Honda has revealed its full 2016 motorcycle line up at the EICMA show in Milan, comprising six mid-sized capacity machines with a range of significant updates, and the return of one of motorcycling’s most illustrious names in the form of the CRF1000L Africa Twin. With an eye to the future, Honda has also revealed its new City Adventure concept machine, offering a unique new interpretation of the idea of adventure on two wheels.
500 series
All three of Honda’s A2-licence 500cc models – the naked CB500F, sporty CBR500R and crossover-styled CB500X – have their punchy performance complemented by several rider-focussed revisions to further enhance desirability and ownership experience. Upgrades include LED head and taillights, adjustable pre-load on the front suspension, adjustable brake levers, larger fuel tanks with new hinged fuel cap and “wave” style ignition keys.
In addition, the CB500F naked street bike is given a hard-edged visual makeover thanks to a new stripped-down, muscular look complemented by a range of three vibrant colour options; the sporty CBR500R has a complete new kind of CBR style with sharp and edgy character lines flowing from its new front face through to the upswept tail. Both F and R have new shorter exhaust mufflers with internal structure tuned for a satisfying low, crisp exhaust note. The CB500X’s revisions include a 100mm taller, adjustable windscreen and distinctive new graphics and colors; the larger tank brings range to over 500km.
New Concept series
Honda’s popular 750cc New Concept trio is also upgraded for 2016. All three – NC750S, NC750X and Integra – are now EURO4 compliant and receive new DCT functionality including three levels of S Mode; the revised instrument panels are customizable with a choice of nine colors, and in ECO mode change color according to fuel consumption; new mufflers lend a deeper tone to the parallel twin’s distinctive pulse; the front forks on both NC750X and Integra benefit from Showa’s Dual-Bending Valves for improved damping and more linear suspension performance.
All three models also receive aesthetic changes: two new Special Edition colors with LED headlight and taillight give a sportier twist to the naked NC750S’s look; the Integra also benefits from LED lights and two new Special Editions in a unique metallic paint. The NC750X’s enduring appeal is further enhanced with LED lights and a new, more rugged, adventurous look that completes Honda’s four-model X family line-up.
CRF1000L Africa Twin and City Adventure concept
One year after showing its True Adventure prototype at EICMA in November 2014, Honda reveals for the first time in Europe the all-new CRF1000L Africa Twin. The CRF1000L Africa Twin adds a range of the most modern motorcycle technologies to the original Africa Twin’s combination of all-round performance for touring comfort, commuting agility and genuine off-road capability, with an all-new 998cc new parallel twin engine – mounted in a frame built equally for toughness and flexibility – delivering instant response throughout the rev range.
Two versions of the Africa Twin will be available in the UK: the ABS version which has LED indicators, ABS (switchable at the rear wheel for off-road riding), multi-mode Honda Selectable Torque Control, knuckle guards and sump guard; in addition to these features, the Dual Clutch Transmission version** brings further functionality to Honda’s unique DCT technology with 3 levels of sporty S mode riding, a new G switch for off-road performance, and the ability to adapt shift patterns when ascending and descending hills.
Complementing Honda’s returning icon, the City Adventure concept offers a totally new interpretation of the idea of motorcycling adventure. It brings that spirit of adventure to the heart of the city and underlines Honda’s commitment to researching new ways of creating unique technology to enhance and enrich its customers’ lifestyles.
New colors
In addition to these new and upgraded models, several of Honda’s most popular models will be available in new color options:
VFR1200X Crosstourer – a new two-tone red Special Edition; other changes for the pinnacle of Honda’s “X” family include an easily-adjustable windscreen, new DCT functionality including 3 levels of S Mode, and EURO4 compliance.
CB650F – the 4-cylinder mid-sized naked is available in two new matt black-and-white and matt black-and-red color schemes; its faired, sporty sibling the CBR650F also receives similar new colours.
SH125i andSH150i – Europe’s best-selling scooter is now available in two stylish new sports versions of its Matt Pearl Cool White and Matt Cynos Grey Metallic colors.
