Japanese firm unveils more new metal for 2022 at Milan bike show
It was cancelled last year due to COVID-19, but the Milan EICMA bike show is back. And Honda’s been showing off a load of new 2022 models on its stand. Here’s the pic of the bikes on show from today.
2022 Honda Fireblade 30th anniversary edition
The awesome Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade and SP are joined by a new 30th anniversary edition, with special paintwork to celebrate the original machine, launched back in 1992. It’s a re-interpretation of the ‘tricolour’ red/white/blue scheme of the 92 bike, combining the modern styling with the original brush-stroke paint.
Meanwhile the SP version comes in Grand Prix Red or Matte Pearl Morion Black, both with gold wheels, while the standard Fireblade comes in GP red only.
Under the new paint, the Fireblade has had some detail engine mods. Power remains the same at 214bhp, but the midrange drive has been strengthened with revised intake ports, airbox, airbox funnels and exhaust mid-section. The compression ratio has also been increased from 13.2:1 to a heady 13.4:1. The rear sprocket has gone up three teeth for even harder acceleration, while the traction control setup has been tweaked for even better performance on the edge of grip.
Finally, the Nissin brake calipers on the standard ‘Blade have a new piston coating for better braking, and the quickshifter on the SP has been tweaked too.
ADV350
Honda’s X-ADV ‘adventure scooter’ drew some brickbats when it was launched, but it’s been a decent hit for the firm, especially in European markets, where the 750cc engine, long-travel suspension and soft-dirtbike styling have struck a chord.
And now there’s a new, smaller variant, with a 330cc SOHC four-valve single-cylinder motor, making 29bhp, and equipped with a full traction control system. The bore and stroke are 77mm x 70.8mm, with compression ratio of 10.5:1. A roller-type rocker arm, plain journal crank bearings and sealed crankcases are all standard stuff, but there is a CRF450-style oil cooling jet sprayed on the bottom of the piston. The intake charge is supplied via a 5.5 litre airbox and a 36mm throttle body feeds fuel/air mixture to 28mm inlet valves. The intake port draws air in through a ‘tumble’ flow within the cylinder for consistent fuel combustion.
The final drive uses a standard scooter CVT auto-transmission and V-belt to the rear wheel. The frame is also standard scooter tech: a steel tube underbone design, but the running gear is the longer-travel design as used on the X-ADV750. 37mm USD forks and twin rear shocks look after the suspension, while disc brakes front and rear give good stopping power. And wide block-style tyres add a touch of dirt style. All-up weight is 186kg ready-to-ride, and there’s extensive riding equipment, USB charging sockets, underseat storage space, height-adjustable windscreen, keyless ignition and a Smartphone Voice Control system.
The new ADV350 won’t be taking on any serious off-road terrain, but as a stylish entrant into the urban jungle scramble, it looks like just the job.
New Hornet on the way
The original Honda CB600 F Hornet was one of the firm’s biggest hits in the late 1990s, but was discontinued in 2014. But Honda’s bringing it back, and there’s a sneak preview of the new incarnation at EICMA.
Showcased in a special area within the Honda stand, projection mapping is used to full effect in a vivid 3D display of light and sound that both looks back at previous Hornet generations, and forward to what is to come in 2022/23.
Bold New Colourways
Honda’s also unveiled a host of new paint jobs:
SH125i and SH150i
Two brand-new colours add contemporary sports appeal to the SH125i (Europe’s best selling scooter in 2021) and SH150i. Mat Pearl Cool White and Mat Rock Grey feature exclusive detailing that includes floor stripe with SH logo, red SH logos and silver headlight stripes.
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X-ADV
Regarded as the world’s first ‘2 wheeled SUV’, the X-ADV has three new colours for 2022: Mat Ballistic Black Metallic, Mat Iridium Gray Metallic and Harvest Beige.
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Forza 125 and Forza 350
Both the 125 and 350 versions of Honda’s sports GT scooter family get new colours for 2022:
The Forza 125 will be available in Pearl Falcon Gray, Mat Black Gray Metallic and Mat Pearl Pacific Blue, and the Forza 350 in Mat Carnelian Red Metallic.
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CB650R and CBR650R
The four cylinder middleweight naked CB650R has a new Sword Silver Metallic colour, while both the Mat Gunpowder Black Metallic and Grand Prix Red of the CBR650R feature updated graphic treatment.
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CMX500 Rebel and CMX1100 Rebel
Europe’s best selling custom machine in 2021, the CMX500 Rebel has a cool new Pearl Organic Green option for 2022, while its 1100cc sibling will now be available in Pearl Stallion Brown.
GL1800 Gold Wing and GL1800 Gold Wing ‘Tour’
The majestic Gold Wing comes in a contemporary new Mat Jeans Blue Metallic colour for 2022, while the range-topping Gold Wing ‘Tour’ has two new vivid colour options in the shape of Glint Wave Blue Metallic and Pearl Glare White.