I’ve been curious about the bike used in The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo movie ever since the trailer came out, with a Trent Reznor version of Led Zeppelin’s “Immigrant Song” playing. The guys at Bike Exif have posted a wonderful article about how the bike(s) were prepared in Los Angeles by Justin Kell of Glory Motor Works. Kell came with the concept of having a bike that would seem logical for a person of Lisbeth Salander’s (played by Rooney Mara) age to own. The bike they ended up building was based on a late 60s Honda CB350. 3 examples were made for the movie.

Based on a 1983 Honda CB900 F2 Bol d’Or, the Spanish customiser Cafe Racer Dreams (CRD) has produced this masterpiece. Run by Pedro Garcia and partners, CRD produces customs based on Japanese motorcycles from the 70s and 80s. Updates are posted on their blog.

Honda’s RC211V gave Repsol Honda rider Valentino Rossi a distinct edge over the competition, an edge he used to win the 2002 MotoGP world championship. There was one particular advantage, though, he used to devastating effect: The ability to open the throttle earlier when exiting a corner. That advantage is directly attributable to Honda’s new Unit Pro-Link rear suspension, as used on the RC211V–and now on the CBR600RR.

The first generation of Honda’s Pro-Link rear suspension (which made its production debut on the 1981 CR250R) was unique because of its lower link pivot. That characteristic allowed the linkage design to create the desired degree of manually produced progressive spring rate. Unit Pro-Link takes the same concept to the next level.

Conventional rear suspensions attach the top eye of the shock unit to an upper rear frame cross-member. Unit Pro-Link, though, attaches the top eye to the top of the braced swingarm structure itself. Below the shock is a joined pair of arms at roughly right angles to each other, pivoting on a shaft attached to the bottom of the swingarm. One of these arms connects to the bottom shock eye, while the other is joined to the bottom of the frame by a pair of tension links.

As the rear wheel rises in passing over a bump, the pull of the tension links rotates the arms, compressing the shock from the bottom. The fact that the top of the shock moves upward with the swingarm is compensated for by increasing the rate at which the bellcrank compresses it from the bottom. Depending on the geometry of the linkage, the bottom of the shock moves more, and more rapidly, than the top of the shock. Compared to the shock used on the F4i, the RR’s shock has increased damper volume, and no hose connecting to the piggyback reservoir. The heavily braced swingarm features a press-forged right-side arm and a box-section extrusion left-side arm, both welded to a cast crossmember/pivot.

The Unit Pro-Link design provides a wealth of benefits. To begin with, the shock is contained entirely within the swingarm, and the shock is positioned lower than in a conventional design. Both contribute to mass centralization, in part by giving the centrally mounted fuel tank room to extend downward to the engine crankcases.

More importantly, with the top eye mounted to the top of the swingarm, shock absorber loads don’t get fed into the frame, so engineers were free to tune the frame to the best stiffness for superior handling. A new construction technique–Hollow Fine Die-Casting–also aided engineers in tuning the frame. Compared to the F4i, the CBR600RR’s frame features greater torsional stiffness at the steering head, decreased lateral stiffness via thinner rear frame rails, and vertical stiffness uncompromised by a beefy structure for the top shock mount. All together, those qualities reduce wheelspin when exiting corners, which allows the rider to start accelerating earlier. The result: Earlier throttle application translates into quicker corner exits, and the additional speed can be carried all the way down the next straight.

It’s a benefit that made the difference in the RC211V’s winning the MotoGP championship in its first year. It’s also an entirely new, groundbreaking technology that had been confined to the race track–until now, and the CBR600RR.

Hell Ride, a movie by Quentin Tarantino has the usual trademark sex, drugs, rock & roll and bikes. It’s about bad guys vs. even badder guys! One of the characters, Machete, (who happens to be one of the ‘even badder’ baddies) played by Francesco Quinn, son of legendary actor Anthony Quinn rides his own motorcycle, customised of course, in the movie. The producers took his 2006 Honda VTX1300 to Honda VP Ray Blank for a movie makeover. They painted the bike flat black and spilled gasoline over the paintjob, rubbing it in with a rag to give it a used and abused look. Also added were a Cobra exhaust, unique triple-beam headlights, Kellerman BL 1000 bar-end signals, K&N filter and jet kit. As you read this, the bike would have probably been signed by Francesco and auctioned off for charity. How’s this for a movie chopper? A Honda? Looks like the producers wanted something just a bit different from the usual Harleys and Indians normally used in this genre. Don’t worry, you’ll find plenty of those too.

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Honda (UK) is pleased to confirm its continued commitment to the British Superbike Championship for 2009 with the HM Plant Honda team on the CBR1000RR Fireblade.

Building on their long term relationship since 2004, Honda (UK) Racing and HM Plant will be looking to continue their successful partnership and performance for the sixth consecutive year, in what is considered the strongest domestic motorcycle racing championship in the world.

