2008 Honda Motorcycles

2008 Honda XL700V Transalp
One of the interesting models that was shown is the XL700V Transalp, which will probably not come to the U.S., unfortunately. Although its styling is rather mundane, a 700cc V-twin motorcycle would make an interesting entry in the basically non-existent mid-range motorcycle market in the U.S. for discriminating buyers who haven't been taken in by the "more is better" approach to engine capacity, where anything under 1,000 cc's isn't even considered.

The XL700V Transalp is a dual-purpose sports model with a water-cooled, 4-stroke, 700cc V-twin engine. Engine displacement has been increased from 650cc to 700cc for this revised model, and the bike is now fitted with Programmed Fuel Injection system (PGM-FI), for improved midrange output combined with the environmental performance required to comply with Euro 3 regulations.

Other performance improvements include a new ABS system and a smaller 19-inch front tire with a wider 140mm rear tire for enhanced riding stability. New large headlight and distinctive new turn signal units replacing the built-in signals along with a newly designed chassis are included, and the bike has different styling around the front side fairing.

The XL700V Transalp will be manufactured at Montesa Honda S.A., a local manufacturing subsidiary established by Honda in Spain which began operations in 1986. The XL700V Transalp will be released successively in European markets.






2008 Honda CBR1000RR
This super sports model features a water-cooled, high-output 4-stroke, in-line 4-cylinder 1,000cc engine. For the new 2008 model, the number of components has been reduced to make the bike more compact, and the new lightweight, die-cast aluminum frame provides a smooth ride with just the right amount of rigidity.

These and other modifications succeed in reducing overall vehicle weight by 6kg compared to the previous model. The rear swingarm has also been lengthened for improved road holding and increased rigidity, and a gull arm design adopted to secure greater freedom for muffler layout.

The exhaust system is positioned under the pillion step to bring it closer to the bike’s center of gravity, with a short muffler that further contributes to the concentration of mass. Other features that add to the bike appeal the motorcycle include the newly developed assist slipper clutch for easier clutch operation and an enhanced feeling of rider security thanks to the mitigation of abrupt engine braking during downshifting.

The new model’s styling features compact front and rear fairing designed to present an image of extreme compactness, combined with mirrors with built-in turn signals to achieve a cool, aggressive look. The Honda CBR 1000 RR will be manufactured at Honda’s Hamamatsu Factory in Japan and it will be released successively in European markets.




2008 Honda CBF600
Another interesting model is the CBF600, one of three new Hondas that reach back to Honda's legacy for its styling cues. Equipped with a water-cooled, 4-stroke, 600cc in-line 4-cylinder engine in a mono-backbone frame, the CBF600 has been acclaimed for its nimble handling.

To improve both performance and practicality, this year’s model has been fitted with a more compact, higher-output engine based on the one used in the 2007 CBR600RR and CB600F Hornet, both of which were fully remodeled last year. New features including Programmed Fuel Injection system (PGM-FI) for precise fuel control and a lightweight, aluminum die-cast frame help deliver superior ride performance and outstanding environmental performance.

Comfort enhancements include an adjustable front suspension that allows the rider to choose the setting that best suits his or her own preferences and a newly configured Combined ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) featuring Honda’s CBS front-rear brake-force distribution system for a more secure braking feel.

Manufactured by Honda Italia Industriale S.P.A., Honda’s Italian motorcycle and power products manufacturing and sales subsidiary, the CBF600 will be made available successively in European markets.







Honda Human-Friendly Transmission (HFT)
Honda has also recently announced that it has developed the Human-Friendly Transmission (HFT), a new automatic transmission system for motorcycles using Honda’s own infinitely variable hydraulic mechanical transmission.

It's claimed to be easy to operate, providing "outstanding relaxed riding comfort, riding feel with direct response and excellent transmission efficiency".

The HFT will be installed on the Honda DN-01, a new motorcycle scheduled for market launch to be introduced at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show on October 27.


