Honda

Honda CG Pop Trio Make Up a Crazy Art Statement, Honor BMX

General Posts / By

by Daniel Patrascu from https://www.autoevolution.com Back in the 1970s, an extreme bicycle-based sport called BMX started to take hold. In a way short for bicycle motocross, the sport came to be once bicycle riders got a taste of motocross tracks, and the world saw the potential of properly-built two-wheelers and a talented rider. BMX was particularly appealing to Europeans. This time of biking and the bikes used for it quickly became norm on the continent, and by the end of the 1980s one would have had trouble finding a kid riding something else. The three bikes in the gallery above pay tribute to the “80’s BMX craze that so influential in our childhood.” This is how the garage behind them describes the motivation behind the builds. But we are also told they are works of art. All three have been Honda CGs made in the 1980s at one point. They got stripped down to the bare minimum, in an attempt to keep them “light and simple,” and gifted with crazy colors meant to represent the artistic approach. The three motorcycles are officially called Black!, Rock!, and Punk! and all received a mechanical overhaul as well: the engines have been cleaned and refreshed, the hoses and cables replaced, and the batteries removed. As a nod to BMX bikes, special handlebars, pegs and grips were fitted. More modern elements, like LED lights at the rear, have also been included in the design. The most striking and eye-popping elements on these Hondas remain the colors, bright neon hues from the House of Kolor palette. These builds, completed about half a decade ago, are the work of a Spanish custom shop that goes by the name El Solitario MC. We’ve already talked about some of their designs over the past few days, and we’ll […]

Honda CG Pop Trio Make Up a Crazy Art Statement, Honor BMX Read More »

Vagabund V13 Dominator Is a Partially 3D Printed Honda NX 650

General Posts / By

by Daniel Patrascu from https://www.autoevolution.com 3D printing is slowly making its way into car and motorcycle manufacturing processes. Still to be adopted on a large scale by established players in the two segments, 3D printing is gaining increased traction in the world of startups and smaller, more adaptable entities. And that’s a good thing, seeing how extraordinary projects came to light over the past few years. And a fine example of that manufacturing process is the Vagabund V13 Dominator based on an otherwise unassuming motorcycle. Vagabund is an Austrian design studio that specializes in making custom motorcycles. And by that we don’t mean the usual Harley conversions and not even custom frames. Vagabund uses 3D printing for certain parts of the bikes, and it does it really well. The motorcycle in the gallery above was once a 1991 Honda NX 650 Dominator that got modified beyond recognition and turned the sport bike into a true off-roader. Its modern, yet utilitarian design is heavily due to 3D printing. A host of new parts for the bike were created this way: the fuel tank, which also features a mini speedometer, the rear end, air filter cover, indicator light bracket, and the handlebar switch housings. Accompanying these custom made parts were an engine rebuild and the addition of elements sourced from third parties: the front fender comes from a Husqvarna TC 85, there are Kellerman turn signals, and Bridgestone tires. Despite its minimalistic, borderline futuristic look, the V13 is a road legal motorcycle, at least in its home country of Austria. So much so, that the bike’s official page on Vagabund’s website reads the build is sold – we have no information on how much it went for. As part of our Two-Wheeler Month coverage, we’ll probably talk more about Vagabund’s creations over

Vagabund V13 Dominator Is a Partially 3D Printed Honda NX 650 Read More »

Honda Customers Request Google to Add Android Auto to 2020 Africa Twin

General Posts / By

by Bogdan Popa from https://www.autoevolution.com Honda customers who have recently bought the 2020 Africa Twin are now publicly requesting Google to add Android Auto to their motorcycles. The new model only works with Apple CarPlay, as Honda itself explains. In most of the cases, head units that support Apple’s platform should also be able to run Android Auto, but right now, it’s not known who is to blame for the lack of Google’s application on the 2020 Africa Twin. Some claim it’s Google the one that should allow Honda to enable Android Auto on their motorcycles, so they’re now requesting the company to make it happen. “Sadly was just looking at the new Africa twin and saw it only works with apple. Wouldn’t have been a problem if it didn’t include any infotainment system but because it includes one and it is only apple I’m going to have to pass,” someone says on the Google forums. “It’s not Honda’s fault. Google just didn’t want to put Android Auto on a motorcycle,” somebody else continues. And while both Honda and Google have remained tight-lipped on support for Android Auto on the 2020 Africa Twin, there’s a chance such an update would arrive rather sooner than later. More recently, Honda announced that the Gold Wing will be updated with Android Auto support later this summer. The first wave of bikes would get the update in mid-June, Honda said. The Gold Wing was another Honda model that came with Apple CarPlay exclusively, so Android Auto will some three years after support for Apple’s platform was originally released. If this is the same approach that Honda wants to use for the 2020 Africa Twin is something that remains to be seen, but for the time being, the only thing customers can do is make