Steve Martindale, General Manager of Honda (UK) Motorcycles, commented, “I’m very happy to confirm Honda’s commitment to the British Superbike Championship for 2009 and also the team’s continued relationship with HM Plant. The British Superbike Championship is very strong and the high standard of rider talent and racing can be seen at every round. This was further highlighted by the excellent and highly competitive performances of the British riders, including HM Plant Honda riders Leon and Cal, who took part in the recent UK round of the World Superbike Championship. The team is still very much focused on the final two rounds of this season however, before turning its full attentions to preparations for the 2009 championship.”

HM Plant Chairman, John Jones, said, “We have been delighted with our relationship with Honda and the exposure achieved from the HM Plant Honda team partnership over the last five years and look forward to that continuing for many years to come.”

Honda (UK) Racing has a long and successful history in both British and World motorcycle racing championships, taking the World Superbike Championship title in 1997, 2000 and 2002 before wrapping up the British Superbike title in 2006 and 2007 as HM Plant Honda with Ryuichi Kiyonari. The team has also won many other events, including British Supersport titles with Karl Harris and many North West 200 and Isle of Man races, most notably with TT legend John McGuinness.

The British Superbike Championship is the most hard-fought domestic motorcycle racing championship in the world, attracting sponsors and riders from across the globe. The championship’s profile has risen over the last few seasons as television ratings and ‘live’ attendances at the track have increased.

Currently in the British Superbike Championship, HM Plant Honda riders Leon Haslam and Cal Crutchlow are in second and fourth places respectively with just two rounds remaining. Team-mate Steve Brogan is leading the National Superstock 1000 Championship and sits in fifth in the British Supersport Championship.

Details of the HM Plant Honda riders and class entries for 2009 are still to be finalised, but for further information about Honda (UK) Racing and the HM Plant Honda team, please visit www.honda-racing.co.uk.

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Shown here is the “Super Accent Ogano Woody Super Cub50″ by White House, Japan. The seat looks like it’s upholstered in leather and really cool retro-classic Honda logos have been fitted. I’m not sure if it’s really made from wood or metal painted to look like wood. Sure is cool though, don’t you think?

More pics below!

continue reading "WHITEHOUSE WOODY: CUSTOM HONDA SUPER CUB"

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. held a ceremony, July 21, 2008, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Super Cub sales which began in August 1958. The ceremony for associates was held at Honda’s new Kumamoto Factory where Super Cub is produced in Japan. The Honda Cub is the motorcycling world’s equivalent of iconic, world champion cars like Volkswagen’s Beetle, the Mini or Citroen 2CV. The Cub has been described as the world’s greatest motorcycle, ever!

“The reason we have been able to continue producing and selling Super Cub for 50 years, which is quite a long time, is because of our customers who enjoy using Super Cub every day,” said Takeo Fukui, president & CEO of Honda Motor Co, Ltd. “I would also like to thank Honda associates who have supported the history of Super Cub. Super Cub has continuously advanced to accommodate the needs and preferences of people throughout the world, and cumulative worldwide production of Cub series motorcycles reached the 60 million-unit milestone in April of this year. Moreover, in this year of the 50th anniversary of Super Cub, a new motorcycle plant has been built at this Kumamoto Factory, and the transfer of motorcycle production to the new plant will be completed within this year. I expect Kumamoto Factory to serve as the global leader of Honda’s motorcycle production operations around the world and to continue providing our customers with products that create new value.”

Since the introduction of the first Super Cub C100 model in 1958, Super Cub has been a long-selling product sold in more than 160 countries* to date, and customers around the world enjoy using Super Cub every day. Production of Super Cub in regions outside of Japan began in 1961 in Taiwan, with production based on component parts sets provided from Japan and was expanded to other countries based on Honda’s commitment to “build products close to the customer.” The Honda Cub series is currently being produced at 16 plants in 15 countries around the world.

* Honda’s internal data

KEY MILESTONES OF HONDA SUPER CUB SERIES
August 1958 Sales of Super Cub C100 began (air-cooled 4-stroke, single-cylinder OHV engine, 49cc, 4.5 horse power) Production site: Yamato Plant (later became Saitama Factory Wako Plant)
1959 Exports to the U.S. began
1960 Production at Suzuka Factory began
1961 Cumulative production reached 1 million-unit milestone
Production based on component parts sets began in Taiwan (first production outside of Japan)
1964 Sales of Super Cub C65 (the first OHC engine) began
1966 Sales of Super Cub C50 (OHC engine) began
1967 Cumulative production reached 5 million-unit milestone
1974 Cumulative production reached 10 million-unit milestone
1983 Fuel consumption of 180km/liter (30km/h constant-speed test value) achieved (Super Cub 50 Super Custom)
1988 Sales of Press Cub began
1991 Production was transferred to Kumamoto Factory
1992 Cumulative production reached 20 million-unit milestone
1997 Sales of Little Cub began
2005 Cumulative production reached 50 million-unit milestone
2007 An electronically-controlled fuel injection system, Honda’s PGM-FI, was installed on Super Cub 50, Press Cub 50 and Little Cub.
2008 Cumulative production reached 60 million-unit milestone (April)

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UK bikers get the PGM-FI equipped ANF125i Innova, the European version of Asia’s underbone step-throughs (AKA ‘Kapchais’)

Honda (UK), in association with Honda Finance, has added a new and exciting model to its line-up of stars in the ‘The Legend of Zero’ 0% APR finance show reel.

