by Parvatha Vardhini C from https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/
Honda unveiled its motorcycle line-up for 2020 at the EICMA Motorcycle Show here on Tuesday. The launches span across all biking segments — commuter, roadster, adventure and racing.
The refreshed models showcased include SH125i and SH150i in the commuter segment; CMX500 Rebel and CBR1000R roadsters; the Africa Twin and the Africa Twin Adventure Sports in the adventure biking space and racing bikes — CBR1000RR-R Fireblade and Fireblade SP. Of these, the CB1000R, the Africa Twin Adventure Sports and the Fireblade racing bikes will be available in India, although the exact time of launch and the prices are yet to be revealed.
Powered by a lighter and more powerful 1100 cc parallel twin engine, both versions of the 2020 Africa Twin use a lighter, narrower frame, improving both agility and comfort. The all-new racing bikes — CBR1000RR-R Fireblade and Fireblade SP — come with a new frame and engine and draw strongly on Honda’s RC213V MotoGP technology. Both bikes will be available in two colour schemes: a Grand Prix Red and a Matte Pearl Black.
Make in India focus
These launches come at a time Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India is making big plans for its exclusive premium motorcycle business under the ‘Honda BigWing’ vertical. With new focus on ‘Make in India for the World’, Honda plans to foray into mass production of select big bikes from India, from the existing CKD/CBU operations. While the existing model of the Africa Twin is assembled in India, the CB1000R is being imported as a fully built unit. The modalities for these 2020 models are still being worked out and whether they will be manufactured, assembled or imported cannot be ascertained immediately, said Prabhu Nagaraj, Vice-President, Brand and Communications, Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India.
The company plans to nearly double its BigWing portfolio from the current seven to 13 models by next fiscal. Nagaraj hopes that the focus on ‘Make in India’ will improve the export potential for the company, especially after the implementation of BS-VI emission norms (Euro V equivalent) from April 1, 2020.
Honda CB4X adventure concept – Debuts at 2019 EICMA
The concept was designed by Honda’s Italian R&D team.
by Nithyanandh Karupp from https://www.rushlane.com
Honda’s R&D team from Rome has been quite active for the last five years, fielding interesting design concepts at every edition of EICMA. At this year’s edition, the Italian wing has come up with a snazzy Honda CB4X adventure tourer concept.
Honda describes the project as experimental machine which is developed under theme “fun seven days a week”. The motorcycle is claimed to be a crossover with healthy blend of Sport and Touring. The motorcycle was designed by Valerio Aiello and his young team of designers.
Without revealing much, Honda says that the concept is powered by an inline four cylinder engine that would offer more than adequate power for a long trip on the weekends and yet be flexible enough for everyday urban grind.
The company describes the unique fuel-tank silhoutte to be inspired by a cobra ready to attack its prey. Complementing the front heavy stance is the sharp semi-fairing with diamond shaped LED headlamp cluster.
The design concept features aluminium sub-frame, a steeply raked tailpiece a pointy tailight and a set of sport exhaust pipes. 17-inch alloy wheels, Brembo braking system, inverted telescopic front fork and rear monoshock round off the hardware configuration.
On board the new CBR1000RR-R Fireblade, the Japanese motorcycle maker’s popular liter-class four-cylinder powertrain develops a heady 212 hp. If at all the CB4X concept makes it to production, we expect this engine to be adoring its bay albeit in a much saner state of tune.
Honda has not discussed the possibility of a production model anytime soon but we hope to see a derivative achieve fruition. It is to be noted that the company showcased CB4 Interceptor concept a couple of years ago which is yet to see the light of day. That said, if the concept garners good positive response, Honda could explore the possibility of a commercial launch.
A production version of the Honda CB4X would competition with the likes of Yamaha Tracer 900, Kawasaki Versys 1000, Ducati Multistrada and so on. Honda has also unveiled the updated Rebel 500 and 300 cruisers at the ongoing motorcycle expo.
