Honda

Honda

Honda Gold Wing/Gold Wing ABS/Gold Wing Airbag

BMW’s K1600GTL was a warning shot across the bow of the reigning king of the open road, the Gold Wing. Honda responded, not with an all-new model, but by refining the existing GL1800. The torquey flat-Six engine, aluminum frame and single-sided swingarm are unchanged, and only small tweaks to the suspension and a switch from Dunlop to Bridgestone tires affect the handling. There’s also a more protective fairing and bigger saddlebags with 7 liters of additional capacity, plus upgraded GPS and stereo systems. Also available: An ABS version with anti-lock brakes; and an airbag-equipped model

$23,199 to $28,499 Engine type: sohc flat-Six Displacement: 1832cc Carburetion: EFI Transmission speeds: 5 Final drive: shaft Front brake: dual dise Rear brake: disc Wheelbase: 66.5 in. Seat height: 29.1 in. Fuel capacity: 6.7 gal. Claimed wet weight: 904 to 933 lb.

Honda Fury/Fury ABS

When it thundered onto the cruiser scene, the Fury broke new ground, offering buyers chopper styling with the performance, quality and reliability they’ve come to expect from Honda. Power is via a liquid-cooled, single-crankpin V-Twin. The Fury has a low seat height, shaft drive and the longest wheelbase of any production Honda. For 2012, the Fury is available in three colors: new Matte Black/Red, Ultra Blue Metallic or Black. Accessories run the gamut, from billet covers to saddles, lights and windscreens. Also available: The Fury ABS, the same bike but with anti-lock brakes and only in Black.

$13,390/14,390 Engine type: sohc V-Twin Displacement: 1312cc Carburetion: EFI Transmission speeds: 5 Final drive: shaft Front brake: disc Rear brake: disc Wheelbase: 71.1 in. Seat height: 26.9 in. Fuel capacity: 3.4 gal. Claimed wet weight: 666/681 lb.

Honda Interstate/Interstate ABS

“Baggers” are popular among cruiser buyers these days for good reason: A windscreen and saddlebags make longer rides more pleasant and offer a secure place to store and access your stuff. Honda recognized the widespread interest in this category and equipped its V-Twin Interstate with a large, fork-mounted windscreen and sleek, leathercovered hard bags. A hidden latch system on the bags adds to the bike’s uncluttered appearance. This year, the Interstate is available in Dark Red Metallic or Black. Also available: The Interstate ABS, the same bike fitted with anti-lock brakes.

$13,240/14,240 Engine type: sohc V-Twin Displacement: 1312cc Carburetion: EFI Transmission speeds: 5 Final drive: shaft Front brake: disc Rear brake: disc Wheelbase: 70.3 in. Seat height: 26.8 in. Fuel capacity: 4.4 gal. Claimed wet weight: 712/728 lb.

Honda Sabre/Sabre ABS

Like big V-Twins? Long, sleek, raked-out and powerful, the Sabre combines eye-catching pro-street styling with strong low-end and midrange torque for responsive acceleration, smooth highway cruising and great fun in just about any riding environment. Minimalism is the primary theme here, as electrical wires, brake cables and coolant lines are either hidden completely or routed as cleanly as possible to ensure an attractive, uncluttered appearance. Also available: The Sabre ABS, the very same motorcycle but equipped with anti-lock brakes.

$12,250/13,250 Engine type: sohc V-Twin Displacement: 1312cc Carburetion: EFI Transmission speeds: 5 Final drive: shaft Front brake: disc Rear brake: disc Wheelbase: 70.3 in. Seat height: 26.9 in. Fuel capacity: 4.4 gal. Claimed wet weight: 664/679 lb.

Honda Stateline/Stateline ABS

$12,150/13,150 Engine type: sohc V-Twin Displacement: 1312cc Carburation: EFI Transmission speeds: 5 Final drive: shaft Front brake: disc Rear brake: disc Wheelbase: 70.3 in. Seat height: 26.8 in. Fuel capacity: 4.4 gal. Claimed wet weight: 672/688 lb.

In simple terms, the Stateline is an Interstate minus the windscreen and saddlebags, and with rider footpegs instead of footboards. Otherwise, both Honda cruisers are pretty much identical, sharing heavily raked-out front ends, pullback handlebars, chromed tank-top speedometer housings, blacked-out engines, curved-downtube frames, one-piece seats with deep rider cutouts and long, flowing fenders. Where this bike and the Interstate differ the most is in price: The Stateline lists for $1090 less. Also available: The Stateline ABS, the same bike fitted with antilock brakes but only offered in Black

Honda ST1300 ABS

$18,230 Engine type: dohc V-Four Displacement: 1261cc Carburation: EFI Transmission speeds: 5 Final drive: shaft Front brake: dual disc Rear brake: disc Wheelbase: 58.7 in. Seat height: 30.5/31.1/31.7 in. Fuel capacity: 7.7 gal. Claimed wet weight: 730/743 lb.