The script – which enables customers to gain their freedom on two-wheels for minimal cost – now includes the Honda VT125C Shadow which boasts the looks and proportions of a big American cruiser. It has wide handlebars, teardrop tank, punchy, liquid-cooled 90-degree V-twin motor, chunky wire-spoked wheels and chromed two-into-one exhaust, but, has the running costs and practicality of a smaller machine.

This stylish cruiser joins the other ‘Legend of Zero’ stars which include one of Britain’s best-selling motorcycles – the sleek CBR125R – and four of Honda’s most popular scooters: the SH125i, SH300i, PS125i and ANF125i.

The CBR follows the design of Honda’s awesome sports bikes – the CBR600RR and CBR1000RR Fireblade – but distils the formula down into a practical and user-friendly package for learners and commuters alike. Last year the CBR125R was one of the best-selling motorcycles in the UK, appearing in the top ten of overall best-sellers.

Meanwhile, in the competitive scooter category, Honda leads the way with a breadth of machines unrivalled in the class. The SH125i combines a nippy four-stroke engine with sure-footed 16-inch ‘big-wheel’ handling, its bigger brother the SH300i offers all the ability of the 125i, but with the punch and performance of a mid-range machine. The ANF125i Innova is the true, spiritual successor to the original Honda Cub C90, offering step-through practicalities with modern technology and economy. The PS125i range is currently on offer in standard, ‘sporty’ and ‘special editions’, but each offers style, comfort and convenience as standard whether you’re commuting or just enjoying the ride.

Each and every one of ‘The Legend of Zero’ machines offer performance, practicality, reliability, fun, frugal fuel consumption and low running costs compared to other forms of transport!

From now until the end of the year you can purchase one of Honda’s stellar cast of lightweight motorcycles and scooters for as little as 10% deposit with finance over 24 months at 0% APR!

Honda (UK)’s ‘The Legend of Zero’ is showing now until 31 December 2008, so visit your local Honda dealer to meet the cast.

Honda Motorcycle dealers can be located by calling Honda on 0845 200 800, or by using the ‘Dealer Search’ facility within the motorcycles area on www.honda.co.uk, where you can also find all the latest news and information about the full Honda motorcycle range, offers, genuine parts and accessories and forthcoming events.

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Honda’s unique DN-01 motorcycle (details here) goes on sale on Friday 1 August from Honda Motorcycle dealers across the UK.

Available in two sleek colours of graphite black and pearl amethyst purple and priced at £9200*, the DN-01 – dream concept turned production reality motorcycle – with fully automatic transmission, is a truly unique machine in the world of motorcycling and defies being categorised.

Honda’s team of engineers set out to create an entirely new category of motorcycle and sought to combine elements of swift superbike performance, relaxed custom cruiser riding comfort, operating ease of a big scooter, attention grabbing and futuristic styling with unparalleled technological advancements.

It’s not a sportsbike, a cruiser, a scooter, a naked bike, adventure bike or a sports-tourer: it’s a new-breed of machine which couples performance, poise, comfort and practicality, all wrapped up in futuristic and radical styling whilst boasting some of the latest Honda technology.

The DN-01 introduces to motorcycling the most advanced fully automatic transmission ever developed for any two-wheeled vehicle – with HFT ‘human-friendly transmission’. Power comes from the proven and punchy Transalp 680cc V-twin, feeding through the HFT system, which offers auto, sports-auto or thumb-operated six-speed manual transmission modes, all providing smooth drive to the rear tyre without the lag of some traditional automatic transmission systems.

The low-slung chassis keeps the rider in total comfort and control, while Honda’s superb Combined ABS Braking System keeps braking distances to a minimum in all conditions as well as enhancing safety. And to minimise environmental impact, the oxygen-sensing catalyser system manages the air/fuel mixture to reduce emissions to well below EURO-3 regulations.

Like most of Honda’s larger displacement motorcycles, the new DN-01 also comes fully equipped with the highly capable Honda Ignition Security System (HISS) to protect against ride-away theft.

Whilst the DN-01 looks stunning as standard, it can be further enhanced with a range of Honda Genuine Accessories designed specifically for this model, to include: a custom styled backrest for extra pillion comfort, heated grips with adjustable temperature, Honda Motorcycle Navigation Kit, speakers for a rider’s MP3 player, Bluetooth connection for a mobile phone, a motion and vibration sensitive anti-theft AVERTO alarm system, sturdy U-lock and a rugged, full bike cover.

