Honda Shows 2005 Motorcycle Models for Europe
Honda Europe Motorcycle S.R.L. revealed the new 2005 motorcycle models for the European market, at INTERMOT, the Munich Motor Show, a major international motorcycle exhibition held Sept. 14—19. Honda’s motorcycles for the new model year feature improved performance. The CBR600RR, based on technologies featured on Honda’s RC211V MotoGP champion, offers improved performance.
In addition, Honda continues to enhance environmental and safety performance. A new version of the CB1300 joins the growing lineup to feature the Antilock Braking System (ABS), and the Zoomer, a 50cc scooter popular in Japan, is now equipped with Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI).
The CBR600RR is a mid-size supersport bike equipped with a liquid-cooled, four-stroke, in-line, four-cylinder, 600cc engine. First introduced in 2003, the 2005 model for Europe features a lighter frame and improved suspension (including the inverted front fork and radial-mount front brake calipers used in the RC211V and CBR1000RR), providing improved performance and handling stability. The CBR600RR will be released in European markets starting at the end of 2004, and annual European sales are projected to reach 12,000 units.
The new FMX650 is a dual sport model featuring an air-cooled, four-stroke, single-cylinder, 650cc engine and super motard styling. Starting in spring 2005, the FMX650 will be released in a wide range of European markets. Annual European sales are projected to reach 7,000 units.
The CB1300 is a naked sports motorcycle with a liquid-cooled, four-stroke, in-line, four-cylinder, 1300cc engine. The 2005 model features improved throttle response at lower speeds, and offers antilock braking in the CB1300 ABS model. The CB1300 and CB1300 ABS are scheduled to be released in European markets next spring. The combined annual European sales for the two bikes are projected to reach 2,000 units.
The Zoomer, new to the European market, features naked styling and a liquid-cooled, four-stroke, single-cylinder, 50cc engine. Introduced in 2001 in Japan, it was developed to focus on the individualistic youth segment. The Zoomer has since been released in the North American market as well. The 2005 Zoomer will be the first 50cc scooter sold in Europe to feature Honda’s advanced Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI. The 2005 Zoomer will be released in a wide range of European markets this fall.