Honda Human-Friendly Transmission (HFT)

With Honda's own infinitely variable hydraulic mechanical transmission, the HFT realizes the lightweight and compact configuration required for motorcycles. To meet the wide range of rider needs, HFT offers a selection from two fully automatic shifting modes.

The "D" mode is used for ordinary riding and the "S" mode for a sporty riding experience, or the 6-speed manual mode can also be used, which gives riders the option of riding with a manual transmission feel. The HFT creates a unique riding feel through easy operation, ranging from relaxed and laid-back riding to nimble and sporty with direct throttle response.

Honda has developed and sold motorcycles equipped with easy-to-operate automatic riding technologies before. As a pioneer in the era of automatic systems, Honda launched the Super Cub C100 in 1958, equipped with an automatic centrifugal clutch mechanism, which allowed riding without the need of clutch operation.

The Eara (750cc), released in 1977, was a first large-sized motorcycle featured a torque converter in Japan. And in 1980, Honda put the Tact on the market, a machine equipped with the Honda original continuously variable transmission, the V-Matic, and Honda has continued to develop a variety of new mechanisms up into the present.

Characteristics of the HFT
A transmission system with a wide range of functions in a single unit, the HFT is a compact and highly efficient infinitely variable transmission system encompassing functions for starting, power transmission and shifting, all on a single shaft.

The basic configuration of the system consists of an oil pump for converting engine power into hydraulic pressure, and an oil motor for converting the hydraulic pressure back into power for output. Both are made up of multiple pistons, a distributor valve and a swash plate for piston operation, while the cylinders are integrated into the output shaft, forming the characteristic structure of the HFT.

The HFT also features the world’s first (claimed) lockup mechanism for an infinitely variable hydraulic mechanical transmission. When cruising, this lockup mechanism works to minimize transmission efficiency losses, contributing to improved fuel economy.

More 2008 Honda Motorcycles
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced the line-up of motorcycles that will be premiered at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show 2007 (organized by Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association), to be held at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan from Saturday, October 27 to Sunday, November 11, 2007.

Honda’s motorcycle exhibition will feature World Premiere concept models (prototype), pre-launch models, and a comprehensive line-up of other motorcycles and advanced environmental and safety technologies.

Overview of Featured Motorcycles and Other Exhibits
It is expected that Honda will announce the following motorcycles for various markets:

EVO6
CB1100F
CB1100R
GOLDWING
CB1300 SUPER FOUR (ABS) and SUPER BOL D’OR (ABS)
SHADOW (750)
SHADOW (400)
SILVER WING (400)
FORZA Z and FORZA Z (ABS)
CB223S
LEAD
ST1300 Pan-European (ABS)
Production Models
CB750
CBR600RR
CB400SS
XR400 Motard
CRF150R
Today
Also on Exhibition
RC212V (2007 MotoGP racing machine)
CRF450R (2007 All Japan Motocross Championship IA1 Class racing machine)
COTA 4RT (2007 Trial World Championship Series winning machine)
CBR1000RRW / CBR1000RR (2007 Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Road Race racing machine)
Honda Riding Simulator Riding Trainer
Variable Cylinder Management system equipped engine for motorcycle
FORZA engine (cutaway model)



Honda EVO6



Honda FORZA Z



Also Announced by Honda At The Frankfurt Motor Show


Motorcycle Airbag Enters Production
Naturally, safety research also plays a key role in motorcycle design, exemplified by the world's first production motorcycle airbag system now available on the new Gold Wing motorcycle shown on the stand.

By conducting extensive crash tests at its indoor omni-directional Real World Crash Test Facility, applying advanced computer simulation technology, and leading the way with the introduction of motorcycle rider test dummies, Honda has gathered and analyzed a wide array of data on the behavior of motorcycles during collisions. The motorcycle airbag is the result and it can help lessen the severity of injuries caused by frontal collisions