Sport-touring bikes have evolved considerably since Honda introduced the ST 1300 nearly a decade ago, so this motorcycle’s longitudinal V-Four engine doesn’t quite have the juice of the newer BMW K1600GT, Kawasaki Concours 14 or Yamaha FJR1300. Nonetheless, the ST is a highly capable, beautifulhandling sport-touring mount. It has features comparable to the competition’s, including an excellent riding position with adjustable seat height and an electrically variable windscreen. As its name suggests, the ST 13 00 ABS is equipped with anti-lock brakes.

Honda VRF1200F/VFR1200F DCT

$na/na Engine type: dohc V-Four Displacement: 1237cc Carburation: EFI Trans, speeds: 6/automatic Final drive: shaft Front brake: dual disc Rear brake: disc Wheelbase: 60.8 in. Seat height: 31.9 in. Fuel capacity: 5.0 gal. Claimed wet weight: na/na lb.

It’s baa-aack.. .the VFR1200F, that is, and it’s even better than before. Heart and soul of this ABS-equipped sporttourer, the V-Four engine now makes more torque between 2000 and 4000 rpm, and new-for-2012 Honda Traction Control helps smoothly put that newfound power to the ground by reducing wheelspin in slippery conditions. Plus, there’s a slightly larger fuel tank and a redesigned seat for added comfort and style. Also available: The VFR1200F with Dual Clutch Transmission features handlebar-mounted, paddlestyle shifters. Shift points are newly optimized relative to throttle inputs for more user-friendly operation.

Honda CBR1000RR/CBR1000RR C-ABS

$13,800/14,800 Engine type: dohc inline-Four Displacement: 999cc Carburation: EFI Transmission speeds: 6 Final drive: chain Front brake: dual disc Rear brake: disc Wheelbase: 55.5 in. Seat height: 32.3 in. Fuel capacity: 4.7 gal. Claimed wet weight: 441/467 lb.

It’s been nearly 20 years since Honda introduced the ground-breaking CBR900RR, and as powerful and technically advanced as that sportbike was, the latest CBR1000RR is better in every area. More aerodynamic “layered” bodywork, Showa’s 43mm Big Piston Fork and “balance-free” shock, feature-rich instrumentation and more-rigid wheels with Yshaped spokes are the most significant changes made this year to what was already an outstanding Openclass racer-replica. Also available: The CBR1000RR C-ABS is the very same sportbike but fitted with Honda s excellent anti-lock braking system.

Honda CB1000R

In essence, the CB1000R is a five-year-old CBR1000RR reworked to produce more midrange power and perform comfortably as a situp naked bike. Sidedraft 36mm throttle bodies and 11.2:1 compression result in an engine said to be good for 123 hp and 74 ft.-lb. of torque. A thin-wall, gravity-diecast mono-backbone aluminum frame is strong yet light, and the bike’s distinctive single-sided swingarm is controlled by a single shock with spring preload and rebound-damping adjustability. A fully adjustable 43mm inverted cartridge fork carries the front wheel and radial-mount dual 310mm disc brakes. New for 2012: a Matte Grey Metallic color.

$11,760 Engine type: dohc inline-Four Displacement: 998cc Carburetion: EFI Transmission speeds: 6 Final drive: chain Front brake: dual disc Rear brake: disc Wheelbase: 56.9 in. Seat height: 32.1 in. Fuel capacity: 4.5 gal. Claimed wet weight: 485 lb.

Honda Shadow Aero/Shadow Aero ABS

In the cruiser market, it’s easy to be overwhelmed with manufacturers that have taken the bigger-is-better concept to extremes. That’s why the more moderate size of the Shadow Aero appeals to so many riders. The Aero weighs just 560 pounds with a full tank, has a low seat height and handles well. The fuelinjected, 745cc V-Twin runs smoothly, and its ample cylinder finning hides the fact that it is liquid-cooled. Wire-spoked wheels and fat fenders give a traditional look. The Aero is available this year in two colors: Candy Dark Red or two-tone Pearl Black/Silver. Also available: The Shadow Aero ABS, the same bike fitted with anti-lock brakes.

$8240 to $8540/na Engine type: sohc V-Twin Displacement: 745cc Carburetion: EFI Transmission speeds: 5 Final drive: shaft Front brake: disc Rear brake: drum Wheelbase: 64.6 in. Seat height: 25.9 in. Fuel capacity: 3.7 gal. Claimed wet weight: 560/573 lb.