This new breed of machine made its debut in the UK at the International Scooter and Motorcycle Show at Birmingham ’s NEC in December last year, before its world media launch at Lake Como in April. Having inspired a ‘wow’ factor for many, coupled with limited availability in the UK this year, orders have already been received for the DN-01 as many motorcyclists have stared in awe at the machine’s futuristic looks and the user-friendly nature of the new HFT system.

Honda Motorcycle dealers across the country will be unveiling the DN-01 on Friday 1 August so to see this unique machine in the flesh, or to book at test ride, contact your local dealer.

Honda Motorcycle dealers can be located by calling Honda on 0845 200 8000, or by using the ‘Dealer Search’ facility within the Motorcycles area of www.honda.co.uk, where you can also find all the latest news and information about the full Honda motorcycle range, offers, genuine parts, accessories and forthcoming events.

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The legendary Honda RC 163

Honda’s impressive racing heritage will again be displayed at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed (11-13 July), with performances from two and four wheeled legends spanning five decades, and a host of Honda’s most famous racing champions.

New for 2008 on Honda’s consumer stand, Vicki Butler Henderson will host a Question of MotorSport where two teams of Honda racers will pit their sporting acumen against one another. The quiz will take place at 2pm on Saturday and Sunday.

On Saturday, team captain John McGuinness will be joined by quiz mates Alex Wurz and Stuart Graham, who will challenge John Surtees’ team of Cal Crutchlow and Mick Doohan. On Sunday, Jenson Button (captain) will be joined by Leon Haslam and Tommy Robb, to take on John McGuinness (captain) with his new team of Jim Redman and Ralph Bryans.

Blasting up the Goodwood Hill for Honda will be:

Motorcycles
Tommy Robb: RC 163 – Winner of all nine races in the 250cc class in the 1962 World Championship, the RC 163 took the Manufacturer’s and Rider’s Championships, contributing to Honda’s continuous streak of title wins with Jim Redman.

Stuart Graham: RC 174 – Winner of seven out of eight races in the 1967 World Championship, the RC 174, equipped with a DOHC 6-cylinder engine took the Manufacturer’s and Rider’s Championships in the 350cc class. It was also an IOM TT winner with Mike Hailwood.

Luigi Taveri: RC 163 – This machine’s victory in the 250cc class at the 1961 West German Grand Prix was the first GP win for a Japanese rider. The machine dominated the class, winning all 10 events it entered.

Bob Heath: RC 173 – One of the rarest motorcycles at the Festival, valued at more than £400,000 this is one of only two RC 173s built for Mike “the bike” Hailwood by Honda in 1965. This 4-cylinder, 350cc machine took Hailwood to victory in every Grand Prix he entered that year. The machine was re-built by Bob Heath with the help of Honda in Japan.

Jim Redman: Honda Superstock CBR1000RR 2008 – Honda’s lastest Fireblade capable of reaching 100mph in first gear! It’s currently leading the 2008 Superstock Championship in the hands of Steve Brogan.

Ralph Bryans: Honda RC 171 – This machine contested the 1962 Grand Prix Championship in the 350cc class. A successor of the RC 170, it debuted at the Ulster GP (Round 7) and contributed to Honda’s first 3-class sweep.

John McGuinness: 2007 TT winning Fireblade – Honda’s Fireblade power also features in the hands of the Isle of Man TT’s lap record holder at 130mph. John’s mastery of road circuits has made him one of the world legends of the sport. At Goodwood he’s riding the actual bike that broke the TT record and won four TT races.

Cal Crutchlow (Saturday) and Leon Haslam (Sunday): HM Plant Superstock Fireblade – This 200-plus horsepower rocket races in this year’s hotly contested British Superbike series. With a top speed of nearly 200mph, this is one of the fastest, best engineered racing bikes in the world today.

Mick Doohan: HM Plant Superbike Fireblade – Mick will ride Leon Haslam’s official 2008 Honda Fireblade Superbike machine which produces over 200bhp in the 2008 British Superbike Championship.

Cars
Alex Wurz (Saturday) and Jenson Button (Sunday): Honda RA107 – Powered by a 2.4 litre V8 engine, the Honda Racing F1 team’s 2007 challenger can reach maximum speeds of 211mph.

Tom Chilton (Friday), Stephen Worthy, Journalist (Saturday) and Vicki Butler Henderson (Sunday): 2008 Civic Type R BTCC – One of Britain’s most iconic hot hatches, Honda’s 2-litre Civic Type R has been a power to reckon with, spearheading the Team Halfords attack in the most challenging and demanding of series outside of F1.

Andrew Frankel, national freelance journalist: Tarquini’s Accord Super Touring BTCC 2000 – For more than a decade Honda has been at the forefront of Britain’s Touring Car Series. This outstanding Accord was driven in the British Touring Car Series in 1994 by Italian Gabrielli Tarquini and partnered by Britain’s James Thompson.

The full range of Honda cars, motorcycles and power products will be displayed on the Honda stand at Goodwood on each of the three days of the event.

