2012 Tokyo Motorcycle Show: Honda
The world's largest manufacturer didn't exactly cut a swathe, with a dual-themed stand celebrating its CB heritage and the new mid-capacity twin-cylinder rangeHonda’s recent steady-as-she-goes, don't-break-the-bank philosophy was clearly evident at the 2012 Tokyo Motorcycle Show, with its main focus on the new range of low-revving, high economy parallel twins – the NC700S and NC700X – and a CB tribute in its 25-bike display -- which didn't include any cruisers, sports tourers, minibikes or even the venerable CBR600RR.
Displayed under the ‘Take Mid Easy’ moniker, the NC700X was in fact making its Japanese debut, and a special ‘Customised Concept’ model (basically different livery and full luggage capacity) also took centre stage on the Honda stand.
The more road-orientated S model, the only one that will be coming to Australia in the second quarter of 2012 (price to still be announced), was also on show in a couple of spec levels, with Moriwaki parts tending to the souped-up version of that one.
The Japanese-built NC700s have been engineered for fuel efficiency rather than a high power density – but tweaked to produce most of their torque in an area where Honda research shows most people ride – less than 6000rpm for 80 percent of the time.
Honda’s main stand also saw the public debut of the new Benly 110 scooter (there’s already a 50cc version) alongside the classic Super Cub 110 and the ‘exhibition model’ PCX150. The latter is styled the same as the Thai-built idle-stop PCX125, and will be commercially available within months, but an Australian presence is still unclear. Based on solid sales for the very well made PCX125, it’s probably unlikely at this stage.
The new CRF250L, which was first seen at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, was also impossible to miss in three different versions, one a special Mugen customised concept that really stood out from the pack with splashes of red and punchy graphics.
But ultimately, the CRF250L won’t be a bike that you’ll probably want to fashion to a missile, as it’s setting its sights on the more ‘sensible’ Suzuki DR-Z250/Yamaha TT-R250 equation with its sensible terms of reference – a 249cc liquid-cooled DOHC single cylinder engine, twin-tube steel frame, aluminium swingarm, inverted front forks and ProLink rear unit.
Availability in Australian will be within a few months, with price still to be announced.
What would undoubtedly form part of the ensemble cast at a local show – I’m talking CBR1000RR, Goldwing, VFR1200F and CBR250R – completed the Honda stand, but without any real theatrics or fanfare. The CBR250R was customised on two fronts -- one by Moriwaki (the same version we saw back at the world launch in Thailand in October, 2010) and one in anime – the Japanese word for animation – costume. Which is ironic, as the anime fair was also being held in another part of Tokyo Big Sight.
The Honda CB ‘ignition of life’ collection was certainly one for the connoisseurs, with a number of bikes on display from the landmark CB Four of 1969 to a generous helping of current day fare – of which only the CB1100 and CB400 Super Four are sold in Australia.
Other units on display included the CB1300 Super Four, CB1000 and Super Four (Big 1) from 1992.
Meanwhile, the VFR1200X Crosstourer and VFR800X Crossrunner made their Japanese show debuts (which isn’t difficult, as the last TMS was held in March 2010…) but were on a satellite stand dedicated to the Honda ‘Dream Network’.
The VFR1200X will lob in Australia soon, with the national press launch to be held by mid-year.
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