Honda Customers Request Google to Add Android Auto to 2020 Africa Twin Read More »

Naso Nero Is a 1978 BMW R100 RT Disguised as a Honda

General Posts / By

by Daniel Patrascu from https://www.autoevolution.com A body that looks old, but at the same time fit, a big tank on top with Honda all over it, and a combination of British Racing Green and black that makes it look apart. The bike in the gallery above is not a Honda, as the letters on its tank say, but in fact a decades old BMW R100 of the RT variation. BMW started making the R100 line in 1976, and it would become the last line of the air-cooled airheads made by the Germans, with production ending in 1996. The family included a variety of models, starting with the R100 T and ending with the R100 GS. Somewhere in between it’s the RT that entered production in 1978. Despite the misleading looks, the bike in the gallery above is exactly such a motorcycle, born in the first year of production. Its current shape is owed to a long restoration process conducted by a Paris-based garage going by the name of Blitz Motorcycles. The group has made a habit to bring back to life bikes that should have been long ago scrapped, at the request of customers. In this case, the work was perhaps more engaging because it “came to us in a very worn out condition: over 120 000 kms mileage and an aesthetic that was proving it had had a very very long life.” As with most other Blitz restoration projects, this time a full engine rebuild was needed also, to give the motorcycle a new life, as was the fitting of new wiring. Accompanying the mechanical upgrades is a new look for the motorcycle. The main change is, of course, the addition of a Honda tank, but there are also some other fine touches, like the addition of LED blinkers

Naso Nero Is a 1978 BMW R100 RT Disguised as a Honda Read More »

Honda Gold Wing: World’s first motorcycle with Apple CarPlay now also supports Android Auto

General Posts / By

by Abhilasha Singh from https://www.financialexpress.com The method to update software for Honda Gold Wing is planned to be available in the mid of June 2020. Honda has said it will introduce Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration to more models eventually. Honda Gold Wing cruiser motorcycle will now come with Android Auto, the update for which will be available by June this year. Android Auto will be integrated with the current-model Gold Wing allowing customers with Android smartphones will be able to use application services such as music, phone calls and messaging. The method to update software is planned to be available in the mid of June 2020. Honda has said it will introduce Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration to more models eventually. The Gold Wing GL1000 was first introduced in the North American market in 1975 and has been the flagship for Honda for over four decades now. In October 2017, the Gold Wing launched in North America became the world’s first motorcycle with Apple CarPlay integration. By connecting their smartphones using either of the operating systems, customers can use features like navigation and application-specific services. Android Auto will offer a simplified interface and easy-to-use voice actions to Android users. Honda says that the system has been designed to minimise distraction. Android Auto makes it easy to access music, media, and messaging apps on the motorcycle. With your Google Assistant on Android Auto, riders can use functions while keeping their eyes on the road and hands on the bar, using voice. Gold Wing riders will now have Google Maps on their instrument cluster screens along with streaming YouTube Music. Both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity systems are coming to more bikes in the future, so this will perhaps not remain a one-off upgrade for long. But it

Honda Gold Wing: World’s first motorcycle with Apple CarPlay now also supports Android Auto Read More »

