Riders of Honda’s current model CBR100RR Fireblades have been advised to slow down and maybe even stop riding the bike due to an issue that could cause oil to dangerously leak on to the back tyre.
According to the official recall notice issued through the Australian Government, heat from the exhaust pipes could damage the oil cooler hose causing a leak.
They say it’s a “manufacturing issue”, but it sounds like a design fault to me.
And it’s serious.
“If the oil cooler hose becomes damaged, it may lead to a loss of engine oil on to the rear tyre,” warns the recall notice.
“The rear tyre may lose traction without warning. This may lead to serious injury or death to the rider and other road users.”
When parts become available owners will be contacted by Honda and asked to contact their nearest authorised Honda Motorcycle Dealer to have their motorcycle inspected and repaired free of charge.
Until the inspection and repair are carried out, owners of the 27 affected bikes are advised not to ride above 5000rpm in first gear, as this could raise the temperature around the oil cooler outlet pipe and may result in hose being damaged and an oil leak to occur.
If you find an oil leak at the pre-ride inspection, stop riding, and immediately contact your nearest Honda Australia dealer.
Even though manufacturers and importers usually contact owners when a recall is issued, the bike may have been sold privately to a rider unknown to the company.
Therefore, Motorbike Writer publishes all motorcycle and scooter recalls as a service to all riders.
If you believe there is an endemic problem with your bike that should be recalled, contact the ACCC on 1300 302 502.
To check whether your motorcycle has been recalled, click on these sites:
Many of my long-term readers will know I have somewhat of a fetish for Fireblades.
Trev’s 1993 and 1995 Fireblades in Scotland when he took them to the UK for the Isle of Man TT in 2019. Pictured here outside a Sea King helicopter, the likes of which Trev used to control in the Navy during a previous life. Trev and Ant rode them up the east coast of the UK up into Scotland then across to the Isle of Man for the TT, including some laps of the mountain course!
I own a 1993 first generation, a 1995 and a very tasty 2014 Fireblade SP that won the Australasian FX Superbike Championship in the hands of Wayne Maxwell. I had to have the SP as it looks simply glorious in its very Honda looking red, white and blue livery.
Trev’s 2014 Fireblade SP – The last of the non ride-by-wire generation of Superbikes
While my 1993 is black, the most renowned livery for the first generation model is the white, red, blue seen below.
1992 Honda Fireblade
For the 2022 model year Honda has treated an improved latest 2022 CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP model to a livery that celebrates the 1992 original, a 30th anniversary ode to the roots of the Fireblade.
30th anniversary Fireblade SPThe famous designer of the original Fireblade, Tadao Baba, was back to reminisce on where the movement began. Featuring alongside three prominent project leaders who followed in his footsteps, looking back at 30 years of Fireblade history.
It looks great, and I am generally a traditionalist in these things, but the black colour scheme is absolutely outstanding.
I am not generally too keen on black bikes, but for this, I will make an exception to that rule…
How good does this black model look!
Trev loves this black livery available for 2022A look back through the brochures produced to market each generation of Fireblade in their respective eras
Obviously the Fireblade has been more about performance than window dressing, and for 2022 the Fireblade has received performance-focussed improvements centred on mid-corner acceleration and drive: intake ports, airbox, airbox funnels and exhaust mid-section have all been revised to deliver extra mid-range.
The Fireblade SP’s in-line four-cylinder engine delivers 112Nm at 12,500rpm and makes peak power of 160Kw (215 hp) at 14,500rpm.
The final drive sprocket goes up 3 teeth, to 43, for stronger acceleration through each ratio and quick-shifter performance has been upgraded. New for 22YM, for smoother airflow on an opening throttle, the ‘dirty’ side of the air filter has been adjusted to control the direction of intake air separation and vortex generation. On the ‘clean’ side, filtered air now feeds slashcut intake funnels, with #2 and #3 shortened by 15mm. Also, and to match, the inner diameter of the intake ports has been partially narrowed to increase airflow velocity, improving filling efficiency thus performance through the midrange.
