Motorcycle Live 2018

It’s hard to believe that we’re in the last day of Motorcycle Live 2018. The time has flown almost as fast as our bikes!

We’ve been kept happily busy on our stands in Hall Four and we’re so grateful to all those of you who visited us over the nine days.

This event is the best showcase for the breadth and depth of our range, from beginner’s bikes to road-legal racers.

But the best is yet to come in 2019 on two and four wheels as we have an exciting collection of new Honda launches to look forward to.

Our founder Soichiro Honda once summed up a core part of our philosophy when he said: “Every human being has the desire to improve.”

That holds true to this day and as you will have seen at this year’s show, we are constantly striving to innovate, improve and excite with everything we do.

We hope you will agree that we have achieved that with the stunning new 2019 versions of our classic motorbikes, including the:

• CBR650R.
• CBR500R.
• CB650R Neo Sports Café
• CB500F.
• CB500X.

This is a motorbike show, but Honda is not just about two wheels, of course.

We have had a stunning Civic Type R on our stand that was the marshal’s course car at the 2018 Isle of Man TT to demonstrate that in all its glory.

Another version of the car was driven by the likes of ex-Formula 1 world champion Jenson Button in this year’s Civic Type R challenge.

It all underlines our constant search for excellence on two and four wheels, from racing machines to beginner’s bikes and family saloons.

Next year will be another important one for Honda cars, with a new hybrid version of the multi-million selling CR-V SUV and increased focus on fuel cell vehicles.

Watch out too for some amazing concept cars and technological advancements throughout the year!

We might be nearing the finish of this year’s Motorcycle Live, but we at Honda believe that the best is always yet to come.

Thank you for all your support across 2018 and at this year’s show and here’s to 2019.

It’s going to be a great year – so stay tuned!

The famous old Solitude race track in Leonberg, southern Germany has long gone, but its spirit lives on in an annual event that attracts thousands of visitors.

Racing legends slugged it out on two and four-wheel around what was known as the Glemseck 101 until the 1960s at Solitude, near Stuttgart.

Today’s Glemseck 101 – now in its 13^th year – pays homage at a three-day gathering in Leonberg based in a huge village around a mile-long paddock.

This custom and retro bike fest teems with designers, engineers, developers and their customised machines, as well as motorbike clubs, celebrities and racers.

At the centre of the action are the sprint races across one eighth of a mile which draw top manufacturers and riders from across the world.

This is where customised bike fans get their fix and Honda did not disappoint at this year’s event with Mick Doohan on board its special edition ‘Glemseck’ CB1000R.

Doohan, who won five 500cc world titles, rekindled his love affair with Honda on a CB1000R like no other for the fabled 101 Sprint International race.

His Glemseck, developed by Honda UK, added Öhlins suspension from the Honda Fireblade SP, Brembo brakes, an Akrapovic exhaust and Rizoma accessories.

There was also a specially lengthened single-sided swingarm, a new clutch and a striking red, white, and blue paint job with gold finish.

This eye-popping race version of our 'Neo Sports Café' roadster was one of six specially-customised Honda bikes at this year’s event, three based on past classics.

The others were:

• The CX500 created by Michael Michael at Libra Coachworks of Dartford.
• The CB750 created by the father and son team at Kaspeed Customs.
• The 1000cc Gold Wing from the 1970s by Roy Holtman of RH Motorcycles.
• The Monkey created by Dirk Öhlerking of Kingston Customs, Germany.
• The CB1000R Neo Daemon customised in Germany by Jens Kratschmar.

Experience the DCT difference

Every Honda bike is special – but the addition of our new Dual Clutch Technology (DCT) takes things to a whole new level.

Our automated clutch and shift operation system gives riders the feel of a manual transmission combined with the convenience of an automatic one.

The result is even more exhilaration on the open road, with riders able to focus on the joys of riding, not shifting through the gears.

Accelerating, turning and braking are all made easier and offer more control, more confidence and lots more fun on two wheels!

Just fire up the engine, open the throttle and you will feel the benefits of DCT immediately, whether you’re winding through the rush hour or out on a road trip.

High road, low road, straight run or hairpin bends, DCT provides instant acceleration and a riding experience without distractions.

There are auto and manual modes to suit different conditions and DCT is available on an increasing number of our incredible bikes.

Models using DCT include our celebrated crossover the Africa Twin. You can see the full list here.

