Honda announces V4 model production and further 2009 models

Honda has announced the much anticipated news of its intention to commence production of the first V4 model in the first half of 2010 at this week’s Milan show and, showcased the final new motorcycle models for 2009 to include the stylish and ever-popular SH125i scooter, technical and design revisions to the legendary CB600F Hornet, as well as a next generation transmission system.

V4 Production
The exciting news of the V4 production model is the result of overwhelming response from customers, media and motorcycle dealers across Europe following the debut of the V4 Concept Model at last month’s Intermot show, where the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturer chose ‘New Beginnings’ as its theme to celebrate Honda’s 60th anniversary as a company, 50th anniversary of racing and 30th anniversary of the Honda’s iconic V4 engine configuration.

Building on this theme at this week’s Milan Show, Honda highlighted the next stage of the V4 story and looked forward to the next 60 years of motorcycle production, with V4 technology forming a part of the marque’s future direction in the coming few years, starting in just 18 months time with the introduction of the first V4 mass-production model in the first half of 2010.

SH125i and CB600F Hornet
Honda’s 2009 road-going debutantes at the Milan Show include the revised CB600F Hornet and new SH125i scooter, both of which will be available in the UK next season.

Celebrating 25 years on the road in 2009, the ‘SH family’ has become the best selling scooter range in Europe. The original SH of 1984 became a familiar sight on city streets with its distinctive high wheels, flat footboard and generous carrying space. It further pioneered many features now deemed ‘normal’ for scooters including the use of four-stroke power in the third generation SH from 2001 and fuel-injection in 2005, when the SH series was a whole year ahead of the latest Euro III emissions regulations. The SH range has always boasted frugal fuel economy with style and elegance and the 2009 SH125i has all these attributes with fuel consumption of 96mpg (or 21 miles per litre)*. With the SH125’s 7.5 litre fuel tank, that equates to a superb 157.5 miles of motoring for less than £7.50 at today’s prices**. Also continuing its impressive environmental position, the SH125 further boasts emissions of just 69.522g/km – dramatically lower that the 2008 year to date average new car CO2 emissions of 158.6g/km.

The latest and fifth generation SH125i has many significant updates to keep it ahead of the pack and offers the perfect combination of convenience, practicality, economy, comfort and safety. The overall styling of the SH range has been altered with the front profile of the SH125i now smoother and more graceful, fitting in perfectly with the tapered new rear section of the scooter. The SH logo is now embossed on the flanks of the scooter, heightening the overall style.

Some important dimensions have also changed. The seat height is now 10mm lower than its predecessor’s making the SH125i more manageable for smaller riders, while those longer in the leg will enjoy the 20mm extra leg-room over the ’08 machine. Pillions will also enjoy the new fold-away foot-pegs, now finished in the same colour as the lower bodywork. Safety elements are also further enhanced thanks to improved braking performance provided by the new 240mm rear brake disc, although both the new disc brake and current drum brake models will be available in 2009. The SH125i will be available in some eye-catching colours of Quasar Silver Metallic, Pearl Acid Yellow, Pearl Cool White, Velvet Red Metallic, Pearl Montana Blue and Pearl Night Star Black.

Honda’s hard-hitting middleweight naked – the CB600F Hornet – features mild revisions for 2009, including an updated instrument panel layout and aesthetic changes – including black metallic parts and a new and exciting colour range. Colours now include Pearl Nightstar Black, Pearl Siena Red, Pearl Cool White (with stripes) Quasar Silver Metallic (with stripes) and a vibrant new Pearl Acid Yellow colour.

Added to the looks are more adjustability to the suspension front and rear, with compression adjustment offered in addition to the pre-load adjusters on the rear shock and front forks.

Next Generation Transmission
Another important announcement focused on Honda’s development of Next Generation Transmission. Based on dual clutch technology, this revolutionary new system offers the same practical advantages as two manual gearboxes in one, combining the advantages of race and road transmission set-ups, to provide a dynamic and smoother gear shift with less impact on the chassis.

For many years, racing motorcycles have enjoyed the advantages of quick-shifter set-ups, where electronics have aided the rider on up-shifts of the gearbox. Cars have also benefited from similar technology with both paddle gear-shift and tiptronic gear selection systems, many of these systems derived from racing. In the future, Honda believes its Next Generation Transmission will help improve riding experience coupled with better fuel economy and more efficient power transfer than a conventional manual transmission.

With the trend towards customer desire now focusing as much on style as performance and technology, Honda is embracing this challenge to ensure design and engineering now play a more equal part in the development of motorcycles, coupled with Honda’s continuing importance placed on safety and the environment. Future Honda machines will therefore embrace the Japanese modern design principles of ‘Ma’ and ‘Tsuya’. ‘Ma’ looks at the space between things and represents the context into which a design is placed, while ‘Tsuya’ focuses on the lustre and visual charm of something – how the lines, the curves and angles bring a design to life.

Prices and UK availability dates are yet to be finalised for each of Honda’s 2009 models, but the new motorcycle models can be seen in the UK on Honda’s stand (1D20 – Hall 1) at the International Motorcycle and Scooter Show at the NEC in Birmingham, from 28 November – 7 December 2008.

For further information about Honda’s great range of scooters and motorcycles, visit honda.co.uk