Patent drawings seem to suggest Honda may be reviving its high-speed Blackbird sports bike with eight aerodynamic winglets.
In September, patent drawings of winglets that automatically deployed above a certain speed were accompanied by drawings of the Africa Twin and Fireblade.
When both were unveiled at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan last month, neither had these wings.
Blackbird drawing
Now the new drawing looks suspiciously like the CBR1100XX Super Blackbird.
It includes eight winglets which seems to indicate ultra-high speeds.
That would fit in with the ethos of the Blackbird as once the world’s fastest motorcycle.
Then along came the Suzuki Hayabusa named after the peregrine falcon, the world’s fastest bird, and natural predator of the blackbird!
Then manufacturers agreed to limit speeds to 299km/h after European officials threatened to ban high-speed motorcycles in the 1990s.
Patent blitz
Don’t get too excited about Honda returning the Blackbird, though.
This new Blackbird patent joins the following from Honda over the recent past:
Hayabusa patents
Meanwhile, Suzuki Motorcycles has filed its second patent for a major upgrade to its Hayabusa speed demon with semi-automatic transmission.
The ageing Hayabusa has only had two major upgrades in its 17-year history as the world’s fastest production motorcycles of the last century.
While many are expecting turbo or supercharger technology, the two patents so far have been for a semi-automatic transmission.
The first patent in February 2018 details how actuators will be used to control clutch engagement and the shifting of gears.
So it’s not totally automatic as riders would still need to change gears but without the need to use a clutch.
While the patent application used a drawing of a Hayabusa, it was not necessarily meant for that bike.
Second patent
However, the second patent describes the gear position sensor, confirming that it is destined for the Hayabusa.
The rest of the drawings show the bike much as it is now which means it could probably be powered by the same 1340cc in-line four-cylinder engine with 148kW of power.
However, there is talk of a 1400cc version and possibly forced induction.
Suzuki president Toshihiro Suzuki has confirmed that Suzuki engineers are working on the new bike, but has not said when it would be due.
He says it will follow the same style, but gain several electronic riding aids.
There is not much they can do with the styling as the bike was designed to be aerodynamically stable at high speeds.
It was apparently designed on paper by aerodynamic experts, but not tested in a wind tunnel until several years later when it was confirmed the aero theories actually worked.
So when it was updated in 2008 and 2017, there was no need to change the shape.
Honda’s SH125 scooter is a huge seller in Europe, with more than 19,000 units sold last year, and is being updated for 2020. Here is Australia though it is the NSC100 Dio that leads the scooter category in sales.
That may be why we won’t be seeing the new SH125i, and why the SH150 is being discontinued in Australia, with the NSC110 dominating, and the Honda also taking second place with the Benly MW110.
The two Honda scooters boasted the most impressive sales increases of the 2019 year to date, and are largely responsible for the scooter segment bucking the general trend of motorcycle sales easing.
For context, the NSC110 is a smaller capacity, competitively priced option to the SH125’s more premium, higher spec and more powerful offering.
The SH125 for model year 2020 is practically all-new, offering more storage, more comfort, more performance and better fuel efficiency.
At the heart of the 2020 SH125i is a new four-valve liquid-cooled 125cc ‘eSP+’ engine, now Euro5 compliant as well as featuring Honda’s HSTC or Honda Selectable Torque Control sytem. This replaces the outgoing two-valve design, offering more peak performance and economy.
While increases are a modest 0.7kW and 0.5Nm or torque, up to 9.6kW at 8250rpm, and 12Nm of torque at 6500rpm, Honda promise the new performance is much stronger from 4000rpm through to 10,000rpm.
The bore has been increased to 53.5mm, while a shorter stroke of 55.4mm is run, allowing for the four-valve chamber, with compression increased to 11.5:1. The radiator is also now built onto the engine and uses a compact fan as a result.
Low friction technology is used with minute splines on the cylinder sleeve outer surface, while cylinders are offset to reduce frictional losses. Three main bearings in the transmission keep rolling resistance in check.
