Honda Motorcycles blog

What can you do in the second day of Easter? Well, you can ride, of course

2012-04-16T20:09:01Z

The last 2 days we had terrible weather (well, it wasn’t snowing, so it depends how bad you want to ride). But this morning, what do you know. Sunny! Too bad I got lazy in the last 2 rainy days and now I have so many things to do. So I quietly started the laptop, making self notes about doing the work in rainy days to keep the sunny days for play.

That is until I opened up Facebook and saw one of my biker friends status: “gone riding!”. Well, you know me, it took exactly 25 minutes to gear up and ready to ride. Including 15 minutes to find a place to ride to. But I know a trick. When you don’t know where to ride, open Google Maps and look for Panoramio pictures. Like here:

And here we go, all set to a path of discovery. Where is this place? How does it really look like? And most importantly how is the ride there?

Once you start riding you get into a “path to discovery”. Not that these places weren’t discovered before, they were always there, just 5 km from the highway, living in a parallel World outside the World of 9 to 5 job, malls, TV and what we call modern life. Or what we believe it’s life, but it really isn’t.

If you get really lucky, you’ll get lost. But that’s ok, getting lost means freedom. Freedom to get away from the path, get outside what’s “right”. I guess I’m a bit luckier that most Western European riders. Just 60km from my dual wireless home with 3G internet connection, HD TV, Romania gets rural. Very rural.

I think this little guy is posing for me.

Chickens. Not even what the modern World calls eco chickens. Real chickens running free. Real life.

And the lake. Google maps, but for real.

Back in 2007, my mom got upset (I think) when I bought my third bike, the CBF600s. Why do you need 3 bikes? Well, 70.000 km later, the CBF taught me about life more than anything else. And yes, I crashed and broke my leg in the process. But I get now that life is more than following the paths. Life it’s about friends, knowing people and places. It’s about pain and happiness. It’s about experiencing feelings, sometimes good, sometimes bad. It’s about getting real.

What do you know. This little ride, an afternoon ride, turned out to be a 250kms ride. And about feelings. About being real.

5 Things You Should Know About Motorcycle Insurance

2012-04-13T05:42:30Z

5 Things You Should Know About Motorcycle Insurance

So just how much do you know about motorcycle insurance? There are many misconceptions about coverage that can be financially dangerous for you.

We’ve compiled a short list of 5 important things to know about insurance plans:

Image Source: Discovery.com

1. You are 39 times more likely to die in a wreck than someone in a car or truck. When you get into an accident on a motorcycle, you don’t have the extra mass of the vehicle adding to your protection.

To put it simply, the bigger your vehicle is, the safer you will be when you crash. But the smaller your vehicle is when compared to the other object you’ve crashed into, the more likely you’ll be seriously hurt. It’s important that you have good coverage to help you if and when you crash.

2. There’s no such thing as a standard full coverage policy. Every insurance plan is different, and you need to make sure yours gives you all the benefits you need.

The minimum insurance coverage you should get are collision, comprehensive, and uninsured/under-insured motorist.

Collision coverage is for damages to your bike. Comprehensive is for non-collision damage, such as if a tree limb fell on your bike while you were away. Uninsured/under-insured motorist coverage pays for damages caused to you by someone else, if they can’t afford to pay their share.

In addition, you will want to be sure you have adequate health coverage for accidents. This should cover not only you, but your passenger as well.

3. There are all sorts of discounts you can get on your insurance. Many motorcycle owners make modifications to their bikes, which will increase the value.

You can get better coverage or a price break if you include the value of all of your enhancements in your plan. Additionally, have your VIN on hand when you buy insurance. Some companies will look up your bike for safety equipment that can get you even more savings.

If you aren’t already a part of one, you should consider joining a national group for bikers, such as the American Motorcycle Association. Some insurance companies will give you discounts just for being a member.

There are also savings you can get if you take a motorcycle safety course. Not only will these help you save money, but a course could save your life as well.

Image Source: USafe

4. The insurance policies mentioned above are just a base-minimum. Other policies you’ll need are bodily injury, property damage, and medical payments.

These will help you pay for medical bills for a variety of situations. Property damage will help you cover damages that you are liable for, such as other peoples’ cars or other belongings.