Honda Shadow Phantom

Popular among entry-level cruiser buyers for its clean, back-to-basics appearance highlighted by an extensive blackout treatment and a “bobbed” rear fender, the Shadow Phantom returns unchanged for 2012. Technically, this liquid-cooled V-Twinpowered boulevard bike is based in great part on the discontinued Shadow Spirit, with other bits and pieces borrowed from another popular Honda cruiser, the Shadow Aero. Seat height is just 25.8 inches, making the Phantom an ideal choice for shorter and/or less-experienced riders.

$8240 Engine type: sobe V-Twin Displacement: 745cc Carburetion: EFI Transmission speeds: 5 Final drive: shaft Front brake: disc Rear brake: drum Wheelbase: 64.6 in. Seat height: 25.8 in. Fuel capacity: 3.7 gal. Claimed wet weight: 549 lb.

Honda Shadow RS

Because it is a simple, straightforward, all-arounduse streetbike, the Shadow RS falls under the heading, “What you see is what you get.” Returning for 2012 mechanically unchanged, this affordably priced, retro-style roadster competes headto-head with popular American and European models, such as the Harley-Davidson Sportster and Triumph Bonneville. The RS is powered by a liquid-cooled V-Twin engine and benefits from Honda’s sophisticated Programmed Fuel Injection. The Shadow RS is available in one color this year: Blue.

$8240 Engine type: sobe V-Twin Displacement: 745cc Carburetion: EFI Transmission speeds: 5 Final drive: chain Front brake: disc Rear brake: drum Wheelbase: 61.4 in. Seat height: 29.5 in. Fuel capacity: 2.6 gal. Claimed wet weight: 503 lb

Honda Shadow Spirit 750 C2

$8240 to $8540 Engine type: sohc V-Twin Displacement: 745cc Carburetion: EFI Transmission speeds: 5 Final drive: shaft Front brake: disc Rear brake: drum Wheelbase: 65.2 in. Seat height: 25.8 in. Fuel capacity: 3.7 gal. Claimed wet weight: 542 lb.

Returning to Honda’s lineup after a two-year absence, the Shadow Spirit 750 C2 is tame enough to be a good entrylevel machine but cool enough that no one will suspect you just got your first big bike. The gunfighter-style seat, 21-inch front wheel and smoothly integrated taillight all work together to lend the bike a distinct street-rod look, especially in new Candy Orange Flame paint (Black is also available). Mechanically, the most significant change is the addition of Programmed Fuel Injection, which incorporates a single 34mm-diameter throttle body for smooth throttle response regardless of where the road takes you.

Honda CBR600RR/CBR600RR C-ABS

$11,540 to $11,690/12,540 Engine type: dohc inline-Four Displacement: 599cc Carburetion: EFI Transmission speeds: 6 Final drive: chain Front brake: dual disc Rear brake: disc Wheelbase: 53.9 in. Seat height: 32.3 in. Fuel capacity: 4.8 gal. Claimed wet weight: 410/434 lb.

The CBR600RR was heavily revised four years ago, and the performance upgrades it received then—such as a higher-revving engine, racier bodywork and an inverted fork fitted with monoblock, radial-mount, four-piston brake calipers—have kept the bike near the top of the middleweight sportbike class ever since. This year, the CBR is offered in three colors: Red/Black, Black or Pearl White/Blue/Red. Also available: The CBR600RR C-ABS, the very same sportbike but fitted with Honda s patented Combined ABS, which delivers the benefits of both the Combined Braking System (CBS) and anti-lock braking.

Honda CBR250R/CBR250R ABS

$4099/4599 Engine type: dohc Single Displacement: 250cc Carburetion: EFI Transmission speeds: 6 Final drive: chain Front brake: disc Rear brake: disc Wheelbase: 53.9 in. Seat height: 30.5 in. Fuel capacity: 3.4 gal. Claimed wet weight: 357/366 lb.

Looks great, performs well, priced right! When it introduced this entry-level sportbike in 2011, Honda took direct aim at Kawasaki’s popular Ninja 250R. Styled to look like the V-Four VFR1200F sporttourer, the fully faired CBR250R is powered by a fuel-injected single-cylinder engine, has a six-speed transmission and is equipped with disc brakes front and rear for sure stops. For 2012, the CBR250R is offered in three colors: White/ Pearl Blue/Red, Metallic Black or Red/Silver. Also available: The CBR250RABS, the same great little sportbike fitted with anti-lock brakes.

Honda Rebel

$4190 Engine type: sohc parallel-Twin Displacement: 234cc Carburetion: 26mm Keihin Transmission speeds: 5 Final drive: chain Front brake: disc Rear brake: drum Wheelbase: 57.1 in. Seat height: 26.6 in. Fuel capacity: 2.6 gal. Claimed wet weight: 331 lb.

