The folks at Honda Motorcycles prove two things with this new model year. You can make improvements on classic designs, and it’s possible to ride a quality motorcycle for less than the cost of the biggest flatscreen TVs.
The 2013 Honda bikes include new models, enhanced classics and the standard corps of reliable rides.
The entire line of fresh bikes runs from big road bikes to very small and affordable city rides. The six new models introduced include the Gold Wing F6B, an bigger cruiser with a six-cylinder engine; the light on its feet CBR500R; the CB500F mid-sized naked bike; the middleweight CB500X “adventure-style” bike; the CB1100, with a serious 1140cc engine; and the redesigned classic CBR600RR.
Honda is also rolling out three more big-displacement rides for 2013, including the the VFR1200F, CBR1000RR, and CB1000R.
The official list of Honda releases for this year include:
Gold Wing F6B: A striking and surprisingly sleek motorcycle for its size, the Gold Wing has a powerful fuel-injected 1832cc six-cylinder engine. It’s available in standard or deluxe trim and offers an assortment of Honda Genuine Accessories. The MSRPs are $19,999 and $20,999 for the Deluxe.
CBR500R: The all-new CBR500R is a wonder of performance mixed with affordability. It has a fuel-injected 500cc parallel-twin DOHC engine in a light chassis based on the CBR600RR and CBR1000RR sport bikes. The frame has the Pro-Link® single-shock rear suspension, 41mm fork, sporting 17-inch wheels and a 320mm wave-style front disc brake and 240mm rear disc.
But, it’s the price that makes this bike a hot option. You can ride home this performance for$5,999; ABS $6,499.
CB500F: For $5,499 to the ABS $5,999, the naked CB500F has that Honda Pro-Link rear suspension and 41mm fork
CB500X: Honda looks on this make as their adventure bike, and it comes with special features grooved just for it. It has a compact windscreen that can be adjusted to different heights, and the larger-capacity fuel tank is shaped to give the rider an unrestricted riding position. The long-stroke 41mm front fork yields 4.9 inches of travel and a wide handlebar allows for adjustable steering inputs. There’s no word on how much the 500X will go for, but Honda promises it’ll be affordable. Based on the other prices in their line, I think we can believe that.
CBR600RR: This is more of a speed machine – track-tested and racing tuned. It’s the top of the 600cc Supersport class and features new front suspension featuring Honda’s 41mm Big Piston Fork. It also boasts new MotoGP-inspired bodywork from race-tested aerodynamic design. The price is also TBD on this one.
CB1100: The CB1100 is a bit of a throwback – or at least a bike that hasn’t been overly redesigned so it maintains a classic look. It still packs a 1140cc air-cooled DOHC engine for high-performance Hondas. The twin-shock rear suspension and 18-inch wheels maintain the performance level even without a fancy redesign. It sells for $9,999 with ABS as $10,999.
VFR1200F: Honda wants this to be their futuristic sport motorcycle, so they loaded with MotoGP racing technology. It provides Traction Control and an optional Dual Clutch Transmission for $15,999 or DCT $17,499.
CBR1000RR: This is Honda’s consumer super bike. It has a race-proven 999cc, a lightweight aluminum frame. the Big Piston Fork and Honda’s Unit Pro-Link rear suspension with a patented Balance-Free Rear Shock. It sells for t $13,800 or C-ABS $14,800.