5. While the law requires you to have insurance to drive, a lot of people don’t. Others may only have the minimum insurance, which won’t cover anything and may leave you in just as much trouble as having none.

Not only should you have coverage for yourself, it is crucial to have protection against damage from others.

If some unfortunate accident were to happen putting you in the hospital undergoing several surgeries and treatments, the last thing you want to hear is that neither you nor the perpetrator have the right plan or enough money to pay for the medical bills.

Drive safe!

The proper way to test ride a motorcycle (funny)!

2012-04-05T19:34:55Z

Ok, I got 3 pieces. Best understood if you ride.

Yamaha

www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Hw_0-fRR4Q

Suzuki Vstrom

www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kJxXi5xvDY

Suzuki GRS 750

www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DdSavC1_Fo

Snow shoveling – biker’s style

2012-02-13T18:38:03Z

I don’t know if you heard, but Chuck Norris left the fridge door open and we now how 4-5 meters of snow in some places in Romania. That’s just above the regular ground level houses, people started digging tunnels to get out. With just 6 days from my knee operation procedure, I thought I should get out in my yard and make some sort of a path towards my front gate, just in case. But can we do this, biker’s style? Yes we can.

bandana around my injured knee for improved protection? Checked!

Neoprene FaceMask? Checked!

Heavy duty riding pants with water&wind protection? Checked! + additional injury protection!
Several pairs of gloves? Checked!
Adventure spirit? Checked!
Going in a direction, not sure about the destination? Checked!

And most importantly, I’m not just shoveling like all my neighbors do. I’m doing it biker’s style. And this makes all the difference.

PS: I didn’t wear my helmet. I know, big mistake.

Motorbike Dangers – The Facts

2012-01-19T07:59:27Z

This is a guest post by Bridget Knapp

Although using a motorbike can be a fun and exhilarating way to travel, especially for young men, there is no escaping the fact that it is the single most dangerous way to travel that there is. Motorbike accidents kill more people every year in the UK, and indeed in numerous other places in the world, than any other type of transport.

Largely this danger is due to the fact that a lot of the time cars cannot see bikes as they approach, especially if the car in question is pulling out of a junction and there are other cars parked on the sides of the road. The risk is increased at night, when the very large majority of bike accidents happen. This is because visibility is reduced even further.

Accidents also very frequently occur because bikes are much smaller than other vehicles, and can become invisible in some cases. An example of this is when a bike is amongst cars, or possibly if the driver is approaching behind a very large and obstructive vehicle such as a lorry. The drivers of motorbikes should be aware of this danger, and seek to make sure they are visible at all times.

The statistics for this kind of accident are quite scary, when they are broken down. Out of all traffic accident claims involving motorbikes, on average 75% of these were because the bike has collided with another vehicle on the road. Of this 75%, a huge 65% were because the oncoming driver that was also involved in the collision could not see the bike approaching because of poor visibility.

The best way to avoid such accidents is to take some simple safety precautions, which when used correctly could ultimately save lives. One tip is to wear reflective clothing when riding a motorbike at night, because this will make it much easier for other car drivers to be able to see when a bike is approaching them.

–

Bridget Knapp is a freelance writer concerned mainly with road safety and taking good care of her motorbike.

My first ride to the sky!

2011-12-03T18:28:52Z

You know me, I’m probably the last person on Earth to say there is something cooler than riding a motorcycle to the mountains. But probably there are a few things, like… flying. One year ago I was having a beer with one of my biker buddies in the French Alps and from one thing to another he said he would like to get the airplane license. Cool I said! From the exact same moment, the thought of flying begun making roots, somewhere in the back of my mind, undisturbed until now.

Well, it got disturbed a bit about 5-6 months ago, after seeing one of these movies when I thought: shit, I have to do this.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZeBE9ttUzY

But was growing the idea peacefully as “need to do at some point” until this Thursday when, while being at my mom celebrating the Romanian National Day I’ve met this pilot (a relative). After listening a story about what it means to be a pilot, I remembered: Hey I want to try this. The pilot got back to me and said “oh, yeas you can try Microsoft Flight Simulator, it’s like the true experience”. No, no, I want the real thing I said, while watching my mom going all pale .

