AMA Pro Racing News Release
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (November 7, 2011) - AMA Pro Racing is proud to announce the introduction of the XR Showdown, a $60,000 year-end points fund that…
Team Suzuki News Flash
CHINO, CA (November 7, 2011) - Yoshimura Racing and American Suzuki Motor Corporation are proud to announce plans for the 2012 AMA Pro Superbike Championship Series that…
Ducati Racing News Flash
After a positive first two days during the final round of the 2011 MotoGP season, the Ducati Team had an unfortunate and premature end to the Valencia…
Factory Yamaha Racing News Release
MOTOGP SEASON FINALE FREE PRACTICE: Yamaha Factory rider Ben Spies made it count this afternoon in difficult weather conditions to take third on the grid for…
It is with mixed emotions that Yamaha Factory Racing arrives in Valencia this weekend for the final Grand Prix of the 2011 season.
MotoGP’s tragic loss of rising star Marco Simoncelli…
American Honda Motor Company introduces another wave of machines for the 2012 model year, which include a wide assortment of dual-sport and off-road motorcycles, ATVs and the Big Red™ MUV. These 2012 models emphasize the far-ranging options that Honda brings to customers and this broad array of machines also underscores another exciting new season for Honda.
This release of 2012 models includes: the CRF450R, CRF250R and CRF150R/RB motocross machines; the dual-sport XR650L; Honda’s popular selection of small-displacement recreational off-road bikes, the CRF100F, CRF80F, CRF70F and CRF50F; a host of ATVs including the FourTrax® Rancher® family, the FourTrax® Recon®, TRX400X and TRX90X; plus the versatile Big Red. In addition to these models, a host of new 2012 Honda Genuine Accessories are available that encompass the quality, performance and fit and finish you expect of all Honda products.
“Over the years, riding enthusiasts have come to know, appreciate and trust the wide diversity of machines that Honda offers,” said Powersports Press Manager Bill Savino. “This extensive release of 2012 models serves as a perfect example of how we strive to meet the many needs of today’s riding enthusiasts. This latest new-model release will fulfill the needs of many riders, but I’m excited to add that in addition to these models, we have even more new releases to follow later this year.”
information and images of Honda’s model line can be found on www.powersports.honda.com or see your local Honda powersports dealer.
- CRF450R: Setting a New Standard
Since its introduction, the CRF450R has served as the standard by which all other bikes are judged in the big-bore class of motocross machines. In 2012, Honda raises the bar once again with a host of improvements that will help the CRF450R stay at the head of the pack. A new, stiffer fork outer tube among other refinements bring a more solid feel to the front end, and stiffer fork springs, revised suspension settings front and rear plus a new shock linkage yield improved tracking, more precise handling and added rider confidence over rough terrain. New, longer and wider footpegs offer more support with a larger platform and Dunlop’s premium MX51 tires add to an overall package that makes the CRF450R the bike of choice in the 450 class for 2012. Availability: July 2011.
- CRF250R: A Winning Combination Grows Stronger
Superb handling and excellent power stand as the hallmarks of the CRF250R, and the revised 2012 model ups the ante in the 250 class. A new cylinder head, camshaft and 46mm throttle body produce a broadened powerband featuring more low-end and midrange torque for an amazing, right-now hit of power. In addition, a new suspension linkage and updated suspension settings front and rear bestow improved tracking and more precise handling upon the CRF250R, enhancements that make a great-handling bike even better than before. In addition to those changes, longer and wider footpegs deliver more support and Dunlop’s premium MX51 tires cap off championship-caliber credentials that make the CRF250R the bike to beat in 2012. Availability: August 2011.
- CRF150RB-Expert/CRF150R: Back and Better Than Ever
Back in the lineup as a 2012 model, the revolutionary CRF150RB-Expert/CRF150R steps up to an even higher level of performance. Thanks to several key engine updates, this 2012 model boasts improved power, torque and driveability throughout the powerband. Updated suspension settings front and rear produce improved action through even the toughest of track conditions. All of which reinforce the CRF150R’s premier position in racing circles. Availability: August 2011.
World Superbike: The Castrol Honda World Superbike team heads to Donington Park in the UK this weekend (25-27 March) for round two – the European round – of the 2011 World Superbike championship.
The series returns to the 4.023km (2.5 mile) circuit near Derby in the heart of England after an absence of one year. Both races at the last visit were won by eventual 2009 World Superbike champion Ben Spies.
