Honda Motorcycles blog

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

2012 Honda CBR250R Specifications

2011-11-20T10:02:49Z

2012 Honda CBR250R Features and Benefits

The CBR250R brings motorcyclists an innovative approach to riding, one that’s both appealing and fun. Beginners and experienced hands alike will recognize the economy and extreme versatility of this sporty little ride. Equipped with an extremely efficient 249cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine featuring a sophisticated four-valve DOHC cylinder head, engine counterbalancer, and PGM-FI fuel injection, plus the option of ABS and more, this dependable lightweight delivers nimble handling, a broad spread of easily accessible power, a 200-plus-mile cruising range and low operating costs, all in one. Put it to work for your daily commute, quick trips around town or weekend back-road explorations; the CBR250R does it all while delivering as much fun per mile as anything around, all at a price that just about anyone can afford.

New for 2012

Exciting new White/Pearl Blue/Red color joins Red/Silver and Metallic Black. (Both ABS and non-ABS models available in all color combinations.)

Honda Genuine Accessories*

Passenger Seat Cowl (Black), Carbon Fiber Tank Pad, Carbon Fiber Fuel Lid Cover, Outdoor Cover

2012 Honda CBR250R Specifications

Model:	CBR250R / CBR250R ABS
Engine Type:	249.4cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke
Bore and Stroke:	76mm x 55mm
Compression ratio:	10.7:1
Valve Train:	DOHC; four valves per cylinder
Induction:	PGM-FI, 38mm throttle body
Ignition:	Computer-controlled digital transistorized with electronic advance
Transmission:	Six-speed
Suspension	Front: 37mm fork; 4.65 inches travel Rear: Pro-Link single shock with five positions of spring preload adjustability; 4.07 inches travel
Brakes	Front: Single 296mm disc Rear: Single 220mm disc Optional ABS
Tires	Front: 110/70-17 radial Rear: 140/70-17 radial
Wheelbase:	53.9 inches
Rake (Caster Angle):	25.0°
Trail:	98.6mm (3.9 inches)
Seat Height:	30.5 inches
Fuel Capacity:	3.4 gallons
Estimated Fuel Economy**:	77 mpg
Colors:	White/Pearl Blue/Red, Metallic Black, Red/Silver
Curb Weight*:	357 pounds (CBR250R) / 366 pounds (CBR250R ABS)
*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 VFR1200F Specifications

2011-11-20T10:05:14Z

2012 Honda VFR1200F Features and Benefits

The VFR1200F introduced a whole new generation of Honda V-4 heritage and VFR® tradition. Bristling with advanced technology imported from the MotoGP world and other cutting-edge environments, the VFR1200F embodies a futuristic sport motorcycle created for the sheer joy of riding. Now the 2012 VFR1200F pushes those technological boundaries even further thanks to the addition of Traction Control and a second-generation automatic Dual Clutch Transmission, plus more low-end torque, increased fuel efficiency and a redesigned seat for added comfort.

New for 2012

Honda Traction Control system helps the rear wheel put power down to the ground effectively and efficiently by automatically limiting wheelspin.
Updated Dual Clutch Transmission now intelligently optimizes shift points relative to the rider’s throttle inputs for more user-friendly operation.
Revised engine power output boosts low-end torque output between 2000 rpm and 4000 rpm.
A large, sporty analogue tachometer and a digital speedometer are surrounded by LCD readouts that now include instantaneous fuel consumption, average fuel consumption and remaining range. The display also includes a clock, ambient temperature display, Traction Control System activation (On/Off) and ABS indicator.
Larger fuel tank capacity increases riding range.
New seat design provides increase comfort for both rider and passenger.
Exciting new Candy Blue color.