• Find out more about DCT and our full range of bikes in Hall4 on stands 4A15 and 4B15.

Racing is at the heart of Honda’s DNA and we’re gearing up for a title assault on multiple fronts in 2019.

The ambitions of Honda Racing have been underlined by two stellar signings - Andrew Irwin in the British Superbike Championship and Tom Neave in the National Superstock 1000 Championship.

We will announce the second rider to contest the 2019 British Superbike Championship on the Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP2 in the next fortnight.

We also bid a fond and grateful farewell to Honda Racing stalwarts Dan Linfoot and Jason O’Halloran, who have been with Honda for a combined total of 15 years!

Both have played a major role over the years in the development of the CBR1000RR Fireblade SP2. 

Honda will also support rising star Will Lathrope in the Junior Supersport class next season.

Andrew Irwin

The 24-year-old Carrickfergus rider joins us after a promising Superbike debut season, recording a best of fourth place in the final round at Brands Hatch. He will contest the 2019 season on the CBR1000RR Fireblade SP2.

Andrew says: “Honda has such a pedigree and most of the top riders in the world have ridden for them at some point in their careers.

“To be part of that racing history and heritage really excites me. This year was my first in Superbike and was a huge learning curve!

“Towards the end of the season I found my way and felt it was all coming together, so now with Harv (Havier Beltran) and the team I will be aiming for the Showdown.”

Tom Neave

Lincolnshire lad Tom won’t have far to travel to meet his team at their Louth HQ as he leads our return to the National Superstock 1000 Championship, also on the CBR1000RR Fireblade SP2. The 23-year-old will be looking to claim the title in 2019 for Honda after the team finished runners-up in 2014.

His first title triumph was back in 2011 when he took the British Junior Flattrack championship.

Tom says: “I am chuffed to bits to have signed with Honda for 2019, it’s something I have always wanted and worked towards. Honda is such a big name in racing and they are one of the teams you look up to.

“I had such a good time with the team over the summer and now to have a full season with them is the consistency I need for my career. I can’t wait to get going.”

Will Lathrope

We are delighted to support Somerset teenager Will in the Junior Supersport class for 2019. The 16-year old from Portishead, near Bristol, will ride the Honda CBR500R and is no stranger to the machine, having secured two sixth places on the bike in the final round of this year’s series.

Team Manager Havier Beltran is looking forward to an exciting 2019 season.

He says: “I think we’re going to see good things from Andrew and I’m certain he’ll be mixing with the front group.

“It’s great to have Tom with us too in Superstock 1000. We had great fun with him earlier in the year and again he impressed with his work ethic and determination. “

“With the riders and the team we have, I think we can be in for a good year and back at the top, where Honda belongs.”

UPDATE: Honda Racing is delighted to have signed Xavi Forés to challenge for the 2019 Bennetts British Superbike Championship title alongside Andrew Irwin, aboard the Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP2.

Bringing a wealth of racing experience with him to the British Superbike series, Forés has most recently competed in World Superbikes, where last season he collected five podiums and finished seventh in the championship.

The 33 year old heads for British soil after a successful career in Europe where he claimed the CEV Superstock Extreme Championship in 2010 and 2013, the European Superstock Championship in 2013 and was IDM Superbike Champion in 2014. The Spanish rider has also added MotoGP wildcards to his racing pedigree.

Forés will now get to grips with the CBR1000RR Fireblade SP2 as the Honda Racing team prepares for the 2019 season with an extensive testing programme ahead of the first round at Silverstone on 19-21 April.

Xavi Forés:

I am excited to come to England and race in British Superbikes! I have always watched the racing and it looks like a fantastic series with a great fan base. To have the opportunity to race in the UK and ride new circuits excites me and I’m looking forward to the challenge. Thank you to Honda for this opportunity and I can’t wait to get started!

Havier Beltran:

We are delighted to welcome a rider with Xavi’s experience and pedigree to the team. Xavi had an impressive season in World Superbikes finishing seventh and collecting numerous podiums in a competitive series. This now completes our full team line up for next season in both Superbikes (Xavi Fores and Andrew Irwin) and Superstock (Tom Neave) and we can’t wait to get going with both testing and the 2019 season.

Neil Fletcher, Head of Motorcycles – Honda UK

I was excited when we announced Andrew and Tom to the team, but now to have Xavi joining us for 2019 is really exciting! We’re pleased to have attracted a rider with his talent and experience to Honda Racing and I think it’s not only great for the team, but it’s also good for the championship and fans too. I’d like to wish everyone the best of luck for the new season!