New to the sport of motorcycling? Then you’re probably too young to recall that in 1985, Honda’s best-selling model was the Rebel 250. Well, guess what? The 2012 Rebel is the very same machine. While this air-cooled, entry-level minicruiser has more than doubled in price over the past three decades, it still represents great new-bike value by today’s standards. Classic cruiser styling—pullback handlebar, teardrop gas tank and lots of chrome—will turn heads around town, and if you’re pinching pennies, 80-mpg fuel economy will put a smile on your face.

Honda Silver Wing ABS

The “Wing” name means something in the Honda lineup. Is it comfort? Acres of contoured plastic? Sure, that and the utmost luxury available on two wheels—a scooter, in this case. The Silver Wing’s big, fuel-injected, twin-cylinder engine cranks out 50 horsepower, more than enough to shoot this no-shift machine off the line and out in front of most four-wheeled vehicles and many a motorcycle. There’s room for two on the ample seat, and plenty of storage on board, as well. There’s even an aluminum spoiler at the rear! The Silver Wing conies standard with anti-lock brakes.

$9270 Engine type: dohc parallel-Twin Displacement: 582cc Carburetion: EFI Transmission: automatic Final drive: belt Front brake: disc Rear brake: disc Wheelbase: 63.0 in. Seat height: 29.7 in. Fuel capacity: 4.2 gal. Claimed wet weight: 551 lb.

Honda Ruckus

In all of motorcycling, there is probably no better example of the old saying “What you see is what you get” than the simple Ruckus. This fun scooter is made of metal tubes and wears its machinery on its sleeve—no superfluous, plastic, wedge-shaped bodywork here. The engine is a low-maintenance, electric-start, 50cc four-stroke Single, and there are no gears to select. This renders the Ruckus incredibly easy to ride, while the very low seat height and light weight make it ultra-easy to handle on the road. For 2012, the Ruckus is available in two colors: black and white/red.

$2570 Engine type: sohc Single Displacement: 49cc Carburetion: 15mm Mikuni Transmission: automatic Final drive: belt Front brake: drum Rear brake: drum Wheelbase: 49.8 in. Seat height: 29.0 in. Fuel capacity: 1.3 gal. Claimed wet weight: 194 lb.

Honda NSF250R

Goodbye, two-strokes, hello, four-strokes. A pure, no-holds-barred racer, the NSF250R is Honda’s contribution to the Moto3 class that will replace the current 125cc Grand Prix machines in 2012. Somehow, Honda managed to shoehorn a liquid-cooled, titanium-valved, single-cylinder Thumper into the twin-spar aluminum frame of a 1996 RS125. To accomplish this feat, the cylinder head was inclined 15 degrees backward and rotated 180 degrees, sending the exhaust straight out the back of this slick-shod motorcycle. Honda claims 48 peak horsepower at 13,000 rpm and 20.6 footpounds of torque at 10,500 rpm.

$28,599 Engine type: dohc Single Displacement: 250cc Carburetion: EFI Transmission speeds: 6 Final drive: chain Front brake: disc Rear brake: disc Wheelbase: 48.0 in. Seat height: na Fuel capacity: na Claimed dry weight: 180 lb.

Honda CRF450R

Gapping the pack in the rough-and-tumble world of motocross isn’t easy, which is why Honda continues to make seemingly small but significant changes to the CRF450R. For 2012, the outer fork tubes on this world-class MXer are stiffer, as are the internal springs, valving is revised, and new axle collars provide a more solid, planted feel at the front end. Out back, a revised shock linkage helps improve front-to-rear balance, enhancing rider confidence in heavily rutted terrain. Footpegs with serrated edges are longer and wider for greater support.

$8440 Engine type: sohc Single Bore x stroke: 96.0 x 62.1 mm Displacement: 449cc Transmission speeds: 5 Front wheel travel: 12.2 in. Rear wheel travel: 12.4 in. Fuel capacity: 1.5 gal. Seat height: 37.5 in. Front brake: disc Rear brake: disc Claimed wet weight: 238 lb.

Honda CRF250R

$7420 Engine type: sohc Single Bore x stroke: 76.8 x 53.8mm Displacement: 249cc Transmission speeds: 5 Front wheel travel: 12.2 in. Rear wheel travel: 12.3 in. Fuel capacity: 1.5 gal. Seat height: 37.4 in. Front brake: disc Rear brake: disc Claimed wet weight: 229 lb.

You don’t have to be a competitive national-level racer like three-time Women’s Motocross Champion Ashley Fiolek to appreciate the third-generation Unicam engine that powers the 2012 Honda CRF250R, but it doesn’t hurt. Revised cylinder-head porting combined with a more durable camshaft that opens and closes new exhaust valves has improved low-end and midrange rideability, which is good news for all riders. As for the chassis, while the twin-beam aluminum frame and swingarm are the same as last year, the Pro-Link shock linkage is new, and suspension valving at both ends has been recalibrated.