Hondanews Online Newsroom

Motorcycles: Race to the Dream

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 11:54:00 -0700

American Honda has just released a video featuring the Team Honda Muscle Milk duo of Trey Canard and Justin Barcia. With a rich racing history and a prestigious list of previous Honda champions, the American Honda race team is a place riders dream of being, and that's especially true of Canard and Barcia.

Canard, who returned to racing this year after a serious crash in 2012, has continued to have a noteworthy comeback, landing on the podium three times during the 2013 Supercross season and posting respectable results in Motocross. During his first year in the premier class, Barcia has shaken the competition by grabbing two victories and three additional podium finishes during the 2013 Supercross season. He has also appeared on the podium at two of the first three 2013 Motocross races.

Visit the Honda Powersports YouTube channel to see Canard and Barcia describe what it's like to be on the factory team, being teammates again, and their expectations for the remainder of the 2013 season: http://youtu.be/B3i9RWhNqQQ

About American Honda
American Honda Motor Co., Inc. was established in 1959 and is the sole distributor of Honda motorcycles, scooters, ATVs and side-by-sides in the U.S. The American Honda Motorcycle Division is responsible for the sales, marketing, and operational activities for these products through authorized Honda dealers. For more information on Honda products, go to www.powersports.honda.com.

Motorcycles: Barcia Scores Third Overall with 3-4 Finishes in Colorado

Tue, 28 May 2013 13:43:00 -0700

For round two of the 2013 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, the Honda Red Riders headed just a few miles outside of Denver, CO to the foothills of the Rocky Mountains for the Rockwell Watches Thunder Valley National. It was an exciting weekend for Team Honda Muscle Milk's Justin Barcia, who raced his way to a third-place-overall finish. Colorado native Eli Tomac also put together an impressive showing to earn the overall win in the 250 class aboard his Muscle Milk-supported GEICO Honda CRF250R.

450 Race
Team Honda Muscle Milk's Justin Barcia nailed down the holeshot in both motos, putting him that much closer to the $25,000 Motorcycle Superstore holeshot award that will be presented at the end of the season. In the first moto, Barcia led the pack until the midway point when he dropped back to third. Again in the second moto, Barcia jumped off the line to an early lead but fell a few positions within a couple laps. He stayed close behind the lead group but ultimately took the checkered flag in fourth. His 3-4 scores landed him on the podium in third place overall.

"I am definitely happy with how today went," said Barcia. "Last week I said I needed to make some changes and the changes that I needed to make were to get a good start and I definitely got two great starts today. Starts are so important in this class because the competition is so stacked. I feel like I gained a lot of momentum and I really learned a lot from following the guys today. I was able to see some of their line choices and was able to run their pace. I'm looking forward to heading to the East Coast and riding some of the tracks that I think suit me better."

Fellow Team Honda Muscle Milk rider Trey Canard rode well all day, grabbing good starts in both motos and was able to finish 4-5 for fourth overall. "The weekend was good. To have another ride under my belt is always positive," stated Canard. "I made some mistakes throughout the day but I also feel like there was some progress made. I got some good starts today and was able to run up front with the lead group for a while. That pace is just so fast it takes everything I have, and I'm not quite there yet. I think it will take a little more time but getting that time up front with them is a great learning experience. It was also really awesome seeing all the support for Oklahoma. There is a lot of devastation and for everyone to pull together to help raise money and awareness is great."

250 Race
It was a stellar weekend for the Muscle Milk-sponsored GEICO Honda team, with Colorado native Eli Tomac topping the podium and closing within six points of the top spot in the championship standings. Teammate Zach Osborne made his first podium appearance of the motocross season and Justin Bogle posted respectable results, finishing 10th place overall with 13-7 scores.

In moto one, Osborne launched off the line and grabbed the Motorcycle Superstore holeshot award but he quickly slipped into second. For the remainder of the opening lap, Osborne and his teammate Tomac were side-by-side until a small mistake caused Osborne to lose a few positions. Tomac made a hard charge for the lead position but was forced to settle for second, while Osborne finished in sixth.

During the second moto, Tomac put together a commanding race by taking over the lead on the opening lap and setting a blistering pace that was unmatched by the competition. Osborne spent the majority of the 30-minute plus two-lap race in third but on the final lap he made a valiant charge into second, securing himself a spot on the podium.

"Winning here is so nice," Tomac said. "I feel like I've let Colorado down a little bit in the past because I've never won this race before so to get the overall today is big for me and for all the fans who were cheering for us. We made up a few points today and when Zach got in between Roczen and me in the second moto that helped us even more, so it was a really good day in the standings. We were really close to getting the sweep. I was right on Roczen in the final lap of the first race and I just lost the rear wheel. It was a really good weekend."

"To have a ride like this in just my second outdoor race in such a long time is pretty amazing for me," Osborne said. "Catching Ken there at the end of the day was really cool. I gained a lot of confidence this weekend. This is a hard race because you're at altitude and that makes it tougher. It wasn't that hot but it can still take it out of you. For me, I felt good both motos, and we even got the holeshot in the first race so I'm really happy."

The Focus: Sun Enterprises Fan Fest
Sun Enterprises is the number one Honda dealership in Colorado and on Friday May 24th they hosted their annual Fan Festival. Hundreds of people were in attendance for food, music, games and autographs from some of the fastest racers in the world. The Honda Red Riders were there in full force with Barcia and Canard in attendance, along with GEICO Honda's Eli Tomac, Justin Bogle and Zach Osborne.