I'm gonna wake you up early cause I'm gonna take a ride with you.We're goin' down to the Honda shop, I'll tell you what we're gonna do.Put on a ragged sweatshirt, I'll take you anywhere you want me to.

First gear, it's all right (Honda, Honda, go faster, faster)Second gear, I'll lean right (Honda, Honda, go faster, faster)Third gear, hang on tight (Honda, Honda, go faster, faster)

(From My Little Honda, The Beach Boys, 1964)

Small is beautiful when it comes to two of our most popular retro bikes – the Super Cub and the Monkey.

They have been setting the industry standards in performance, style and affordability for decades and here’s why: 

Honda Super Cub

The Beach Boys were one of the iconic bands of the 1960s and they also knew a great bike when they saw one – the Super Cub inspired their 1964 hit My little Honda.

More than 50 years on, our ‘little Honda’ is still going strong, blending retro style with 21^st century motorbike technology.

The first model hit the streets in 1958 and it went on to become the world’s biggest seller, with more than 100 million being built to date.

It has thrived through the decades by sticking to its principles of style, reliability, economy and ease of use.

The Cub is the philosophy of Soichiro and Takeo Honda brought to life – affordable mobility for all.

Our current Super Cub remains faithful to the classic template, but the 125cc engine offers more power and torque and entry-level pricing makes it easily affordable.

Enhancements include an upgraded automatic clutch to match the increased power, improved suspension, 17-inch aluminium wheels, smart key technology and LED lighting. 

Honda Monkey

This classic, based on the MSX125, has been setting the standard for 67 years now and is a regular in lists of the top ten retro bikes.

It was first developed in 1961 as a 49cc ride for a Tokyo amusement park, but a road version was soon breaking sales records in Europe and the USA.

The Monkey really hit its stride in the 1970s when it was in demand by motorhome users who wanted to get around once they had reached their campsites.

The 2018 version retains the unique styling of the original Z50 monkeys but has been brought bang up to date as an urban run-around. 

We have added all the toys and technology that modern riders expect, with USD forks, twin rear shocks, LCD instruments and LED lighting.

The 125cc air-cooled engine provides 6.9kw of power, weighs just 107kg and will take you 42 miles on a litre of fuel.

It looks gorgeous too, with chromed steel front and rear mudguards, circular mirrors and high-rise handlebars all paying their respects to the original. 

• Come and see these iconic bikes at Honda stands 4A15 and 4B15 in Hall 4.

The pace is picking up as Motorcycle Live reaches the midway stage and we’re following suit with a look at some of the bikes on our stand over 300cc.

These are big, fun bikes and whatever your preference, we have one for you.

Come and see us in Hall4 on stands 4A15 and 4B15 to feast your eyes on these crackers.

Honda Fireblade

Otherwise known as the CBR1000RR, this is the latest version of our racing bike that’s built for the road.

With cutting-edge electronics, this latest incarnation of the Fireblade will thrill you on road or race track.

There are three riding modes to suit different conditions and three models to choose from:

CBR1000RR: With selectable torque control and engine brake, optional Quickshifter with downshift assist, riding mode select, power selector and Showa suspension.

CBR1000RR SP: With semi-active Öhlins step motor-type electronic control suspension, wheelie and rear lift control and RC213V-S MotoGP derived technology. 

CBR1000RR SP2: Road legal, but ready for race use with Marchesini wheels, a revised cylinder head and optional racing kits.

NC750X

The award winning NC750X boosts optional Dual Clutch Transmission, a high riding position, and amazing fuel economy. Due to its unique engine configuration its fuel tank is situated under the rear seat which leaves room for a cavernous and convenient storage compartment where the fuel tank would normally be situated. 

There’s also a bigger and brighter LCD dashboard with five display modes to keep you informed of the bike's performance via colour-coded lights.

X-ADV

This crossover bike will take anywhere you want - on or off road - in style and comfort.

Developed by Honda’s renowned R&D team in Italy, the first thing that will grab you is its looks – a mix of rugged beauty and sophistication.

A 745cc twin-cylinder engine will get you around town or up an off-road track and the Dual Clutch Transmission used on the Africa Twin allows seamless gear changes at the touch of a button. 

CB300R

Our lean, mean street bike is a close relative to the stunning CB1000R Neo sports Café model. 