Honda Genuine Accessories*

29-Liter Pannier Kit, 31-Liter Top Box with quick-detach mounting system, Nylon Inner Bags, 7-liter Tank Bag, Sporty three-position adjustable Add-On Screen that integrates with standard windscreen to extend wind protection, Heated Grips, Replacement Lower Seat with narrow profile, which provides easier reach to the ground for shorter riders while maintaining the bike’s carefully designed ergonomics, Rear Tire Hugger, Centerstand, Wind Deflector Set

2012 Honda VFR1200F Specifications

Model:	VFR1200F / VFR1200F Dual Clutch Transmission
Engine Type:	1237cc liquid-cooled 76° V-4
Bore and Stroke:	81mm x 60mm
Compression ratio:	12.0:1
Valve Train:	SOHC; four valves per cylinder
Induction:	PGM-FI with automatic enrichment circuit, 44mm throttle bodies and 12-hole injectors
Ignition:	Digital transistorized with electronic advance
Transmission:	Six-speed (VFR1200F) / Six-speed with two automatic modes and manual mode (VFR1200F Dual Clutch Transmission)
Final Drive:	Shaft
Suspension	Front: 43mm cartridge fork with spring preload adjustability and rebound damping adjustability; 4.7 inches travel Rear: Pro Arm single-side swingarm with Pro-Link® single gas-charged shock with remote spring preload adjustability and rebound damping adjustability; 5.1 inches travel
Brakes	Front: Dual full-floating 320mm discs with CBS six-piston calipers with ABS Rear: Single 276mm disc with CBS two-piston caliper with ABS
Tires	Front: 120/70ZR17 radial Rear: 190/55ZR17 radial
Wheelbase:	60.8 inches
Rake (Caster angle):	25.5°
Trail:	101.0mm (4.0 inches)
Seat Height:	31.9 inches
Fuel Capacity:	5.0 gallons
Estimated Fuel Economy**:	TBD
Color:	Candy Blue
Curb Weight*:	TBD
*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

Stelvio – riding to the Mecca of any motorcycle rider

2011-11-16T06:16:56Z

Wouldn’t you love to wake up in the morning and ride to one of the 10 most difficult roads in the World? I mean what could be better in the morning than this road?

I’ve been in the area for the last couple of years, but never got to do Stelvio up until this year; it’s been said to me “don’t worry, go see the other things, you’ll surely do Stelvio at some points because any rider should do Stelvio at some point in their life”. And there were the stories how often there are crashes over there (we had 2 crashes from our group alone on the way up) and there it is, I had an anxious “can’t wait to get there” feeling in that morning.

I had to take this picture:

it was on my to do list and I couldn’t have it any other way. 26 minutes of joy going up” (yes, it includes waiting for a red light, but I didn’t cut the video so you could participate to the entire excitement and feeling).

www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrA3tbM6ET0

and 25 minutes on the way down:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgC8ykei0pk

Then, of course, if you didn’t get enough of Stelvio, you could do it the other way around: going up from Bormeo:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8BW3UpBKbc

then taking the Umbrail pass:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0cpMJozxCY

Pictures and video from 2011 Passo di Gavia Ride

2011-11-13T15:38:44Z

Right, so that part of the year when you can only check pictures and watch youtube videos on motorcycle rides has just begun and I already feel the parked motorcycle syndrome (and my accident probably ads some more to it). So what better time to look on the hard drive and take some more pictures out from the summer rides than now?

Just by looking at these pictures and videos I put on my shopping list a Honda S2000 -- 241CP, man I just need to have this to compensate the need for riding during winter (so more work for me in 2012!). Let’s have a look at my 2011 ride to Passo di Gavia in Italy. Stelvio it’s known as being one of the 10 hardest roads in the World, but truly I enjoyed more Gavia because of the beautiful scenery.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymiUOSbJFsQ

Since the first few km you could notice that the road is very narrow -- at the top is VERY narrow. Listen to my engine. I did, and I felt alive; just for this sound alone I felt my autumn crash was a bit of bad luck; I’m still a rider and I will ride the hell out of my bike next year. And yeah, if you wonder I wasn’t going very fast on this one. I was enjoying and feeling the best time of my life. So I had no rush finishing off.

The last part to the lake is where scenery changes:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=AX4YkMzuJvk

I know some of you might be dreaming of this and it might look so far ahead and impossible to accomplish. But look, I did this and so could you. And while you’re doing it, you might just get there a new meaning to life. You might be that humble person saving any penny for the rest of the year, but you can feel like being blessed by the Gods while riding here.

Riding down get’s to be even narrower. Truly an unique place to ride!