Castrol Honda’s Jonathan Rea is familiar with the circuit having raced in British championships before joining the World Supersport series in 2008, but the 24-year-old Ulsterman did not enjoy great success at Donington last time out – finishing seventh and 15th in the two outings.
Rea suffered in a number of crashes at the first round of the 2011 series, which took place four weeks ago at Phillip Island in Australia. Despite qualifying in 12th place, he battled for podium positions in both races and left Australia in sixth place in the championship.
His Castrol Honda team-mate, Ruben Xaus, had similar results to Rea in his last visit to Donington Park in 2009 – 15th and ninth – but the Spaniard is looking forward to a better return with his new team on board the Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade.
Xaus spent much of the first round seeking a base setting for his machine after bad weather affected much of the team’s pre-season testing programme. He and his crew found a breakthrough in race two at Phillip Island, giving Xaus a top ten finish after starting from 16th on the grid.
Jonathan Rea:
I’m in pretty good shape after quite a painful start to the season in Australia, but I’ve spent the last three weeks working hard on my training and having a lot of physio. I’m pretty confident that I’ll be able to ride pain-free at the weekend but the strange thing is that I wasn’t too uncomfortable on the bike in Australia, despite the injuries – it was the aches and pains getting out of bed in the morning that I struggled with! I’m looking forward to getting to Donington though; it’s a circuit I know really well and we have some good data from before. I can’t wait to see the new layout of the chicane and it’s really good to have the first European round at home where a lot of my friends and family can come and support. To improve what’s already a great all-round package, the guys back at the workshop have found some things to get a little more out of the Fireblade since we got back so I’m hoping for a really good weekend.
Casey Stoner (Repsol Honda RC212V) continued the excellence he’d shown all weekend by leading a Honda onslaught in his first race as a member of the Honda family in the season-opening Grand Prix of Qatar under the desert lights of the Losail International Circuit.
Jorge Lorenzo (Yamaha) interrupted the Honda parade by finishing a distant second, with Dani Pedrosa (Repsol Honda RC212V) finishing third, Andrea Dovizioso (Repsol Honda RC212V) fourth, and Marco Simoncelli (San Carlo Honda Gresini RC212V) a fighting fifth.?
Stoner had showcased his abilities on the Honda RC212V throughout pre-season testing, as well as in the run-up to the race. On the first race weekend of the 2011 MotoGP World Championship, Stoner was fastest in all three practice sessions before taking the 27th pole position of his career with a blistering lap of the 5.380km circuit outside the capital of Doha.
Though Stoner was on the pole, it was Pedrosa who got the jump and Lorenzo who was in front by the end of the first lap. But that was the only one he’d lead. Stoner led the next lap, but wasn’t able to get away, with Pedrosa applying constant pressure. The Spaniard made a pass on the sixth lap as the pair put a second on Lorenzo.
The complexion of the race changed dramatically early in the second half as the fuel load went down and the tyres were worn. His confidence growing every lap, Stoner took the lead into turn 12, the first of the triple rights, and went to work. He set the fastest lap of the race on the 13th, a 1:55.366, with Pedrosa now 1.307 seconds back. More ominously, Lorenzo took .6 out of Pedrosa, who was in danger of losing second.
Stoner pounded out the fast laps to the end, winning the opening round of the 2011 MotoGP World Championship by 3.440s.
The win was Honda’s first in the opening round of the championship since 2003, when Valentino Rossi started the season with a victory at Suzuka en route to the title.
Supercross: Round 10 of the 2011 AMA Supercross, an FIMWorld Championship, took place at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, over the weekend and the Honda Red Riders were there dueling on their CRF250R and CRF450R machines.
American Honda Racing’s Trey Canard finished a solid sixth, while Cole Seely made his Supercross class debut with the team and earned a respectable top-10 finish. Chad Reed and Justin Barcia put in strong performances with both racers recording their fourth-straight podium finishes in four races in their respective classes.
After recording the fastest lap time in qualifying and finishing second in his heat race, Canard was among the lead pack rounding the opening turn in the main. However, while challenging up front on the opening lap, he stalled exiting a turn, allowing the majority of the bunched-up field to get by. Getting going in 18th position, Canard’s determination to get back up front showed as he worked his way through the pack to finish sixth.
“I’m stoked about setting the fastest time in qualifying this weekend,” said Canard. “I definitely feel like I made some good progress this week. Along with qualifying fastest I also managed a good start in the main, which is something I have concentrated on over the last few weeks. It’s a real bummer that I messed up near the end of the opening lap because I had really good speed and feel I could have been a real contender for a top spot this weekend. From here I will focus on next weekend’s Jacksonville race. I’m excited because I like the dirt at Jacksonville so it should be a good race.”