It’s economical, easy to ride and comes with a bold new look that includes brushed alloy radiator shrouds with a blacked-out engine and upswept exhaust.

Headlight, taillight and indicators are all LED and the 286cc engine and six-speed gearbox. 

CB1100RS

Our stripped-back retro stunner mixes the qualities of a 1970s race bike with those of a café racer.

This is a gorgeous bike that demands attention, from its throaty exhaust, eye-catching front and rear suspension, full floating discs and slim-styled indicators.

If you prefer to go even more retro there is also the beautifully crafted CB100EX.

CMX500 Rebel

Another retro looker that combines 21^st century technology, this 471cc ‘bobber-styled’ machine can be ridden on an A2 licence.

The Rebel’s liquid-cooled, twin-cylinder engine is cradled in a low chassis and is perfect for riders moving up from a smaller bike, or for those who want to stand out from the crowd.

Honda builds bikes for all seasons, all terrains and all experience levels and we have three fantastic experience centres where you can put them through their paces.

Hone your riding skills over the toughest terrain on one of our world-beating off road bikes or get the adrenaline rush of the racing circuit. 

Take your pick, then click on your chosen centre to find out more and book the experience of a lifetime.

Honda Adventure Centre 

• The rugged beauty of Exmoor National Park in Somerset provides the backdrop as we give you the chance to ride one of our Africa Twin bikes under expert tuition.

Discover why the Africa Twin and its new Adventure Sports model have drawn rave reviews as you learn skills that will stay with you for life.

We cater for all levels of rider on this two-day experience, from beginners to seasoned veterans.

Get a taste of what’s in store in this video.

LEVEL 1

This is for road riders with little or no adventure bike experience. Over a fun but intensive two days, you will learn to confidently handle the Africa Twin.

LEVEL 2

This is for riders with some off-road experience or those who have ridden adventure bikes before.

LEVEL 3

This is for experienced riders who want to put what they have learned to the test. Riders must be aged 21 or over and hold a full, valid UK motorcycle license.

ONE-DAY COURSE

This is the perfect starter course for riders with little or no experience off road. You will take the Africa Twin on a ‘green lane’ adventure under expert supervision.

Dave Thorpe Off-road centre 

Get off the beaten track with expert instructors teaching you the skills you need to enjoy an exhilarating off-road experience.

The centre offers individual experience and taster days with tuition in Motocross and Enduro.

We cater for all levels of rider, from novice to expert and offer the chance to ride our full range of dirt bikes, including: 

• CRF125
• CRF250R
• CRF250X
• CRF450RX
• Montesa 4RIDE 

Our world class instructors include four-time World Champion Dave Thorpe and as the centre is on private land you don’t need a motorcycle licence to join the fun!

Ron Haslam race school 

If sports bikes are your thing, this is the place for you.

Experience the thrill of a real Grand Prix track and the awesome power of Honda’s Super Sports bikes as you learn to ride like the professionals.

What better place to do it than one of Europe’s finest race tracks – Donington Park Grand Prix Circuit in the East Midlands.

Our season runs from April to October and there are three courses to choose from:

ON-TRACK

This beginner’s course for ages 12 and over is a perfect introduction to circuit riding, as you learn to get going on the track and understand your machine and how it runs.

PREMIER 

This offers faster bikes, more speed and lots of track time for the more experienced rider, all with expert tuition at every stage.

ELITE

This is the big one – experience the rush of a Super Sport Honda Fireblade and one-to-one instruction from an experienced senior instructor.

Experience the Adventure

Experience exhilarating adventure on the Honda adventure roads tour to the southern tip of Africa

https://www.hondaadventureroads.com/en/

If you’re happier off road, than on or want a bike that combines the two, then Honda have got a dizzying range for you – and they are all on show at this year’s event.

You can even test ride two of our crossover machines at this year’s Motorcyle Live!

Here are the fantastic Honda off-road machines you can see on stands 4A15 and 4B15 in Hall 4 or test ride at the Experience Adventure facility in Hall 2.

The CRF450L gives you the best of both worlds - a genuine dirt bike that is also legal on the roads.

Powerful, easy to handle and lightweight, it has a single-cylinder 449cc Unicam engine, aluminium chassis, six-speed transmission, electric starter and full LED lights.

• Test ride the CRF450L at the Experience Adventure facility in Hall 2.