Honda Gold Wing Gets Android Auto This Summer

General Posts / By

by Daniel Patrascu from https://www.autoevolution.com It’s been about three years since one of the most appreciated touring motorcycles on the American market, Honda’s Gold Wing, got the blessing of Apple Carplay connectivity. During these three years, Android devices owners must have felt quite left out. That will change as of this summer, as starting next month the Japanese bike maker plans to roll out Android Auto on its Gold Wing bikes sold globally, and promises more motorcycles will be gifted with it in the not so distant future. “Honda announced that Android Auto will be integrated with the current-model Gold Wing,” Honda said in a statement Wednesday. “Customers with Android smartphones will be able to enjoy application services seamlessly such as music, phone calls and messaging. The method to update software is planned to be available in the mid of June, 2020.” It’s a big year for Android Auto on the motorcycle market, and the battle to make it available to customers is heating up. Earlier in March, Harley-Davidson too announced the bikes it makes for the 2021 model year (Trike, CVO, and Touring) would also begin using Android Auto. The Honda Gold Wing is nearly half a century old. First shown in Germany in 1974, it managed to quickly become a hit, turning into the flagship model of the brand and enjoying a great deal of success especially on the North American market. The Gold Wind range presently comprises two versions for the American market, the standard and the Tour. Prices for the standard Gold Wing start at $23,800. For that, the bike comes with a 1,833cc six cylinder engine, ran through a six-speed manual transmission with overdrive or optionally a 7-speed automatic. The Gold Wing offers a lot of modern technologies. For instance. the so-called HomeLink feature can

Honda Gold Wing Gets Android Auto This Summer Read More »

Honda’s upcoming inline-four ADV to take on Ducati Multistrada: Patent images leaked

General Posts / By

by Pradeep Shah from https://www.financialexpress.com Looks like Honda’s Multistrada V4 challenger will come with a breathtaking design! Find all details here. Honda is currently working on a full-fledged ADV and very recently, the patent for the same has been filed with the European Intellectual Property Office. While on one hand, Honda’s Africa Twin CRF1100L aims at serious off-roading, on the other, the said ADV model will have a focus on the roads and will compete against the likes of the upcoming Ducati Multistrada V4, BMW S 1000 XR and the Kawasaki Versys 1000 in the segment. One of the important highlights of the upcoming Honda ADV will be that it will feature an inline four-cylinder engine. The ADV will get 17-inch alloy wheels at both ends. As one can see in the patent images, courtesy RideApart, the bike will get a semi-fairing and should get a full-LED lighting system. Moreover, in terms of features, the ADV is expected to get a fully coloured TFT instrument cluster and the unit should support Bluetooth connectivity as well. The bike is also expected to get an adjustable windscreen. Also, as one can see in the patent images, the bike will get inverted forks upfront along with a rear monoshock. Moreover, the bike will come with dual disc brakes upfront along with a single disc at the rear and a dual-channel ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) will be a part of the package as well. The bike will get a single-sided swingarm too. Coming to the powertrain, there aren’t much details available yet. However, we believe that being a full-fledged, full-size ADV, the bike will draw power from a litre-class engine that should have a power output of well over 100hp. We can expect to see this bike sometime next year with a public debut

Honda’s upcoming inline-four ADV to take on Ducati Multistrada: Patent images leaked Read More »

2020 Honda Grom 125 minibike makes global debut

General Posts / By

by Abhinand Venugopal from https://www.rushlane.com The 2020MY Honda Grom 125 remains mechanically unchanged from its previous version Honda Motorcycle has unveiled the 2020 Grom 125 for international markets. Also known as the Honda MSX125 in certain regions, the modern-day minibike (with naked street motorcycle traits) receives minimal changes for the 2020 model year. The mechanical department remains untouched while Honda has added new colour choices depending on the market. In the US, the 2020MY Honda Grom 125 is available in four colours: Cherry Red, Blue Raspberry, Halloween Orange and Incredible Green. The ABS version comes only in Cherry Red. US prices stand at $3,399 (Rs 2.57 lakh) and $3,599 (Rs 2.73 lakh), respectively. For the niche minibike market, Honda has got another fun product under its miniMOTO category: Monkey. Available from $3,999 (Rs 3.02 lakh) in the US, the Honda Monkey is so popular that it coined the term “monkey bikes” to minibikes — as Xerox did to photocopy or “fridge” (from Frigidaire) to the refrigerator. Coming back to the 2020 Honda Grom 125, its 124.9cc air-cooled FI single-cylinder motor makes a humble 9.57bhp and 10.9Nm of torque. Even though these figures look low on paper, the Grom weighs just about 103kg to make the best out of the least. The engine is mated to a 4-speed gearbox. Despite being smaller than the usuals, the Grom 125’s seat height is decently high at 762mm. Braking duties are carried out by 220mm and 190mm disc brakes at the front and rear, respectively. The minibike rides on 12-inch wheels supported by 31mm USD forks and a rear monoshock. Fuel economy figures are claimed to cross well over 50km/l no matter how much you abuse the engine. The Honda Grom 125 gets a 5.5-litre fuel tank. Other notable features include full-LED lighting, digital