The engine uses a compact, short-stroke layout – sharing the bore and stroke of the RC213V – and features a semi-cam gear train, finger-follower rocker arms, titanium conrods, RC213VS internal friction reduction technologies, piston jets with check ball system and a built-in bottom bypass passage for the cylinder water jacket. A ram-air duct in the front fairing feeds directly through the headstock. The 4-2-1 exhaust downpipes are oval and feed a titanium Akrapovič end-can.
In 2020 the CBR1000RRR Fireblade HSTC gained slip rate control (which monitors the rate at which slip is changing based on the ratio of front/rear wheel speeds) to smoothly moderate rapid wheel spin. For 2022 the gap between the intervention timing and slip rate has been changed for much smoother, more intuitive grip. For 20YM The CBR1000RRR Fireblade HSTC gained slip rate control (which monitors the rate at which slip is changing based on the ratio of front/rear wheel speeds) to smoothly moderate rapid wheel spin. For 22YM the gap between the intervention timing and slip rate has been changed for much smoother, intuitive grip management, with software developed with wide-ranging, top-level feedback from around the world, including HRC’s riders.
A six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) provides accurate 3D estimation of riding dynamics and provides input to manage all of the electronic systems. It also controls the rod-type 3-level Honda Electronic Steering Damper (HESD).
The rest of the chassis – comprising aluminium diamond-style frame, RC213V-S-style swingarm, six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) and 3-level Honda Electronic Steering Damper (HESD) – is unchanged.
Öhlins Smart Electronic Control (SE-C) 43mm NPX forks and TTX36 rear shock offer race quality suspension, with settings managed by second-generation Öhlins Object Based Tuning interface (OBTi). The front discs are worked by Brembo Stylema four-piston calipers and Brembo brake lever/master cylinder, the ABS is adjustable for track riding.
Top shelf suspension is provided by Öhlins Smart Electronic Control (S-EC) and OBTi user interface, with braking front and rear by Brembo.
Honda’s RC213V MotoGP machine leant some of its slippery aerodynamics to the Fireblade, including winglets to increase downforce and improve braking stability. The riding position is also very compact. Honda claim a ‘best in class’ drag coefficient of 0.270
The bodywork and riding position maintain an uncompromising focus on aerodynamic performance, and the fairing features MotoGP-derived winglets to generate downforce.
A fully customisable 5-inch TFT display offers intuitive control via a four-way switch on the left handlebar. Honda’s Smart Key system adds convenience.
A full-colour TFT screen offers intuitive control of riding modes and adjustment of Power, Engine Brake, HSTC, Wheelie Control, Start Mode and ABS modes.
2022 Honda CBR-1000RR-R Fireblade SP 30th anniversary edition alongside the 1992 original
These new Fireblade models are only made in limited production runs and are expected to arrive in Australia during the second-quarter of 2022. Pricing TBA.
Öhlins NPX SEC 43mm telescopic fork with preload, compression and rebound adjustments, 125 mm stroke
Öhlins TTX36 SEC Pro-Link swingarm with preload, compression and rebound damping, 143 mm stroke.
Rim Size Front 17 inch x 3.5 Rim Size Rear 17 inch x 6.0
Tyres – 120/70ZR-17 (F), 200/55ZR17 (R)
Tyres Front 120/70ZR17 M/C (58W)
Front 330 mm disc with radial-mount 4-piston Brembo Stylema calipers
Rear 220 mm disc with 2-piston Brembo caliper
Quick-shifter
Available – Q2 2022
Price – TBA
2022 Honda CBR-1000RR-R Fireblade SP2022 Honda CBR-1000RR-R Fireblade SP2022 Honda CBR-1000RR-R Fireblade SP 30th anniversary edition2022 Honda CBR-1000RR-R Fireblade SP 30th anniversary edition alongside the 1992 original2022 Honda CBR-1000RR-R Fireblade SP2022 Honda CBR-1000RR-R Fireblade SP2022 Honda CBR-1000RR-R Fireblade SP2022 Honda CBR-1000RR-R Fireblade SPIf I was 20 again I would probably buy one and tour on it, like when I crossed Australia in 40 hours on a Fireblade back in 2006
Over the last couple of months, Honda has announced the 2022 updates for multiple models in its portfolio. These included the Africa Twin and the CB500 platform, which comprises the CB500X, CBR500R, and CB500F. VisorDown has now reported on how much these motorcycles will cost you in Europe..
