TOKYO 2013: Honda F6C and CB range

New Goldwing derivative, bikes and scooters on the way, but electric bikes and road-going RC213V a no-show at the Tokyo Motor Show

Honda has used its stage time at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show to announce the impending arrival of 18 new bike and scooter models, all of which are destined to reach showrooms in the next 12 months.

Honda Motor Corporation Senior Managing Officer and Chief Operating Officer for Regional Sales Operations, Sho Minekawa, told gathered press that the rejuvenation of the range was aimed at improving Honda’s position as a global best-seller, while also “revitalising the motorcycle market in Japan”.

“This year, we are exhibiting a total of 18 planned mass-production models, as we continue to strengthen our product line-up in each category,” announced Minekawa.

“Today, we’re going to unveil the world premiere of a new Street Muscle Cruiser, the Goldwing F6C, which adopts Honda’s original 1800cc horizontally opposed flat-six engine. I believe this model will enable our customers to enjoy the overwhelming stature and joy of ownership, especially with this powerful and stately styling.”

The F6C -- which will be called the Valkyrie in some markets, reviving a moniker from the 1990s -- topped a suite of new machines that centred heavily on a refreshed CB series, with no fewer than five new variants.

“In addition, we will further strengthen our CB brand through a series of new model introductions including the CB1100EX, CB1300 Super Four, CB1300 Super Bol D’Or and other models that highlight innovation,” Minekawa continued.

Scheduled to arrive in Australia in the second quarter of 2014, the Goldwing F6C is 70kg lighter than the full biscuit Goldwing and boasts the same 1800cc fuel-injected six-cylinder engine. A new aluminium subframe lowers the F6C’s rear.

The Honda Multi-Action System (HMAS) monoshock with manually adjusted spring preload works through a Pro-Link on the single-sided aluminium swingarm. Spring and damping rates front and rear have been modified to suit the F6C’s weight reduction.

To further improve stability, the front/rear weight bias has been adjusted to be more even, while the engine support beam’s rigidity balance has also been slightly altered.

Available in Graphite Black, more information regarding price and exact arrival dates will follow.

In Tokyo, the F6C and refreshed CB range joined other new and revised models recently unveiled at Italy's EICMA show, including the CTX1300 cruiser, CBR650F, CB650F, CBR300R, VFR800F, CBR1000RR SP, and VFR1200X Crosstourer.

Minekawa was keen to stress that Honda would continue its push to impress younger buyers with street-savvy commuter bikes and scooters.

“In the category of commuters we will introduce the all-new Dunk scooter, which is equipped with a liquid-cooled 50cc engine. The Dunk is a fun-to-ride and very user-friendly model that appeals to a wide range of customers, especially young people,” he said.

Unlike Suzuki and Yamaha, Honda’s stand at the Tokyo show was without an electric offering. Honda Motorcycle R&D head, Tetsuo Suzuki, told Bikesales Network that until battery packaging and range improved, electric bikes would remain off-limits to the mass market.

“It [a Honda electric bike] is at the feasibility stage and we have no plans to sell it to the public at this moment,” said Suzuki.

“It’s a question of mileage. If we could get more mileage from the battery and package it in a way that would not be so costly then we might consider it,” he added.

The R&D chief, who also presides over the Honda Racing Cooperation, also said Honda’s long-awaited next-gen sporting flagship – the much-anticipated RC213V road bike – was in development, but would not offer any further details.

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TOKYO 2013: Honda F6C and CB range

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