450 Class Overall Results
1. Ryan Villopoto 1-1
2. Ryan Dungey 2-2
3. Justin Barcia (Honda) 3-4
4. Trey Canard (Honda) 4-5
5. Mike Alessi 6-6
6. Clement Desalle 5-7
7. James Stewart 15-3
8. Tyla Rattray 7-10
9. Kevin Strijbos 10-8
10. Dean Wilson 11-9

450 Class Championship Points (after 2 of 12 rounds)
1. Ryan Villopoto 100
2. Ryan Dungey 88
3. Justin Barcia 70
4. Trey Canard 70
5. James Stewart 66
6. Mike Alessi 54
7. Tyla Rattray 49
8. Ryan Sipes 37
9. Weston Peick 36
10. Andrew Short 34

250 Class Overall Results
1. Eli Tomac (Honda) 2-1
2. Ken Roczen 1-3
3. Zach Osborne (Honda) 6-2
4. Marvin Musquin 4-4
5. Blake Baggett 9-5
6. Jeremy Martin 8-6
7. Martin Davalos 7-10
8. Jason Anderson 5-12
9. Cooper Webb 3-17
10. Justin Bogle (Honda) 13-7

250 Class Championship Points (after 2 of 12 rounds)
1. Ken Roczen 95
2. Eli Tomac 89
3. Marvin Musquin 72
4. Blake Baggett 70
5. Zach Osborne 65
6. Jeremy Martin 50
7. Jason Anderson 49
8. Cooper Webb 43
9. Kyle Cunningham 39
10. Justin Hill 39

Tue, 14 May 2013 00:00:00 -0700

Model:	CRF250R
Engine Type:	249cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke
Bore and Stroke:	76.8mm x 53.8mm
Compression Ratio:	13.5:1
Valve Train:	Unicam, four-valve; 30.5mm intake, titanium; 25mm exhaust, steel
Induction:	Dual-Timing PGM-FI, 46mm throttle body
Ignition:	Full transistor with electronic advance
Transmission:	Close-ratio five-speed
Final Drive:	#520 chain; 13T/49T
Suspension	Front: 48mm inverted Showa cartridge fork with 16-position rebound and 16-position compression damping adjustability; 12.2 inches travel Rear: Pro-Link Showa single shock with adjustable spring preload, 17-position rebound damping adjustability, and compression damping adjustment separated into low-speed (13 positions) and high-speed (3.5 turns); 12.3 inches travel
Brakes	Front: Single 240mm disc with twin-piston caliper Rear: Single 240mm disc
Tires	Front: Dunlop MX51FA 80/100-21 Rear: Dunlop MX51 100/90-19
Wheelbase:	58.6 inches
Rake (Caster Angle):	27°23’
Trail:	118mm (4.6 inches)
Seat Height:	37.4 inches
Ground Clearance:	12.7 inches
Fuel Capacity:	1.66 gallons
Colors:	Red
Curb Weight*:	231 pounds

*Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel—ready to ride.
Consult owner’s manual for optional parts.

Motorcycles: 2014 Honda CRF450R

Tue, 14 May 2013 00:00:00 -0700

2014 Honda CRF450R

Motorcycles: 2014 Honda CRF250R Features and Benefits

Tue, 14 May 2013 00:00:00 -0700

Like the new-generation CRF450R that debuted last year, this 2014 CRF250R launches 250-class motocross design up to the next level. Featuring an all-new engine and rolling chassis, this newest CRF250R has been designed specifically for Generation Scrub, with all the technological advancements that Honda engineering can bring to bear. The all-new frame is designed to lower the bike's center of gravity and it also incorporates a dual-muffler exhaust system to further sharpen handling by centralizing the bike's mass. And that makes a decidedly flickable machine even more nimble than ever before. A thoroughly revised engine adds a big load of midrange punch, thanks to a new cylinder head, new piston, higher compression ratio, plus a new dual-timing fuel injection system, and a new transmission that adds toughness and durability to the overall package. Put it all together, and the 2014 CRF250R adds up to be the hottest 250 MX bike on the track, one that will continue Honda's championship-winning records in the class.

NEW FOR 2014

The all-new aluminum frame is designed to lower the bike's center of gravity to make a decidedly flickable machine even more nimble than ever before.
All-new, lighter subframe and airbox
All-new short and compact dual-muffler exhaust system further sharpens handling by centralizing the bike's mass.
A thoroughly revised 249cc Unicam® engine adds a big load of midrange punch, thanks to a new cylinder head, new piston and higher compression ratio.
A new Dual-Timing PGM-FI fuel injection system also helps boost power while also delivering better throttle response and control at partial throttle openings.
A new transmission adds toughness and durability to the overall package.
Improved footpeg mount features a patented debris-shielding design.
All-new radiators are mounted lower in the chassis to help lower the bike's CG.
Bold new styling features an aggressive look.
Fuel capacity is increased from 1.5 gallons to 1.66 gallons.

Honda Genuine Accessories

PGM-FI Tuning Kit, Skid Plate, Oil Filler Cap, Workstand

Motorcycles: 2014 Honda Grom Features and Benefits

Tue, 14 May 2013 00:00:00 -0700

Okay, admit it: When you first look at the sporty and compact Grom™ you just have to smile. And no matter how long you've been riding, you just want to throw a leg over this bike and twist the throttle. It's an excellent fit for both new and experienced riders, but to Gen Y buyers in particular the Grom carries a bit of attitude while promising fun times: the compact frame size, low seat, inverted front fork and hydraulic disc brakes make this the real deal. The fuel-injected 125cc engine delivers lots of torque, the 4-speed manual transmission works just like any other full-sized bike, the maneuverability and handling make it a joy to ride, and there's even room for a passenger. Factor in its efficient size with an affordable price, and there's just no way you can pass up this chance to get out and ride. Because no matter who you are, the Grom will keep you smiling, ride after ride.