2022 Honda CB500X, CBR500R, and CB500F price
For 2022, the CB500X adv-tourer, fully-faired CBR500R, and street-naked CB500F received some notable updates, including a new swingarm, inverted Showa 41mm SFF-BP forks, lighter wheels, dual front disc brakes, and retuned fuel-injection settings.
Prices for the CB500 range start at £5,849 (around $8,078) for the 2022 Honda CB500F. The bike is available in Matt Axis Grey Metallic, Pearl Smokey Grey, Pearl Dusk Yellow, and Grand Prix Red colour schemes.
Prices for the CB500X start at £6,349 (about $8,769), and the bike will be available in three colour schemes —Matt Gunpowder Black Metallic, Pearl Organic Green, and Grand Prix Red.
The most expensive model in the lineup is the CBR500R, for which prices start at £6,399 (around $8,838). Available in Matt Gunpowder Black Metallic and Grand Prix Red colour schemes, the CBR500R is a beautiful motorcycle.
VisorDown reports that the CB500 range costs only about £100 more than the 2021 model year motorcycles.
2022 Honda Africa Twin CRF1100L price
The standard 2022 Honda Africa Twin CRF1100L with the manual gearbox is priced at £13,049 ($18,023). Opting for the DCT, meanwhile, will set you back an additional £900 ($1,243) at £13,949 ($19,266). The bike is available in Matt Ballistic Black Metallic, Grand Prix Red, and Pearl Glare White colour schemes for 2022.
On the other hand, prices for the higher-spec Honda Africa Twin Adventure Sports model start at £14,749 ($20,371). The Adventure Sports DCT model will cost you £1,200 more at £15,949 ($22,028). The bike is available in Pearl Glare White (Tricolour) and Matt Ballistic Black Metallic.
For 2022, the Africa Twin features no notable updates and costs £100 more than the previous generation model.
We knew an Africa Twin powered sports-touring machine was coming from Honda and tonight we can reveal the full details, meet the new NT1100.
We really like the 1084 cc parallel-twin here at MCNews.com.au, it might only make just a tick over 100 horsepower but, for a parallel twin, it has a heap of character and grunts along really well thanks to 104 Nm at 6250 rpm.
2022 Honda NT1100 with optional panniers
The dual-clutch transmission also works fantastic in its latest guises and I have no doubt the six-speed semi-auto box will work brilliantly in the new NT1100.You pay a 10 kg penalty for choosing DCT over the conventional manual, but in our experience the extra reciprocating weight of the DCT clutches, and other paraphernalia that makes the magic happen, actually adds a little more engine character into the equation, making the bike feel as though it is running a heavier crank.Kerb weight ready to ride with a full 20.4-litre fuel tank is a claimed 238 kg for the manual, 248 kg for the auto. An optional quick-shifter is available for the manual version.
2022 Honda NT1100
The 6.5-inch full-colour TFT screen complete with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto also makes the transition from the Africa Twin.
2022 Honda NT1100 with optional panniers
The backbone of the machine is the proven steel semi-double cradle frame and bolt-on sub-frame that has been well proven on the adventure machine. For dedicated road use in the NT chassis geometry is changed from the Africa Twin with rake/trail set at 26.5-degrees/108 mm but a decent 175 mm of ground clearance is retained.
2022 Honda NT1100 with optional panniers
We are somewhat surprised at just how large the five-stage adjustable screen and how expansive the overall weather and wind protection is on the NT1100.
2022 Honda NT1100 fitted with optional panniers, top-box and backrest
It certainly looks as though it might be one of the most comfortable sports-touring machines on the market, with the emphasis on touring of course, it won’t rip your arms off like a Superduke GT or some of the other 150+ horsepower beasts that now dominate the category.
Honda NT1100
Cruise control and heated grips are standard while the expansive looking stepped seat has a quoted height of 820 mm which should make it easily manageable for most.
2022 Honda NT1100 with optional panniers
Expansive integrated hard panniers are standard in some markets but will be optional accessories in Australia. They are tucked in well at the rear which makes the widest part of the rear of the bike only 901 mm.Volume is 33 litres on the left and 32 litres on the right. An optional 50-litre top-box expands storage further.
2022 Honda NT1100 with optional panniers
A USB socket, centre-stand and auxiliary power socket are all standard fitment. As is LED lighting throughout.