Idling Stop has also been adopted allowing the SH125i to stop the engine after three seconds at idle, and will automatically restart once the throttle is twisted.
A new high-tensile steel tubular underbone frame was developed to boost storage offered, with a 10mm longer wheelbase and 799mm seat height. Wet weight is 133.9kg, shaving 400g off the previous models weight.
The engine hanger link angle and rear suspension angle have also been revised for a more supple ride, and better overall control.
The SH125i also features 16in wheels, which are aluminium die-cast items, and run tubeless 100/80 – 16, and 120/80 – 16 Michelin City Grip tyres.
Suspension consists of 33mm forks with 89mm of travel, while rear shocks are five-step preload adjustable with 83mm of travel at the axle.
ABS is standard fitment, with 240mm rotors at both ends, while the front caliper is a three-piston design, and the rear sports a single-piston caliper.
Honda have also updated the SH125i’s styling, although it’s probably a subtle change to the untrained eye, with all lighting now LED, and a new LCD display featured.
Underseat storage is boosted to 28L, with 18L to accommodate a full face helmet now joined by an additional 10L under the pillion seat. USB charging is also located under the seat.
The SH125i also features a smart key, allowing for keyless ignition, and including on/off control, as well as an answer back feature, designed to allow riders to spot their scooter if they parked in among 20 other SH125i models. The steering lock is also electronic.
If the scooter market in Australia continues its upswing it will be interesting to see if Honda Australia revisit their decision to not market the SH125i here.
Honda Australia’s factory off road racing transporter and 50th Anniversary Gold fleet will be on display outside the Crown Casino, in Melbourne until Saturday night, located by the Riverwalk in front of the famous Rosetta restaurant.
This year Honda celebrated 50 years in Australia, marking the milestone with this special one-off Gold fleet that has toured the country throughout the year. The Gold collection includes some of Honda’s current performance products, in striking gold bodywork as the traditional symbol of a 50th Anniversary.
Tony Hinton – General Manager of Honda Motorcycles
“Honda exists to bring joy to people’s lives, we do this through the products we make and through our racing so we are really proud to have the opportunity to show Melbournians this exciting display.”
Underneath the awning of the transporter will be the 2018 Championship winning CBR1000RR Fireblade race bike, the CRF450R Penrite Honda Supercross bike, the 2020 CRF250R and the gold collection, which consists of the following models:
The CBR1000RR Fireblade, which has been a pivitol model in the Honda line up since 1992.
The CRF450L, which is one of the newer models in Honda’s line up and a re-entry into the highly competitive Enduro market.
One of Honda’s best-selling motorcycle models of all time is the CRF50F, taking out the number-one selling model across all manufactures year in and year out.
Then there is the portable powerhouse, EU22i generator. One of the best-selling Honda products across all categories, powering job sites, sporting events, camping trips throughout Australia.
Designed and assembled here in Australia, the HRU19 Buffalo Premium lawnmower plays an important part not only in Honda’s line up but also as a symbol of Australian manufacturing, which is a rare occurrence in modern times.
Head over to check out the display until Saturday. For more information on the Honda range including the special Gold collection, visit: www.honda.com.au (link)
Honda (UK) has announced a return to road racing as the Honda Racing team prepares a fresh campaign at the North West 200 and the Isle of Man TT races, with a new rider line-up of Glenn Irwin and Davey Todd, who will contest the Superbike and Superstock classes aboard the all-new CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP.
Alongside the roads team, Honda Racing continues in the British Superbike Championship where Glenn joins his brother Andrew, and Davey will become Tom Neave’s team-mate in the National Superstock 1000 Championship, as the Louth-based team look to secure both titles.
Neil Fletcher – Head of Motorcycles Honda UK
“Racing is in the blood at Honda, so we’re delighted to be expanding our motorsport activities under Honda (UK). Armed with a new rider line-up and of course the all new CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP, the team will be looking to have a great year in both the circuit and road racing programme. I can’t wait to see how our racing campaign unfolds, bring on 2020!”
