Honda today reveals its full 2020 European motorcycle line-up at EICMA in Milan. Headlined by a brand-new flagship model, the additions to Honda’s product range for 2020 span the worlds of racing, adventure, roadsters and commuters.
CBR1000RR-R Fireblade and CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP
For 28 years the words ‘Honda Fireblade’ have been synonymous with perfect handling, balance and sheer riding enjoyment. For 2020, Honda starts a new chapter in the Fireblade’s illustrious history with a new machine that is ‘Born to Race’.
Heavily inspired by the RC213V MotoGP machine and its street legal RC213V-S counterpart, the 2020 CBR1000RR-R Fireblade is powered by the most powerful inline four cylinder engine that Honda has ever made. Sharing the same bore and stroke as the RC213V-S, the 2020 CBR1000RR-R Fireblade delivers maximum power of 160kW at 14500rpm and peak torque of 113Nm at 12500rpm while tipping the scales at only 201kg.
The CBR1000RR-R will also be available in an SP variant. Complete with second generation semi-active Öhlins Electronic Control featuring 43mm NPX forks and Öhlins TTX36 Smart-EC rear shock, new Brembo Stylema four-piston radial-mounted front calipers and the same rear Brembo monoblock caliper as used on the RC213V-S.
In both variants, a cutting-edge aerodynamic package – also influenced by HRC’s multiple championship-winning RC213V – works in tandem with a new Bosch six-axis IMU. This replaces the five-axis unit of the previous design, giving supremely precise calculations of yaw, pitch and roll to allow even finer control of bike behaviour for unprecedented levels of handling and outright performance.
In line with Honda’s mass centralisation philosophy, both the CRB1000RR-R Fireblade and CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP are equipped with a lightweight titanium Akrapovic exhaust end can. Both will be available in two colour schemes: an HRC-inspired Grand Prix Red and a Matte Pearl Black.
SH125i
The market leading SH125i is practically a brand-new machine for 2020. Building on a million-selling heritage stretching back to the SH50 introduced in 1984, for 2020 the SH125i is equipped with a more powerful and efficient engine mated to a sleek, restyled body that offers over 50% more storage space thanks to its redesigned frame.
A new four-valve ‘eSP+’ EURO5 compliant engine powers the 2020 SH125i. Providing more top end power and stronger acceleration, the new engine also returns even greater fuel-efficiency than the outgoing model. Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) now joins Idling Stop as standard fitment.
The new redesigned frame not only improves handling, but also frees up extra and ever-useful internal storage space, with the SH now offering up to 28L of under seat storage. The inclusion of a USB charger, Honda Smart Key – which now operates together with the new Smart top box – and the optimisation of the rear suspension geometry enhance both practicality and comfort.
For 2020 the SH125i will again be joined by the SH150i, featuring all the same exciting updates and innovations.
CRF1100L Africa Twin and CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports
The recently revealed CRF1100L Africa Twin and CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports will also make their European motor show debut at EICMA.
Powered by a lighter more powerful 1100cc parallel twin engine – increasing both power and torque while meeting Euro5 requirements – both versions of the Africa Twin use a lighter, narrower frame, improving both agility and comfort. A first for Honda, the Africa Twin comes complete with a new 6.5in TFT colour touchscreen interface.
At the heart of each bike is a cutting-edge electronics package complete with a new six-axis IMU, which guides the Honda Selectable Torque Control, Wheelie and Rear Lift Control and Cornering ABS, while also allowing more intuitive gear shifts from the DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) system.
The CRF1100L Africa Twin – available in Grand Prix Red and Matte Ballistic Black – is primed for off-road adventure, with rally style body work, a slender 18.8L tank, low fixed screen and tubed tyres as standard.
The CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports stands apart from the base Africa Twin, coming fully equipped for the long haul with a five-stage adjustable screen, three stage cornering lights, tubeless tyres and a 24.8L tank. For 2020, the Adventure Sports comes with optional Showa Electronic Equipped Rider Adjustment suspension ensuring the perfect ride no matter the road conditions. It’s available in Pearl Glare White Tricolour and Darkness Black Metallic.
CMX500 Rebel
Honda’s A2 licence friendly 500cc parallel twin-cylinder compact cruiser receives a round of updates for 2020. Benefiting from revised suspension, full LED lighting – including a distinctively redesigned round headlight – a new gear position indicator, slipper clutch, more comfortable seat and new exhaust, the CMX500 Rebel is also now Euro5 compliant. The CMX500 Rebel S Edition comes in Matte Axis Grey Metallic with a new set of factory-fitted accessories, including headlight cowl, all-black fork covers and gaiters, plus a diamond-stitch style seat.
CB1000R
Honda’s flagship Neo Sports Café naked machine – the CB1000R – combines classic lines with a modern feel and exhilarating performance. Since its 2018 introduction, it has inspired a wide range of customisations, and for 2020, subtle cosmetic changes further enhance its premium look and commanding road presence.
Replacing silver accents, an all black triple clamp and stem are complemented by a new Metallic Matte Ballistic Black headlight surround. Colour changes to the rear spring and front brake discs are capped off with a striking silver racing stripe running up the spine of the fuel tank.