What do you think I was doing the next morning? At 9:30 I called my biker buddy and asked: “hey what’s up with that airplane thing we talked about?”. We decided to meet today to talk about types of licenses, airplanes and stuff. After about one hour, I think he got convinced I’m into the real thing and said: “What would you say we go right now and take a 10 minutes flight just to see how it works for you?”. Well, you know me, I can’t say no to any adrenaline generating stuff! Here is a bit of my first flight (sorry for the bad pictures, I wasn’t expecting and I didn’t planned to have the right gear for this):

www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Kp0STNPnwI

The first corner was the most weird: I didn’t know there is something keeping me on the chair, and it felt like I’m going to fall out of the window That’s probably like riding passenger on a motorcycle -- I now know why riding as a motorcycle passenger always impresses the ladies )

Few pictures:

Taking off (a different plane):

www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoBu_TcmPpc

Landing (a different plane):

www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZPsoJsoTCM

Now, let’s see where I can get a pilot license, and fast!

Ride to Kaunertal Glacier 2011

2011-11-28T19:51:57Z

2 years ago I took the Kaunertal Glacier ride with my friends. This year I treated myself twice: I went once on my own and the second time with the guys. If you ride, then you know, “it makes sense riding the same mountain multiple times” to improve the “time on each corner”.

Here is going up:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=SdNTol-uq9E

and here is going down (at 17:20 you can see my skills regarding cows handling

www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLrLdh8gvD4

Some pictures if you just like seeing the scenery:

Here I was one leg in Austria and mostly in Italy:

And here I was just crossing borders

And yeah, I would do Kaunertal again any time. Obviously.

Col du Galibier ride 2011

2011-11-27T18:22:31Z

Ok, so last year I did the Route des Grandes Alpes from Lausanne to Nice. This year, after spending a week or so with the guys in Austria, Italy ans Swiss Alps, I thought: “Why don’t I take one more week to ride and do the Grandes Alpes the other way around?”. I thought about this, well, around 5 seconds. Then I did it.

I have more videos to show, but I will start with Col du Galibier, because that’s one of the most beautiful:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdINAUy78TE

Enjoy! In the meanwhile, I have 2 more videos in France that I don’t know where they are from. Probably should go and check all these mountains again next year to find out. And yes, this is called “fiding “good reasons” to ride some more”. I’m getting better at this, each year.

2012 Honda CB1000R Features and Benefits

2011-11-20T10:01:07Z

It’s been called a street fighter, a naked bike, a supersport bike in undercover clothing and more. But regardless of what riding niche the CB1000R may fill, it definitely embodies the classic Honda formula for high performance in an unfaired four-cylinder bike—and that’s a very good thing. Boasting clean, essentials-only styling, a fuel-injected four-cylinder 998cc powerplant tuned for loads of right-now power, single-sided swingarm with single-shock rear suspension, plus a wealth of street-worthy features that give it its own unique identity, the CB1000R stands tall as a high-performance motorcycle with an enduring design.

New for 2012

New Matte Grey Metallic color.

Honda Genuine Accessories*

Rear Cowl (Black), 3D Logo, Under Fender Cover, Rear Brake Air Guide, Outdoor Cover

2012 Honda CB1000R Specifications

Model:	CB1000R
Engine Type:	998cc liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder
Bore and Stroke:	75mm x 56.5mm
Compression ratio:	11.2:1
Valve Train:	DOHC; four valves per cylinder
Induction:	PGM-FI Fuel Injection with automaticenrichment circuit and 36mm throttle bodies
Ignition:	Computer-controlled digital transistorized with 3-D mapping
Transmission:	Close-ratio six-speed
Final Drive:	#530 O-ring chain
Suspension	Front: 43mm inverted HMAS cartridge fork with spring preload, rebound and compression damping adjustability; 4.3 inches travel Rear: Single gas-charged HMAS shock with spring preload and rebound damping adjustability; 5.0 inches travel
Brakes	Front: Dual radial-mounted four-piston calipers with 310mm discs Rear: Single 256mm disc
Tires	Front: 120/70ZR-17 radial Rear: 180/55ZR-17 radial
Wheelbase:	56.9 inches
Rake (Caster Angle):	25.0°
Trail:	99mm (3.9 inches)
Seat Height:	32.1 inches
Fuel Capacity:	4.5 gallons, including 1.0-gallon reserve
Estimated Fuel Economy**:	37 mpg
Color:	Matte Grey Metallic
Curb Weight*:	485 pounds
*Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel—ready to ride.
**Honda’s fuel-economy estimates are based on EPA exhaust emission measurement test procedures and are intended for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you ride; how you maintain your vehicle; weather; road conditions; tire pressure; installation of accessories; cargo, rider and passenger weight; and other factors.
Meets current CARB and EPA standards. Source: www.honda.com