The CRF 1000L Africa Twin offers a choice of two models, both built to perform on and off road. Nip around town, head off on a holiday or a weekend on dirt trails and this bike will deliver.

The Africa Twin is 2kg lighter than the Adventure Sports model with a more minimalistic look. Both share a 998cc eight-valve engine, dual clutch transmission and throttle-by-wire with three ride modes.

• Test ride the Africa Twin at the Experience Adventure facility in Hall 2

The CRF450R: If you thought this incredible bike couldn’t be improved on, you’d be wrong. We have made it lighter, given the engine more power and torque and added HRC launch control for a seamless start to name just a few enhancements. 

The CRF250RX: This rugged machine shares the same aluminium beam frame and engine as the CRF250R and adds Showa suspension re-set for use away from the MX track, an 18-inch rear wheel, a bigger fuel tank and a side stand.

The CRF250R: This upgraded beauty now comes with an electric start DOHC engine and HRC Launch Control for easy starting, as well as a three-mode Engine Mode Select Button to control power delivery.

The CRF250 Rally: Evoking the spirit of our awesome Paris-Dakar rally racer – the HRC CRF250 RALLY – this bike that would be at home in the harshest environment, or your local high street! Light and easy to manage, it’s for adventurers everywhere.

The CRF250L: Performance upgrades have made this beautiful bike a real prospect for newcomers and older riders as well as experts. There is new bodywork, stunning racing colours and an aggressive look, belied by its compliant temperament.

The CRF50 (kids): Start them young with our fun, easy-to-use mini bike, loved by first timers around the world. It has a 49cc engine, easy shift gearbox, auto clutch and low seat height for your son or daughter. All finished in lovely Honda Red!

The Montesa Cota 300: Our race-ready trail bike comes with a redesigned 289cc engine, better fuel flow thanks to a new pump and reduced engine braking to give the bike better control and a lighter ride. Watch out too for the Montesa Cota 300 50th anniversary model, one of only 50 in the world.

CB650R

The four-cylinder CB650R sports street fighter replaces the CB650F and brings a fresh approach to the naked middleweight sector.

With Neo Sports styling and a lightweight chassis adding style and manoeuvrability, our stripped-back machine is inspired by the CB1000R.

It is 6kg lighter than the CB650F with a sporty riding position and a 650cc engine emitting 12,000 rpm. There will be a 35kW conversion for A2 licence holders.

CBR650R

The A2-compatible CBR650R is modelled on our legendary CBR1000RR Fireblade and this in-line four ‘pocket rocket’ is ideal for riders graduating from a smaller bike.

With sporty looks and racy riding position, it combines low running costs with sports bike excitement, making it ideal for urban commuting or long-distance adventures.  

There is improved low-to-mid range power and torque, and the CBR65R now comes with an assist/slipper clutch, new LCD instruments and LED indicators.

It’s lighter too, with 5.6kg shaved off the kerb weight.

CB500F

The versatile CB500F combines eye-catching style, sports handling and increased power and torque.

This twin-cylinder mini-streetfighter will suit all riders, from beginners to those upgrading from a 125cc machine.

It has been redesigned and boasts new tapered handlebars, increased low-to-mid range power and torque, an assist/slipper clutch, new LCD instruments and LED indicators.

The 35kW peak power output is suitable for A2 licence holders but performance is more than entry level, with four per cent more power and torque between 3-7,000rpm.

CBR500R

The light middleweight CBR500R has had an aggressive makeover and it’s hard to believe that this sporty 500cc bike can still be ridden on an A2 licence.

Honda’s 2019 upgrade brings a new, sportier riding position and a powerful but frugal twin-cylinder engine that spins easily to the redline.

Revisions to the inlet, exhaust and valve timing have yielded four per cent more power and torque of between 3-7000 rpm.

New additions include clip-on handlebars below a revised top yoke, an assist/slipper clutch and LCD instruments with Shift Up and Gear Position functions.

CB500X

The CB500X is a light middleweight crossover combining comfort with performance for short hops or long cruises off the beaten track.

Styled on our Africa Twin, the twin-cylinder 2019 model has longer travel suspension, a 19-inch front wheel and improved rider ergonomics.

There’s a new dual-exit exhaust muffler and the engine now has an assist/slipper clutch. Chassis upgrades and new LCD instruments and LED indicators complete the updates.

Peak output of 35kw brings it within reach of A2 licence holders.