Features and Benefits

Single-cylinder 125cc SOHC four-stroke engine packs a perfect blend of performance with impressive fuel efficiency plus accessible and fun all-around ability.
The engine uses low-friction technology such as an offset cylinder and a roller rocker arm for the valve gear.
Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) offers excellent throttle response over a wide range of riding conditions by continuously monitoring several variables to ensure the correct fuel mixture for the existing riding and atmospheric conditions.
The four-speed gearbox is managed via a manual clutch and offers smooth and consistent gear changes.
Compact chassis features a sturdy steel frame.
Telescopic inverted 31mm front fork, like a full-size motorcycle, delivers 3.9 inches of well-controlled travel.
Steel box-section rear swingarm and a sturdy single shock yield 4.1 inches of comfortable rear-wheel travel.
Single front 220mm disc with hydraulic dual-piston caliper and single rear 190mm disc with hydraulic single-piston caliper deliver strong stopping power.
Compact 47.4-inch wheelbase and light curb weight of 225 pounds results in amazing agility to boost rider confidence.
LCD digital dash includes speedometer, odometer/A&B tripmeters, clock and fuel gauge.
Available in Pearl Red and Metallic Black.
Transferable one-year limited warranty; extended coverage available with a Honda Protection Plan.

Motorcycles: 2014 Honda Grom Specifications

Tue, 14 May 2013 00:00:00 -0700

Model:	Grom125
Engine Type:	124.9cc air-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke
Bore and Stroke:	52.4mm x 57.9mm
Compression Ratio:	9.3:1
Valve Train:	SOHC; two valves per cylinder
Induction:	PGM-FI with automatic enrichment
Ignition:	Electric
Transmission:	Four-speed
Final Drive:	Chain
Suspension	Front: 31mm inverted fork; 3.9 inches travel Rear: Single shock with steel box-section swingarm; 4.1 inches travel
Brakes	Front: Single 220mm disc with hydraulic dual-piston caliper Rear: Single 190mm disc with hydraulic single-piston caliper
Tires	Front: 120/70-12 Rear: 130/70-12
Wheelbase:	47.4 inches
Rake (Caster Angle):	25° 0’.
Trail:	81mm (3.2 inches)
Seat Height:	29.7 inches
Fuel Capacity:	1.45 gallons
Fuel Economy Estimate**:	TBD
Colors:	Pearl Red, Metallic Black
Curb Weight*:	225 pounds

*Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel—ready to ride.
**Miles per gallon values are calculated estimates of fuel consumed during laboratory exhaust emissions tests specified by the EPA, not during on-road riding. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you ride and maintain your vehicle, weather, road conditions, tire pressure, cargo and accessories, rider and passenger weight, and other factors.
Meets current CARB and EPA off-road emissions standards.

Motorcycles: 2014 Honda Grom

Tue, 14 May 2013 00:00:00 -0700

2014 Honda Grom

Motorcycles: 2014 Honda CRF250L

Tue, 14 May 2013 00:00:00 -0700

2014 Honda CRF250L

Motorcycles: 2014 Honda CRF250R

Tue, 14 May 2013 00:00:00 -0700

2014 Honda CRF250R

Motorcycles: 2014 Honda CRF450R Specifications

Tue, 14 May 2013 00:00:00 -0700

Model:	CRF450R
Engine Type:	449cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke
Bore and Stroke:	96.0mm x 62.1mm
Compression Ratio:	12.5:1
Valve Train:	Unicam, four-valve; 36mm intake, titanium; 31mm exhaust, steel
Induction:	Dual-Timing PGM-FI, 46mm throttle body
Ignition:	Full transistor with electronic advance
Transmission:	Close-ratio five-speed
Final Drive:	#520 chain; 13T/48T
Suspension	Front: 48mm inverted KYB PSF (Pneumatic Spring Fork) with air-adjustable spring rate, and rebound and compression-damping adjustability; 12.2 inches travel. Rear: Pro-Link® KYB single shock with adjustable spring preload, rebound damping adjustability, and compression damping adjustment separated into low-speed and high-speed; 12.4 inches travel
Brakes	Front: Single 240mm disc with twin-piston caliper Rear: Single 240mm disc
Tires	Front: Dunlop MX51FA 80/100-21 Rear: Dunlop MX51 120/80-19
Wheelbase:	58.7 inches
Rake (Caster Angle):	27°04’
Trail:	116mm (4.57 inches)
Seat Height:	37.5 inches
Ground Clearance:	13.0 inches
Fuel Capacity:	1.66 gallons
Colors:	Red
Curb Weight*:	242.7 pounds

*Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel—ready to ride.
Consult owner’s manual for optional parts.

Motorcycles: 2014 Honda CRF450R Features and Benefits

Tue, 14 May 2013 00:00:00 -0700

Introduced in 2013, the new-generation CRF450R has already proven itself a winner at the highest levels of racing. And that's no surprise. This awe-inspiring racing machine features a rolling chassis fully focused on meeting the needs of today's scrub generation of riders via an aluminum frame along with an innovative suspension package, plus a strategically engineered compact dual-muffler exhaust system that tucks in closely to the center of mass. Designed from the ground up as a total package that would be eminently flickable, responsive and lightweight, every element in the CRF450R chassis has been focused on attaining a low center of gravity along with class-leading mass centralization. For 2014, new intake and exhaust ports, new Dual-Timing fuel injection and redesigned muffler internals boost torque output and increase throttle response. Also, in the suspension department, revised internals in the KYB PSF® (Pneumatic Spring Fork) yield improved damping response for improved bump performance. As before, the advantages to the KYB PSF include significantly lighter weight since it uses air in place of traditional steel springs, and the design also allows incorporation of a larger 32mm cartridge damper piston for superb fork action.

New for 2014

New intake and exhaust ports, a new Dual-Timing PGM-FI fuel injection setup and redesigned muffler internals boost torque output and increase throttle response.
New clutch springs give a lighter pull at the lever without sacrificing durability.
Revised internals in the KYB PSF® (Pneumatic Spring Fork) yield improved damping response.