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I’ve been curious about the bike used in The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo movie ever since the trailer came out, with a Trent Reznor version of Led Zeppelin’s “Immigrant Song” playing. The guys at Bike Exif have posted a wonderful article about how the bike(s) were prepared in Los Angeles by Justin Kell of Glory Motor Works. Kell came with the concept of having a bike that would seem logical for a person of Lisbeth Salander’s (played by Rooney Mara) age to own. The bike they ended up building was based on a late 60s Honda CB350. 3 examples were made for the movie.

Based on a 1983 Honda CB900 F2 Bol d’Or, the Spanish customiser Cafe Racer Dreams (CRD) has produced this masterpiece. Run by Pedro Garcia and partners, CRD produces customs based on Japanese motorcycles from the 70s and 80s. Updates are posted on their blog.

Honda’s RC211V gave Repsol Honda rider Valentino Rossi a distinct edge over the competition, an edge he used to win the 2002 MotoGP world championship. There was one particular advantage, though, he used to devastating effect: The ability to open the throttle earlier when exiting a corner. That advantage is directly attributable to Honda’s new Unit Pro-Link rear suspension, as used on the RC211V–and now on the CBR600RR.

The first generation of Honda’s Pro-Link rear suspension (which made its production debut on the 1981 CR250R) was unique because of its lower link pivot. That characteristic allowed the linkage design to create the desired degree of manually produced progressive spring rate. Unit Pro-Link takes the same concept to the next level.

Conventional rear suspensions attach the top eye of the shock unit to an upper rear frame cross-member. Unit Pro-Link, though, attaches the top eye to the top of the braced swingarm structure itself. Below the shock is a joined pair of arms at roughly right angles to each other, pivoting on a shaft attached to the bottom of the swingarm. One of these arms connects to the bottom shock eye, while the other is joined to the bottom of the frame by a pair of tension links.

As the rear wheel rises in passing over a bump, the pull of the tension links rotates the arms, compressing the shock from the bottom. The fact that the top of the shock moves upward with the swingarm is compensated for by increasing the rate at which the bellcrank compresses it from the bottom. Depending on the geometry of the linkage, the bottom of the shock moves more, and more rapidly, than the top of the shock. Compared to the shock used on the F4i, the RR’s shock has increased damper volume, and no hose connecting to the piggyback reservoir. The heavily braced swingarm features a press-forged right-side arm and a box-section extrusion left-side arm, both welded to a cast crossmember/pivot.

The Unit Pro-Link design provides a wealth of benefits. To begin with, the shock is contained entirely within the swingarm, and the shock is positioned lower than in a conventional design. Both contribute to mass centralization, in part by giving the centrally mounted fuel tank room to extend downward to the engine crankcases.

More importantly, with the top eye mounted to the top of the swingarm, shock absorber loads don’t get fed into the frame, so engineers were free to tune the frame to the best stiffness for superior handling. A new construction technique–Hollow Fine Die-Casting–also aided engineers in tuning the frame. Compared to the F4i, the CBR600RR’s frame features greater torsional stiffness at the steering head, decreased lateral stiffness via thinner rear frame rails, and vertical stiffness uncompromised by a beefy structure for the top shock mount. All together, those qualities reduce wheelspin when exiting corners, which allows the rider to start accelerating earlier. The result: Earlier throttle application translates into quicker corner exits, and the additional speed can be carried all the way down the next straight.

It’s a benefit that made the difference in the RC211V’s winning the MotoGP championship in its first year. It’s also an entirely new, groundbreaking technology that had been confined to the race track–until now, and the CBR600RR.

Hell Ride, a movie by Quentin Tarantino has the usual trademark sex, drugs, rock & roll and bikes. It’s about bad guys vs. even badder guys! One of the characters, Machete, (who happens to be one of the ‘even badder’ baddies) played by Francesco Quinn, son of legendary actor Anthony Quinn rides his own motorcycle, customised of course, in the movie. The producers took his 2006 Honda VTX1300 to Honda VP Ray Blank for a movie makeover. They painted the bike flat black and spilled gasoline over the paintjob, rubbing it in with a rag to give it a used and abused look. Also added were a Cobra exhaust, unique triple-beam headlights, Kellerman BL 1000 bar-end signals, K&N filter and jet kit. As you read this, the bike would have probably been signed by Francesco and auctioned off for charity. How’s this for a movie chopper? A Honda? Looks like the producers wanted something just a bit different from the usual Harleys and Indians normally used in this genre. Don’t worry, you’ll find plenty of those too.

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Honda (UK) is pleased to confirm its continued commitment to the British Superbike Championship for 2009 with the HM Plant Honda team on the CBR1000RR Fireblade.

Building on their long term relationship since 2004, Honda (UK) Racing and HM Plant will be looking to continue their successful partnership and performance for the sixth consecutive year, in what is considered the strongest domestic motorcycle racing championship in the world.

