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Honda Reveals Electric Dirt Bike Prototype

Could This Change Everything?

Honda is a dominant force in the motorcycle world. It’s changed the course of the industry in the past, and now I wonder if they’re about to do it again. Meet the Honda CR Electric prototype. The publication Moto-Station recently shared some images of the bike at a Honda presentation at the Tokyo Motorcycle Show.

While there aren’t many details to speak of at all at this point in the game, Honda stated it’s a 250cc equivalent. The bike looks a lot like its gas-powered counterparts. It utilizes an aluminum twin-spar frame design. To that, Honda added Showa suspension and some Dunlop tires that are properly knobby for a dirtbike.

In addition to the images included above and below. There’s also this short video. Unfortunately, most of it is of the sheet that’s covering the bike, but it does give you an additional view of the motorcycle.

As Asphalt and Rubber notes, the company has more or less built its reputation on the back of the four-stroke engine, so for it to make the electric transition, even in a prototype like this, is a big move. The bike might not be designed for the masses, but you can bet Honda has its sights set high. 

I wouldn’t be surprised to see the equivalent of the Honda Super Cub but for electric motorcycles come from Honda at some point down the road. At this point, the company appears to be experimenting with off-road bikes, and that’s smart. The instant torque and twist-to-go simplicity of an electric motorcycle could serve riders well.

Honda CR electric prototype

 

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Honda Unveils Custom ‘Cool Wing’ Gold Wing at Daytona Bike Week

It’s Cool, Indeed

When we think cool custom bikes, we don’t usually think of the Honda Gold Wing. The touring machine doesn’t necessarily lend itself to customization. However, Honda didn’t let that stop it from bringing a super-cool custom Gold Wing to Daytona Bike Week. It calls the bike the “Cool Wing.”

The team at Steady Garage built the bike. The Cool Wing pays homage to the Gold Wing’s past while still looking to the future. Designer Francis Clemente is the man who came up with the design concept. That concept led the way for the team to go about making the customizations. 

The bike gets air suspension, batique-style mufflers, a custom hand-crafted leather seat, and a light blue paint job among other things. The air compressor for the suspension system is hidden away in one of the saddlebags. As far as technology goes, the team didn’t skimp out. The bike gets the first-ever motorcycle blind-spot monitoring system among the Gold Wing’s other current tech. Steady Garage Co-founder Kevin Dunn sounded proud of the finished product.

The project was very challenging due to the Gold Wing’s new design, as there was no guidance from any existing builds or projects that fit our style. Our hope was to build a custom Gold Wing that would be appreciated by riders of all ages, interests and backgrounds. We had to make it look cool without stepping away from functionality.

I love seeing a group of talented builders take to the Honda Gold Wing and make it a unique and awesome machine. It goes to show that anything can be customized tastefully with a well-crafted design and superb execution. The guys at Steady Garage did a fantastic job, making one of the most alluring Gold Wings out there. 

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Honda Celebrates 50th Anniversary of CB750 With a Tribute Bike

The Bike That Changed the World

There are many motorcycles that have had an impact on the world, but the Honda CB750 four-cylinder is probably one of the most influential motorcycles to date. Honda recognized this and the fact that this year marks the bike’s 50th anniversary. The company built a cool-looking tribute bike. 

The bike is called the CB1000R Tribute. According to the Roma Motodays, the bike will be showed off publicly at Fiera Roma, from 7 to 10 March. Purchasers of tickets to the Roma Motodays in Rome, Italy will have a chance to win the bike. The one-of-a-kind motorcycle is a special model, Honda has no plans of putting it into production.

The motorcycle features mostly cosmetic changes. It gets blue-and-gold livery that fits for the era of the original CB750, the seat is Alcantara, and the badging has been updated to reflect the bike’s special status. Honda also fitted Y-shaped exhaust tips to the bike and wire spoke wheels. Altogether, it gives the bike a kind of modern retro feel, which is likely exactly what Honda was going for.

I know Honda has no intention of putting this machine into production, but I wonder why they wouldn’t. It’s a darn good-looking motorcycle I love the paint scheme, wire spoke wheels, and special exhaust. It would make sense to me for Honda to at least put out some kind of special edition, even if the company only built a few hundred models. The CB750 is such an icon, I believe it at least deserves that.

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A Future Honda Gold Wing Will Get Stereoscopic Cameras for Predictive Safety

An Extra Set of Eyes for Safety

Cameras and sensors for safety purposes are commonplace on cars these days, and now that technology will begin to become commonplace on motorcycles. MoreBikes noticed some new patents from Honda that put stereoscopic cameras into the fairing of the Gold Wing.

What does this mean? Well, those cameras would work to build an accurate 3D image of the road ahead. That would allow the bike’s safety features to kick in automatically. Do you know the automatic emergency braking systems found on cars? Yep, that’s where this is going. If you failed to apply the brakes or don’t react quick enough the bike’s safety system could assist automatically. These systems are already on Honda’s cars, so it only makes sense to add them to bikes eventually. 