2022 Honda NT1100
Showa provide the suspension. Inverted 43 mm forks adjustable for pre-load and rebound damping while the rear shock has hydraulically assisted pre-load adjustment. Travel is 150 mm at both ends. No mention so far of the Showa semi-active electronic suspension that can be optioned on the Africa Twin.
Honda NT1100
Rim and rubber sizes are strictly road focussed with a 120/70-17 front and 180/55-17 rear.
2022 Honda NT1100
310 mm discs and Nissin four-piston radial calipers take care of the stopping duties up front assisted by a 256 mm rear with both ends backed up by ABS.
Honda NT1100
Traction and wheelie control are also standard and switchable through three levels of intervention. ‘Urban’, ‘Rain’ and ‘Tour’ are the standard modes while two more user selectable modes enable the rider to set their own mix of preferences and save them as favourites.
The NT1100 is due in Australia some time in the second quarter of 2022 but pricing details are not going to be released until closer to its arrival. If it lands at somewhere around 20k ride away we reckon it will win plenty of fans. I am certainly looking forward to throwing a leg over it.
Honda NT1100
2022 Honda NT1100 Specifications
2022 Honda NT1100 Specifications
Engine
Liquid-cooled 4-stroke 8-valve Parallel Twin with 270° crank and uni-cam
Honda’s flagship supersport received a design overhaul back in 2020, introducing the new Fireblade. It featured an all-new engine that made explosive power, top-spec components, and a new design language that was sharper and more aggressive than before. Improving aerodynamic efficiency was the main reason behind the design change, and now, RideApart reports that this styling has made its way to the baby Fireblade.
The 2022 Honda CBR150R features restyled bodywork that is reminiscent of the kit from the range-topping Fireblade. This includes elements like DRLs paired with the two main headlights and slotted fairings that will help funnel air through them.
The new CBR150R is more than just a design update; Honda has equipped the bike with a Showa USD fork, a new slipper clutch, and Nissin brake calipers that clamp down on single disc rotors at either end. Optional features, yet ones we think you should certainly get, include ABS, an ESS emergency brake light, and a two-tiered LED taillight that will alert people behind you of any sudden braking maneuvers.
Powering the CBR150R is a 149cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine with peak output figures of 18hp and 10.6lb-ft of torque. Prices for the ABS-equipped CBR150R can go up to around €2,530 (about $3,000). Meanwhile, the non-ABS iterations cost a few hundred dollars less and will set you back by approximately €2,350 (about $2,700.)
On September 3, 2021, Honda tweeted two images that confirmed the demise of arguably the last mass-produced air-cooled inline-four out there. The two images – one of a rider wheeling a CB1100 EX out of a garage and the other of the cooling fins on the engine – were accompanied by the text “CB1100 EX/CB1100 RS Final Edition Coming Soon…”
Honda discontinued the CB1100 in the U.S. market a while ago, but it still lived on (and was quite popular) in countries that haven’t had to comply with stricter emission regulations yet. The CB1100 was one of the more authentic motorcycles in today’s sea of “neo-retro” machines, and a significant reason was its air-cooled, four-cylinder, 1,140cc engine. However, it doesn’t comply with Euro5 emissions norms, and with no direct replacements in sight, it won’t be long before this air-cooled engine breathes its last.
MCN reports that the CB1100 only survived this long thanks to a revolutionary, patented air-cooling technology. Honda introduced the model in 2010 when other brands had already abandoned the idea of air-cooled inline fours.
The CB1100 RS Final Edition will debut soon in select markets, like Taiwan and Japan, where Honda can sell them until the end of 2022. The Final Edition comes in two colors – Matte Denim Blue and Honda Classic Red. The CB1100 is one of the few genuinely retro “new” motorcycles out there, and we’re sure a lot of enthusiasts will be sad to see it go.
Honda’s versatile 471 cc parallel-twin 500 platform receives some significant upgrades for model year 2022 and will arrive in Australia later this year, the last quarter of 2021.
Honda CBR500R
The pricing for the updated range will be announced closer to the release date and while in recent COVID times the prices of the CB500F, CB500X and CBR500R have crept up a little, as of now they are still all well under the 10k mark, and we hope they continue to stay under that marker.