Although a newcomer to the Isle of Man TT races, Glenn is certainly no stranger to the road racing scene where he’s had a string of successes at the North West 200 in Northern Ireland. Making his debut in 2017, the Carrickfergus man impressed as he took his maiden victory in the final Superbike race. He went one better a year later to secure both Superbike wins, and again in 2019 he won and came second in the feature races.
Glenn had a mixed season in the 2019 British Superbike Championship, but in 2018 he finished third in the championship and took his first BSB win that season at the final round. Throughout that year he enjoyed regular visits to the podium securing five second place finishes and one third place.
A relative newcomer to the roads, Davey has continued to impress since embarking on his first full road-race campaign in 2018. A year earlier he made his debut at the Ulster Grand Prix, where he placed second in the Dundrod 150 National race. Consistency was key at the NW200 where he was crowned top newcomer, but it was at the TT where the 24-year-old really made his mark, lapping the Mountain Circuit at 127.890mph and becoming the second fastest newcomer in the history of the event.
In his second year on the roads, Davey secured his maiden NW200 win in the Supersport class and also came third on the podium in the Superstock race. Meanwhile at the TT he continued to learn the circuit and completed race week with five top-ten finishes. Away from the roads he has enjoyed time in the National Superstock 600 Championship, finishing sixth overall in 2016.
Meanwhile with his brother on-board, Andrew will be looking to continue his good form after a successful first-full year in the British Championship. Developing round-by-round, the 25-year-old secured his first BSB win at Thruxton and completed the year in eighth place after just missing out on a Showdown spot. Superstock 1000 contender Tom, will be looking for further podiums and wins in 2020 after his season was cruelly ended at the penultimate round at Donington Park where he fell and fractured his left foot, wrapping up the season in seventh position.
2020 is certainly shaping up to be an exciting year for the Honda Racing team, with a fresh rider line-up, Honda (UK) taking back responsibility for the road racing campaign and the arrival of the all-new 2020 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade, there’s a lot to be excited about. The team will take delivery of the new Fireblade at the end of the year, with a full test schedule set to take place early in the New Year.
Andrew Irwin
“Reflecting back on 2019 I think it was a really positive year. There were some negatives and a few things to learn from, but I know the areas I need to work on, and I really think for 2020 I can be a real Showdown fighter. Having Glenn as my teammate will be a really good thing, he’s a best friend as much as he is my brother and I think it’s good to have a strong teammate – the first rule of racing is to beat your teammate and of course, I will want to do that! I’m looking forward to it and think it will be a good atmosphere and we’ll work well together. Signing for Honda again was easy as I knew what I wanted and for me there wasn’t another option, I know everyone in the team and believe in the people around me. I’d like to thank Harv and Honda Racing for the opportunity and hopefully I can repay them!”
Glenn Irwin
“I guess it’s natural to be excited to join Honda, but I really am! I got a taste for the team at the end of this season with Andrew and got to see the structure and the atmosphere in the garage, it’s an experienced team and to be associated with a brand like Honda, is a dream come true. I’ve had Andrew as a teammate before, but this time it’s different as I guess I am the new guy! We are best friends and I think this is key as we’ll work together, share information and we won’t keep anything from each other, which is important as our task is to develop the new Fireblade. I’m enjoying doing the homework for the TT and learning it, there’s no expectations whatsoever, we’re not going there to win in year one, the place requires a lot of respect and time and that’s what we’ll give it. It’s a privilege to make my debut there on the new Fireblade as a lot of people will be wanting to see it in action, so I have to prepare the best I can for the most professional and safe job in my first year.”
Tom Neave
“To sign with Honda for a second year, is really a dream come true. This year has been a steep learning curve in my first full season in the Superstock 1000 class, but I have really enjoyed it, and it was just a shame for it to end early with a crash. The 2020 Fireblade is exciting and I can’t wait to get the winter out the way and get testing in the New Year. Looking back to when I started racing, to where I am now I feel so proud with how far I have come, I’m going to make the most of this amazing opportunity and hope I can do everyone at Honda, and those who support me proud.”