Honda Gold Wing Patent
Image from MoreBikes

KTM and BMW have similar systems in the works according to MoreBikes. That would mean that Honda isn’t out of line to add this technology to its Gold Wing. A touring machine like this is one of the only applications where I can imagine this tech working well.

I’m not sure I’d want my commuter motorcycle applying the brakes when I wasn’t ready for it. However, on a long touring ride, some slight assistance from the bike’s safety system could help ease fatigue and make gobbling up miles even easier. 

Is This Kind of Tech Smart for Motorcycles?

There’s still a lot of questions about this kind of technology for motorcycles. My knee-jerk reaction is to say it’s a horrible idea, but I’ve been very impressed by some of the automotive semi-autonomous technology. The Honda Sensing system in its Civic and Accord is actually quite good.

Honda Gold Wing Patent
Image from MoreBikes

It can’t drive the car itself, but it dramatically reduces fatigue on long drives. I know there’s going to be a lot of pushback on this type of technology for motorcycles. I definitely have my own reservations, but I would urge people to be open to the possibility, and at least wait and see what it’s like before writing it off as a dumb bit of tech.

Anything that can make motorcycling safer and therefore better for more people is good in my book, and this kind of tech could eventually get to a point where it makes a ton of sense. We’re not there yet, but who knows where we’ll be in 10 or 15 years. It’ll take some time before Honda is ready to roll this out I think, and it’ll take more time before people are willing to accept it.

 

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Will Honda Build a Modern Cafe Racer, Too?

Sticking With the Trends

We just reported on the fact that Suzuki filed a patent for a cafe racer, and now it seems that Honda could be working on a similar motorcycle. According to the Japanese publication Young Machine, Honda will consider bringing back the GB series of bikes in the form of a modern cafe racer. 

As RideApart notes, the GB bikes were Japan’s attempt at they’re own British bikes. GB basically equals Great Britan, get it? Well, we got a few of those bikes here in North America, but they didn’t last. Now it seems Honda may bring them back thanks to the interest in cafe racer style motorcycles.

The rumor is that it would be a 1,000cc motorcycle and fit into the Neo Classic lineup Honda has going on right now. I think it would be a nice addition.

Seeing as how Young Machine speculates on several other models, it’s unclear if this rumor has any serious validity to it. However, it would make sense. Modern cafe racers are a hot commodity in the motorcycle industry right now and Honda might as well ride that wave. Plus, who wouldn’t want a retro-styled 1,000cc cafe racer from Honda?

It’s would be a move that kind of goes along with Honda’s most recent retro-styled bikes like the Super Cub and the Monkey. The only difference is that this would be a legit motorcycle instead of a small displacement machine. Would it be perfect? Likely not, but neither are any cafe racers if you’ve ever ridden one, new or old. 

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A Bigger Honda Africa Twin Could Debut for 2020 Model Year

Bigger Could Be Better

It seems that Honda may debut a bigger version of the Africa Twin for the 2020 model year. Various reports, including one from Bennets, suggest that Honda will beef up the Africa Twin. While Honda hasn’t officially said this is true, folks seem pretty confident it is.

For the 2020 model year, the rumor is that the Africa Twin’s engine will be increased to 1080cc and produce around five more horsepower. This new, bigger engine will also get the bike ready for Euro 5 emissions standards that will take effect. 

Honda Africa Twin

This bump in engine size and power will help the Africa Twin better compete in an ever-changing adventure motorcycle market. The bike has been a force to be reckoned with, but it needs to continue to evolve and change to keep pace with the competition and still be an enticing model to potential buyers.

Honda will need to keep the bike’s weight low despite adding to the engine size. If the Africa Twin packs on a bunch of weight, then it won’t matter too much that its new engine will have more power. Reports also indicate that the model will get a bigger gas tank. That will make some riders who want to go on longer and more remote journeys happier with the bike.

The rumored changes seem pretty positive to me. If Honda does make the Africa Twin more powerful and give it a bigger gas tank, it should continue to be a smart choice for riders. Only time will tell if this rumor is true, but with the specificity of the details, I’d guess it’s pretty accurate.

 

 

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Honda Issues Updates for Gold Wing

Techy Updates Keep the Wing Current

With Honda’s Gold Wing being so new, you wouldn’t expect many new updates coming in 2019 or for the 2020 model year, and you’d be right. However, according to a recent press releaseHonda will issue updates to the Gold Wing’s onboard computer system that will help the models stay up to date. 

Honda’s Gold Wing comes equipped with a smart, onboard computer system. This makes adding updates to things like the navigation system easy. The company will do just that for the 2018 and 2019 Gold Wings. Honda issued a couple of updates for the model.

Keeping Customers Happy

Honda Completes Second Scheduled Gold Wing Navigation Update
Image from Honda

The first was the addition of iPhone X communications software improvements, allowing iPhone users with the latest phone to more easily connect with the bike’s onboard system. Honda also improved the Sirius XM radio system, which means that fewer riders will have issues getting the songs and shows they like in areas with a low signal.

Honda has updates that will fix some issues Gold Wing owners complained about. The updates can be download from Honda’s website onto a USB. From there, the owners can install them on their bikes. This update will fix a daylight savings issue that some owners experienced and allow certain features to still be accessible to the rider once the engine is shut off. 

