Honda shows new bikes at EICMA Show in Milan.
Honda has unveiled its new 2016 line-up at the EICMA show in Milan, with updates to six of its mid capacity machines, the return of an iconic model and another new concept.
Honda 500cc series
All three of Honda’s 500cc models – the naked CB500F, sporty CBR500R and crossover-styled CB500X have received revisions that Honda say will enhance desirability and ownership experience.
Upgrades across the range include LED head and taillights, adjustable pre-load on the front suspension, adjustable brake levers, and larger fuel tanks with a new hinged fuel cap.
The Honda CB500F naked street bike has had a visual makeover that has given it a hard-edged and more aggressive look.
The sports oriented CBR500R has been restyled in line with its CBR cousins with sharp and edgy character lines flowing from its new front face through to the upswept tail.
Both the CB500F and CBR500R have a new shorter exhaust mufflers with internal structure tuned for a more appealing exhaust note.
The CB500X’s revisions include a 100mm taller, adjustable windscreen and distinctive new graphics and colours. The larger tank improves the bikes range to over 500km.
Honda 750cc series
Honda’s 750cc trio – the NC750S, NC750X and Integra – have all been upgraded to meet EURO4 compliance. All bikes have new dual clutch transmission functionality and three levels of sports shift mode.
Revised instrument panels are now customisable with a choice of nine colours, and in ECO mode change colour according to fuel consumption.
Like the 500cc series, the mufflers have been changed to give a deeper tone to the parallel twin’s distinctive pulse.
The front forks on both the NC750X and Integra benefit from Showa’s Dual-Bending Valves for improved damping and more linear suspension performance.
Aesthetic changes include LED headlight and taillights and new colour options.
Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin
Honda also revealed for the first time in Europe the all-new CRF1000L Africa Twin.
Honda has added a range of the most modern motorcycle technologies to the original Africa Twin’s combination of all-round performance for touring comfort, commuting agility and genuine off-road capability.
The new Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin has an all-new 998cc new parallel twin engine, and has been released in two versions.
The ABS version has LED indicators, ABS (switchable at the rear wheel for off-road riding), multi-mode Honda Selectable Torque Control, knuckle guards and sump guard.
The Dual Clutch Transmission version has 3 levels of sporty S mode riding, a new G switch for off-road performance, and the ability to adapt shift patterns when ascending and descending hills.
Honda City Adventure concept
Honda says the City Adventure concept scooter offers a totally new interpretation of the idea of motorcycling adventure, and gives an insight into the direction that future Honda scooters and adventure motorcycles will be taking.
With a rugged appearance, tyres that look like they’d be very happy on either dirt or bitumen, chain final drive and traditional swingarm, the concept seems to be a cross between traditional scooters and an adventure bike.