News
Honda (UK) Announces Gold Wing F6B ‘Bagger’ Coming to UK 11 Mar 2013

Honda (UK) is pleased to announce that the much talked-about Gold Wing F6B ‘Bagger’ is now coming to the UK. Originally not taken as a UK model, this decision has been reversed due to projected customer demand.

The Gold Wing F6B is a new breed of Gold Wing that sits alongside the original. Stripped, stylish and smooth, part custom, part cruiser the Gold Wing F6B is all 'Bagger': a touring bike distilled to its very essence. It flows fluidly from front to rear with striking design features throughout. The twin-spar aluminium frame provides strength and delivers a great handling motorcycle, as do 45mm anti-dive telescopic forks and Pro-Link rear suspension. Built to be at home in an urban environment as well as on the open road, the Gold Wing F6B is lighter – 28kgs less than the Gold Wing GL1800 – yet with the same chassis, power and incredible torque output. It is features such as these that have captured the imagination of UK bikers and that has lead growing pressure from prospective customers for the Gold Wing F6B to be available as a UK model.

There will however be only a limited number of Gold Wing F6B models brought in to the UK and these will be available only by advanced customer order and only from selected dealers. Interested parties should contact their local dealer for further information.

The F6B is due on sale in the UK in July 2013 and will be priced at £19,199 OTR. Media Information, including technical specifications and selection of images are now available online at the Honda UK Newsroom http://newsroom.honda.co.uk

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OSET Bikes to Feature at ISLE OF MAN TT 15 Feb 2013
OSET Bikes will feature at the 2013 Isle of Man TT. The world’s leading manufacturer of electric bikes will provide demonstrations and have-a-go experiences for members of the public.

Located between the race paddock and main grandstand, the prime location is ideal for families looking for a way to entertain their children in between the racing action.
Ian Smith, founder of OSET Bikes, said: "The Isle of Man TT is an iconic road race known the world over and we are delighted to be part of such a prestigious event. OSET Bikes are the perfect introduction to two-wheeled sport of any kind. Designed as an off-road trials bike, the aim is to teach children great balance, an understanding of body position on the bike and throttle control – all essential skills no matter what form of motor sport you end up riding.

"The largest model whilst perfect for 7 -12 year olds has more than enough guts for grown-ups to have a lot of fun! Isle of Man favourite, Guy Martin enjoyed pulling wheelies on it last year and the TYCO race team are using the OSET 20 as a pit bike.

Bruce Baker, from the Isle of Man Department of Economic Development, said: "We are delighted OSET Bikes will make up part of the TT experience. We think it will really add to spectators’ enjoyment seeing children as young as four demonstrate incredible skills. With the opportunity to have a go themselves, OSET Bikes is the place to be this year, for anyone interested in introducing motorbikes to their kids.”

Gary Thompson, Clerk of the Course for the IOM TT, said: "I’m delighted that OSET Bikes will make up part of the entertainment at the Grandstand, this again demonstrates the diversity of motorcycle sport and what is available to very young riders in a safe and controlled environment”.

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Dennison Trailers look forward to supporting John McGuinness for another year in 2013 2 Dec 2012


McGuinness to stay with Honda

Morecambe’s John McGuinness has today (Sunday) announced that he will remain with the Honda TT Legends team for a third successive term and will again contest the Endurance World Championship, Isle of Man TT and North West 200 road races in 2013.

The nineteen-time TT winner will again be joined by Australian Cameron Donald and fellow Brit Simon Andrews for the four-round EWC season and they will be joined by 13-time NW200 winner and three-time TT victor Michael Rutter who will also line up on the Honda CBR1000 Fireblade at the North West 200 and Isle of Man TT. The team will run a third rider on the roads with Michael Dunlop joining John and Rutter at the NW200 and TT, thus giving them a great chance of success.

The Honda TT Legends machine will run in updated livery for 2013 with a tri-colour design replicating that of the 2013 production Fireblade.

Speaking about the new deal, John commented; "I’m really pleased to be involved with the team again. For EWC, I know the tracks, I know the bike and we’re ready to start upping our game even more. We’ve done well during the development stage over the last couple of years but this is the year for us to fight for the podium and challenge for the championship. As for the roads, it’s second nature for me now. I've been with Honda since 2006 and Ilove working with the same crew that I’ve been with for so many years. The whole package just works and I don’t want to change that. It will be my third year withthe Legends teamso I’m ready to get stuck in and hopefully get some more wins.”

Although not yet confirmed, McGuinness is expected to continue his relationship with the Padgetts Honda team for the Superstock and Supersport classes on the roads and in the National Superstock 1000cc Championship.



Above Photo: L-R Michael Dunlop, Simon Andrews, Michael Rutter and John McGuinness

Top Photo: L-R Michael Dunlop, John McGuinness (seated), Michael Rutter and Simon Andrews

Pictures by Honda Racing
Article by Philip Wain
Vespa 946 - NOW TAKING ORDERS 13 Nov 2012

 

Last year, Piaggio showcased the new 'Vespa 46' (or '946') at the EICMA 2011 Milan, and now it's almost here.