Davey Todd
“I am really excited to sign for Honda Racing for the 2020 season. We all know Honda’s history and I grew up watching the factory team and that’s what got me into racing, and it’s been a lifelong dream to ride for Honda. I’m looking forward to getting back to the British Championship and I think I’ve got a lot to give there. I had one season in 2016 and then concentrated a little more on the roads, but I don’t want to be thought of as just a roads guy. The 2020 Fireblade looks incredible and after seeing it I am more excited that I was before – if that’s even possible! I also want to thank Havier and Honda Racing for giving me this opportunity on the roads and also in the National Superstock 1000 Championship, having that belief in me really means a lot and I can’t wait to get started!”
Havier Beltran – Team Manager
“I am very excited about how next year is shaping up, for sure there’s a huge buzz with the new Fireblade, which we’re all very excited to get our hands on, but also Honda (UK) taking back the road racing programme. With the riders we have for the year, I think we’re in for some good results both on the roads and in the British championship. Andrew and Tom made so much progress last year, I think knowing what they know now will be a massive help when we get started. Davey and Glenn are both new to us on the roads, but they have definitely made their marks and impressed in their careers to date.”
The founder of the motorcycle exhaust company that brought music to the ears of many riders, Luigi Termignoni, has died, aged 75.
Luigi founded the Termignoni exhaust company in 1969 in Predosa, Italy.
His exhausts were made famous in the Paris-Dakar rallies of the ’70s and ‘80s and even the Le Mans 24 Hours Race for their performance, light weight and strength.
Termignoni exhausts have won 10 MotoGP championships, 16 World Superbikes and many other titles including cross country, enduro, trials, motocross and road racing.
HRC released this short statement overnight that confirm the rumours that Alex Marquez would be drafted into Repsol Honda for MotoGP season 2020 alongside his brother Marc.
Alex will have his first official test with the team this week in Valencia.
HRC Statement
Honda Racing Corporation is pleased to announce the signing of double World Champion Alex Marquez.
The young Spanish rider will join the Repsol Honda Team on a one-year contract.
He will move from the intermediate class to partner eight-time World Champion Marc Marquez in 2020 for his debut season in the premier class aboard the Honda RC213V.
Honda has been releasing a raft of patents o√er the past year for futuristic products and innovations, but the latest is actually a retro design based on the CMX 500 Rebel.
While the Rebel is a cruiser style, this is a more traditional bike like the Triumph Bonneville with a round headlight, bench seat and flat fuel tank.
It retains the Rebel’s 471cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin four-stroke engine, but has a modified chassis and sub-frame.
While this could be a handsome offering that would do well, we would prefer Honda Australia just imported the retro CB1100.
Or even better, go ahead and produce the sexy Concept CB Type II which they unveiled at the 2016 Osaka Motorcycle Show or the CB4X from this month’s EICMA show in Milan.
While Honda’s current range of motorcycle lack flare, these concepts and patents show they don’t lack for design, only commitment!
Honda patents
This latest patent from Honda continues its blitzkrieg of patent applications.
This is one of many patents Honda has lodged in the past year and we are not sure how many of these they will put into production.
This new patent join the following from Honda over the past year:
LCR Honda racers Cal Crutchlow and Takaaki Nakagami were star billings as a host of motorsport VIPs joined in the celebrations for the Honda Racing Thanks Day at Twin Ring Motegi in Japan at the weekend.
2019 marks 60 years of Honda’s first entry into World Championship racing, and the company celebrated its tenth Thanks Day in front of over 17,000 fans who all were allowed free access so that Honda could show its gratitude for their support.
With Nakagami unable to take part in the on-track action due to his recent shoulder operation, it was left to Crutchlow to hold up the LCR Honda honour out on track.
