Honda Announces More 2013 Models

American Honda released another wave of its 2013 model lineup, including four all-new models and some major updates for the CBR600RR. One of the new models is the CB1100, a classic-look naked bike with an air-cooled, four-cylinder engine that brings to mind the original air-cooled big-bore CB models. The remaining three models are all based on a liquid-cooled, 500cc twin-cylinder platform; the CBR500R, a sporting model intended to be a step up for riders from the CBR250R; the naked CB500F, essentially the same model with less bodywork and a more upright riding position; and the CB500X, an adventure-style bike with a larger fuel tank, longer-travel suspension and even more upright ergos.

CBR600RR
Updates for the middleweight CBR are focused on suspension tweaks, aerodynamic improvements and midrange engine performance. The ram-air intake duct has been redesigned, and along with tweaks to the EFI result in more midrange power and improved throttle response. The front fork is now a Showa 41mm BPF unit, while the rear shock absorber works via a revised linkage and has appropriately changed damping settings. Aerodynamic improvements to the bike are claimed to reduce drag by 6.5 percent compared with the previous model; interestingly, Honda's press material states that development and testing of the CBR bodywork led to improvements that were incorporated into the RC213V MotoGP machine. The improved aerodynamics are also said to enhance rider comfort and promote more agile handling. The CBR600RR is available in Red, White/Blue/Red or - for the first time on the middleweight CBR - a Repsol Edition. A C-ABS version is available in red only.

CBR500R
One of three new models based on the all-new liquid-cooled 500cc parallel twin-cylinder engine, the CBR500R is sporting-oriented with a sportbike riding position and full bodywork. The new engine features a 180-degree crankshaft and counterbalance, double overhead cams and four valves per cylinder, but bore and stroke are significantly different from the CBR250R at 67.0 x 66.8mm compared with 76.0 x 55mm. The fuel injected engine has a 10.7:1 compression ratio, six-speed transmission and 34mm throttle bodies. Up front are a 41mm fork, 320mm brake disc and a 120/70-sized tire; in the rear are a single shock with Pro-Link, 240mm brake disc and a 160/60-sized tire. The standard model ($5999) is available in Black, Pearl White/Blue/Red or Red, while the ABS model ($6499) is available in Red only.

CB500F
The naked F-model has engine and chassis specifications identical to the CBR500R model, but has a more upright riding position and less bodywork. A long list of accessories includes saddlebags, rear carrier and a variety of carbon fiber pieces. The standard model ($5499) is available in Black or Pearl White, and the ABS model ($5999) is available in Black only.

CB500X
The third model based on the new 500cc mill, the CB500X has adventure styling, more suspension travel (and a correspondingly higher seat height), a wider handlebar with more upright ergonomics, and a larger fuel tank (4.5 gallons vs. 4.1 gallons). The CB500X also has an extensive accessories list with more adventure-touring-oriented bits, such as saddlebags, knuckle guards, heated grips, centerstand and a tall windscreen. The standard and ABS models will be available in Matte Black Metallic only.

Returning Models

The CBR1000RR is offered in three color schemes for '13. The standard model ($13,800) in White/Blue/Red or the Repsol Edition, and the C-ABS model ($14,800) in black.