Honda CB500X
We are big fans of the 500 Honda models, the sporty looking CBR500R, stylish CB500F naked and practical CB500X are all great motorcycles, but for us older blokes the practicality and ergonomics of the CB500X make it the stand out of the range. It is a ripper of a do-it-all motorcycle that is far more enjoyable than the uninitiated would expect.
CB500X has always been our pick of the litter
In some ways we also prefer the 500 twins over the comparable four-cylinder 650 cc offerings in the Honda range. The 650s really feel nobbled to meet the Australian LAMS registration scheme for new riders, thus they can feel a bit unnatural, while in contrast the little parallel twins work their hearts out and provide a more rewarding ride as a result as their power delivery feels more fluid.
In LAMS form we much prefer the 471 cc parallel twin of the 500 series over the artificially constrained 650 cc four-cylinder models
For 2022 the 500 models score 41 mm Showa big-piston inverted forks (SFF-BP) to raise their suspension credentials while the rear shock has a new spring rate and damping settings to match the new forks and offers five-stage pre-load adjustment.
Showa 41mm Separate Function Fork Big Piston (SFF-BP) inverted forks
Brakes also go up in spec’ with the single 320 mm rotor now replaced by a pair of 296 mm discs and radial-mount Nissin two-piston calipers.
The single 320mm and two-piston caliper front brake from the previous model has been replaced by dual 296mm discs and Nissin radial-mount, two-piston calipers.
Honda claim this means there is now effort required through the lever which is a change that will be most appreciated.
Less effort at the braking lever will be appreciated when pressing on
CBR500R and CB500F chassis geometry has been changed to a more forward weight bias for sportier handling response. All three models score stiffer new swing-arms.
A more forward weight bias should result in sharper cornering performance
But of course in the youth focussed learner market looks can be everything, and here Honda have also gone to work and updated the styling of the range.
Honda CB500XHonda CBR500RHonda CB500F
It is unclear as yet as to whether Honda’s very popular CMX500 learner legal cruiser will also score any significant updates for 2022.
Honda CBR500R
We look forward to experiencing the new chassis and braking package on the CBR500R, CB500F and CB500X when the machines arrive late this year. We are big fans of the current models so I am sure they will not disappoint.
Father’s Day is September 5 and Honda is offering some great gift ideas, whether you’re thinking a cap to keep the sun off and show off a bit of Honda pride, or a HRC T-Shirt for the racing fanatic. There’s the Expanda pack too, big enough to carry a full-face helmet, or the Honda Cooler Pack for keeping drinks cool at the track, in the garage or for any other occasion. Or if it’s keeping dad warm, check out the HRC hoodie!
There’s a huge range of Honda genuine gear, casual wear and accessories available via your local Honda dealer, so if you can, head in store and check it out, or visit the Honda Motorcycles Australia website.
Honda Expanda Pack
The Honda Expanda pack is the perfect option for adding extra storage, being small enough to fit into a pocket or in the palm of your hand, but expanding to 30L – enough to fit a full face helmet – with a 190T nylon construction with high tensile stitching. It also comes with a lightweight compact storage bag and is available for $19.95 RRP and is part # L08BP000B.
Honda Expanda Pack
Expandable to 30L of storage
Pocket-sized when packed
Large enough to carry a full-face motorcycle helmet
Strong 190T nylon with high tensile stitching
Super lightweight compact storage bag
Honda Cooler Pack
The lightweight Honda Cooler Pack is an ideal gift that’s more than just an insulated drink bag that’ll keep dad’s beverages chilled, it’ll also double as a fold-out stool, giving him a place to sit as well. It’s easily carried with shoulder straps and velcro straps hold the frame together when collapsed for easy transport.
The bag itself features plenty of pockets, and is washable and has a durable waterproof coating on the fabric, expanding out to 36 x 29 x 41 cm in red for $44.95 – part # L08CB020R.
Honda Cooler Pack
Convenient fold-out stool
Multi-pocket design
Built-in insulated bag
Comfortable shoulder straps
Velcro straps for when collapsed
Washable and durable waterproof coated fabric
Expanded size: 36 cm x 29 cm x 41 cm
Honda Icon Cap
The Honda Icon Cap is of a six-panel design, with 100% polyester drill and 3D embroidery. Plus there’s a snapback closure and curved peak. The Honda Icon Cap comes in Camo for $19.95 RRP, part #L08CP019CS.
