Honda hits the mark with showgoers at Motorcycle Live
Honda’s impressive 2011 motorcycle model line-up and fun schedule of activities were a hit with the hoards of visitors to this year’s Motorcycle Live event at Birmingham’s NEC.
Leading the plaudits overall for Honda’s customer-inspired new range of machines was the all-new Crossrunner, with the returning CBR600F sports middleweight, ‘beefier’ CBR125R and all-new CBR250R following in close contention. The awesome V4 Crosstourer concept model also provoked high praise and interest from motorcycle enthusiasts, who overwhelmingly said they would like to see the machine go into production as soon as possible.
When questioning showgoers, the UK’s popular weekly motorcycling paper, Motor Cycle News (MCN), found that they rated the new CBR600F as one of the most impressive new-for-2011 machines and, potential customers themselves gave the bike a five-star rating. With pre-2006 used examples of the CBR600F still being much sought after by riders and with the machine becoming ‘Used Bike of the Year’ at the British Dealer News’ trade awards this year, Honda has listened to its customers and produced a bike that suits their needs. One of the readers questioned said, “I’ve got a 1990 CBR600F, but it’s getting a bit old. I think the new one looks good and the styling has brought the CBR600F right up to date.”
Honda’s new Crossrunner also proved to be a big hit with the Motorcycle Live crowds, gaining a four-star rating for its roomy, upright style of an adventure or naked bike, but with the responsiveness of a sports-touring derived chassis. The result is a comfortable bike which can cover many miles in comfort, but one which inspires confidence on the road – the place where the majority of adventure-styled bikes are ridden. One showgoer said, “It’s a Honda, so it will be reliable. Aiming a bike like this at commuters, touring and everyday use is perfect.”
Even with winter arriving early – with snowfall on the opening days of Motorcycle Live – motorcycle enthusiasts across the country showed their resilience and commitment to two-wheels over the whole nine days of the event. And the Honda ‘village’ was arguably the most popular destination due to its hot new models but also its varied activities to include the unique ‘My First Licence’ for 5-11 year olds to experience life on two wheels, the Honda Racing cafe available every day for showgoers to relax in, regular rider and celebrity appearances as well as a daily Happy Hour with free goodies being given away.
Honda (UK) Motorcycles’ General Manager, Steve Martindale commented, “This year’s Motorcycle Live event has possibly been the best we’ve seen in a number of years with a really fresh new feel and great buzz around the halls, both with the visiting public and the exhibitors. For Honda, we’re delighted with how well our new models and colours for 2011 have been received and it’s been great to further add to the event’s ‘buzz’ with all of our additional entertainment and activities for the showgoers.”
For further information about Honda’s great range of motorcycles and scooters, genuine Honda parts and accessories, latest offers and forthcoming events, visit your local Honda dealer or honda.co.uk.