EICMA 2011 Preview: 2012 Honda Integra Specs Released

Honda has released specifications and new photographs of its new 670cc Integra motorcycle/scooter crossover which will make its public debut at the 2011 EICMA show in Milan. While the hybrid model may not be for everyone, the engine details are important as Honda has announced it will also debut two additional models at EICMA using the same power plant.

The 2012 Honda Integra, named according to Honda for integrating “the ease of use of a scooter with the dynamic performance of a motorcycle”, uses an all new 670cc parallel Twin engine with a second generation version of Honda’s dual clutch transmission.

Honda claims an output of 51.1 hp at 6250 rpm and 45.7 ft-lb. at 4750 rpm from the new engine. Honda also claims a fuel efficiency of 65.7 mpg thanks to a reduction in friction and a small number of moving parts. The cylinders, for example, are offset to reduce the friction of the piston against the cylinder wall. The balance shaft does double duty, also driving the oil pump while the camshaft also drives the water pump. Combined with the 3.7 gallon fuel tank, Honda claims a range of 250 miles between fill-ups.

The engine uses a 270-degree  crankshaft for an uneven firing order Honda claims offers the feel of a V-Twin. The crankshaft is produced using a method Honda uses in its V6 automobile engines: the crank is forged in a 180 degree angle and then twisted 90 degrees. According to Honda, the process produces a lightweight and low-waste 270 degree crankshaft. A biaxial balance shaft helps to balance the primary vibrations, giving a smoothness Honda compares to the opposed six engine of the Gold Wing.

According to Honda, the Integra’s engine was designed to run with little maintenance. Service intervals are spaced out to every 7500 miles while the iridium spark plugs only need to be replaced every 30,000 miles.

The new dual clutch transmission is an evolution of the DCT first used in the 2009 Honda VFR1200F. The new unit is lighter and more compact, and developed on a variety of European roads to optimize performance in a variety of uses, from urban commuting to highway touring. The Integra’s DCT has three modes: MT offers manual shifting using handlebar-mounted controls, D-mode for automatic shifting in city and highway riding and S-Mode offers automatic shifting for higher performance riding. The rider can also intervene with manual shifting while riding in either D- or S-modes when needed.

Though it looks like a maxi-scooter, the Integra uses a conventional motorcycle chassis and 17-inch wheels. The engine is mounted low in the rigid tube steel diamond frame and tilted forward to improve weight distribution. Unlike conventional steel tube frames which use two loops, the Integra’s frame is lower and uses uses two main tubes linked by a single cross tube to reduce weight and offer a lower center of gravity.

Suspension is comprised of a 41mm telescopic fork with 120mm of travel and a monoshock damper with Pro-Link swingarm to reduce weight and create more storage space under the seat. Braking is provided by three-piston calipers gripping a 320mm rotor up front and a single-piston caliper gripping a 240mm rear rotor. The Integra will come standard with Honda’s Combined ABS.

Other features include 15 liters of underseat storage, smaller storage compartments behind the main fairing, retractable passenger pegs and a 31.1 inch seat height. The digital multi-function display shows a speedometer, tachometer, clock, fuel capacity and two trip meters.

The 2012 Honda Integra will be offered in four colors: Pearl Cosmic Black, Pearl Sunbeam White, Ion Blue Metallic and Candy Graceful Red. Honda will also offer a range of accessories including heated grips, panniers and top boxes.

[Source: Honda]

Related Reading
2012 Honda Integra Announced; All-New 670cc engine with Dual Clutch Transmission

By Dennis Chung