Honda Icon Cap
Camo, six-panel cap
100% polyester drill
Raised 3D embroidery
Snapback closure
Curved peak
HRC T-Shirt
Help dad show his loyalty to Honda on the track with this HRC T-Shirt, which is 100% combed cotton, with crew neck and a regular fit. It’s also pre-shrunk to minimise shrinkage with washing, runs printed logos and comes in red or black, with neck ribbing, side seams, shoulder to shoulder tape and double needle hems. The HRC T-Shirt is available for $49.95 RRP in sizes Small through 3XL, part #L08TS020HB (black), L08TS020HR (red).
HRC T-Shirt
Regular fit with crew neck
Mid weight, 180 GSM, 28-singles
100% combed cotton
Printed logos
Available in Black or Red
Men’s sizes S through to 3XL
HRC Hoodie
Keep dad warm in the casual HRC Hoodie, which features an 80% cotton 20% polyester anti-pill fleece, with pull-over hood, raglan sleeves and kangaroo pocket. The regular fit hoodie is a mid-weight 290 GSM material, with sleeve cuff ribbing, printed logos and comes in two colours – red or black – in sizes Small through 3XL for $89.95 RRP. Part #L08HD020HB (black), L08HD020HR (red).
It’s also been pre-shrunk to avoid shrinkage in the wash, and the hood is lined, with tonal drawcords also featured.
HRC Hoodie
Regular fit, mid-weight, 290 GSM
80% cotton 20% polyester anti-pill fleece
Pullover lined hood
Printed logos
Available in Black or Red
Available in men’s sizes S through to 3XL
Honda Genuine Merchandise is available via your local Honda Dealer. To locate your nearest Honda Dealer visit www.honda.com.au.
Lockdowns seem to have sparked a rush on motorcycle and car online and live auctions with strong clearances of vehicles reported around the world.
In Australia, you can get your hands on 10 classic early Japanese classics that highlight the lead the way at Shannons Spring Timed Online Auction on September 7, 2021, with a total of 22 classic and sports motorcycles on offer.
Shannons reports a growing demand for rare Japanese sports motorcycles.
Their auction next month includes three beautifully-restored and superbly-presented 1970s Kawasaki two-stroke triples, a rare 1980 Honda CB1100 RB-1, a model that dominated the 1980 Castrol Six Hour race, along with an iconic early ‘Sand-cast’ 1969 Honda 750/4 K0 superbike in superbly-restored condition.
Two collectible Yamahas, three classic BMWs ranging in age from 1953-1984 are complemented by five British motorcycles led by two classic 1937 models – a Norton Model 18 500cc and an AJS V-Twin 37/2 990cc 990cc – plus a very rare Italian 1957 Aermacchi Chimera 175cc solo round out the motorcycles in the auction.
For classic scooter enthusiasts Shannons has a freshly restored 1964 Lambretta Li125cc offered at ‘no reserve’ and expected to sell in the $6,000-$8,000 range.
Kwaka stars
Kawasaki H2C 750cc 2-stroke triple
The stars of the motorcycles are the three Kawasakis that all come from the Japanese maker’s ‘purple period’ in the 1970s.
Leading the charge is an H2C 750cc 2 stroke triple – a stunning example of Kawasaki’s original superbike with eye-watering straight-line acceleration, that comes from a private collection based in NSW and that has covered just 320 miles since a full restoration by marque specialists.
Beautifully presented in period correct Candy Purple, the bike was originally sourced in the USA, with great care has been taken to keep everything factory correct during the rebuild. It is expected to sell in the $26,000-$32,000 range.
For similar money ($25,000 – $30,000), there is a rare and collectible Australian-delivered 1979 Kawasaki Z1R MkII D3 1000cc that has been the subject of substantial recent refurbishment, including a new exhaust system sourced from Japan.
1979 Kawasaki Z1R MkII D3 1000cc
The line-up continues with a 1974 Kawasaki H1F 500cc triple from the same Sydney-based private collection, this lovely example also originating from America also underwent a full restoration by marque specialist Gary Clarke’s Downpipe 3 in the UK. Now showing just 39 miles on its odometer since completion, the bike is slated to sell in the $16,000-$22,000 range.