2020 Honda Grom 125 minibike makes global debut Read More »

Honda Motorcycle rejigs top management

General Posts / By

by Amit Panday, Malyaban Ghosh from https://www.livemint.com Atsushi Ogata, operating executive at Honda Motor, Japan, will take over as president, chief executive officer and managing director at HMSI from today Minoru Kato, who returns to Japan after leading operations in India for three years, has been elevated as the operating executive and chief officer life creation operation at Honda Motor Co Japan’s Honda Motor Company Ltd on Friday announced changes in the top management of Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Private Ltd (HMSI), India’s second largest two-wheeler manufacturer. Atsushi Ogata, who is the operating executive at Honda Motor, Japan, will also assume charge as president, chief executive officer and managing director at HMSI from today. Ogata will succeed Minoru Kato, who returns to Japan after leading operations in India for three years. Kato has been elevated as the operating executive and chief officer life creation operation at Honda Motor Co. Among other changes, V Sridhar, who was earlier GVP and director at manufacturing at HMSI, has been elevated as the senior director – purchase. Yadvinder Singh Guleria, who was senior vice president for sales and marketing operations at HMSI, takes over as director and has also been also elevated to the board of directors. “Guleria now has greater responsibilities with additional charge of customer service, logistics planning and control, premium motorcycle business, brand and communication along with sales and marketing at HMSI,” the company said. Vinay Dhingra, who was the senior vice-president, general and corporate affairs, is the new director with added responsibility of strategic information system (SIS). Anupam Mohindroo, previously director – purchase, and Harbhajan Singh, who was director – general & corporate affairs, have retired after completing their respective tenures.

Honda Motorcycle rejigs top management Read More »

Honda patents a 3-step telescopic side stand design

General Posts / By

by Abhinand Venugopal from https://www.rushlane.com Honda Motorcycle’s new side stand design seems a bit counter-intuitive rather than being innovative In the automotive industry, Honda has contributed numerous technological innovations pertaining to factors such as performance, efficiency, dynamics and safety, alongside a range of exciting products (four-wheelers and two-wheelers). In fact, Honda Motorcycle has been the largest two-wheeler manufacturer from the Land of the Rising Sun ever since it started operations back in 1955. Honda was one of the first brands to put a disc brake on a motorcycle (1969 750cc Four). The first fuel-injected motorcycle in the world was the 1982 Honda CX500 Turbo (yes, it had a turbo!). Slipper clutch, a necessity in high-end motorcycles and a luxury in low-end motorcycles, was innovated by the Japanese brand in the mid-1980s. Furthermore, the industry has seen some revolutionary motorcycles with a Honda badge. Examples include Honda’s CB750, Fireblade, Goldwing, RX211V (‘V-five’ engine), Cub and more. Today, Honda Motorcycle is working on a new side stand design. Despite having decades of heritage in the field of automotive innovations, Honda’s new side stand visualisation seems a bit counter-intuitive. In essence, it is a three-step telescopic system. The fresh patent images show its functioning clearly. Manufacturers often tend to patent some basic system in order to innovate some radical idea over it in the future. The traditional side stand has taken various forms and sizes depending on brands or models, but the modus operandi had always remained the same — kick or pull down and forget. The unusual mechanism you see here requires the rider to slightly twist a spring-loaded locking mechanism using a lever at the base, to three individual positions. To retract, the lever needs to be pushed forward and the spring mechanism does the rest. This engineering would be welcome

Honda patents a 3-step telescopic side stand design Read More »

Scroll to Top