Seely did a fine job aboard injured team rider Josh Grant’s American Honda Racing CRF450R, finishing inside the top 10 in his Supercross debut. Seely held his own against seasoned Supercross competition as he finished seventh in his heat race and ninth in the main.
“My goal for this race was to finish inside the top 10 and I achieved that tonight,” said Seely. “I’m really happy with ninth and I learned a lot out there racing against some really experienced racers. I’m grateful to have the opportunity to ride Josh’s CRF450R for a few rounds and I’m hoping to do even better next weekend in Jacksonville. I really want to thank American Honda and Troy Lee for giving me this opportunity.”
TwoTwo Motorsports’ Chad Reed performed well on his CRF450R, securing his fourth-straight podium finish. After finishing his heat race in third, Reed got a good start in the main and moved into second on the opening lap. Holding down second for more than half the race, Reed relinquished a spot before the race’s end to finish third overall.GEICO Honda’s Kevin Windham put in a solid performance after getting a mid-pack start in the main and rounding the first lap in ninth place. Working his way through the pack, Windham made up several spots to finish seventh.
In the Supercross Lites East competition, GEICO Honda’s Justin Barcia raced his CRF250R to his fourth-straight podium finish in four races, finishing the Indy event in second. Despite nursing a wrist with two broken bones, Barcia got a good start in the main and rounded the opening lap in third spot.
He moved into second midway through the race, where he ultimately finished the race. Teammate BlakeWharton qualified for the main via the Last Chance Qualifier, and after a mid-pack start in the main he raced hard to finish seventh. Fellow Honda racer Alex Martin finished in ninth, while Les Smith rounded out in tenth.
There’s big news when it comes to the new 2012 Honda Gold Wing. Because we’ve taken what is the world’s best touring motorcycle and made it even better. The new bodywork is the first thing you’ll notice, complementing what is the best engine and chassis package the touring world has ever seen.
Look a little further and you’ll discover great new improvements to the audio system, the available navigation system, and the Gold Wing’s comfort, too. And there’s new functionality, as well, like integrated iPod® connectivity and the ability to upload trips to the navi system from your home computer.
If you thought the Gold Wing was the world’s ultimate touring motorcycle, you were right. And if you think the new Gold Wing is even better, you’re right again.
Available May, 2011
Here are the 2012 Gold Wing Features:
Trip Planner
Now you can plan trip routes on your home computer and upload them into your Gold Wing’s available navi system, also share your trips with friends, or download routes from others (Trip Planner site launches March 2011).
You’ll also notice Navi improvements like lane guidance and junction view, and a new GPS receiver that captures satellite signals faster.
More Is Better
With revised bodywork providing increased lower body wind protection, new seat material, and iPod® connectivity, you’ll be able to enjoy your adventure even more. Add XM’s line-up of programming, and the available XM® NavTraffic® and NavWeather™ features, you can stay on course and ahead of bad weather. XM Radio, NavTraffic and NavWeather are available on the 2012 Gold Wing Audio Comfort Navi XM, 2012 Gold Wing Audio Comfort Navi XM ABS, and 2012 Gold Wing Airbag models only. XM Radio requires a subscription, sold separately after the first 90 days.
Honda’s line of Shadows are some of the most popular cruisers on the road. And one look at the Shadow Aero will tell you why.
Classic, retro style, like the spoked wheels, full fenders, and long, chromed mufflers. Thoroughly modern performance courtesy of the 745cc V-twin engine, specially tuned for low-revving torque.
And maintenance-reducing features like shaft final drive. Best of all, the Aero is a huge bargain, giving you a big-bike ride without the big-bike price. And it’s a bargain when it comes time to fill up, too. If you’re ready to turn some heads in a big way, and appreciate a bike that’s never going to go out of style, the Aero is the machine for you.
There’s Nothing Retro About How It Performs.
Like everyone else, what first got you looking at a Shadow Aero was its perfectly executed Retro style. But the Aero’s beauty is way, way more than just sheet metal deep. Like every Honda, it offers an unmatched level of quality, innovation, and value. And like the Aero’s good looks, that never goes out of style.
V-Twin Engine
Nothing pumps out the torque like a big V-twin. The Aero’s power makes it perfect for both around-town cruising, commutes, and casual weekend-long rides.