Honda Genuine Accessories

PGM-FI Tuning Kit, Skid Plate, Oil Filler Cap, Workstand

Motorcycles: 2014 Honda CRF150R

Tue, 14 May 2013 00:00:00 -0700

2014 Honda CRF150R

Motorcycles: Barcia Scores His Second Career 450 Victory in Seattle

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 14:10:00 -0700

For the 15th round of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, the Honda Red Riders headed to the rainy Pacific Northwest to do battle in front of 53,862 people at Seattle's CenturyLink Field. Despite tough, muddy conditions Team Honda Muscle Milk's Justin Barcia rode an exceptional race, leading wire-to-wire to capture his second career 450-class victory. It was also a stellar night for the Muscle Milk-backed GEICO Honda team, with Eli Tomac and Zach Osborne finishing 2-3 respectively on the podium.

450 Race
Team Honda Muscle Milk's Justin Barcia may be the 450-class rookie, but he definitely doesn't ride like it. With the second-quickest qualifying time in practice and a second in his heat race, the day started off solid for Barcia. In the main event, Barcia raced his way to the holeshot and despite constant pressure throughout the race he stayed consistent and led the entire 20 laps to take the win. This victory nearly mirrored his performance at round two when he led wire-to-wire to capture his first win of the season.

"This is an unreal feeling," stated Barcia. "The last few weeks have been frustrating with fourth-place finishes so it is awesome to finally make it happen. I haven't been getting good starts and there isn't much you can do to catch up from a bad start, especially with the speed of this class. I was really looking for a podium tonight and to be able to get the win is so awesome. The start was awesome; I have been working hard at home and we made some changes to the bike so I think you'll be seeing better starts from now on. I have two holeshots and two wins so that's pretty cool. It was an intense race though. I heard Ryan back there and he was charging so I just tried to stay as consistent as possible, which worked. I'm so stoked right now."

Teammate Trey Canard had a roller-coaster night aboard his Honda CRF450R; he was fourth quickest in practice and posted a third in his heat race behind Barcia. Canard got off the line in the back half of the field but was able to make his way up to sixth by the end of the first lap. By lap five, he had made his way into fourth until going down and ultimately being sidelined for the remainder of the race.

250 Race
After an eight-week hiatus the Western Regional 250 Supercross class resumed this weekend for round seven of the series and the Muscle Milk-supported GEICO Honda duo of Eli Tomac and Zach Osborne both claimed podium positions. Tomac nailed down the holeshot in the main event and led for a majority of the race, until he went down hard on lap 10. He quickly jumped up and was able to resume the race in second, which is where he finished. Tomac sits second overall in the championship points chase, with a 20-point deficit heading into Salt Lake City.

"I was hoping to close the gap a little today, but wasn't able to," explained Tomac. "I was fired up heading into the main after winning my heat race. I got a good start and was able to establish a nice lead for most of the race, but I got stuck in a deep rut coming out of the whoops and went over the bars. Luckily, I was able to get back up on the bike and hold onto a podium spot. I haven't made repeating the championship easy on us but I will fight till the very end."

It was exciting night for Osborne, who captured his first podium finish of the season with a third-place overall. "The whole day went really good for me," said Osborne. "The practice and my heat race both went good, which gave me confidence heading into the main. I got a solid start and was able to work my way through the pack. I got into third and was able to stay there till the end."

After starting outside the top 10, Troy Lee Designs/Lucas Oil/Honda's Cole Seely was able to work his way through the field and post a solid fourth-place finish.

The Focus: Fort Lewis Appearance
On Friday April 19, Barcia and Canard were given a special opportunity to show their appreciation to the men and women on Fort Lewis Military base. Barcia and Canard signed autographs and took photos with the troops and their families. Muscle Milk representatives were on hand, passing out samples to everyone in attendance.

450 Supercross Class Overall Results
1. Justin Barcia (Honda)
2. Ryan Villopoto
3. Davi Millsaps
4. Ryan Dungey
5. Jake Weimer
6. Mike Alessi
7. Broc Tickle
8. Justin Brayton
9. Andrew Short
10. Phillip Nicoletti

450 Supercross Class Championship Points (after 15 of 17 rounds)
1. Ryan Villopoto 321
2. Davi Millsaps 296
3. Ryan Dungey 295
4. Justin Barcia 245
5. Chad Reed 213
6. Trey Canard 202
7. Andrew Short 189
8. James Stewart 174
9. Justin Brayton 162
10. Broc Tickle 155

250 Supercross West Class Overall Results
1. Ken Roczen
2. Eli Tomac (Honda)
3. Zach Osborne (Honda)
4. Cole Seely (Honda)
5. Tyla Rattray
6. Austin Politelli
7. Ryan Sipes
8. Joey Savatgy
9. Martin Davalos
10. Jason Anderson

250 Supercross West Class Championship Points (after 7 of 9 rounds)
1. Ken Roczen 163
2. Eli Tomac 143
3. Cole Seely 113
4. Zach Osborne 102
5. Jason Anderson 99
6. Martin Davalos 94
7. Kyle Cunningham 86
8. Joey Savatgy 75
9. Tyla Rattray 74
10. Austin Politelli 72

About Honda
American Honda Motor Co., Inc. was established in 1959 and is the sole distributor of Honda motorcycles, scooters, ATVs and side-by-sides in the U.S. The American Honda Motorcycle Division is responsible for the sales, marketing, and operational activities for these products through authorized Honda dealers. For more information on Honda products, go to www.powersports.honda.com.

About Muscle Milk
Muscle Milk® Ready-to-Drink is a protein-enhanced functional beverage that promotes workout recovery, lean muscle growth, and sustained energy. Muscle Milk takes the guesswork out of high performance nutrition, delivering a precise blend of premium proteins, complex carbohydrates, functional fats, vitamins & minerals. CytoSport™, the maker of Muscle Milk®, is among the largest sport nutrition protein beverage companies in the U.S. and offers a complete line of protein-enhanced powders, shakes and bars. Muscle Milk® was named Ready-to-Drink Beverage of the Year by bodybuilding.com, Best Functional Beverage and Beverage of the Year by BevNet and Company of the Year by Beverage Forum presented by Beverage Marketing Corporation and Beverage World.

