Honda’s sparkling 2007 line-up – see them first at the NEC!

Honda’s stunning new machines for 2007 will be seen for the first time in the UK at the annual International Motorcycle and Scooter Show at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre.

The show – which runs from 27 October to 5 November – promises to be one of the best ever, with a host of attractions, including Honda’s My First Licence Scheme and the presentation of the Bennetts British Superbike title to Honda’s Ryuichi Kiyonari. But for many it’s the bikes that make the show and Honda’s seven new machines will be the most popular draw.

Perhaps the most popular of all will be the all-new CBR600RR middleweight sports bike. This promises to be the most advanced 600cc machine in the Supersports class. The CBR600 – which celebrates its 20th birthday in 2007 – is completely new from stem to stern and features a host of technological advances handed down from the MotoGP championship-winning RC211V in preparation for its blistering assault on the roads and tracks of Europe next year. The CBR600 series of machines has won the last five World Supersport titles and the last four British Supersport titles.

Another popular middleweight undergoing a complete re-design is the Honda CB600F Hornet. One of the original middleweight ‘streetfighter’ machines, the

Hornet has become a cult classic since its launch back in 1998. This all-new bike features a motor developed from the 2007 CBR600RR’s and a chassis completely redeveloped to give lighter weight and a sportsbike’s ‘mass centralisation’, leading to much sharper handling. But the biggest changes are the looks. The original Hornet led the way when it came to aesthetics in the middleweight naked class and the new Hornet will lead the way once more, with its more aggressive, minimalist and thoroughly modern lines.

Honda’s ever-green VT750 also gets a major overhaul which brings the bike technically up-to-date while enhancing its classic good-looks. In comes an updated motor now featuring fuel-injection, while the aesthetic changes include a larger

21-inch classically spoked wheel, dual shotgun mufflers, a shorter, upswept rear fender and a seating position which is more comfortable for all, thanks to a lower seat height and a new handlebar position.

Honda’s new SH300i scooter is a direct descendant of Europe’s best-selling SH150i/125i. Thanks to a fuel-injected 279cc four-valve single-cylinder motor, the SH300i has the best performance in its class, while keeping the practical elements of carrying capacity and practicality that the SH series is famous for. Handling is similarly self-assured, thanks to the motorcycle-like 16-inch ‘big’ wheels, meaning that handling is much more stable.

Honda’s CBR125R was the best-selling motorcycle of 2005 and this popular machine now comes with a host of improvements, including fuel-injection, a catalytic converter and an exciting new look, courtesy of new bodywork, to make the CBR125R look even more like its bigger sportsbike brothers.

Honda’s popular Varadero range also benefits from big improvements in 2007. The 1000cc V-twin version and the single-cylinder 125cc model now come with a frugal and environmentally friendly fuel-injection system with catalytic converter, as well as new-look bodywork.

At the NEC show for the second year in succession, Honda’s ‘My First Licence’ scheme teaches the road-users of tomorrow about motorcycles and motorcycling, respecting machinery and other road users, but above all it’s about staying safe and giving youngsters an early understanding of the rules of the road.

During the course, children are taught to ride a Honda CRF50 motorcycle around a closed course in complete safety and experienced instructors are on hand at all times. As well as teaching the youngsters the basics of how to ride a motorcycle, inclusion of road signs and other road furniture means they learn to respect the rules of the road as well as recognise any potential dangers. As well as getting their very own ‘licence’ to show that they’ve attended the course, each child participating will be given a 'My First Abus' Lock (while stocks last) to ensure their bike at home is kept safe and secure.