pricing.

Colours options may include Candy Ardent Red, Matte Ballistic Black Metallic and Pearl Glare White with a combination of black, silver and red engine details. 20202 Honda Goldwing

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Honda Africa Twin CRF1100L unveiled

The worst-kept secret in motorcycling has been confirmed with Honda unveiling the full tech specs for the bigger, narrower and higher-tech Africa Twin CRF1100L at the AIMExpo motorcycle show in Ohio, USA.

Of course, the biggest news is that the engine has gone from 998cc to a longer-stroke 1084cc with power up from 70kW to 75kW. All details that had already been tipped.

Yet weight has dropped from 243kg to 226kg and 236kg for the ducal-clutch transmission (DCT) model.2020 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin

It’s largely thanks to a lighter engine and gearbox and a slimmer and lighter frame, subframe and swingarm inspired by the CRF450.

With the extra tech and power, we expect a price rise, but there is no word yet on pricing or availability.

They currently cost about $A17,499 for the standard and $A19,999 for the DCT (plus on-road costs).

Bigger engine2020 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin

The bigger Euro5-compliant engine will now make it more competitive with the BMW, Ducati, KTM and Triumph adventurers.

It not only has 6% more power, but also 7% more torque at 105Nm.

Stroke has been lengthened from 75.1mm to 81.5mm but the bore remains the same at 92mm.2020 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin

Honda has made the CRF1100L 2.5 lighter (2.2kg in the DCT version) with aluminium cylinder sleeves and redesigned engine casings.

It features a larger 43mm throttle body, smoother air intake profile, new ECU and more direct fuel injection to improve efficiency.

Exhaust gas flow is controlled in a similar way to the CBR1000RR for a better note.

Better tech2020 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin

To compete with the current crop of big adventurers, Honda has added a raft of electronic rider aids to the CRF1100L.

It’s all thanks to a six-axis inertial measurement unit-managed.

Rider aids include optimised off-road “torque control” (basically traction control that manages power and engine braking), three-level wheelie control, two customised riding modes and now four default riding modes.

The new mode is “off-road”.

2020 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin

It also has an LED headlight, automatic indicator cancel and a USB port.

The new touchscreen instrument panel has Bluetooth audio and Apple Carplay which only works when your phone is plugged in, not via Bluetooth.2020 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin

That means the screen will show your phone’s satnav and call details as well as some apps such as Spotify.

Cosmetics are slightly changed, but the suspension and wheels are the same.

Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin specs2020 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin

ENGINE
Type SOHC liquid-cooled 4-stroke 8-valve parallel twin with 270° crank and Uni-cam
Displacement 1084cc
Bore & Stroke 92mm x 81.5mm
Compression Ratio 10.1:1
Max. Power Output 75kW at 7,500rpm
Max. Torque 105Nm at 6,250rpm
Noise Level 73dB
Oil Capacity 4.8/4.3 (5.2/4.7 DCT)
FUEL SYSTEM
Carburation PGM-FI
Fuel Tank Capacity 18.8L
CO2 Emissions 112g/km MT

110g/km DCT

Fuel Consumption 4.9L/100km (20.4km/L) MT

4.8L/100km (20.8km/L) DCT

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Starter Electric
Battery Capacity 12V-6Ah Li-ion battery (20hr)
ACG Output  0.49 kW/5,000rpm
DRIVETRAIN
Clutch Type Wet, multiplate with coil springs, aluminium cam assist and slipper clutch