Motorcycles: 2013 Honda Racing - Minneapolis

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 15:48:00 -0700

2013 Honda Racing - Minneapolis

Motorcycles: 2013 Honda Racing - Minneapolis

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 15:48:00 -0700

2013 Honda Racing - Minneapolis

Motorcycles: 2013 Honda Racing - Minneapolis

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 15:48:00 -0700

2013 Honda Racing - Minneapolis

Motorcycles: 2013 Honda Racing - Minneapolis

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 15:48:00 -0700

2013 Honda Racing - Minneapolis

Motorcycles: Barcia Finishes Fourth in Minneapolis

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 15:47:00 -0700

For the first time since 2008, Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship series, returned to the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in snowy Minneapolis, MN, for round 14, and the Honda Red Riders were there for battle. For the second week in a row Team Honda Muscle Milk's Justin Barcia finished just shy of the podium with a fourth-place overall. Teammate Trey Canard finished a respectable seventh place. In the 250 class, Muscle Milk-backed GEICO Honda's Wil Hahn posted another second-place finish and continues to hold the points lead heading into the final round in Las Vegas.

450 Race
For the second consecutive week, Justin Barcia finished just shy of the podium with a fourth-place overall in the main event. Following a fourth in his heat race, Barcia got off to a sixth-place start in the main event. He charged through the pack before tucking into fourth, which is where he finished.

"I'm not completely happy with how tonight went," stated Barcia. "The track was pretty tough and had a lot of different lines. I'm tired of getting fourth; I want to be on the podium and I want to win. I know I can, so I have some things I need to work on heading into Seattle."

Getting off the line to a less-than-desirable start, teammate Canard sat in 10th after the first lap. He began working his way forward until going down in a corner, which caused him to lose a few positions. He was able to recover and finish a respectable seventh-place overall. "I am grateful to be leaving here healthy and moving onto the next race," Canard stated. "Starts are so important and I didn't get the best ones tonight which made it difficult. I gave all my effort, which is all I can really do."

Despite undergoing knee surgery less than three weeks ago, TwoTwo Motorsports' Chad Reed put in a solid performance, placing fifth overall. "I wasn't sure I was even going to be able to race tonight," said Reed. "I wasn't 100% since it has only been a few weeks since my surgery and my knee is still weak. I'm not disappointed with a fifth and we can definitely build off this."

250 Race
Muscle Milk-supported GEICO Honda rider Wil Hahn continued to put together consistently strong results Saturday night, grabbing another second-place finish. Hahn will enter the final race of the 250 Supercross East championship chase in Las Vegas with a five-point lead over second place.

"I'm getting a little tired of finishing second but fortunately we've had such a great season that we're still in control over the title chase," explained Hahn. It's right here in front of us now, and I am going all-in in Vegas. It's going to come down to the wire, but being this close is really exciting. GEICO and Honda have been by my side this whole time and I really want to win this for all of them."

The Focus: 2013 Honda CRF450R
The rear Pro-Link system on the 2013 CRF450R now features a new shock that's 14.5mm shorter than before, and it sits lower in the frame to help lower the CG. New damping settings are matched to the new frame and innovative fork for a plush yet controlled ride. In addition, from the very inception the new frame was designed to incorporate a new two-muffler exhaust system that tucks in tightly to better centralize mass and lower the moment of inertia. This new design strikes an excellent balance between enhanced handling, maximum power and superior noise attenuation.

450 Supercross Class Overall Results
1. Ryan Dungey
2. Ryan Villopoto
3. Davi Millsaps
4. Justin Barcia (Honda)
5. Chad Reed (Honda)
6. Andrew Short
7. Trey Canard (Honda)
8. Josh Hill
9. Justin Brayton
10. Weston Peick

450 Supercross Class Championship Points (after 14 of 17 rounds)
1. Ryan Villopoto 299
2. Ryan Dungey 277
3. Davi Millsaps 276
4. Justin Barcia 220
5. Chad Reed 212
6. Trey Canard 199
7. Andrew Short 177
8. James Stewart 174
9. Justin Brayton 149
10. Broc Tickle 141

250 Supercross East Class Overall Results
1. Marvin Musquin
2. Wil Hahn (Honda)
3. Blake Wharton
4. Gavin Faith
5. Tyler Bowers
6. Lance Vincent
7. Vince Friese
8. AJ Catanzara
9. Steven Clarke
10. Cole Thompson

250 Supercross East Class Championship Points (after 8 of 9 rounds)
1. Wil Hahn 178
2. Marvin Musquin 173
3. Blake Wharton 153
4. Vince Friese 103
5. Gavin Faith 100
6. Dean Wilson 87
7. Cole Thompson 83
8. Kyle Peters 78
9. Jeremy Martin 71
10. Justin Hill 68

Motorcycles: 2013 Honda CB1100

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 16:30:00 -0700

When Mitsuyoshi Kohama was designated Chief Designer of what would eventually become the new Honda CB1100, he set out to create a motorcycle in a very different way than most of us could imagine. For starters, this bike didn't fit into any existing category. This was not to be a new generation of supersport bike or a more comfortable touring machine or a way-out cruiser. Instead, this would be something very different.

This was to be a thoroughly modern motorcycle, yet one that paid homage to the history of Honda. This would be a touchstone motorcycle that resonated with Honda's landmark CB750 Four, a two-wheeled icon, while also providing the performance, reliability and quality of contemporary Honda motorcycles. This would be a modern reincarnation of a timeless form, a purist's kind of motorcycle, if you will. And to please the eye of the discerning purist, this motorcycle had to be a thing of beauty and grace.