The Brit won a kart race alongside his Super GT racing partner Hideki Mutoh.
Crutchlow missed out on a win in the wacky Grom race behind Moto3 rider Ai Ogura.
Crutchlow later put on a real show for the fans as he lapped on the awe-inspiring Honda NSR500 that Eddie Lawson rode to victory in the 1989 500cc World Championship.
Cal Crutchlow
“It was incredible and a real privilege to ride an NSR! I grew up watching guys race these 500s – I used to think the bikes looked spectacular and now I know they are spectacular! The bike was fantastic but I can’t imagine racing one in 1989. I’d like to say a big thank you to HRC for this opportunity, because it has been a fantastic event for the fans, but also a special one for us riders”.
Honda Motor President Takahiro Hachigo
“Honda started World Championship racing in 1959, the year I was born! Honda has been racing for such a long time! I want to say thank you to all the fans for supporting us all these years, both in motorcycle and in automobile motorsport.”
Certain lifestyles demand transportation in and out of town daily, and a commuter bike is the best bet for that. The primary concern about these bikes is that they should be perfect for navigating the daily grind. Though for an enthusiastic, these usual bikes are not just for daily commutes, they fill the bucket by also being a weekend bike or touring bike.
With upright ergons, excellent fuel efficiency, high mileage and stunning visual appeal, daily commute bikes are something worth getting out of bed for. Here is the list of some of the best bikes for your daily commute at a price that won’t break your bank accounts:
Here Super Splendor is known for its durability, reliability, and fuel efficiency. It gives a mileage of 65 to 81 km/litre and has a 125cc engine, which retails for INR 61,186. Along with this, it has i3c technology and IBS system for added security. The wide and firm seats reflect the stature of the rider. Available in several guises, the Hero Super Splendor has got a bike model for everyone’s taste. Splendor’s lightweight, easy control and the prudent engine makes it a persuasive suggestion for a rider looking for a durable, fuel-efficient, no-nonsense motorcycle.
Bajaj Discover 125 is powered by 124.5cc and a single-cylinder engine which produces 11 bhp of maximum power and 11 Nm of peak torque. This comfortable bike is available in 4 colors – red, blue, black and black with grey. You might have noticed the huge traffic that abides on roads during office hours which sometimes leads to unlikely mishaps. Because of the same reason this bike has lately been updated with Combined Braking System (CBS), which makes it one of the best choices for your daily commute to work.
Like the other bikes of the ‘Dream Series’, the styling of Honda Dream Yoga is conventional and very basic in its styling. Currently, it is available in two variants – with and without CBS (Combined Braking System). The engine is 109.19cc air-cooled, 4-stroke, single-cylinder HET engine that is tuned to produce 8.31bhp of power and 9.09 Nm of torque. In terms of color options, Honda Dream Yuga is available in five colors – Vibrant Blue, All Black, Sports Red, Majestic Grey, and Sports Black.
TVS Star City Plus is made out to be a bit sleeker and smoother than the other TVS bikes. It has an enhanced wing mirrors and low-profile rolling resistance tyres for better commuting. It is an everyday motorcycle that focuses on high-end performance and fuel efficiency with a revised ‘Eco thrust’ 110 cc DLI engine. The powerful motor produces 8.3 BHP and has a crest torque of 8.7 Nm. So, if you want a stress-free ride that caters to your needs of daily commute, then this can be the right pick for you.
Bajaj CT100 has an extra-long seat that keeps things comfortable for both the rider and pillion. Concerning power, the Bajaj CT100 uses a 102-cc single-cylinder and a 4-stroke engine which is modified to deliver 7.6 bhp of power and 8.24 Nm of highest torque. This commuter bike is available in three vibrant colors, black with silver and red decals, black with silver and blue decals and a vivacious red.