2012 Honda CB1000R Specifications

11/8/2011 12:56:00 PM

Model:	CB1000R
Engine Type:	998cc liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder
Bore and Stroke:	75mm x 56.5mm
Compression ratio:	11.2:1
Valve Train:	DOHC; four valves per cylinder
Induction:	PGM-FI Fuel Injection with automaticenrichment circuit and 36mm throttle bodies
Ignition:	Computer-controlled digital transistorized with 3-D mapping
Transmission:	Close-ratio six-speed
Final Drive:	#530 O-ring chain
Suspension	Front: 43mm inverted HMAS cartridge fork with spring preload, rebound and compression damping adjustability; 4.3 inches travel Rear: Single gas-charged HMAS shock with spring preload and rebound damping adjustability; 5.0 inches travel
Brakes	Front: Dual radial-mounted four-piston calipers with 310mm discs Rear: Single 256mm disc
Tires	Front: 120/70ZR-17 radial Rear: 180/55ZR-17 radial
Wheelbase:	56.9 inches
Rake (Caster Angle):	25.0°
Trail:	99mm (3.9 inches)
Seat Height:	32.1 inches
Fuel Capacity:	4.5 gallons, including 1.0-gallon reserve
Estimated Fuel Economy**:	37 mpg
Color:	Matte Grey Metallic
Curb Weight*:	485 pounds
*Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel—ready to ride.
**Honda’s fuel-economy estimates are based on EPA exhaust emission measurement test procedures and are intended for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you ride; how you maintain your vehicle; weather; road conditions; tire pressure; installation of accessories; cargo, rider and passenger weight; and other factors.
Meets current CARB and EPA standards.

2012 Honda Silver Wing Specifications

2011-11-20T10:07:47Z

2012 Honda Silver Wing Features and Benefits

The Silver Wing® expands the notion of what a scooter can achieve thanks to the unique pairing of a sophisticated liquid-cooled fuel-injected four-stroke 582cc twin-cylinder engine and a fully automatic transmission. That adds up to true street riding credentials along with easy operation, a combination that can take adventuresome riders as far as the open road beckons. In short, the Silver Wing started a riding revolution, one that continues to this day.

Honda Genuine Accessories*

Outdoor Cycle Cover

2012 Honda Silver Wing Specifications

Model:	FSC600A (with ABS)
Engine Type:	582cc liquid-cooled four-stroke parallel-twin
Bore and Stroke:	72mm x 71.5mm
Compression ratio:	10.2:1
Valve Train:	DOHC; four valves per cylinder
Induction:	PGM-FI with automatic enricher circuit, four-hole injectors
Ignition:	Computer-controlled fully transistorized with electronic advance
Transmission:	Automatic V-Matic belt drive
Suspension	Front: 41mm hydraulic fork; 4.2 inches travel Rear: Swingarm with dual hydraulic shocks with five-position spring preload adjustability; 4.5 inches travel
Brakes	Front: Single 276mm disc with CBS three-piston caliper Rear: Single 240mm disc with CBS twin-piston caliper
Tires	Front: 120/80-14 Rear: 150/70-13
Wheelbase:	63.0 inches
Seat Height:	29.7 inches
Fuel Capacity:	4.2 gallons, including 0.9-gallon reserve
Estimated Fuel Economy**:	46 mpg
Color:	Black
Curb Weight*:	551 pounds
*Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel-ready to ride.
**Honda’s fuel-economy estimates are based on EPA exhaust emission measurement test procedures and are intended for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you ride; how you maintain your vehicle; weather; road conditions; tire pressure; installation of accessories; cargo, rider and passenger weight; and other factors.
Meets current CARB and EPA standards.

Source: www.honda.com