Japanese motorcyclesHonda motorcycles
The Japanese company Honda is more represented here with its automotive products. Although in its homeland this company is positioned more as a manufacturer of motorcycles, as evidenced by sales statistics.
In 2013, this company sold more than 16,000 motorcycles, but only about 3,500 cars.
It was with motorcycles that the history of Honda began. Founded by Soichiro Honda in 1948, two years later the company showed its first motorcycle, named “Dream”.
A long way had come before the appearance of “Dream”. The founder of the company was engaged in the production of piston rings, and the repair of small-capacity engines with their subsequent installation on bicycles, and the production of his own engines, which were again used on bicycles.
Soichiro Honda's passion for racing competitions did its job; the company constantly improved its motorcycles. And each new motorcycle model became a bestseller, both in Japan and abroad.
And now the Honda company is placing its main emphasis on motorcycles.
This motorbike manufacturer has in stock models of all existing categories of motorcycles, and in each category, Honda products take their place of honor. Let's look at the most popular Honda motorcycle models in each category.
"Super sport"
Honda's motorcycle products should, perhaps, begin to be considered with motorcycles belonging to the “Super sport” category.
Moreover, in the world it so happens that this category is divided into two classes: “superbike” (motorcycles with a volume of up to 1000 cc) and “supersport” (motorcycles with a volume of up to 650 cc).
Motorcycles in this category are generally intended for participation in racing competitions, but they are increasingly found on the roads and in everyday life.
There are several external distinctive features that indicate that a motorcycle belongs to this class. This is a massive plastic body kit that hides all the insides of the motorcycle and a strongly lowered handlebar , which provides a low, reclining position for the driver.
Currently, Honda motorcycles in this category are represented by 4 main models. Of these, the CBR1000RR Fireblade model belongs to the superbike class. This motorcycle is equipped with an inline 4-cylinder engine, with 4 power strokes and liquid cooling. Its volume is 999 cubic meters. cm. With such a displacement, this bike is capable of producing 178 hp. at 12,000 rpm.
Next are two motorcycles belonging to the “supersport” class. The first of them is designated “CBR600RR”. It is also equipped with a 4-cylinder unit, but its volume is smaller than the previous model - 599 cc. cm. This volume allows the bike to develop 120 hp. at 13,500 rpm.
The second in the supersport class is the CBR650F model. This motorcycle has a 4-cylinder capacity of 549 cc. see, but the power figure is less than that of the CBR600RR and is only 90 hp. at 11,000 rpm
The latest in this category is the CBR250R. Although this motorcycle is a supersport bike, its technical indicators are much more modest than the models described above. This motorcycle is equipped with a 1-cylinder 4-stroke engine with a volume of only 249 cc. see and with a power of 26 “horses” at 8,500 rpm.
Another Japanese motorcycle from the Super Sports class: Yamaha YZF R6, the technical characteristics of which are discussed in detail in our article.
The Yamaha concern produces world-class motorcycles, for example, the Yamaha R1 motorcycle was the fastest on the planet at the time of its release!
Honda motorcycles
Numerous Honda motorcycles travel all over the world. In Russia they invariably enjoy enormous popularity , and many motorcyclists would never trade a bike of their favorite brand for anything else. Having worked for decades to create a positive reputation, the Japanese company has achieved its goal, and the motorcycles of this brand have long become the standard of reliability. Moreover, initially Honda did not even produce motorcycles, specializing exclusively in cars, but those days are long gone, and the concert has significantly expanded its profile. The modern model range includes equipment of all existing classes, and here are just some of its notable representatives.
- CB 125 . The main competitor of the favorite of all novice motorcyclists is the Yamaha YBR-125.
- CB 400 SF (Super Four) . Probably the most common imported motorcycle in Russia, despite the fact that it was officially produced only for the Japanese domestic market.
- VTX 1300 and 1800 . Chrome plated, shiny and heavy. Like many other choppers, they were equipped with a cardan drive.
- CBR600RR and CBR1000RR . Continuers of the famous Fireblade series, real plastic rockets, albeit with new names.
- GL1500 and GL1800 Gold Wing . Perhaps the most popular luxury tourers in the world, competing equally with the Harley-Davidson Electra Glide.
Why do people love Honda motorcycles?
Of course, for the legendary reliability! Well, prices make a positive contribution to popularity, since the Honda motorcycle catalog also includes inexpensive models. Moreover, the available line expands almost every year, and is replenished with more and more new models of motorcycles of all classes. The company is also experimenting in other directions, producing millions of scooters for the Asian market and beyond - in Europe, for example, the Integra 700/750 maxi-scooter has already proven itself well.