Steve Martindale, General Manager of Honda (UK) Motorcycles, commented, “I’m very happy to confirm Honda’s commitment to the British Superbike Championship for 2009 and also the team’s continued relationship with HM Plant. The British Superbike Championship is very strong and the high standard of rider talent and racing can be seen at every round. This was further highlighted by the excellent and highly competitive performances of the British riders, including HM Plant Honda riders Leon and Cal, who took part in the recent UK round of the World Superbike Championship. The team is still very much focused on the final two rounds of this season however, before turning its full attentions to preparations for the 2009 championship.”

HM Plant Chairman, John Jones, said, “We have been delighted with our relationship with Honda and the exposure achieved from the HM Plant Honda team partnership over the last five years and look forward to that continuing for many years to come.”

Honda (UK) Racing has a long and successful history in both British and World motorcycle racing championships, taking the World Superbike Championship title in 1997, 2000 and 2002 before wrapping up the British Superbike title in 2006 and 2007 as HM Plant Honda with Ryuichi Kiyonari. The team has also won many other events, including British Supersport titles with Karl Harris and many North West 200 and Isle of Man races, most notably with TT legend John McGuinness.

The British Superbike Championship is the most hard-fought domestic motorcycle racing championship in the world, attracting sponsors and riders from across the globe. The championship’s profile has risen over the last few seasons as television ratings and ‘live’ attendances at the track have increased.

Currently in the British Superbike Championship, HM Plant Honda riders Leon Haslam and Cal Crutchlow are in second and fourth places respectively with just two rounds remaining. Team-mate Steve Brogan is leading the National Superstock 1000 Championship and sits in fifth in the British Supersport Championship.

Details of the HM Plant Honda riders and class entries for 2009 are still to be finalised, but for further information about Honda (UK) Racing and the HM Plant Honda team, please visit www.honda-racing.co.uk.

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Shown here is the “Super Accent Ogano Woody Super Cub50″ by White House, Japan. The seat looks like it’s upholstered in leather and really cool retro-classic Honda logos have been fitted. I’m not sure if it’s really made from wood or metal painted to look like wood. Sure is cool though, don’t you think?

More pics below!

continue reading "WHITEHOUSE WOODY: CUSTOM HONDA SUPER CUB"

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. held a ceremony, July 21, 2008, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Super Cub sales which began in August 1958. The ceremony for associates was held at Honda’s new Kumamoto Factory where Super Cub is produced in Japan. The Honda Cub is the motorcycling world’s equivalent of iconic, world champion cars like Volkswagen’s Beetle, the Mini or Citroen 2CV. The Cub has been described as the world’s greatest motorcycle, ever!

“The reason we have been able to continue producing and selling Super Cub for 50 years, which is quite a long time, is because of our customers who enjoy using Super Cub every day,” said Takeo Fukui, president & CEO of Honda Motor Co, Ltd. “I would also like to thank Honda associates who have supported the history of Super Cub. Super Cub has continuously advanced to accommodate the needs and preferences of people throughout the world, and cumulative worldwide production of Cub series motorcycles reached the 60 million-unit milestone in April of this year. Moreover, in this year of the 50th anniversary of Super Cub, a new motorcycle plant has been built at this Kumamoto Factory, and the transfer of motorcycle production to the new plant will be completed within this year. I expect Kumamoto Factory to serve as the global leader of Honda’s motorcycle production operations around the world and to continue providing our customers with products that create new value.”

Since the introduction of the first Super Cub C100 model in 1958, Super Cub has been a long-selling product sold in more than 160 countries* to date, and customers around the world enjoy using Super Cub every day. Production of Super Cub in regions outside of Japan began in 1961 in Taiwan, with production based on component parts sets provided from Japan and was expanded to other countries based on Honda’s commitment to “build products close to the customer.” The Honda Cub series is currently being produced at 16 plants in 15 countries around the world.

* Honda’s internal data

KEY MILESTONES OF HONDA SUPER CUB SERIES
August 1958 Sales of Super Cub C100 began (air-cooled 4-stroke, single-cylinder OHV engine, 49cc, 4.5 horse power) Production site: Yamato Plant (later became Saitama Factory Wako Plant)
1959 Exports to the U.S. began
1960 Production at Suzuka Factory began
1961 Cumulative production reached 1 million-unit milestone
Production based on component parts sets began in Taiwan (first production outside of Japan)
1964 Sales of Super Cub C65 (the first OHC engine) began
1966 Sales of Super Cub C50 (OHC engine) began
1967 Cumulative production reached 5 million-unit milestone
1974 Cumulative production reached 10 million-unit milestone
1983 Fuel consumption of 180km/liter (30km/h constant-speed test value) achieved (Super Cub 50 Super Custom)
1988 Sales of Press Cub began
1991 Production was transferred to Kumamoto Factory
1992 Cumulative production reached 20 million-unit milestone
1997 Sales of Little Cub began
2005 Cumulative production reached 50 million-unit milestone
2007 An electronically-controlled fuel injection system, Honda’s PGM-FI, was installed on Super Cub 50, Press Cub 50 and Little Cub.
2008 Cumulative production reached 60 million-unit milestone (April)

バイカーブードゥー

UK bikers get the PGM-FI equipped ANF125i Innova, the European version of Asia’s underbone step-throughs (AKA ‘Kapchais’)

Honda (UK), in association with Honda Finance, has added a new and exciting model to its line-up of stars in the ‘The Legend of Zero’ 0% APR finance show reel.