2-Into-2 Exhaust System
Sleek new pipes feature bullet-style mufflers for that classic cruiser style of yesteryear. Large-diameter head pipes and 2-into-2 system design combine to put out true, V-twin cruiser sound
Torrance, CA: For the second week in a row, the Honda Red Riders dominated the AMA Supercross an FIM World Championship competition, winning both the San Diego Supercross and Supercross Lites West classes.
In torrential weather conditions TwoTwo Motorsports? Chad Reed won the Supercross event, taking his first victory of the season aboard his Honda CRF450R, while GEICO Honda?s Eli Tomac recorded his first-ever win in the Lites West series aboard his CRF250R.
Heavy rain and strong winds invaded San Diego?s Qualcomm Stadium on Saturday, February 19 creating a mud filled round seven Supercross event.
Despite the conditions, American Honda Racing?s Trey Canard put in a solid performance aboard his Honda CRF450R finishing second in his heat race before going on to finish one spot shy of the podium in fourth in the main event. Canard started quickly in the main and moved into the number two spot behind Reed on the opening lap. On lap three, Canard made a pass on Reed that stuck moving him into the lead. On lap six, however, Canard slipped in the wet, handing the lead back to Reed.
Losing several spots in the fall, Canard retaliated working his way back up to second by lap 15 only to be tripped up in the mud the following lap. Relinquishing three spots this time, Canard kept chipping away right up to the checkers, regaining a spot to finish in fourth.
“I?m bummed yet happy all at the same time,” said Canard. “I bummed because I really thought I was going to win the race tonight yet happy with my bike set-up and the way it handled tonight in the incredibly wet and slippery track conditions. It was definitely gnarly out there—big ruts and very slippery. I?m also pumped that I managed to get a great start and be among the top five rounding the first turn. I put myself in a good position from the start to be up front. My fourth place result doesn?t really reflect how hard I worked tonight and how well I actually rode. But considering I fell twice, I?m happy with fourth.”
Featuring long, low lines that embody what cruising is all about, the Stateline blends two worlds of motorcycling style: traditional looks plus progressive elements. The deeply valanced fenders arc downward in classic retro style, yet the all-new rolling chassis and overall lines bring a fresh look to the class. Add to that the deep throaty rumble of a big V-twin engine and that classic big Vee power pulse, and you have a machine that’s the perfect choice for cruising-anytime you want.
Long and low, with a no-nonsense attitude and the performance to back it up. The Honda VT1300CRA Stateline is a motorcycle that grabs your attention and won’t let go. Its all-new chassis includes an aggressively raked front end that looks radical, yet handles with the composure you’d expect from a Honda cruiser. The 1,312 cc V-twin engine uses Honda’s Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) for crisp throttle response, and other high-tech features such as three-valve cylinder heads and two spark plugs per cylinder help to produce the wide, strong powerband that makes riding a big cruiser so much fun.
Call it the perfect fusion of traditional and progressive cruiser design, featuring all the classic cues that make the Fury and Sabre so cool, plus a few twists that are decidedly neo-retro, like deep, long fenders.
The brawny 1312cc liquid-cooled, fuel-injected 52º V-twin is a thing of beauty, too, with smooth, maintenance-free shaft final drive putting all that torque and power to the ground with effortless ease.
See what happens when you build a custom that’s equal parts old school and new. Then look no further than the Stateline.
2011 Honda Stateline VT1300CRA ABS Features and Benefits
The series returns to the 4.023km (2.5 mile) circuit near Derby in the heart of England after an absence of one year. Both races at the last visit were won by eventual 2009 World Superbike champion Ben Spies.
Jorge Lorenzo (Yamaha) interrupted the Honda parade by finishing a distant second, with Dani Pedrosa (Repsol Honda RC212V) finishing third, Andrea Dovizioso (Repsol Honda RC212V) fourth, and Marco Simoncelli (San Carlo Honda Gresini RC212V) a fighting fifth.?
Look a little further and you’ll discover great new improvements to the audio system, the available navigation system, and the Gold Wing’s comfort, too. And there’s new functionality, as well, like integrated iPod® connectivity and the ability to upload trips to the navi system from your home computer.
Honda’s line of Shadows are some of the most popular cruisers on the road. And one look at the Shadow Aero will tell you why.
In torrential weather conditions TwoTwo Motorsports? Chad Reed won the Supercross event, taking his first victory of the season aboard his Honda CRF450R, while GEICO Honda?s Eli Tomac recorded his first-ever win in the Lites West series aboard his CRF250R.
Honda Motorcycles: 2011 Honda Stateline VT1300CRA ABS