The popularity of Honda road motorcycles also remains consistently high, all models of which are distinguished by reasonable prices, balanced technical characteristics and attractive design, which is easy to verify by simply looking at photos on the Internet. Do you want a sport motorcycle? Then take a closer look at the CBR line, which has models with engines from 125cc to 1000cc. Do you like traveling with maximum comfort? Gold Wing is created especially for you. Do you like to drive long distances with the breeze? Choose any bike from the VFR family. All Honda motorcycles are good in their own way, and which one to choose is a matter of personal taste and budget. The choice is somewhat made easier by the fact that the available models and their modifications differ greatly in cost, and choosing something for yourself is not difficult.
At the same time, it cannot be said that Honda motorcycles are definitely better than the products of other representatives of the “big Japanese four” - Yamaha, Kawasaki and Suzuki. Each of these manufacturers has its own characteristics, strengths and weaknesses, and they are all good in their own way, which is why they also have entire armies of fans.
"Sport"
The Honda company also has motorcycles in the “Sport” category, although it is represented by models smaller than the “Super Sport”.
These motorcycles also have a plastic body kit, but it is not as massive as that of the “Super Sport”; often this body kit only partially covers the engine . The handlebars of bikes in this category are already raised , but the driver still has a reclining position.
Honda's "Sport" category is represented by the "CBR500RA" and "CBR300RA" models. The 500RA model is equipped with a 2-cylinder in-line engine with liquid cooling. Its total volume is 471 cubic meters. see. Its power indicator is 48 hp. at 8,500 rpm.
The 300RA model received a 286 cc single-cylinder valve engine. cm., and a power of 30 hp. at the same 8,500 rpm.
A little history
Oddly enough, Honda owes its birth to Toyota; the fact is that since 1938. Soichiro Honda begins producing piston rings in its own garage. And already in 1940. Toyota orders such a large batch from him that Soichiro had to build a new plant. After the war, he sells his plant and creates the Honda Technical Research Institute; Toyota was the buyer of the plant, thus for the second time playing a key role in the formation of the future Honda motorcycle company.
Thanks to engines of its own design, the power of which was 2 times higher than that of analogues of that time, Honda managed to win first places in all prestigious competitions. In 1976, Honda became a leader in the world of motorcycles and began a significant expansion of its product range on this wave.
"Tourism" ("Tourist")
For lovers of motorcycle travel, Honda has prepared several models in the Touring category. Bikes in this category differ from sports bikes in providing a comfortable riding position for the driver and having larger fuel tanks . Often these motorcycles are additionally equipped with various types of equipment, such as radios and airbags.
One of the Honda models in the Touring category is the ST1300A Pan-European. This bike is equipped with a 4-cylinder V-shaped engine with a total volume of 1261 cc. see. Its power indicator is 126 hp.
Another Tourism bike, the GL1800 Bagger, is equipped with a more interesting power plant. This motorcycle has a 6-cylinder boxer engine with a combustion chamber volume of 1832 cc. cm. But this engine cannot be called super-powerful, because it develops 118 hp.
Another motorcycle, the GL1800 Gold Wind, is equipped with an engine with the same technical characteristics as the Bagger. The main difference between these motorcycles is their comfort.
GL1800A Gold Wing – for tourism
A powerful engine, a wide range of options and an impressive appearance - for some they remain only dreams, while others are lucky enough to acquire such an “iron horse”. The GL1800A Gold Wing has everything you need for comfortable long-distance travel and daily commuting. The manufacturer equipped its brainchild with a reversible push-button system, adjustable rear suspension, cruise control and radio with RDS.
There's so much to see on the GL1800A's dashboard! Even tire pressure data is displayed
"Sports tourism"
For those who need a sports motorcycle, but not without comfort, Honda offers models in the “Sport Touring” category.
Motorcycles in this category are an intermediate link between “Sport” and “Tourism”. This company has this category represented by models VFR1200, F VFR1200FD, VFR800F. The first two models according to those. characteristics are identical. They have a 4-cylinder engine with a V-shaped cylinder position. The power of these units is 172 hp. at 1237 cc. see volume.
The engine of the VFR800F model is smaller in volume and power - 106 hp. at 782 cc see volume. Although the engine of this model is also 4-cylinder, V-shaped.
GL1800 F6C Vaklyrie – luxury cruiser
The flat 6-cylinder power unit will provide a big dose of adrenaline to anyone who rides the breeze on this superbike. The large “cruise” steering wheel improves the control of the motorcycle, which easily and confidently overcomes serpentine turns. Other popular models in the category include the VT750DC Shadow Spirit with high-gloss chrome details. Its large 14.6-liter gas tank guarantees long trips without stopping for refueling.