The script – which enables customers to gain their freedom on two-wheels for minimal cost – now includes the Honda VT125C Shadow which boasts the looks and proportions of a big American cruiser. It has wide handlebars, teardrop tank, punchy, liquid-cooled 90-degree V-twin motor, chunky wire-spoked wheels and chromed two-into-one exhaust, but, has the running costs and practicality of a smaller machine.

This stylish cruiser joins the other ‘Legend of Zero’ stars which include one of Britain’s best-selling motorcycles – the sleek CBR125R – and four of Honda’s most popular scooters: the SH125i, SH300i, PS125i and ANF125i.

The CBR follows the design of Honda’s awesome sports bikes – the CBR600RR and CBR1000RR Fireblade – but distils the formula down into a practical and user-friendly package for learners and commuters alike. Last year the CBR125R was one of the best-selling motorcycles in the UK, appearing in the top ten of overall best-sellers.

Meanwhile, in the competitive scooter category, Honda leads the way with a breadth of machines unrivalled in the class. The SH125i combines a nippy four-stroke engine with sure-footed 16-inch ‘big-wheel’ handling, its bigger brother the SH300i offers all the ability of the 125i, but with the punch and performance of a mid-range machine. The ANF125i Innova is the true, spiritual successor to the original Honda Cub C90, offering step-through practicalities with modern technology and economy. The PS125i range is currently on offer in standard, ‘sporty’ and ‘special editions’, but each offers style, comfort and convenience as standard whether you’re commuting or just enjoying the ride.

Each and every one of ‘The Legend of Zero’ machines offer performance, practicality, reliability, fun, frugal fuel consumption and low running costs compared to other forms of transport!

From now until the end of the year you can purchase one of Honda’s stellar cast of lightweight motorcycles and scooters for as little as 10% deposit with finance over 24 months at 0% APR!

Honda (UK)’s ‘The Legend of Zero’ is showing now until 31 December 2008, so visit your local Honda dealer to meet the cast.

Honda Motorcycle dealers can be located by calling Honda on 0845 200 800, or by using the ‘Dealer Search’ facility within the motorcycles area on www.honda.co.uk, where you can also find all the latest news and information about the full Honda motorcycle range, offers, genuine parts and accessories and forthcoming events.

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Honda’s unique DN-01 motorcycle (details here) goes on sale on Friday 1 August from Honda Motorcycle dealers across the UK.

Available in two sleek colours of graphite black and pearl amethyst purple and priced at £9200*, the DN-01 – dream concept turned production reality motorcycle – with fully automatic transmission, is a truly unique machine in the world of motorcycling and defies being categorised.

Honda’s team of engineers set out to create an entirely new category of motorcycle and sought to combine elements of swift superbike performance, relaxed custom cruiser riding comfort, operating ease of a big scooter, attention grabbing and futuristic styling with unparalleled technological advancements.

It’s not a sportsbike, a cruiser, a scooter, a naked bike, adventure bike or a sports-tourer: it’s a new-breed of machine which couples performance, poise, comfort and practicality, all wrapped up in futuristic and radical styling whilst boasting some of the latest Honda technology.

The DN-01 introduces to motorcycling the most advanced fully automatic transmission ever developed for any two-wheeled vehicle – with HFT ‘human-friendly transmission’. Power comes from the proven and punchy Transalp 680cc V-twin, feeding through the HFT system, which offers auto, sports-auto or thumb-operated six-speed manual transmission modes, all providing smooth drive to the rear tyre without the lag of some traditional automatic transmission systems.

The low-slung chassis keeps the rider in total comfort and control, while Honda’s superb Combined ABS Braking System keeps braking distances to a minimum in all conditions as well as enhancing safety. And to minimise environmental impact, the oxygen-sensing catalyser system manages the air/fuel mixture to reduce emissions to well below EURO-3 regulations.

Like most of Honda’s larger displacement motorcycles, the new DN-01 also comes fully equipped with the highly capable Honda Ignition Security System (HISS) to protect against ride-away theft.

Whilst the DN-01 looks stunning as standard, it can be further enhanced with a range of Honda Genuine Accessories designed specifically for this model, to include: a custom styled backrest for extra pillion comfort, heated grips with adjustable temperature, Honda Motorcycle Navigation Kit, speakers for a rider’s MP3 player, Bluetooth connection for a mobile phone, a motion and vibration sensitive anti-theft AVERTO alarm system, sturdy U-lock and a rugged, full bike cover.

