Honda unveils exciting additions to 2011 range

The Honda Crossrunner is one of the headline acts in the 2011 range.

HONDA has unveiled a host of new additions to its motorcycle range for 2011, including the innovative Crossrunner, the CBR250R and CBR125R sports machines.
The line-up also sees a return of the ever-popular CBR600F and a whole new look for the popular SH300 scooter, while updated models include the popular CB600F Hornet, CB1000R and SH125 machines which get some refreshed looks and colours.
Honda’s new Crossrunner blends the best elements of a naked bike with certain design cues from the popular adventure motorcycle sector, but with a road-biased chassis. Honda has listened to customer feedback which revealed that they enjoy the roomy, upright style of an adventure bike, but prefer the responsiveness of a sports-touring derived chassis. The result is a comfortable and highly competent commuter or longer distance machine, which inspires confidence on the road.
At its heart is the proven 100bhp, 782cc V4 motor – originally seen powering the legendary VFR800 VTEC machine – married to suspension that is perfectly suited to the varied road conditions that the Crossrunner will face. Adding to the feeling of safety are modern, uprated ABS brakes. A range of accessories will also be available for the Crossrunner, including heated grips, a larger screen, panniers, top box, 12-volt accessory power point and a centre stand.
Colours for the new Crossrunner will be Graphite Black/Matt Moonstone Silver Metallic, Pearl Fadeless White/Matt Bullet Silver Metallic and Candy Blazing Red/Matt Moonstone Silver Metallic.

Honda’s popular CBR600F is an all-new version of a classic.

In the middle-weight class there is an all-new version of the much-loved CBR600F. In 1987, Honda defined the middleweight sportsbike category with the launch of the CBR600F-H, a bike renowned for its ability to satisfy most riders’ needs, being both sporty in feel and practical in nature. This machine was developed over the years with a number of different ‘versions’ right up to the CBR600F Sport, although the ‘F’ models ceased production in 2006 as customer focus turned more towards the CBR600RR territory.
The new for 2011 CBR600F re-injects the ‘all-round’ DNA into the CBR600 family along with a modern and sleek design. Both front and rear suspension and the overall geometry of the bike give the new CBR600F sporty, yet assured handling for the road. Braking is the latest technology – Honda’s Combined Anti-Lock Braking System or C-ABS – perfect for giving peace of mind for novice riders or the more experienced. As with the Crossrunner, a number of official accessories will be released with the CBR600F, and launch colours will be Pearl Cool White/Hyper Red, Pearl Cool White/Moody Blue Metallic and Pearl Nightstar Black/Matt Cynos Grey Metallic.

For many new or less experienced riders, the jump from a small-capacity motorcycle of around 125cc up to a middleweight machine can be daunting. Honda’s new CBR250R gives riders a logical stepping stone featuring not only a punchy all-new single-cylinder four-stroke engine of 249cc and equipped with advanced fuel-injection to give performance and economy, but also great styling.
Despite the sporty look of the new CBR250R, the accent is on the practical and manageable, with a low kerb weight of just 162kg and a seat height of around 784mm. A wide-range of accessories will be offered and launch colours will be Asteroid Black Metallic and Pearl Blue Tricolour.

Joining the CBR250R is the latest incarnation of one of Honda’s most popular motorcycles – the CBR125R.  Since introduction in 2004 it has been the ideal first bike or daily commuter for many riders and has often been a best-seller. Like its larger capacity sibling, the 2011 CBR125R features supersport styling but with the ease-of use of a smaller capacity machine. At its heart is the flexible and reliable 124.7cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder powerplant, equipped with the latest advances in fuel-injection, exhaust and catalyser technology to make it even more fuel efficient than its predecessor. Like the earlier CBR125R, the new model gives a true ‘big bike’ feel, while not intimidating the less experienced. The lightweight twin-spar frame and modern suspension gives a good balance to the rider of the exciting, quick-steering feel of a sports bike but with the neutral confidence-enhancing feel of a small capacity machine. 2011 colours for the new CBR125R include Terra Silver Metallic SE, Ross White Tricolour and Asteroid Black Metallic.

Since the SH300i’s launch in 2007, this machine has proven itself as a practical mid-size scooter with assured ‘big-wheel’ handling. For the new season, updates to the SH300i include a new frame and revised suspension for even better handling, a new design of rear tyre to further improve handling and a fresh new look, complete with high-quality leather seat. These new features improve on the original machine, which was praised for its gutsy single-cylinder fuel-injected motor, large under-seat storage area and advanced ABS braking system.

Joining these all-new machines in the 2011 Honda range are a number of updated models. Honda’s CB600F Hornet has been a cult classic since its launch back in 1998. It has proved to be the perfect machine for new and experienced riders alike. Following its makeover in 2007 and the styling and suspension updates in 2009, the new 2011 model features a range of important design tweaks. At the front of the bike there’s a new, integrated instrument panel which features a hi-tech digital LCD bar-graph rev-counter and speedometer. These new clocks also feature dual trip meters, LCD bar-graph fuel gauge and a clock. These new instruments sit behind a re-designed bikini-fairing, which blends the instruments and headlight together in one sleek unit. Also, the tail unit has been tweaked to give a higher, more defined look which emphasizes the smooth aerodynamic lines of the Hornet. New colours include Pearl Sprint Yellow, Pearl Cool White and Pearl Nightstar Black.

The Hornet’s larger sibling – the CB1000R also receives some new updates. 2011’s improvements see thicker diameter aluminium handlebars for improved look and control, a new front headlight array with a triangular multi-reflector headlight integrated into the bikini cowling, a seven-bulb LED position light and an exciting new Tricolour version, which joins Pearl Nightstar Black and Pearl Cool White.

Meanwhile, in the scooter arena, the SH125i is also updated for 2011. As one of Europe’s most popular scooters, the SH125i offers convenience, practicality and frugal fuel economy. For the new season the SH125i has been given an extensively re-designed instrument panel which includes improved night-time illumination and, a larger rear brake disc for more balanced and safer braking.

Prices and availability for the new machines are yet to be announced but they will be introduced throughout the first half of next year. The remainder of the 2011 line-up comprises the current models in the range, although with a host of new and exciting colour options on offer.

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, visit www.honda.co.uk/motorcycles or call 0845 200 8000.