DCT – 2 wet multiplate clutches with coil springs

Transmission Type 6 speed manual (6 speed DCT)
FRAME
Type Semi double cradle
CHASSIS
Dimensions (L´W´H) 2330mm x 960mm x 1395mm
Wheelbase 1575mm
Caster Angle 27.5°
Trail 113mm
Seat Height 850/870mm (low seat option 825mm, high seat option 895mm)
Ground Clearance 250mm
Kerb Weight 226kg (DCT 236kg)
SUSPENSION
Type Front Showa 45mm cartridge-type inverted telescopic fork with dial-style preload adjuster and DF adjustments, 230mm stroke
Type Rear Monoblock aluminium swing arm with Pro-Link with Showa gas-charged damper, hydraulic dial-style preload adjuster and rebound damping adjustments, 220 mm rear wheel travel
WHEELS
Type Front 21M/C x 2.15 wire spoke with aluminium rim
Type Rear 18M/C x 4.00 wire spoke with aluminium rim
Rim Size Front 21″
Rim Size Rear 18″
Tyres Front 90/90-21M/C 54H (tube type)

(Bridgestone Battlax Adventurecross Tourer/

AX41T Metzler Karoo Street)

Tyres Rear 150/70R18M/C 70H (tube type)

(Bridgestone Battlax Adventurecross Tourer/

AX41T Metzler Karoo Street)

BRAKES
ABS System Type 2 channel with IMU
Selectable ABS MODE with on-road and off-road setting
Type Front 310mm dual wave floating hydraulic disc with aluminium hub and radial fit 4-piston calipers and sintered metal pads
Type Rear 256mm wave hydraulic disc with single piston caliper and sintered metal pads. 2-channel with rear ABS OFF mode.
INSTRUMENTS & ELECTRICS
Instruments LCD Meter, TFT 6.5inch touch panel multi information display
Security System Immobiliser, security alarm (optional)
Headlight LED
Taillight LED
Electrics Daytime running lights, Bluetooth audio and Apple Carplay, USB socket, auto turn signal cancel, cruise control, emergency stop signal, IMU, HSTC, wheelie control

2020 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

2020 Honda Africa Twin 1100 | 5kg lighter | TFT Apple Car Play


Honda has taken the wraps off a new 2020 Honda Africa Twin and confirmed it has grown into an 1100 model for the new model year thanks to an increase in the stroke from 75.1 mm out to 81.5 mm, to produce the new capacity of 1084 cc. 

Honda Africa Twin Engine
2020 Honda Africa Twin

Torque is up from 98 Nm at 6000 rpm to 105 Nm at 6250 rpm, a six per cent improvement, while power bumps from 94 hp (70 kW) to 101 hp (75 kW) at the same 7500 rpm, a seven per cent improvement.

Honda Africa Twin Mono
2020 Honda Africa Twin

The cylinder sleeves are now aluminium while the cylinder head has been completely revised and is fed by a larger 46 mm throttle body. The Unicam valve-train now lifts the valves higher than before while exhaust control valve similar to that used on the current model Fireblade is now employed. 

Honda Africa Twin Knobblies Front
2020 Honda Africa Twin

A 5 kg weight reduction drops the ready to ride with a full tank of fuel figure down to 226 for the manual, or 236 kg for the DCT equipped machine.

Honda Africa Twin Sand
2020 Honda Africa Twin

Honda also claim the new bike is smaller and slimmer with higher set handle-bars. The seat itself is 40 mm narrower to make it easier for riders to reach the ground while a low-seat option positions the rider between 825 from terra-firma. For those with extra long in-seams an 895 mm tall seat option is also available. The standard seat height can be set between 850 and 870 mm. 

Honda Africa Twin TopThe steel semi-double cradle frame has been extensively revised for better off-road ability and now features a bolt-on aluminium sub-frame while the new swingarm is based off that used on the CRF450R and is 500 grams lighter.

Honda Africa Twin Sand
2020 Honda Africa Twin

Rigidity around the steering head has been changed to offer improved front-end grip while the frame now weighs 1.8 kg less than before. 

Honda Africa Twin Sand
2020 Honda Africa Twin

Ground clearance remains 250 mm, and the 2020 Africa Twin rides on a 1575 mm wheelbase. Rake and trail is 27-degrees-30s and 113 mm respectively. 