This new breed of machine made its debut in the UK at the International Scooter and Motorcycle Show at Birmingham ’s NEC in December last year, before its world media launch at Lake Como in April. Having inspired a ‘wow’ factor for many, coupled with limited availability in the UK this year, orders have already been received for the DN-01 as many motorcyclists have stared in awe at the machine’s futuristic looks and the user-friendly nature of the new HFT system.

Honda Motorcycle dealers across the country will be unveiling the DN-01 on Friday 1 August so to see this unique machine in the flesh, or to book at test ride, contact your local dealer.

Honda Motorcycle dealers can be located by calling Honda on 0845 200 8000, or by using the ‘Dealer Search’ facility within the Motorcycles area of www.honda.co.uk, where you can also find all the latest news and information about the full Honda motorcycle range, offers, genuine parts, accessories and forthcoming events.

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The legendary Honda RC 163

Honda’s impressive racing heritage will again be displayed at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed (11-13 July), with performances from two and four wheeled legends spanning five decades, and a host of Honda’s most famous racing champions.

New for 2008 on Honda’s consumer stand, Vicki Butler Henderson will host a Question of MotorSport where two teams of Honda racers will pit their sporting acumen against one another. The quiz will take place at 2pm on Saturday and Sunday.

On Saturday, team captain John McGuinness will be joined by quiz mates Alex Wurz and Stuart Graham, who will challenge John Surtees’ team of Cal Crutchlow and Mick Doohan. On Sunday, Jenson Button (captain) will be joined by Leon Haslam and Tommy Robb, to take on John McGuinness (captain) with his new team of Jim Redman and Ralph Bryans.

Blasting up the Goodwood Hill for Honda will be:

Motorcycles
Tommy Robb: RC 163 – Winner of all nine races in the 250cc class in the 1962 World Championship, the RC 163 took the Manufacturer’s and Rider’s Championships, contributing to Honda’s continuous streak of title wins with Jim Redman.

Stuart Graham: RC 174 – Winner of seven out of eight races in the 1967 World Championship, the RC 174, equipped with a DOHC 6-cylinder engine took the Manufacturer’s and Rider’s Championships in the 350cc class. It was also an IOM TT winner with Mike Hailwood.

Luigi Taveri: RC 163 – This machine’s victory in the 250cc class at the 1961 West German Grand Prix was the first GP win for a Japanese rider. The machine dominated the class, winning all 10 events it entered.

Bob Heath: RC 173 – One of the rarest motorcycles at the Festival, valued at more than £400,000 this is one of only two RC 173s built for Mike “the bike” Hailwood by Honda in 1965. This 4-cylinder, 350cc machine took Hailwood to victory in every Grand Prix he entered that year. The machine was re-built by Bob Heath with the help of Honda in Japan.

Jim Redman: Honda Superstock CBR1000RR 2008 – Honda’s lastest Fireblade capable of reaching 100mph in first gear! It’s currently leading the 2008 Superstock Championship in the hands of Steve Brogan.

Ralph Bryans: Honda RC 171 – This machine contested the 1962 Grand Prix Championship in the 350cc class. A successor of the RC 170, it debuted at the Ulster GP (Round 7) and contributed to Honda’s first 3-class sweep.

John McGuinness: 2007 TT winning Fireblade – Honda’s Fireblade power also features in the hands of the Isle of Man TT’s lap record holder at 130mph. John’s mastery of road circuits has made him one of the world legends of the sport. At Goodwood he’s riding the actual bike that broke the TT record and won four TT races.

Cal Crutchlow (Saturday) and Leon Haslam (Sunday): HM Plant Superstock Fireblade – This 200-plus horsepower rocket races in this year’s hotly contested British Superbike series. With a top speed of nearly 200mph, this is one of the fastest, best engineered racing bikes in the world today.

Mick Doohan: HM Plant Superbike Fireblade – Mick will ride Leon Haslam’s official 2008 Honda Fireblade Superbike machine which produces over 200bhp in the 2008 British Superbike Championship.

Cars
Alex Wurz (Saturday) and Jenson Button (Sunday): Honda RA107 – Powered by a 2.4 litre V8 engine, the Honda Racing F1 team’s 2007 challenger can reach maximum speeds of 211mph.

Tom Chilton (Friday), Stephen Worthy, Journalist (Saturday) and Vicki Butler Henderson (Sunday): 2008 Civic Type R BTCC – One of Britain’s most iconic hot hatches, Honda’s 2-litre Civic Type R has been a power to reckon with, spearheading the Team Halfords attack in the most challenging and demanding of series outside of F1.

Andrew Frankel, national freelance journalist: Tarquini’s Accord Super Touring BTCC 2000 – For more than a decade Honda has been at the forefront of Britain’s Touring Car Series. This outstanding Accord was driven in the British Touring Car Series in 1994 by Italian Gabrielli Tarquini and partnered by Britain’s James Thompson.

The full range of Honda cars, motorcycles and power products will be displayed on the Honda stand at Goodwood on each of the three days of the event.

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