There is also a very rare UK-delivered 1978 Kawasaki KH400cc triple also treated to a correct full nut-and-bolt restoration back to its original specifications by Downpipe 3.
Recently imported to Australia by the vendor, a Sydney enthusiast with a small collection of ‘70s Kawasaki’s, the KH400 looks fantastic in period correct colours and even sports its original exhausts, virtually unobtainable these days. Showing just 25 miles on its odometer since completion, it is expected to sell for $14,000 – $18,000.
Honda highlights
1980 Honda CB1100RB
Honda enthusiasts will find it hard to go past the 1980 Honda CB1100RB that was developed by Honda primarily for the Castrol 6 Hour production bike race, then Australia’s premier motorcycle event, at the now defunct Amaroo Park circuit in Sydney. Future World 500cc Champion Wayne Gardner absolutely dominated the race on debut in 1980 aboard a CB1100RB, scoring a flag to flag victory.
Essentially hand-made in limited numbers, the purpose-built homologation special being auctioned is also rare as number 14 of just 112 ever made. Coming from long term ownership and offered at no reserve, it represents a rare opportunity to purchase a significant motorcycle with important provenance, with an expected selling range of $30,000-$35,000.
Hugely collectable is a ‘Sand-cast’ 1969 Honda CB750cc K0 superbike that was discovered by its current owner in the USA and underwent a meticulous restoration in Australia from 2017 in time for the CB750’s big anniversary celebrations held at Broadford in April 2019. Offered with ‘no reserve’, it is expected to sell in the $50,000 – $60,000 range.
‘Sand-cast’ 1969 Honda CB750cc K0
Other important Hondas include a one-owner and very innovative 1982 CX500 T motorcycle in beautiful original condition. Built for one year only, its turbocharged engine virtually doubled the standard engine’s horsepower. With surviving examples proving very collectible, the Honda is expected to bring between $14 – $16,000.
The other Honda in the auction is a fully-restored 1966 CD125 that was imported into Australia in the early 1990s. Now fully restored and showing 2,477 miles on its odometer, the Honda is expected to sell with ’no reserve’ for $2,000 – $4,000.
Yamaha fans
Yamaha There are also two Yamahas in the auction – a rare and hard to find 1965 YM1 305cc twin cylinder two stroke (‘no reserve’, $8,000-$10,000) and a low mileage 1969 Yamaha DS6 250cc two stroke twin from long-term ownership– a rare time warp survivor – expected to bring $4,000 – $6,000 with no reserve.
Best of Brits
Of the six British bikes in the auction, the stand-outs are two 1937 models — a fully-restored AJS V-Twin 37/2 990cc (‘no reserve $25,000 – $30,000) and a rare, substantially original 1937 Norton Model 18 500cc motorcycle ‘project’ in running condition (‘no reserve’ $20,000 – $25,000).
1950 British Douglas Mark 4 350cc
Other great Britons are a 1950 Douglas Mark 4 350cc coming out of 40 years ownership (an older restoration, ‘no reserve’ $8,000-$12,000); a recently-recommissioned 1969 Triumph Trophy 650cc (‘no reserve’ $8,000-$12,000); a fully-restored 1969 BSA Firebird 650cc ‘street scrambler’ (‘no reserve’, $10,000-$12,000); and a fully-restored 1952 AJS 18S 500c (‘no reserve’ $10,000-$14,000).
Four classic BMWs in the auction are headed by a now rare 1953 R68 600cc ($40,000-$45,000), while there is a well-maintained 1984 BMW R1000RS 980cc (‘no reserve’, $12,000 – $16,000), a 1971 BMW R75/5 750cc (‘no reserve’, $8,000 – $12,000) and a 1966 BMW R69S updated with a later-model R80 800cc engine ($8,000-$12,000).
1957 Aermacchi Chimera 175cc
Finally, there is a rare 1957 Aermacchi Chimera 175cc Motorcycle in running condition – one of just 119 produced, whose ‘futuristic’ styling was a step too far for Italians brought up with more traditional Vespas and Lambrettas ($16,000 – $20,000).
