Honda Shadow Motorcycles in Hamptonville, page #64

Moto blog

Honda Announces More New-Model Releases For 2012

Lost in all the hoopla surrounding the new models being released at EICMA this week, Honda has announced details about a few more models in its 2012 lineup: the CB1000R, CBR250R, Silver Wing scooter and the Ruckus, along with the cutting-edge VFR1200F that receives an infusion of impressive new technology for 2012 (which we’ll highlight in a separate blog entry). All of which are returning models from 2011. Pricing is yet to be determined.

EICMA 2011: Honda NC700X Unveiled

Alongside the Honda NC700S at EICMA comes the NC700X, a “crossover” model with better off-road capability. Like the NC700S, the 2012 Honda NC700X is powered by Honda’s new 670cc parallel Twin engine. Honda designed the engine to be highly efficient, with optimal performance at speeds up to 87 mph and the engine revving up to 6000 rpm, a range Honda’s research found accounts for 90% of an average commuter’s uses.

EICMA 2011: Honda NC700S Breaks Cover

Honda unveiled a new mid-sized naked standard using the 670cc parallel Twin engine and second-generation dual-clutch transmission. The new Honda NC700S is powered by the same 670cc Twin engine as the Integra motorcycle/scooter crossover and the NC700X. Designed to be lightweight and fuel-efficient, Honda claims an output of 46.9 hp at 6250 rpm and 44.3 ft-lb.

Rossi runs special Simoncelli tribute helmet

During the 10 o'clock trial laps today, Valentino ran with a new helmet dedicated to his friend Marco Simoncelli. To demonstrate how much Valentino was affected by the tragedy that hit the Honda rider, Valentino's helmet will be divided in half: the front part of the AGV GP-Tech will be exactly like Marco Simoncelli's, with its red and white motif and ever present number 58, while the back will maintain the colours Valentino used throughout the 2011 season. Vale will use the helmet for all of Valencia's weekend.

Mackenzie and Hislop complete with hair

This video of the Knockhill end of season Jock Taylor meeting in 1988 makes me smile. Even although I had the dream ticket of riding for HRC in the 500cc World Championship I never stopped wanting to come back to the homeland and race my old mates. Brian Morrison started racing on the same day as myself and went on to have a successful carreer riding for Honda in the UK then later in the World Endurance Championship.

Honda Reports Q2 2011-2012 Results – Record Motorcycle Sales While Auto Sales Plummet

Honda reports a 20.0% year-on-year increase in motorcycle and ATV sales over the second quarter ended Sept. 30, 2011. Despite a record second quarter for motorcycle sales, Honda saw a drop in net profit due to struggling auto sales and the aftereffects of the Japanese earthquake in March and flooding in Thailand.

Simoncelli Funeral Services Held in Italy

Fans, friends, family members and prominent figures from the world of sports attended the funeral services for Marco Simoncelli at the Santa Maria Assunta church in Coriano on Thursday, October 27th. The casket was carried into the Assunta church by friends and members of the Gresini team, and at 3pm the services commenced. Flanking the casket  was Simoncelli’s 2008 250cc World Championship Gilera bike on one side, and his MotoGP Honda RC212V on the other. Also in attendance was FIM president Vito Ippolito and CEO of Dorna Sports, Carmelo Ezpeleta.

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.

French Moto Website Anticipates Versys 1000 at EICMA 2011

Musings of a liter-size engined Kawasaki Versys have circulated the web for a few years now, as loyalists of the likable Versys 650, as well as displacement-driven riders waiting in the wings, have pondered the potential of a more powerful adventure bike from Kawasaki that’s in the same league as BMW’s R1200GS and Yamaha’s Super Tenere. Alas, nothing of the sort has ever left the lips of Kawasaki, let alone go into production. Recently, however, the French motorcycle website, Moto-net.com, has produced convincing images that appear like photos of a complete Versys 1000, including matching hard luggage.

Concept Motorcycles Galore

This concept Honda is the work of French designer Benoit Vignot. You can see this and other images by Vignot in a Core77.com blog post dated Oct. 21, 2011.