Honda confirms new 700cc engine
All-new ultra-efficient inline twin-cylinder to provide motive force for new naked bike, adventure tourer and maxi scooterTwenty years ago motorcycle manufacturers would build one engine tailored for one bike, but these days things are different. Times are tougher and companies have to maximise the investment of developing and building a new engine.
Case in point, Honda's new 700cc parallel twin-cylinder engine.
This new engine is destined for three new models which will be unveiled at the EICMA motorcycle show Milan, expected to be a new naked bike, an adventure tourer and a maxi scooter, the Integra (pictured).
It is possible the upcoming adventure tourer concept could be a replacement for the ageing Honda Transalp.
Officially announced this week, the new engine will be mated to a second-generation version of the automatic Dual Clutch Transmission first seen on the Honda VFR1200F and the new powertrain is being touted as an extremely efficient package.
A standard six-speed manual shifting gearbox will also be offered.
Honda has not released specifications on the new engine, such as its peak outputs, but says "The new midsized engine is a liquid-cooled, 700cc, 4-stroke, 2-cylinder engine with powerful torque in the low- to mid-speed range..."
The twin-cylinder engine has a 62º forward lean angle and Honda is touting the engine's "top-notch" fuel efficiency, an issue that is becoming increasingly important to European markets as the economic downturn lingers and the cost of petroleum continues to rise.
The new 700cc inline twin-cylinder engine destined for naked, adventure tourer and scooter models was created to "...realize a set of motorcycles based on its new concept of offering overwhelming fuel efficiency in the mid-class while delivering powerful, throbbing torque in the normal range for touring and urban riding," says Honda.
The engine is expected to deliver fuel consumption averages of around 3.7L/100km.
What do you think of a new uber-efficient 700cc engine for adventure tourer, naked bike and scooter applications - is Honda back on the right track? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.
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