Honda’s motorcycle line-up for 2008 revealed at NEC show

Honda’s new motorcycle range for 2008 will be unveiled to the British public for the first time at this month’s International Motorcycle and Scooter Show.

The show runs at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre from 23 November to 2 December and promises to be one of the best ever, with the event being held for the first time in a series of vast new exhibition halls in the complex. Honda will be in pride of place in Hall 1 on stand 1E 20.

Heading Honda’s line-up is the all-new CBR1000RR Fireblade. The 2007 version of this amazing machine won this year’s World Superbike title in the hands of Briton James Toseland, and successfully defended its British Superbike title with Japanese ace Ryuichi Kiyonari. John McGuinness also had a sensational year aboard his Fireblade, breaking the lap record at the Ulster GP and claiming his 13th Isle of Man TT victory, becoming the first rider to break the 130mph average speed in the process.

The new 2008 Fireblade has been developed from these winning machines and has been given the compact dimensions, mass-centralisation technology and aggressive looks of Honda’s RC212V MotoGP machine, to provide owners with the ultimate in Supersports performance. Engine, suspension, brakes, frame and fairing have all been re-designed to reproduce race-like high performance on the road.

Another exciting model to debut in the UK at the show is the eagerly-awaited CB1000R. This all-new machine features a version of the 2007 Fireblade’s 998cc motor. The chassis uses a cast aluminium frame and front suspension and brakes developed for the Fireblade.

The look of the new CB1000R is of a thoroughly-modern streetbike with an insect-like headlight cluster, muscular mid-section and short, stubby tail-unit showing off an exposed four-spoke rear wheel and single-sided swingarm. And – as ever with Honda – safety is of primary importance, with a Combined ABS braking system version available.

Honda’s DN-01 is also on show, the futuristic concept now due to become a production reality. This large, automatic sports-cruiser is powered by a liquid-cooled four-stroke 680cc V-twin engine, which gives effortless torque and power through Honda’s unique ‘Infinitely Variable Transmission’ system. This gives the rider three modes – Drive Mode, Sports Mode and a 6-Speed manual mode – a world-first for any manufacturer. A range of approved accessories, including GPS, will be available through Honda’s network of dealers.

Honda’s long-serving Transalp also makes a welcome return for 2008 in its new guise as the XL700V Transalp. The new 680cc V-twin motor comes with more power thanks to a fuel-injection system, which ensures a broad spread of power and a catalytic emission system for less impact on the environment.

The updated version of the CBF600 series will also be at the NEC show. The 2008 model includes a new engine derived from the 2007 CBR600RR and Hornet models, but tuned for learner-friendly performance. Improvements have also been made to the frame, chassis, suspension and brakes, as well as a larger fuel tank and updated aesthetics. The CBF comes in faired and unfaired versions but still with ABS and excellent value for money as standard.


Honda’s best-selling SCV100 Lead scooter has also received a makeover for 2008. Now with a new liquid-cooled and fuel-injected engine, and a light-handling new chassis and bodywork design, the new Lead provides all the comfort and quality of Honda’s larger-displacement scooters in a low-cost 100cc-class runabout anybody can enjoy.

As well as these exciting new machines, a line-up of Honda’s championship and race-winning range of on and off-road race bikes will feature prominently on the stand.

Steve Martindale, General Manager, Honda (UK) Motorcycle Division commented: "2008 is going to be a really big year for Honda with some groundbreaking new bikes hitting the market and growth coming from both small and large bikes due to the new test regulations. The International Motorcycle and Scooter Show is going to be the first time the British public will be able to see these machines for real."