A modern version of the MP6 prototype which was released in 1946, the Vespa 946 combines the classic form of the iconic scooter with a softened futuristic silhouette. Also updated is the engine - 125cc 3 valve - which has reduced consumption and exhaust emission while lowering the noise level.

The price has not yet been announced but is expected to be £6000-7000.
Delivery will summer 2013.
Ride on a CBT!

Scooterden are now taking orders for this limited edition model. If you would like to pre-order, or for more information, please contact us [CLICK HERE]




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Honda Announces Completion of 2013 Line-up with Five New Models for the UK 12 Nov 2012
Honda has added to its uniquely full range of motorcycles and scooters, with the announcement of the following new and upgraded models for the UK market, on the eve of the EICMA show in Milan.

The fully-faired CBR500R takes strong design cues from the CBR1000RR Fireblade, and provides an excellent first big sports bike experience. It will also appeal to experienced riders looking for a great value alternative to larger sports bikes, and is equipped with ABS as standard.

The naked CB500F, with design inspired by the CB1000R, makes an ideal first full-size motorcycle – and with its high build quality, affordable price point and low running costs will also make a great long-term partner. It is also equipped with ABS as standard.

The CB500X is the latest addition to Honda’s range of adventure motorcycles. Physically taller, with longer travel suspension, a little more wheelbase and bigger fuel tank than its siblings, the CB500X has styling derived from the 1200cc V4 Crosstourer. It is equipped with ABS as standard and offers both an ideal start to a lifelong motorcycling adventure, and an attractive alternative for experienced riders looking for a practical, affordable big bike both for commuting and weekend fun.

The NSS300 Forza is a new high specification, mid-size sporty sit-in scooter, powered by an engine that delivers long-range commuting performance with a compact chassis that offers storage for two full-faced helmets.

For 2013, Honda’s Supersports jewel has been significantly upgraded, with a new-look face, MotoGP-inspired bodywork and aerodynamics. Handling has been further improved with the addition of 41mm Showa Big Piston Forks, refined rear suspension and new 12-spoke wheels, whilst remapped fuel injection and air intake control settings make for even better throttle response. The 2013 CBR600RR will also be available in a new Repsol colour scheme.  

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30th Annual Weston Beach Race (2012) 15 Oct 2012
Motoden & Scooterden's own Tim and George competed in this years 30th anniversary Weston beach race. The weather was perfect, the going was tough! George finished middle of the field in the Old Fart's class Over 40s class, & Tim is going to be doing a bit more sand practice for next years outing!
Honda announces support of European Junior Cup 7 Oct 2012
Honda has announced that it will sponsor next season’s European Junior Cup – a championship designed to identify and develop young motorcycle racing talent from around the world.

From next season, Honda will be the main sponsor and technical partner of the series, which will support up to eight European rounds of the FIM eni World Superbike championship, sharing the paddock with top Honda riders such as Jonathan Rea and Leon Haslam.

Young riders from 14-19 years and based in countries from Europe to Asia, as well as the USA and Australia, will race on an exciting new Honda sports machine that is expected to be launched at the forthcoming EICMA motorcycle show in Milan, Italy (15-18 November), when further details of the 2013 European Junior Cup will also be announced.

The prize for the winner of the championship will be a ride the following season in a Honda team in the UEM Superstock 600 European Championship, endorsing Honda’s leadership in nurturing young motorcycle racing talent for future world championships.

Honda also announced at the recent MX des Nations in Belgium, the European 150 Championship for 11-14-year-olds, supporting European rounds of the World Motocross MX1 championship and featuring the company’s CRF150 four-stroke motocross machine.

Carlo Fiorani, racing operations manager of Honda Motor Europe, commented: "This is another exciting announcement that confirms Honda’s commitment to develop young racing talent. We are basing it on a pyramid structure that begins with national championships around the world, like the NSF100 and Hornet series, and builds to the very top level of world championship racing.”

He added: "Michael van der Mark is a great example of this progression and he has progressed from a Junior Cup in the Netherlands, to Superstock 600 and, next season, to the World Supersport championship with Pata Honda. A ride in the Superstock 600 series in 2014, is the first prize in the new European Junior Cup.”

Gerry Bryce, of Racedays Promotions, the Germany-based company that will organise and promote the European Junior Cup, said: "Racedays are very pleased to join Honda in their exciting global development programme for young riders. The European Junior Cup format has proved to be a great success and we look forward to working with Honda, Pirelli, and the World Superbike Championship to produce the next generation of top level road racers.”

Young riders interested in applying for the 2013 European Junior Cup powered by Honda, are invited to visit http://hondaproracing.com/europeanjuniorcup/register to register their initial interest.

They will be contacted by Racedays Promotions as soon as further details are available and the new Honda model is unveiled in Milan.
Honda unveils Dakar model - the CRF450 Rally 2 Oct 2012
Honda has unveiled its CRF450 Rally model at the 2012 International Motorcycle, Scooter and Bike Fair in Cologne, Germany. The new machine will compete in the motorcycle class in the 2013 Dakar Rally to be held next January. 

