There is a lot to see at the INTERMOT in Cologne. Honda is looking forward to this important international motorcycle fair and will show the visitors and the world public not only the full model range for the 2009 season along with exciting innovations, but will also provide some interesting glimpses of the future, as well as a retrospective of bygone days. “Our objective,” according to Kerstin Martens, marketing director at Honda Motor Europe North in Offenbach, “is to show something of interest for visitors of all age classes and make them feel at home.” We at Honda love motorcycles and would like not only to express our enthusiasm at the fair but ensure that this spark carries over to the visitors.”

Of course, the center of interest will be Honda’s innovations, headed by the CBR1000RR Fireblade and CBR600RR with the electronically-controlled combined ABS. Honda is once again assuming a technological pioneering role. This revolutionary system is the first anti-lock system in the world developed especially for use in supersport bikes to reach series production.

The new ABS is electronically controlled. The combined system allows precise regulation of braking force right into the control range. The anti-lock effect intervenes extremely smoothly. The usual vibration of the hand lever is completely eliminated. Simple operation, clearly improved stability – the new system impresses with its perfect operation because it does not detract from a sporty riding style, as it focuses on assisting rider control.
With the Fireblade, the eye is drawn immediately to the new attractive paint schemes. The Repsol replica is particularly outstanding (modeled after the successful MotoGP racing bike), as is a Tricolor version which pays homage to 50 years of racing, and the identical replica of the victorious works Fireblade of Checa/Kiyonar at the 8-hour race in Suzuka.

New colors also round out the 2009 CBR600RR. With its graffiti design, the Limited Edition in particular will certainly attract attention. Further updates to the 600 Sportbike, with its exemplary balance: Modifications to pistons, cylinder head and exhaust system optimize the torque curve between 8,000 and 12,000 rpm, which improves torque when accelerating out of corners. The lower part of the body fairing has been revised to improve straight line stability and suppress engine noise better.

The all-new CBF125 supplements the lower end of the successful CBF range in 2009. This modern 125 cc four-stroke engine with fuel injection is an outstanding city runabout for motorcycle beginners of all ages, commuters and all those who appreciate unbeatable mobility on two wheels. The CBF is simple and straightforward to operate, has impressive features such as a wind deflector and a comfortable seating position (even for two), pleasing performance and easy handling, low fuel consumption and an attractive price.

There is news in the off-road sector as well: A lighter four-stroke single-cylinder engine with new PGM-FI fuel injection gives the new CRF450R motocross bike superior power and even better performance while reducing fuel consumption. The aluminum chassis has been completely reworked (now using cast technology ) with new Kayaba suspension components.

Its smaller motocross sister, the CRF250R, will appear in 2009 with a modified cylinder head and optimized gears for better acceleration. It has also been optimized for weight. Handling has been further improved thanks to newly tuned steering dampers. For the first time in Germany, Honda will sell the 250cc four-stroke motocross bike not only in the traditional red, but also in a Limited Edition in extravagant black with a flame treatment.

The newest version of the Montesa Honda Cota 4RT awaits trials bike fans. The 250cc four-stroke engine in this world-champion mountain goat (the Spaniard Toni Bou has just successfully defended his Outdoor Trial world championship crown) passes Euro-3 certification thanks to detailed technical work on the PGM-FI injection. Oversize handlebars and gold rims complete the standard version. The 2009 Cota 4RT also can be had with a Repsol Replica paint scheme as an option, with an accessory package of upscale parts made of aluminum and carbon fiber.

A special collection of legendary V4 bikes shows visitors important motor-cycles from Honda’s history. Classic bikes that have made history, with fascinating technology and designs typical of their time. Marveling at these witnesses of history on wheels again today will doubtless reawaken many memories in lots of adults and inspire many a younger person.

Finally, a breath-taking eye catcher will be displayed on a rotating stage: a V4 concept bike. This futuristic design is intended to represent a commitment to Honda’s proud V4 tradition on one hand and at the same time express Honda’s uniqueness and passion, tied in with a global internet survey.

Two more exhibits will certainly warrant special fascination. The EVO6, a brawny flat six-cylinder street cruiser, and the CB1100R1, a retro sports bike drawing on legendary Bol d’Or top-of-the-line models.
Both are studies in the prototype stage which were shown at the Tokyo Motor Show and generated enormous interest from the public.

Future technology will also be on exhibit and explained in detail. From the very start, Honda as a motor cycle manufacturer has been on board the Vehicle2Vehicle traffic safety project, on which all well-known automobile manufacturers around the world are conducting joint research, and has adopted the system originally developed for automobiles to motorcycles. A specially prepared Honda Gold Wing can be seen at the fair stand. An early warning system is implemented using GPS-controlled electronics and distance sensors, which compares its own position and movement with those of all other vehicles in traffic. If there is an impending risk of a collision, the rider is warned as a precaution with visual signals.

Technology of tomorrow, yesterday and, of course, today, the present. Up close, displayed in an up-to-date and attractive way, with numerous surprises. A visit to the Honda stand and INTERMOT in Cologne will certainly be worthwhile.   close