2004 Honda Shadow Sabre (vt1100c2) on 2040-motos

Moto blog

Honda to Shift Mid and Large Displacement Motorcycle Production to Thailand

Honda is reportedly moving production of 400cc and larger motorcycles to Thailand from Japan to reduce production costs and overcome the rising value of the yen. According to Japanese news outlet Daily Yomiuri, Honda plans to produce 400cc and 500cc models at a new factory to be built in the suburbs of Bangkok, Thailand. Honda currently produces small displacement models such as the CBR250R in Thailand, with larger models coming out of Honda’s factory in Kumamoto, Japan.

Honda to Introduce Larger “New Concept” Models for North America

Honda announced it is following up on its NC700 series with a new large-sized model, with sales expected to begin in North America in 2013. Honda first announced plans for its NC700 models in at the 2010 EICMA show with a concept it called the “New Mid“, so it really shouldn’t be a surprise Honda would follow it up with a “New Large” series. The new models were announced in a presentation by Honda Chief Executive Officer Takanobu Ito alongside plans to develop a new MotoGP-derived sportbike.

Andrea Antonelli Dies After Moscow World Supersport Crash

Italian racer Andrea Antonelli succombed to injuries suffered in a crash during the World Supersport race at Moscow Raceway in Russia. The Go Eleven Kawasaki racer crashed on the final corner of the opening lap in very wet conditions, and was struck by Pata Honda racer Lorenzo Zanetti. The race was immediately red-flagged and Antonelli was taken away by ambulance while medical staff attempted to resuscitate him, but the 25-year-old was pronounced dead at 2:10 pm local time.