How to bridge the many, broad gaps in time, space and functional differences between past and future designs? Let's examine some of the ideas Kohama worked through along the way: "Instant acceleration has its appeal, as does modern styling that conveys the swiftness of the bike. But there's a lot more to the path of motorcycle evolution. I found myself thinking along these lines for the first time when I returned to Japan, after several years in Europe. It was also at this time that I grabbed a pencil and quickly started sketching.

"Tires. Engine. Frame. Tank. Seat. I thought about how to craft all the necessary elements beautifully and combine them in a perfect whole. A simple and efficient double-cradle frame embraces the air-cooled inline-four engine that secured Honda's status as the four-cylinder pioneer and the creator of the CB750 Four. Building on this proud tradition, the approach to the new bike strives for beauty, craftsmanship, ease. In other words, I wanted to create a beautiful motorcycle with artisan-level handiwork that's also approachable and easy to ride. Based on my sketch, this 'bike that defies logic and just demands to be ridden' became a reality."

Even as you begin to see things through the eyes of the designer, you're likely still wondering why Kohama chose to give the CB1100 an air-cooled engine—a very natural question that he explains in very simple terms: "My only reason is that a lot of customers like air-cooled engines. I like the metallic sound the engine makes as it cools. Just looking at the cooling fins inspires me. There is something about an air-cooled engine—a feeling you simply can't get from the liquid-cooled engine in a high-performance bike. To me, as a bike rider and a bike fan, a future without air-cooled engines just didn't seem right. And I was certain I wasn't the only one who felt this way!"

That choice of an air-cooled design notwithstanding, the CB1100 engine incorporates many up-to-date engineering features. Dual overhead camshafts with a central chain drive and a narrow included valve angle of 26.5 degrees for an open combustion chamber that promotes good flame propagation for a clean and efficient burn. Four valves per cylinder; 27mm intakes and 24mm exhausts, with light and narrow 2.5mm valve stems. Honda's modern PGM-FI fuel injection system for superior fuel metering under widely varying conditions. Moreover, with bore and stroke dimensions of 73.5mm by 67.2mm, the engine displaces a full 1140cc for loads of smooth, instantly accessible power that translates to effortless, big-time pull. Journalists who have sampled a brief, early ride rave about how fun and accommodating the CB1100 is to ride. Yet achieving a just-right look as well required uncounted hours of design time.

As an example, the cooling fins that cover the surface of the CB1100's engine not only had to play a functional role in aiding engine cooling, they also had to look just right. Kohama explains, "Fulfilling the requirements of beauty and function resulted in cooling fins that were just 2mm thick—the thinnest of any model in the Honda lineup. Commercially producing such fins is difficult, and at first the factory told us it was impossible. But we developed a new production process to make the fins possible, and they became a part of the bike of which we are extremely proud. Beauty is a subjective thing that can't be expressed in numbers or explained with logic. While valuing the way that air passed over the fins so that they could perform their crucial function of carrying heat away from the engine, we also greatly valued—as fans of bikes and guys who love machinery—the excitement that the appearance of the fins could produce, and we shaped them with appropriate care."

That kind of extreme attention to detail in pursuit of beauty can be found in almost every visible element on the CB1100, as Kohama explained: "In taking on the design of the CB1100, the team and I agreed that our mission was design—not styling. These words tend to get confused with one another, but at base they mean two totally different things. 'Styling' refers to establishing the look the vehicle needs to have, adding motifs, and otherwise enhancing its appearance. On the other hand, the elements of 'design' are mostly to be found in the actual drawings of the machine, serving as the true origins of the form of the vehicle.

"Unlike an automobile, a motorcycle is not covered with a body, so there is no clear division between exterior and interior. Rather, the visible mechanical parts serve as the exterior decoration. For these reasons, we needed to keep our focus on the pure design elements, making each mechanical part as beautiful in form as possible. To create parts that were both beautiful and functional, we utilized the characteristics of many different materials, including metal, plastic, leather and rubber. This approach is what design is all about and lets designers show what they can really do."

Fuel tank. Taillight. Camshaft location and spacing. Footpeg brackets. Part after part, detail upon detail, all carefully shaped as an individual part, and then integrated into a whole to create a beautiful silhouette. "Had the objective been horsepower, there would have been no problem whatsoever," Kohama said. "In striving to bring true joy to CB1100 customers, there were things more important to us than horsepower. So freed from the necessity of maximizing power output, the designers came together and created an air-cooled engine offering not a superficial, decorative appearance, but instead true beauty based on the essence of the molded form. I believe that this was a huge accomplishment.

"Honda motorcycle designers will continue the search for new possibilities in performance and design. At the same time, by building our bikes on Honda's motorcycle origins and polishing them to perfection, we'll seek to offer true joy to bike fans and riders everywhere."

Impact

The CB1100 isn't a tribute to the iconic CB750K0. It's a tribute to a moment in time, when the motorcycle landscape was forever changed. In the timeline of motorcycle evolution, there were two periods: Before the CB750K0, and after. The moment the CB750K0 was introduced at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1968, it was the end of an era and the beginning of high-performance motorcycling.

Considering the sophistication of Honda's GP machines in the 1950s and 1960s—screaming four, five, even six-cylinder racing machines that dominated GP racing—the CB750K0 represented applied technology more than innovative breakthroughs. Honda's genius with the CB750K0 was the ability to produce a four-cylinder SOHC machine of reasonable weight and sophistication that was reliable and still serviceable by owners and Honda's growing network of dealer service shops in the U.S. A 450 was a big motorcycle back then, and the CB750 packed another 300cc of power. A civilized, 120-mph motorcycle with a power-to-weight ratio never before available to the public was a technological tour-de-force, and it ushered in an era of high-performance motorcycling that we enjoy to this very day. There just wasn't anything as spectacular at the 750K0.

