Bike Trader


Honda's NEC Show line-up

19 November 2007
News image Honda’s motorcycle range for 2008 will be unveiled to the British public for the first time at this month’s International Motorcycle and Scooter Show.

The show runs at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre from 23 November to 2 December and promises to be one of the best ever, with the event being held for the first time in a series of vast new exhibition halls in the complex. Honda will be in pride of place in Hall 1 on stand 1E 20.

Heading Honda’s line-up is the all-new CBR1000RR Fireblade. The 2007 version won this year’s World Superbike title in the hands of Briton James Toseland, and successfully defended its British Superbike title with Japanese ace Ryuichi Kiyonari. John McGuinness also had a sensational year aboard his Fireblade, breaking the lap record at the Ulster GP and claiming his 13th Isle of Man TT victory, becoming the first rider to break the 130mph average in the process.

The look of the new CB1000R is of a thoroughly-modern streetbike with an insect-like headlight cluster, muscular mid-section and short, stubby tail-unit showing off an exposed four-spoke rear wheel and single-sided swingarm. This all-new machine features a version of the 2007 Fireblade’s 998cc motor.

Honda’s DN-01 is also on show, the futuristic concept now due to become a production reality. This large, automatic sports-cruiser is powered by a liquid-cooled four-stroke 680cc V-twin engine, which gives effortless torque and power through Honda’s unique ‘Infinitely Variable Transmission’ system. This gives the rider three modes – Drive Mode, Sports Mode and a 6-Speed manual mode – a world-first for any manufacturer. A range of approved accessories, including GPS, will be available through Honda’s network of dealers.

Honda’s long-serving Transalp also makes a welcome return for 2008 in its new guise as the XL700V Transalp. The updated version of the CBF600 series will also be at the NEC.

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