From 1981, Honda competed nine times in the forerunner of the current Dakar Rally, the Paris-Dakar Rally. Cyril Neveu from France rode Honda to its first victory in 1982 in the race's fourth year and, from 1986 to 1989, Honda won four consecutive titles for an overall record of five victories in nine years. 

Honda will compete in the forthcoming Dakar Rally, the world's toughest race, with the aim of putting the fuel efficiency and endurance technology developed for its commercial vehicles to new challenges and, in turn, use the technology acquired from the race in commercial applications. 

The CRF450 Rally, based on Honda's commercial CRF450X enduro racing model, is fitted with Honda's Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI*) electronic fuel injection system to ensure fuel efficiency and durability. Honda will be aiming for its first rally victory with a model based on a production machine. 

Johnny Campbell (USA), an 11-time US Baja 1000 champion, will join the four riders already announced for Honda's 2013 Dakar challenge - Helder Rodrigues (Portugal), Felipe Zanol (Brazil), Sam Sunderland (United Kingdom) and Javier Pizzolito (Argentina) - to complete the five-man Honda team. 

The CRF450 Rally model currently under development has already undergone testing in Japan and will be ridden in its first race at the Morocco Rally 2012 from 14 October. The five riders set to compete in the Dakar Rally will ride the Morocco Rally mainly to gather data, identify any problems with the machine under race conditions, and pinpoint any operational issues.

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Yamaha's Tommy Hill aims to turn showdown standings around with Silverstone success 26 Sep 2012
The MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship Showdown continues this weekend (28/29/30 September) as the Swan Yamaha team head to Silverstone for the penultimate round of the season and Tommy Hill will be setting out for success at the Northamptonshire circuit.

Defending champion Hill endured a tough event at Assen last weekend, but he has already put that disappointment behind him as he sets out to close down the 22 point deficit in the standings to leader Josh Brookes. Hill arrives at the circuit in third position in the title chase but in the knowledge that last season he scored a double podium finish.

On the other side of the garage Noriyuki Haga returns to the circuit where he has previously claimed six podium finishes and a victory in the World Superbike Championship. Having found a direction with the setup that gave him more confidence at Assen, he is seeking a return to the podium again.

Hill said: "We had a disappointing start to the Showdown and our title defence but it also shows how quickly the championship can turn around. Last weekend was definitely not what we needed; we need to be winning races. As the saying goes it is all for us to gain and everyone else's to lose at Silverstone. Hopefully we can push on and if the others have some bad luck then we can be back up there ready for the three races at Brands Hatch. We will be coming out at Silverstone to ride at the top of our game; nothing but wins will do from now until the last race of the season. We are now on the back foot but it can all change so quickly; we know the job ahead and we won't be giving up yet!"

Haga said: "At Assen we found a good direction with the setting and we feel positive that this could work at Silverstone too.  I like this track as before in World Superbike I have had good results there and know the track well. My shoulder has not had time to improve any more as there is little time between races but I still try hard to get podiums."

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Suzuki's Brookes & Jacobson Victorious at Assen 24 Sep 2012
There was double delight for Tyco Suzuki in the Netherlands on Sunday with PJ Jacobsen winning his first British Supersport race for the team on their GSX-R600, and Josh Brookes taking the lead of the British Superbike Championship after a thrilling race two victory on his GSX-R1000 Superbike.

Brookes was second in the opening Superbike encounter, and as the series now enters the penultimate round this coming weekend at Silverstone, the Aussie holds a two point lead over main rival Shane Byrne. Jacobsen took ninth in Saturday’s Supersport race after suffering a number of small problems with Alastair Seeley 19th and 20th in his two BSB races.

Josh Brookes:"We suffered a bit with chatter here this weekend and tyre wear but we just managed it and found a set up where we could do the lap times that were good enough to win the second race. We did make a few small changes for race two which gave me better performance on the GSX-R1000, and I was able to run the race to Shakey. I was always going to try and make the pass, just didn’t expect it to come down to the final chicane, but it was a good weekend and thanks to the whole team for the effort.”

PJ Jacobsen:"On Sunday we had a way better tyre and set up of the bike, and like Philip told me, I just put Saturday’s result in the box and forgot about the disappointment. I knew the second race would go down to the wire and I also know these boys can be super aggressive so I had to give the same back. But I think I proved on Sunday that the Suzuki GSX-R600 is a top supersport bike, and at a circuit where you are pretty much wide open for a lot of the lap.”

 Philip Neill – Team Manager:"What a weekend. We love Holland! It was a difficult enough start for everyone with limited testing and a different type of circuit to deal with. The boys in the garage worked extra hard this weekend to find a set up that gave enough tyre life for a race duration. This is like the start of the championship now for me – like round one – so there is plenty of work to do, but to come away just a few points in front of Shakey and have pulled a bit of a gap on Tommy Hill, we have to be pleased.

"On Saturday we got it a little wrong in the first 600 race but the boys made the right decision for race two on Sunday and we knew PJ would have the pace on the GSX-R600 to be up there. It was a great race and nice to see him winning at the next level in British championship.”

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