But the CB750 did much more than alter the future of motorcycle design. Its global success had a major impact on the Honda Motor Company. Honda made huge investments in R&D with the profits generated by the CB750, and this helped fuel the meteoric growth of the company into the early 1970s. A direct result of this R&D investment was the CVCC (Compound Vortex Combustion Controlled) auto engine. The 1973 oil crisis was in full bloom and consumer demand for fuel efficiency was at an all-time high. In the fall of 1974, Honda introduced the highly fuel-efficient CVCC engine to the Civic line, and within six months Civic sales doubled from 43,000 units to 103,000 units. So began a meteoric rise of Honda auto sales that paralleled the steep motorcycle sales curve, and quickly made Honda a global force to be reckoned with. Without the success of the CB750, Honda's massive investment in the CVCC engine might not have been possible.

For those fortunate enough to experience the CB750K0 or any of those early Honda 750 fours, the CB1100 brings back memories of the biggest game-changing motorcycle the world has ever seen, a machine that not only reset the definition of high-performance motorcycling, but one that also helped propel Honda to a new level of global success on both two and four wheels.

For those who cherish Honda's iconic air-cooled inline fours, the CB1100 whispers: "Come back to me. It'll be just as much fun as it was before."

CB Inline Four Racing Legacy

Perhaps because the CB750K0 Four was the product of Honda's all-out GP racing designs of the 1950s and 1960s it was inevitable that the bike as well as other street-going Honda inline fours to follow were drawn back to the racetrack—with great success that helped to further define the company.

Mann and Honda win Daytona, usher in a new era

For 1970, the long-antiquated rules regulating road racing in the USA were finally rewritten to create a more level playing field; now the displacement limit was raised to 750cc for all race bikes regardless of valve location or number of cylinders. That move signaled Honda's return to road racing, as four race-kitted CB750s were prepared for the 1970 Daytona 200.

Joined by Irishmen Ralph Bryans and Tommy Robb, and UK Honda dealer Bill Smith, American Dick Mann led this new team, qualifying fourth fastest at 152.671 mph. At the green flag, Mann blasted away to a tremendous holeshot to lead the race. He was later passed by Mike Hailwood and Gary Nixon, but both dropped out with mechanical failures and Mann not only regained the lead, he also built up a comfortable cushion. This edge came in handy as he then played a strategy game towards the final laps to ease up on a flagging engine. The ploy worked; Mann won the 1970 Daytona 200 with seconds to spare, earning Honda its first win in AMA competition.

The era of Superbikes

Superbike racing is a uniquely American invention, and the class didn't come to be until many years after Honda's shocking Daytona win in 1970. A decade after that epic win, Honda's created its first Superbike, and it was the quintessential handmade American hot-rod. The second-generation, dual-camshaft CB750F served as the starting point for these efforts. Again, this was a showroom-stock machine pressed into service far above and beyond the call of street duty. Pulled, pushed and stretched into a fire-breathing 1023cc racer, this sometimes surly but always fast beast of a bike would be piloted by a very young but very fast Freddie Spencer.

Spencer's bike was transformed from a 65-horsepower CB750F to a 130-horsepower Superbike in the workshop of Team Honda masterminds in the USA. The American Honda crew created everything from intake and exhaust valves to crankshafts in the process of doubling the standard CB750F's power output. Frames were gusseted. Steering geometry was optimized for 150-plus-mph speeds at fast tracks such as Daytona and Talladega. Hand-machined triple-clamps held stout, heavily modified Gold Wing forks. Swingarms took on the look of suspension bridges. Clearly, going fast on a 1980 Superbike took more bravado than finesse; ridden hard, Spencer's Superbike developed evil habits.

"That old Superbike was a great first effort," recalls Spencer. "But it was a handful. With lots of horsepower and sticky slick tires, chassis rigidity was a problem. And it had a light-switch powerband. All the energy would wind up in the frame, and, boy, that thing would really start moving. Once the power would hit, it would wind up the chassis and I had to leave a few extra feet at the exit of the turns to let it react. You had to gauge how much it was going to slide and flex and eat up race track. This happened in every turn. But it taught me how to ride. Once I got on a GP bike, well, that was easy. I didn't have to deal with all the chassis reactions."

Despite the fact he had never seen the bike before Daytona in 1980, the young Spencer's genius was already evident as he kept the big Honda in contention throughout that year's 100-mile Superbike race, eventually finishing a close second to New Zealander Graeme Crosby. Spencer went on to win three races in 1980, bringing the Honda home first at Elkhart Lake, Loudon and Laguna Seca. In 1981, Spencer won the year-end Daytona National, along with Talladega and Pocono. A steepening learning curve, the most impressive team in the paddock and steady improvements to the motorcycle put Freddie second in the 1981 Superbike points chase-—10 points adrift of another fast kid named Eddie Lawson. Freddie's teammate Mike Spencer ended the season fourth after two second-place finishes.

Go big: Stepping up to the CB900F

The new air-cooled inline-four CB900F replaced the venerable CB750F as the basis for Team Honda's 1982 Superbike program, powering an increasingly dominant Spencer to a season-opening Daytona Superbike win. (Following this historic victory, Spencer left for Europe to enter the Grand Prix wars.) Team Honda achieved this win by creating a new short-stroke engine with a CB750 crankshaft for use on long, fast tracks where the bike could use its full 145-horsepower, 12,000-rpm potential. Honda had never been more serious about Superbike racing, and it showed. Mike Baldwin romped to three race wins and came in second in the points standings, followed by teammate Steve Wise in fifth.

With that, the era of Honda's air-cooled inline-four American road racing program came to a close. New racing regulations for 1983 meant the 1025cc behemoths would be replaced by smaller 750cc machines required to bear a much closer mechanical resemblance to their showroom siblings. Yet in the hearts of many, nothing would ever take the place of those glorious air-cooled fours.

