New Honda 125cc scooter engine

We recently reported on Honda's new 700cc parallel twin-cylinder engine (hHonda's new 700cc parallel twin-cylinder engine which will provide power to three new motorcycles initially, yet it seems the Japanese company's powertrain offensive is far from over.

Honda has confirmed a second new engine, a 125cc single-cylinder mill that will be built in massive volumes for its next generation scooter range.

This new engine will be sold in several international markets and will begin finding its way into scooters sometime in 2012.

One of the key features of the new engine is a built-in idle stop-start system that can shut down the engine automatically when it detects the scooter has come to a standstill, such as at traffic lights or stopping to take a phone call. Honda is talking about a big improvement in fuel economy as a result - to the tune of 25%.

It's not just the stop-start system that will make the new engine one of the cleanest in its class. Taking advantage of "a broad spectrum of new ideas to thoroughly reduce friction" the compact liquid-cooled four-stroke 125cc engine features an offset cylinder and roller rocker arm which are "supplemented by such techniques as intelligent control to lessen friction during power generation," states Honda.

Emitting lower CO2 emissions than current 125cc motors, the new engine is touted by Honda as being the first to adopt a shell-type needle bearing for the rocker arm shaft.

"The newly developed 125cc engine, designed with enhanced durability, quietness and fuel economy will be for next-generation global scooter models in the 125cc class," states Honda.

We should know more about the new engine and scooter range when the 2011 Milan motorcycle show (EICMA) rolls around in November, and whether or not such models will be slated for Australia.