No doubt this is largely what Australian wunderkinds Hunter and Jett Lawrence have been riding to victory in AMA Pro Motocross and Supercross this year but now Honda have revealed the new for 2022 CRF250R that the likes of you and me can walk in and purchase from a Honda dealer, even if we are not ‘factory’.
Aussie brothers Hunter (pictured) and Jett Lawrence have been scoring plenty of success for Honda on the CRF250R
Those updates to the 2022 edition of the CRF250R will include increased power, reduced weight and improvements to reliability, with a focus on usability.
The 249 cc liquid-cooled DOHC single-cylinder receives modifications to the air intake including new 4.1 L airbox, revised valve timing and a straightened exhaust port, with a single exhaust header and muffler system replacing the previous dual muffler setup saving 1.7 kg.
2022 Honda CRF250R
Injector angle is also updated to 60° from 30°, with the bike now running double springs on the intake valves, alongside a press-fit intake cam sprocket, and revised oil pathway to the camshaft journals. Valves continue to be titanium, with 33 mm inlet and 26 mm exhaust units.
The 2022 CRF250R boasts 20% more power at 6500 rpm
Increasing the air box capacity helps boost torque at low speeds, and there’s a new air filter shape to match. All up that offers a 20 per cent boost in power at 6500 rpm, without trading off any of the top-end performance. Averaged out, Honda reckon that means 10 per cent more power and 15 per cent more torque across the rev range.
2022 Honda CRF250R
Also updated is the radiator and shroud, improving air flow and in turn cooling efficiency, optimising the mounting angle and number of fins used, with the area of heat radiation boosted six per cent, and overall surface area increased two per cent.
4 kg has also been shaved off the kerb weight
Also improved is the clutch, with the new nine-plate design aimed at providing better durability and hook-up, for better engagement and a lighter pull at the lever. There’s also an additional friction spring in the damper chamber, as well as a more rigid clutch centre. The gearbox also receives a revised layout, with all gear ratios also optimised, with first and third taller, while second, fourth and fifth are shorter.
2022 Honda CRF250R
The new shift pattern runs one shift fork going from second up to third, instead of the previous two, with two lead grooves (down from three) and improves countershaft rigidity for less friction. The shift drum is also 17 per cent lighter, with Honda promising better shift feel between second and third as a result.
The focus on the chassis was in weight savings, alongside improvements to the ergonomics, which with the exhaust updates has helped shave four kg off the weight, for 104 kg in total, at the kerb.
A single muffler setup is also now run, helping save weight
The redesigned frame takes inspiration from the CRF450R, with lateral ridigity reduced by 20 per cent, 700 g weight shaved off and narrower main spares, alongside more easily removed bodywork.
That includes a narrower side cover and lowered seat rear end, with the subframe also shedding 320 g and the swingarm rigidity revised to match the rest of the chassis.
2022 Honda CRF250R
The number of 8 mm bolts on each side for bodywork goes from six down to four, while the bike as a whole is 70 mm slimmer, mainly on the side now now sporting an exhaust, which is 50 mm narrower. The tank cover has also been removed with the titanium tank redesigned and carrying 6.3L of fuel.
The frame has also been updated, inspired by the CRF450R
Front suspension will be a set of Showa inverted 49 mm forks, with full adjustability and 272 mm of travel. At the rear is a monoshock with preload, compression and rebound adjustment and 313 mm travel, plus a new Pro-Link with different ratio.
Brakes are a 260 mm wave front rotor with dual-piston caliper, while the rear runs a 240 mm rotor with single-piston caliper, with no changes seen in this area.
The CRF250R continues to offer features like electric start,launch control and engine maps
Seat height is 961 mm with the reduction in seat height only seen at the back of the seat now overall, with a 1477 mm wheelbase – reduced by 9 mm compared to the old model, while 333 mm of ground clearance is a small boost. The rake and trail have also been tightened up, to 27.2° and 115 mm respectively.
2022 Honda CRF250R
Standard is the HRC Launch Control system, three engine maps and electric start, as well as Renthal Fatbar Flex as standard fitment and DID rims.
The 2022 Honda CRF250R is due to arrive in September, 2021 and will be priced at an MLP of $12,199 in Extreme Red. For more info see the Honda Motorcycles Australia website.