Game Changers

Subhead: Honda's introduction of air-cooled inline four-cylinder engines forever changed the world of motorcycles

Spawned from the famous factory Honda multi-cylinder road racing championship efforts of the 1960s, the 1969 CB750K0 Four forever changed the shape and face of the motorcycling world. The authoritative journal of the day, Cycle magazine, simply called it the Four—because it was the first and only four-cylinder production motorcycle then available to the buying public.

And what a machine it was: in the first-ever head-to-head superbike comparison test Cycle conducted between the seven "all-out road burners" then available, the CB750 Four stood tall above the competition. By posting the fastest lap time, shortest stopping distance and securing a coveted place among the few bikes capable of posting 12-second quarter-mile times, the Four proved to be a most impressive machine indeed.

And that was only the beginning. Following quickly in the tire prints of that first CB750 came a proliferation of air-cooled four-cylinder machines that covered the two-wheeled landscape from sport bikes to cruisers. This was no exercise in cookie-cutter proliferation; technical innovations abounded throughout this lineup, as functional advancements as well as styling treatments evolved at a rapid pace. Inevitably, other companies would follow with their own four-cylinder motorcycles. But it was Honda that led the way.

Within the space allotted here, we present a lucky 13 of these landmark machines—not the full encyclopedia of the trend-setting Fours from Honda, but a wide-ranging assortment of key machines that brings back many happy memories and still makes the pulse race after all these years.

1969 CB750K0 Four
In the beginning, it was this first-ever mass-production four-cylinder that set the yardstick for what a true Superbike should be. The 1969 CB750K0 literally set the standards for ultimate motorcycling performance for years to come.

1971 CB500 500 Four
For the many riders who found the full-on 750 to be more than they really needed, the CB500 Four provided all the sophistication of a four-cylinder machine in a package that was significantly more rider-friendly, yet eminently capable.

1972 CB350F Four
This jewel-like rendition of the four-cylinder Honda SOHC engine design established a new standard for smooth running when the standard engine configuration of the time centered on parallel twins in this displacement class.

1975 CB400F Super Sport 400 Four
The displacement of the smallest Honda Four grew from 347cc to 408cc, but the classic lines of this motorcycle along with the elegantly styled four-into-one exhaust elevated this little bike to cult status.

1976 CB750A Hondamatic
Honda, as always, was well ahead of the times when in 1976 it introduced the CB750A Hondamatic, which featured an innovative two-speed automatic transmission coupled to a fluid torque converter.

1979 CB650
In 1979, Honda's middleweight SOHC Four grows to 627cc; note the Comstar aluminum wheels and the sleek four-into-two exhaust.

1979 CB750F Super Sport
An all-new bike with 749cc DOHC four-valve engine and new chassis, the hot-rod 1979 750 Super Sport establishes ever-higher performance standards for the class.

1980 CB900C 900 Custom
This four-cylinder cruiser from 1980 could really rip: equipped with a five-speed gearbox plus a dual-range sub-transmission for its 902cc four-valve engine, this 10-speed bike was ready for show or go simply by selecting the high range or low range, with the flip of a switch.

1981 CB900F 900 Super Sport
In stock trim with its 902cc, four-valve engine, the CB900F was a true street-going Super Sport. In the hands of the Honda road race team, this bike morphed into a fire-breathing track-going Superbike that a young Freddie Spencer piloted to notable success.

1983 CB1100F Super Sport
With a displacement of 1062cc, the rip-snorting CB1100F represented the apex of the evolution of air-cooled Honda inline four-cylinder street bikes back in 1983.

1983 CB650SC Nighthawk 650
A new DOHC 655cc four-valve engine with hydraulic valve adjusters and a six-speed gearbox made the sporty 650 Nighthawk something of a sleeper; its superlative performance surprised many big-bike riders who dismissed it as being "only" a 650.

1984 CB700SC Nighthawk S
This unabashed hot-rod rendition of the Honda inline Four series featured a highly tuned 696cc engine with hydraulic valve adjusters, responsive shaft drive and a snorty exhaust note that never failed to bring smiles to the rider's face.

1991 CB750 Nighthawk 750
This spirited and versatile middleweight performer carried the flag for the air-cooled four-valve inline four-cylinder lineup well into the new millennium for Honda.

Motorcycles: 2013 CB1100 Honda Genuine Accessories

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 16:24:00 -0700

Heated Grips
A new, innovative design for improved function and performance. Features smaller, more integrated controls as well as smaller-diameter grips. Accessory Wire Harness required for installation.
Part#: 08T50-MGE-101; SRP: $349.95

Heated Grips Attachment Kit
Required for installation of Heated Grips.
Part#: 08T70-MGC-D30; SRP: $70.95

Chrome Meter Cover Kit
Accent the look of your CB1100 with chrome-plated covers. Both tachometer and speedometer covers are included. ABS construction.
Part#: 08F72-MGC-D30; SRP: $50.95

Chrome Headlight Case Kit
Accent the look of your CB1100 with a chrome-plated Headlight Case. ABS construction.
Part#: 08F71-MGC-D30; SRP: $127.95

Adjustment Fork Bolt (Gold)
Add some style with gold anodized Fork Bolts. Set of two.
Part#: 08F73-MGC-D30ZD; SRP: $109.95

Carbon Fiber Tank Pad
Made of real carbon fiber, this Tank Pad helps to protect the fuel tank from scratches and measures 5.1" W x 2.2" L.
Part#: 008P61-MEJ-800; SRP: $41.95

Rear Carrier Kit
The Rear Carrier features steel tube construction with bungee cord posts. Buffed and polished for a smooth, brilliant finish.
Part#: 08L70-MGC-A20; SRP: $274.95

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 15:59:00 -0700

2013 Honda CB1100