Planning to Bring Your Daily Commute Home? Don’t Forget to Buy Bike Insurance
One common mistake done by people who are planning to buy a new bike is that they miss out on one crucial aspect – bike insurance. While you look at the significant factors like fuel efficiency, engine power, mileage, it is equally important to buy bike insurance policy to get coverage against losses that you might have to incur in case of an unlikely event. Be at the safe side and buy bike insurance from a prominent insurer like TATA AIG. They offer several add-ons like third party property damage cover to increase the third-party liability coverage, along with the other essential insurance coverage.
The 2020 Honda Fireblade CBR1000RR-R will join the 200hp+ club with MotoGP winglets and an engine and frame inspired by the RC213V.
Ahead of the EICMA motorcycle show unveiling tonight (5 November 2019) in Milan, the company has released full technical details of its iconic sportsbike.
Power to the people
The most important detail for most fans will be the fact that power is up from 141kW (189hp) at 13,000 revs to 160Kw (214hp) at 14,500rpm.
Torque is down by 1Nm to 113Nm at 12,500rpm which is 1500 revs more.
The compact inline four now has the same bore and stroke as the RC213V as well as internal friction reduction tech.
It not only finally catches up with the 200hp+ club, but also joins many modern models with a smart key, full-colour TFT screen and fly-by-wire throttle.
The latter allows updated technology with three riding modes, launch control, wheelie control, electronic steering damper and an upgraded torque control all managed by a six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit.
Air is now rammed straight through the front of the fairing into the airbox and the exhaust is a 4-2-1 system developed with Akrapovic.
The CBR1000RR-R is suspended on a Showa 43mm Big Piston Fork and Showa Balance-Free Rear Cushion Light shock with a longer swingarm like the RC213V-S.
There is also an SP version with higher-grade Brembo brakes and second-generation semi-active Öhlins Electronic Control with 43mm NPX forks and TTX36 Smart-EC shock.
Watch the video below of world champ Marc Marquez riding the SP version.
Bodywork
The 2020 Fireblades have a lighter aluminium diamond frame with the rear shock mounted to the back of the engine which means no upper cross-member.
Like many modern bikes it has a full-colour TFT display that is fully customisable through a four-way controller on the left switchblock.
It comes standard with a smart key fob for keyless start.
The MotoGP winglets are part of the restyled aero which includes a lower fuel tank (still 16 litres capacity) and a more compact riding position which may not suit tall Aussie riders.
CBR1000RR-R and SP tech specs
ENGINE
Type
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
FUEL SYSTEM
Carburation
PGM-DSFI
Fuel Tank Capacity
16.1L
Fuel Consumption
16.0km/litre
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Starter
Electric
Battery Capacity
12-6 YTZ7S
DRIVETRAIN
Clutch Type
Wet, multiplate hydraulic clutch with assist slipper
Transmission Type
6-speed
Final Drive
Chain
FRAME
Type
Aluminium composite twin spar
CHASSIS
Dimensions (L x W x H)
2100 x 745 x 1140mm
Wheelbase
1455mm
Caster Angle
24o
Trail
102mm
Seat Height
830mm
Ground Clearance
115mm
Kerb Weight
201kg
SUSPENSION
Type Front
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
SP: Telescopic inverted fork with inner
diameter of 43mm and Ohlins NPX Smart-
EC with preload, compression and
rebound adjustments. 125mm stroke.
Type Rear
Unit Pro-Link with gas-charged HMAS damper featuring 10-step preload and stepless compression and rebound damping adjustment, 137mm stroke.
Showa Balance-Free Rear Cushion with preload, compression and rebound adjustment.
SP: Pro-Link with gas-charged Ohlins TTX36 Smart-EC damper featuring preload, compression and rebound damping. 143mm stroke.
WHEELS
Rim Size Front
17 inch x 3.5
Rim Size Rear
17 inch x 6.0
Tyres Front
120/70-ZR17
Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP
Bridgestone RS11
Tyres Rear
200/55-ZR17
Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP
Bridgestone RS11
BRAKES
ABS System Type
2 Channel
Front
330mm disc with radial-mount 4-piston Nissin caliper