2013 Honda Lineup
At a time when consumers are pinching every penny, some companies respond by doing the same, a few focus on bringing in repeat business, and others ramp up advertising. A brave handful will put all their chips on the table by offering a variety of original products.
Honda has not one, but five all-new models, which include: a Gold Wing F6B, a CB1100, and a trio of middleweights (the CBR500R sportbike, the CB500F naked, and the adventure-style CB500X). The CBR600RR has also been updated and restyled.
Gold Wing F6B/ Gold Wing F6B Deluxe
Gold Wings have been around for more than 30 years, and they have looked pretty much the same for the past two decades—until now. The F6B has a sleeker and meaner look with a shorty windscreen and a gunfighter-style seat. In addition, the engine, frame, and wheels have been blacked-out. This motorcycle is still powered by the user-friendly 1832cc horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine, and it is loaded with touring features, including an iPod/MP3-ready audio system and a multi-information screen (which can alert the rider to an open saddlebag). A Deluxe version with a passenger backrest, a centerstand, self-canceling turn signals, and heated grips will be available for $ 20,999. The F6B will roll onto dealer floors in February in black or red at a cost of $ 19,999.
CB1100/CB1100 ABS
Honda’s flagship 2013 CB1100 looks old-school, but it is most definitely modern. It has a new 1140cc oil/air-cooled DOHC engine as well as Programmed Fuel Injection. Classic twin shocks and a 41mm fork make up the suspension. For an extra grand, ABS can be added to the braking system, which is handled by front dual 296mm and rear 256mm discs on the 18-inch wheels.
Accessories are minimal for this intentionally uncluttered bike. Owners can add heated grips, a rear carrier, a tank pad, a chrome meter cover, a headlight case, and a gold-color fork adjustment bolt. It will be out in March for $ 9,999 in Candy Red paint.
Three CB500 Models
The CBR500R, CB500F, and CB500X are based on the CB500 platform, and each is outfitted to suit a variety of consumers. They all share a new 500cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin DOHC engine, and cost less than six grand.
CBR500R/CBR500R ABS
The middleweight CBR500R has a fairing like its supersport and superbike brothers (CBR600RR and CBR1000RR), but it is a better option for entry-level motorcyclists or for those who are budget-minded.
It uses an all-new 500cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin DOHC engine and has a narrow profile and a confidence-inspiring low-seat height of 30.9 inches. Fuel-injection, fuel gauge, disc brakes, modern suspension, cast aluminum wheels, and an ABS version (available in red paint only) make this motorcycle one that a novice won’t soon outgrow. Carbon-fiber accessories will be available for this bike, which is coming in April.
CB500F/CB500F ABS
The stripped-down, un-faired CB500F has an upright seating position aimed at commuters. Luggage can be added, and the black ABS-equipped version is only an extra $ 500. The instrument panel has the same info as the other two CB500s (speedometer, tachometer, odometer/two tripmeters, fuel gauge, clock, average and current fuel consumption), but it is tinted blue.
CB500X/CB500X ABS
The CB500X is set up as an adventure bike with an adjustable compact windscreen, a larger capacity fuel tank, a bit more suspension travel, and a wider handlebar. It will come in Matte Black Metallic for both the standard and the ABS versions. Taller windscreens, radiator guards, handguards, top box, and saddlebags are just some of the items on the accessories list. The X model of the CB500 won’t be available until July, and like the other CB500s, it is expected to cost less than $ 6,000.
CBR600RR/CBR600RR C-ABS
The CBR600RR Supersport has been around since 2003, and more than 93,000 of them were sold in the USA. This popular sportbike has been redesigned and now has a stronger engine, brand-new front suspension featuring 41mm Showa Big Piston Fork, and MotoGP-inspired bodywork. Honda explains that this updated bodywork provides a 6.5 percent decrease in drag over the previous version and has led to aerodynamic advancements that have been incorporated into the current RC213V MotoGP racing machines.
Also added is a ram-air intake system and improved ECU and PGM-DSFI, which provide more midrange power and enhanced throttle response in the high-rpm range.
Race fans will love that Repsol Edition paint is now available for the first time on the Super-sport 600cc, along with a red and a red-white-blue style. A mini-windscreen, carbon-fiber bits, and racing stickers are among the items in the accessory catalog for the CBR600RR. An all-red edition with Honda’s Electronic Combined ABS (C-ABS) can be ordered as an option, and they will be on sale in March, 2013. (Price not yet announced.)
The Rest of the Lineup
Returning models that made the 2013 list include the VFR1200F (in Metallic Black and with more accessories available), the CBR1000RR (with fresh paint choices), and the CB1000R (with a Cool Pearl White option for 2013). The CRF450X and CRF250X off-roaders are still on the list, as are the Silver Wing and Ruckus scooters.
Instead of scaling back, Honda is giving consumers even more choices, and this is not the first time they have gambled on doing more. In 1969, Honda upped the ante with its CB750K0, and the retro-styled 2013 CB1100 evokes the spirit of this successful brand. With the ultra-modern CBR600RR and Gold Wing F6B models, the trio of economical CB500s, and the retro-looking CB1100 added to its lineup, Honda has a bike to suit every type of rider.