Honda Africa Twin RHR
2020 Honda Africa Twin

With a stroke length of 230 mm the Showa cartridge forks features revised internals with rebound and compression damping both full-adjustable. 

Honda Africa Twin Radiators
2020 Honda Africa Twin

The Showa shock gives the Africa Twin 220 mm of rear axle travel and features a large 46 mm cylinder and remote reservoir to reduce fade. 

Honda Africa Twin Preload
2020 Honda Africa Twin

Technology improvements are massive with a new Bosch MM7.10 six-axis IMU that controls the seven-level HSTC traction control system via real-time yaw/roll angle and rate data. 

Honda Africa Twin RHF
2020 Honda Africa Twin

A new three-level wheelie control, cornering ABS with off-road settings, rear lift control and DCT cornering detection facilities are also employed. A dedicated ‘Off-Road’ setting joins the previous ‘Urban’, ‘Tour’ and ‘Gravel’ riding modes. I am very interested in seeing the changes in the DCT shift program now it has cornering sensor input added to its smarts. 

Honda Africa Twin Dash CarPlay
Apple Car Play comes to the Africa Twin for 2020

Apple Car Play also comes to the Africa Twin for 2020 via a 6.5-inch TFT screen with Bluetooth connectivity. I have used Honda’s Apple Car Play system on the current model Gold Wing and it is simply fantastic. A USB charging port is located on the RHS of the display. Cruise control is standard. 

Honda Africa Twin Dash
2020 Honda Africa Twin instrumentation

The Africa Twin Adventure Sports model also gains the option for Showa EERA that has five riding modes. ‘Soft’, ‘Mid’, ‘Hard’, ‘Off-Road’ and a ‘User’ setting that is fully customisable. Rear spring pre-load can also be set electronically through a range of 24 settings while the motorcycle is stationary through 24 settings. 

Adventure Sports also scores a larger front fairing and a five-position adjustable screen. At 24.8 litres in capacity the Adventure Sports boasts six-litres extra fuel capacity over the base model. Due to the extra fuel capacity the Adventure Sports tips the scales slightly heavier at 238 kg, 248 kg for DCT, while Showa EERA adds a further 2 kg if optioned on to the bike. 

The 21/18-inch spoked rims on the Adventure Sports model are now tubeless ready. 