Compared to traditional technology, the Valkyrie stands out due to its abundance of plastic - another calling card of a large cruiser. For its weight of 410 kg in equipped condition, it has ideal maneuverability and “draws” the desired trajectory with an accuracy of centimeters.
"Nakids"
Recently, bikes in a category called “Naked” have become popular. The first “naked” (translated as “naked”) were sportbikes from which the plastic body kit was removed and their engine was not closed. Later, motorcycle companies, including Honda, began to produce motorcycles from the factory without body kits.
Here are just a few of the Honda Naked models. The "naked" one is the CB1100EX. It is equipped with a 4-cylinder engine with a volume of 1140 cc. see, which allows it to produce 90 hp. at 7,500 rpm.
The CB650F is also a Naked model. This bike also has a 4-cylinder unit with a volume of 649 cc. cm., but at the same time its power indicator is 87 hp.
One of the nakeds with a long history is the CB400. The motorcycle is equipped with a 4-cylinder, 16-valve water-cooled engine with a displacement of 399 cm³.
The most modest Naked from Honda is the CB125. It is equipped with a single-cylinder air-cooled engine with a capacity of 125 cc. cm., and with a power of only 10 hp.
2021 Honda Monkey
The 2021 Honda Monkey shares a number of components with the Grom and is considered something of a luxury version due to its use of upscale trim parts for a retro look. Retro details include dual rear shocks, a 6-liter painted metal tank with an old-school Honda wing logo, and chromed steel fenders on the wheels. Curb weight is 105kg (ABS version 107kg), and if we compare it to the Grom (104kg), we see that they both weigh about the same and have the same power. The Monkey also uses the Grom's inverted fork and the front section of the chassis is hidden from view.
Specifications
Like the Grom, the fork angle is 25 degrees, but the trail is slightly larger at 82 mm. Considering that the Monkey's swingarm differs from the Grom's in the presence of double shock absorbers, and the wheelbase is noticeably shorter - 115 cm versus 120 cm for the Grom, the difference in the trail is quite understandable.
The Monkey is powered by the same 125cc air-cooled single overhead camshaft, dual valve engine with a four-speed transmission. It just had the caps changed to match Monkey's retro aesthetic. A catalytic converter is installed behind the engine, camouflaged by a tall exhaust pipe with a protective shield.
The saddle height is 77cm and it's not a low seat, but the narrow tank means it's more comfortable for shorter riders than many other machines of the same height.
Of course, the Monkey has many attributes of a modern motorcycle, the absence of which cannot be questioned - an electric starter, disc brakes on both wheels, fuel injection, LED lighting and an LCD instrument panel with speedometer, odometer, fuel level and two tripmeters. Tripmeters, seriously? But why not?
ABS is available as an option , and only for the front wheel, but with an inertial platform that limits the “stoppie effect” - i.e. rear wheel separation. Monkey is available in two colors: Banana Yellow and Pearl Nebula Red. There are no passenger footrests on the Monkey, so whoever needs it can buy it and install it themselves. There is also no gear indicator on the dashboard, but with four gears on such an engine it is difficult to get confused.
"Enduro"
For off-road travel there is a category of motorcycles from (Enduro). Motorcycles in this category have practically no body kits and are equipped with a suspension with increased travel , which allows them to be ridden not only on asphalt.
The VFR800X Crossrunner falls into the Enduro category. This bike is equipped with a V-shaped unit with 4 cylinders. Its volume is 782 cubic meters. see Power indicator - 100 hp.
Another “Enduro” from Honda is the VFR1200X Crosstourer. This motorcycle's power has been increased to 130 hp. by increasing the volume to 1237 cc. cm. The engine has a V-shaped arrangement of 4 cylinders.
CRF 250R – No. 1 among crosses
Low weight, unrivaled stability and enormous power of the 250 cm3 4-stroke engine - all this allows you to make sharp turns off-road. Equipped with a durable 5th generation 2-piece aluminum frame and a rear suspension system with modified shock absorber parameters for even safer handling on sand and swamp trails. And in order to make the ride more aggressive, the manufacturer changed the final drive ratio.
Only a few manage to overcome the high bar of leadership, and those who once get behind the wheel of a Vaklyrie, Hornet or Gold Wing rarely betray their “iron friend” - unless in favor of the same, but more advanced car.
Scooters
In addition to motorcycles, this company also produces scooters.
Moreover, some scooter models are not inferior in technical characteristics to small-capacity motorcycles. So, for example, the PCX150 scooter is equipped with a single-cylinder engine with a capacity of 153 cc. cm, which provides a power of 13 hp. And this is only a small part of the motorcycle models of different categories produced by Honda. But the fact that this company produces a variety of models in fairly substantial quantities indicates the high popularity of motorcycles from this manufacturer.
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