Honda Prototypes and Pre-Production Models for 2013 Osaka and Tokyo Motorcycle Shows

Honda will display a number of new motorcycles at the upcoming Osaka Motorcycle Show and Tokyo Motorcycle Show in addition to a new 400cc version of its 500-series models. Honda describes the new motorcycles as exhibition models or models planned for production.

The new models include the previously announced-for-North America CTX700 and CTX700N, and the Thailand-bound CRF250M motard (pictured above). The CTX700N and the cowled CTX700 will launch first in the U.S. The CRF250M has not been confirmed for the U.S. however, though it wouldn’t be a surprise if Honda did introduce this motard version of the CRF250L.

Other announced models are less likely to arrive in the U.S. Read more about them after the jump.

The Honda Forza Si is a described as a sporty and agile 250cc scooter. U.S. consumers may be more familiar with the Honda Reflex, the name used by American Honda for the last Forza scooter imported to these shores (here’s a review of the 2001 Honda Reflex). Last fall, Honda announced a 279cc version called the NSS300 Forza but that model has not been announced for the U.S. (It has, however, been added to Honda Canada’s lineup as a 2014 model.)

The Honda Grom is described as a “recreational model with a 125cc engine that conjures up extreme riding”. That’s pretty much all we know about the unusually-named Grom. Based on the description, it’s possible the Grom is the Japanese market name for the already-announced MSX125, a modern version of the Honda Monkey Bike already announced for Europe.

The Honda Cub holds the distinction of being the world’s best ever selling motorcycle model name, with unit sales of countless variations and versions surpassing the 60 million mark in 2009. The Honda Cross Cub CC110 is a new variant, featuring the same underbone chassis but with a more rugged appearance resembling the Honda Ruckus.

Speaking of the Ruckus, or the Zoomer as it is known in Japan, Honda will display the production version of the Zoomer-X. Previously unveiled a year ago in Thailand, the Zoomer-X trades the Ruckus’ exposed tube frame for a boxier structure.

Also being unveiled at the coming motorcycle shows is an updated version of the Honda CBR125R. Though it wasn’t offered in the U.S., the CBR125R was available in Canada for several years before the introduction of the CBR250R. When the 250 arrived, the CBR125R received an updated fairing to resemble its new sibling but was dropped from Honda Canada’s lineup in 2013.

Joining these new concepts and bound-for-production models are Honda’s returning models as well as the new Goldwing F6B and the updated CBR600RR. Honda Racing Corporation will also display the CRF450 Rally that raced in the 2013 Dakar Rally.

The Osaka Motorcycle Show runs March 15 to 17 at the INTEX Osaka while the Tokyo Motorcycle Show runs March 22 to 25 at Tokyo Big Sight.

[Source: Honda]

By Dennis Chung