The navigation updates included with the changes outlined above include the ability to set 99 different waypoints along each specific route. This can be a real help on longer trips, as it allows you to set all your stops ahead of time.

Honda includes step-by-step instructions for all owners, and the updates should be easy to perform on your own without going into the dealership. It’s important to note that owners of the previous generation Gold Wing can get updates for their Garmin navigation system. However, those owners will need to purchase them from Honda instead of just going on to the company’s website to download them.

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Is a Honda X-ADV 300 Coming?

A Smaller Displacement Adventure Scooter Could be Coming

Rumors are spreading about Honda putting together an X-ADV 300. That would mean there could be a smaller displacement adventure scooter soon on the market. According to MoreBikes, the new model could be based on the Forza 300. 

At the moment, the current X-ADV isn’t sold in the U.S. That could change in the future. From some searching around on the Web, it’s clear to me that people are interested in it. Whether or not it would sell is another matter. With that said, the U.S. motorcycle market is shifting away from big cruisers and going towards smaller and more accessible bikes. An adventure scooter makes a lot of sense. 

The X-ADV 300, if it’s based on the Forza scooter could be a cool and unique bike for the  U.S. market. Honda already sells the Forza here. While it’s not making the company money hand over fist on it, it’s a darn good-looking scooter. I think an adventure version of it could be a smart move.

With that said, MoreBikes is a U.K. publication. According to the publication, the X-ADV scooter sells well there. The rumor reported on stemmed from Japan, but there’s not much info to go on. If Honda made the X-ADV 300, it would likely hit Asian and European markets first and then come to the U.S. if at all.

If the bike were based on the Forza scooter, that means it would come with a 279cc liquid-cooled single cylinder and a CVT. That’s a lot smaller than the current X-ADV’s mill, which is a healthy 745cc parallel-twin engine. If the rumored X-ADV 300 has anywhere near the off-road specs the current X-ADV does, it could be a fun little bike to go exploring on. 

While I know a fair number of motorcyclists who wouldn’t be caught dead on a scooter, I think I’d consider a twist-n-go adventure machine. Not saying I’d prefer it, but I wish it were an option here in the U.S.

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Is Honda Working On Power Steering for a New Bike?

Power Steering on a Motorcycle?

Power steering, while ubiquitous on automobiles, isn’t found on motorcycles. At least, not traditionally. It seems that Honda may add a new power steering system to one of its future bikes. According to MoreBikes, Honda recently filed a patent for a new power steering system.

This system differs from the one that appears on the new Neo Wing three-wheeler Honda has in the works. That system is larger and just a different setup altogether. From the patent drawings made available by MoreBikes, it’s clear that the new system is on a different bike, but it’s unclear what that bike will actually be.

I assume it’s a big bike or a new trike. If it was one of Honda’s smaller motorcycles it wouldn’t make sense to put a steering assist or a power steering system on the bike. There’s simply no need for it.

Honda Power Steering
Image from MoreBikes

According to MoreBikes, in the patent application, Honda wrote this: “An assist motor generates a steering assist force that assists a steering force transmitted to the steering shaft, and a steering assist force transmit member is turnably supported by the steering stem.”

While that’s a horribly hard-to-read description, it’s clear that Honda is indeed adding steering assist to the bike. There aren’t many details at this time about the patent application. MoreBikes did note that the new power steering system in the patent application is smaller than the one outlined for the NeoWing.

We’ll keep an eye out for future developments on Honda’s unique power steering system. Hopefully, it’ll come to light which model the system will be installed on.

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Honda’s 2019 CB650R Pricing and Details

The Middle-Weight Neo Sports Cafe

Honda’s dedication to its Neo Sports Cafe like of motorcycles is something you should definitely take note of. The new 2019 CB650R recently got its price of $8,899, which seems very reasonable to me. The bike looks great with a modern, naked bike appeal.

The bike gets a 649cc liquid-cooled in-line four-cylinder engine. It’s mated to a six-speed transmission and supposed to produce five percent more horsepower than the cb650f, according to RideApart.

The bike has a diamond steel frame, a Showa inverted front fork, and an aluminum diecast swingarm with a seven-stage adjustable rear shock.

2019 Honda CB650R
Image from Honda

The riding position is upright but more aggressive than other Neo Sports Cafes from the company. Overall, the bike looks more aggressive and should appeal to a wide variety of riders. The slipper clutch makes shifting smoothly easy, and the ABS version of the CB650R comes with torque control.

The CB650R should be a heck of a nice middle-weight bike. It’s a sporty choice for someone who wants a naked street bike with plenty of style, what I expect to be good power, and excellent dynamics on the road. Its 4.1-gallon gas tank means you’ll be able to ride for quite some time without filing up, too.

While the CB650R certainly isn’t some game-changing machine, it’s one I like and am looking forward to learning more about. It appears to be a very well-rounded street bike, and I really like what Honda is doing with its Neo Sports Cafe bikes.

2019 Honda CB650R
Images from Honda

2019 Honda CB650R

2019 Honda CB650R

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