2020 Honda Africa Twin Technical Specifications

Engine
Type SOHC liquid-cooled 4-stroke 8-valve parallel twin with 270° crank and Uni-cam
Displacement 1084 cc
Bore & Stroke 92 mm x 81.5 mm
Compression Ratio 10.1:1
Max. Power Output 75 kW at 7500 rpm
Max. Torque 105 Nm at 6250 rpm
Noise Level 73 dB
Oil Capacity 4.8/4.3 (5.2/4.7 DCT)
Fuel System
Carburation PGM-FI
Fuel Tank Capacity 24.8 L
CO2 Emissions 112g/km MT 110g/km DCT
Fuel Consumption 4.9L/100 km (20.4km/L) MT 4.8L/100 km (20.8 km/L) DCT
Electrical System
Starter Electric
Battery Capacity 12V-6Ah Li-ion battery (20hr)
ACG Output  0.49kW/5000 rpm
Drivetrain
Clutch Type Wet, multiplate with coil springs, aluminium cam assist and slipper clutch DCT – 2 wet multiplate clutches with coil springs
Transmission Type 6 speed manual (6 speed DCT)
Frame
Type Semi double cradle
Chassis
Dimensions (L´W´H) 2330mm x 960mm x 1560mm (1620mm with screen in uppermost position)
Wheelbase 1575mm
Caster Angle 27.5°
Trail 113mm
Seat Height 850/870 mm (low seat option 825 mm, high seat option 895 mm)
Ground Clearance 250 mm
Kerb Weight 238 kg (DCT 248 kg) With Showa EERA 240 kg MT (DCT 250kg)
Suspension
Type Front Showa 45mm cartridge-type inverted telescopic fork with dial-style preload adjuster and damping adjustment, 230 mm stroke EERA – Showa Telescopic inverted fork with an inner tube diameter of 45 mm, and Showa EERA with compression and rebound damping adjustments, 230 mm stroke
Type Rear Monoblock aluminium swing arm with Pro-Link with Showa gas-charged damper, hydraulic dial-style preload adjuster and rebound damping adjustments, 220 mm rear wheel travel. EERA – Monoblock aluminium swing arm with Pro-Link with Showa gas-charged damper, hydraulic remote control preload adjuster and electric control unit with compression and rebound damping adjustments, 220 mm rear wheel travel
Wheels
Type Front 21M/C x MT2.15 wire spoke with aluminium rim
Type Rear 18M/C x MT4.00 wire spoke with aluminium rim
Rim Size Front 21″
Rim Size Rear 18″
Tyres Front 90/90-21M/C 54H (tubeless type) Bridgestone Battlax Adventurecross Tourer AX41T
Metzler Karoo Street
Tyres Rear 150/70R18M/C 70H (tubeless type) Bridgestone Battlax Adventurecross Tourer AX41T
Metzler Karoo Street
Brakes
ABS System Type 2 channel with IMU
Selectable ABS MODE with on-road and off-road setting
Type Front 310mm dual wave floating hydraulic disc with aluminium hub and radial fit 4-piston calipers and sintered metal pads
Type Rear 256mm wave hydraulic disc with single piston caliper and sintered metal pads. 2-Channel with rear ABS off mode.
Instruments & Electronics
Instruments LCD Meter, TFT 6.5inch touch panel multi information display
Security System Immobiliser, security alarm (optional)
Headlight LED
Taillight LED
Electrics Daytime running lights, Bluetooth audio and Apple® CarPlay, USB socket, auto turn signal cancel, cruise control, emergency stop signal, IMU, HSTC, cornering lights, wheelie control

Source: MCNews.com.au

Honda UK produce limited run CB 1100 RS by 5Four

Honda CB 1100 RS special by 5Four
Honda CB RS four
CB 1100 RS by 5Four

1969. A seminal year for motorcycling as the inline four-cylinder Honda CB750 took centre stage, wowing the world and laying down a superbike blueprint that still stands today.

Honda CB RS four
CB 1100 RS by 5Four

Click forward five decades and Honda maintains the legacy and spirit of that original CB with two air-cooled four-cylinder machines – the CB1100 EX and CB1100 RS.

Honda CB RS four
CB 1100 RS by 5Four

Manufacture of both takes place in the Kumamoto factory, with a production process that integrates technology and expert skill in order to create motorcycles rich in craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Honda CB RS four
CB 1100 RS by 5Four

2019. To coincide with 50 years of the CB750, Honda UK – with a huge nod of respect to such long and storied history – has partnered with 5Four Motorcycles and commissioned a limited run of unique custom motorcycles, based on the CB1100 RS.

Honda CB RS four
CB 1100 RS by 5Four

The stripped-back and lean CB1100 RS already has the look of a golden-era race tool, with more than a hint of café racer and sporty steering geometry, matched to high-quality Showa suspension, front radial-mount four-piston brakes and cast aluminium 17-inch wheels.

Honda CB RS four
CB 1100 RS by 5Four

But for Guy Willison, the creative force behind 5Four Motorcycles – a professional bike builder who has found two-wheeled TV fame on The Motorbike Show but who has also been a despatch rider, mechanic and tuner in his time – the CB1100 RS holds the capacity to become something truly special, as he explains:

“5Four Motorcycles was created to move away from the one-size-fits-all standard and to build thoroughbred machines with cool design, a statement of individualism, quality, performance and exclusivity. From the moment I first saw the CB1100 RS I knew it had the potential to be a thoroughbred, single seat, point-and-squirt A and B road blaster. So we’re making a strictly limited production run of 54 CB1100 RS 5Four motorcycles, each individually numbered. The number is etched subtly into the number 5 of the nickel plated 5Four badge which itself is inset into the tailpiece. And the paintwork had to hark back to the period in my youth when Honda dominated World Endurance Racing with their Red, White and Blue Works racers; there are no stickers or transfers – even the retro Honda logo and Wing are lovingly hand-painted. We’re passionate about this motorcycle. We have just selfishly designed and built it and it stirs us when we walk up to it and we don’t want to leave it at the end of a day’s riding.” And why 5Four? Simple: “That was my despatch call number…”

Honda CB RS four
CB 1100 RS by 5Four

Willison’s long perspective on motorcycling (and the details that elevate his work) are obvious on his exquisite creation. Every component on the CB1100 RS 5Four could be a work of art in its own right, easily displayed in a spot-lit cabinet. And each detail has been chosen to enhance each sensory contact the owner has with their machine whether it be visual, auditory or actual physical contact.

Honda CB RS four
CB 1100 RS by 5Four

The CB1100 RS 5Four’s riding position has been tailored using Renthal Ultra Low handlebars, Tomaselli racing grips, short racing brake levers and beautiful billet mirrors, all finished in black. The single seat is handstitched Alcantara and leather in a diamond stitch pattern. The footrest hangers are mirror-polished aluminium.

Honda CB RS four
CB 1100 RS by 5Four

There’s no plastic to be seen either; the wind-cheating handlebar fairing and single seat tail unit are both handcrafted from aluminium. A pair of titanium Urban Growler end-cans from Racefit – the quintessentially British exhaust manufacturer – are beautifully welded and engineered to look stunning and provide a deeply distinctive, spine tingling sound.

Honda CB RS four
CB 1100 RS by 5Four

Ordering a CB1100 RS 5Four is easy. A quick call to a local Honda dealer with a deposit secures a place in the line; Honda will then confirm an estimated delivery date with the dealer as well as the number of the bike. As each is hand-built to order this is likely to be around three months. List price is £15,554, which equates to almost $29,000 AUD… 

Honda CB RS four
CB 1100 RS by 5Four

Source: MCNews.com.au

2020 Honda CRF450R & CRF250R | Arriving October

2020 Honda CRF450R – $12,299 MLP
CRF250R – $11,299 MLP


The 2020 CRF450R and CRF250R is due to Honda dealers around Australia mid-October, offering Honda MX die-hards a host of updates to launch them to the front of the pack.

Honda CRFR R
2020 Honda CRF450R – $12,299 MLP

The CRF450R will be available for an MLP of $12,299 and puts more engine-management choices at the fingertips of racers, with the addition of Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC).

Honda CRFR handlebar
2020 Honda CRF450R

Developed through HRC’s worldwide racing effort, the system maximizes rear-tire hook-up to keep all of the Unicam engine’s horsepower driving the bike and rider forward, improving racing success regardless of track conditions.

Honda CRFR LHP
2020 Honda CRF450R

In keeping with racing-body regulations, the system measures rate of rpm increase and adjusts delivery accordingly and a handlebar-mounted switch enables selection from three levels of delivery, which is most in class.

Honda CRFR battery holder
2020 Honda CRF450R – New battery holder

In addition, the CRF450R’s front-rear balance is refined and handling is improved thanks to internal suspension updates and a new battery position that lowers the machine’s centre of gravity.

Improved rear-brake pad performance and durability, and the exclusive specification of Dunlop Geomax MX3S tyres round out a machine that’s ready to take 450 riders to the next level.

Honda CRFR LF
2020 Honda CRF250R

Honda’s CRF250R is a holeshot-seeking machine and this year, your lock on the holeshot is better than ever. That’s because the 2020 CRF250R gets a new frame and swingarm, new intake and exhaust valves, a new intake cam, new head pipes, stronger clutch springs and other improvements like the battery mounted lower for a better centre of gravity.

