Honda unveils more 2021 models

Honda has revealed more additions to its 2021 line-up, with a relatively modest round of updates extending across some of its most popular model families.

The announcement comes at a time that would normally see the world's manufacturers showcasing their new wares at Italy's EICMA motorcycle expo in Milan, before the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic led to the cancellation of the 2020 event.

The latest round of revisions concerns the new CB1000R, CB1000R Black Edition, and CB125R naked bikes; the NC750X and X-ADV adventure models; and the SH350i, SH Mode and PCX125 scooters. Of those only the CB1000R is currently sold in Australia, so it will be interesting to see how many of these updates will filter down to our local market.

The newcomers follow in the wheel tracks of updates to a number of other recently unveiled 2021 Honda models, including the Grom compact bike, the CBR600RR middleweight supersport, and the CRF450R motocrosser.

Details of the latest new models, which are all Euro 5 compliant, are as follows…

Honda's 'neo sport café' flagship, the CB1000R, receives revised styling with even more minimalist, "hunched forward" styling. New touches include a teardrop-shaped headlight surround, smaller side shrouds, an upward slanting rear subframe and new seven-spoke alloy wheels.

A CB1000R Black Edition dials up the attitude with a Deep Graphite Black colour scheme and a number of blacked-out components, including the headlight bezel, fly screen, fork stanchions, radiator shrouds, airbox covers, exhaust and muffler details.

Honda says the CBR1000RR-derived engine now features revised fuel injection settings, while the 2021 variants also benefit from a Honda Smartphone Voice Control system (allowing various call management functions via a bespoke app) and a new, 5-inch TFT instrument display.

Not presently available in Australia, the 2021 Honda CB125R entry-level naked bike now has a new four-valve, liquid-cooled engine that develops the maximum 11kW permissible under Europe's A1 licence regulations, plus an extra 1.2Nm of torque. The model also gains Showa's separate-function Big Piston fork, adding to features spanning LED lights, ABS brakes, and LCD instrumentation.

While Australia receives Honda's flagship adventure bike, the recently updated Africa Twin, and the LAMS-compliant CB500X, select markets also receive the NC750X, which has also been updated for 2021.

The revised model now features more power (58.5hp/43kW) from its 750cc parallel-twin and is 6kg lighter, while the first three gears are shorter and the styling has been tweaked. Three ride modes – Sport, Rain and Standard – are linked to the shifting patterns for the Dual Clutch Transmission, while the Honda Selectable Torque Control settings are said to offer a finer level of control.

Other updates span a bigger (23lt) central storage area, a new screen, full-colour LCD instrumentation, a USB port, and a 30mm lower seat height.

Honda's 'adventure scooter', the X-ADV, also hasn't appeared Down Under but the model has been updated for 2021. Sharing the same engine at the NC750X, the X-ADV also receives the power hike plus a 3kg weight reduction, optimised gear ratios, and a reworked frame, along with the new ride modes and refined DCT/HSTC settings.

Also new is the screen, the 1.2lt glove compartment, the dual LED daytime running lights, the bigger (22lt) underseat storage compartment (with USB port), the 5-inch TFT display, and the Honda Smartphone Voice Control system.

The Honda SH300i was sold in Australia from 2009 to 2011 but the model lived on in other markets and for 2021 it has reappeared with a bit more punch as the SH350i. Headlining the changes is the new eSP+ engine with more power, better breathing and cooling plus sharper acceleration, while the newcomer also receives refreshed styling, an LCD meter, Emergency Stop Signals, and a USB port.

Australia already has the SH150, but the SH Mode is a lower-capacity 125cc model. It too has been reworked for 2021 and now boasts a more powerful eSP+ engine and a new and lighter frame. The floor area is larger and it also receives a USB port, a bigger underseat compartment and a new glove box, while the aesthetics have been updated with fresh styling, an LED headlight, and new wheels.

Australia already gets the PCX150, but for 2021 Honda has made some changes to its slightly smaller PCX125. Honda says the PCX125 is currently Europe's second-biggest-selling scooter, and for 2021 it receives a more powerful and fuel efficient eSP+ engine with Honda Selectable Torque Control, along with new bodywork, new lighting, a lighter frame, larger twin rear shocks and new wheels with bigger tyres. Rounding out the changes are increased underseat storage (up 2.4lt to 30.4lt) and a USB port.

Honda Australia is yet to confirm local availability or pricing for these 2021 models; bikesales will bring you more information as it comes to hand.