Honda CRFR RR
2020 Honda CRF250R

Air filter volume and surface area is up and that means more power too, so all of that makes an awesome bike even better. The 2020 CRF250R will be available for an MLP of $11,299.

Honda CRFR LHP
2020 Honda CRF250R – $11,299 MLP

Honda CRFR rear wheel
2020 Honda CRF250R longer swingarm


For more information on the 2020 MX line up, including full specs visit: https://motorcycles.honda.com.au/Off_Road_Competition

Honda CRFR engine L
2020 Honda CRF250R new frame

Honda CRFR fork
2020 Honda CRF250R

Honda CRFR engine R
2020 Honda CRF250R – new intake and exhaust valves, a new intake cam, new head pipes

Source: MCNews.com.au

Bikes may respond to your emotions

In the future, your emotions could be monitored by household appliances and sent to your motorcycle to govern the way it is ridden.

This is the scenario being considered by Honda which has filed for a patent.

The Japanese auto manufacturer hasn’t supplied a lot of details except for a crude drawing of appliances and how they all communicate with each other like Amazon’s Alexa. Honda patent emotions

Emotions

For example, it might know you were up late watching TV, so it might suggest you grab a cup of coffee before your ride.

Or perhaps your selection of heavy metal music or slamming the front door indicates anger and might then regulate the speed of your motorcycle.

On the flip side, if you’ve been watching depressing movies or eating lots of ice cream, your household appliances may think you are depressed and suggest a burn on your bike!

It is both interesting and quite scary to think your house could determine your mood and then adjust your motorcycle’s throttle, brakes, traction control, speed limiter and suspension.

As yet it is just a hazy notion for a patent application.

We’re not sure how a patent would even apply!

Honda patents

honda patent drum brakes variable riding position emotions
Honda patent for variable riding position

It should be noted that Honda has been busy this past year filing a host of interesting patents:

All, some or none of these patents could make it into production.

Honda just seems to be applying for a bunch of patents to protect their intellectual property.

It’s a shame they don’t put their efforts into providing more relevant motorcycles.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Honda patents direct injection, active aero

Honda has been busy this past year filing several interesting patents including the most recent for active aero and direct injection, possibly in the Africa Twin (above).

Active aero is like those cars that deploy a rear spoiler at certain speeds, only this deploys MotoGP-style winglets.

Ugly Ducati MotoGP bike direct
Ducati winglets

Direct injection is widely used in diesel engines to improve efficiency and decrease emissions. Basically it squirts the fuel at high pressure directly into the combustion chamber.

These new patents join the following over the past year:

Not all of these may make it into production, but these latest two patents seem more commonsense.

Active aeroHonda patents active aero direct

The patent drawings for Honda’s active aero system seem to show a new sportsbike with an inline-four engine.

It features winglets with servo motors that deploy at certain speeds to increase downforce.

Several MotoGP bikes, Ducati’s V4, Aprilia’s RSV4 and their upcoming RS660 all have fixed winglets.

Aprilia RS 660 concept is half a Tuono
Aprilia RS 660

Honda’s active aero idea to have winglets attached to servo motors to deploy them at high speed makes a lot of sense as the winglets are only effective at high speed anyway.

Although we wonder whether the extra weight of the servo motors and cabling will cancel out the added efficiency of the winglets.

Direct injection

Next year’s Africa Twin is expected to be a CRF1100L with increased engine capacity from 998cc to 1084cc with a double overhead cams instead of single.

Power is expected to increase from 70kW to 75kW.

But now it appears it will also get direct injection as their patent drawings show.

To meet tougher Euro5 emissions targets and not lose power, manufacturers are making bigger engines.

Just look at other adventure bikes from Ducati, KTM and BMW which have increased engine capacity.

Direct injection makes a lot of sense because it avoids unburnt fuel being wasted.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com