Today, at the EICMA event in Milan, Honda unveiled its complete range of motorcycles for 2024, which includes four new models, significant updates to four other models – two of which will be available with pioneering technology in the world of motorcycles – and a conceptual version of the next fully electric vehicle destined to join this unique, wide, and varied Honda range.
New CB500 Hornet
The Hornet family will have a new third member in Honda’s 2024 range – the CB500 Hornet, which brings a new aggressive style inspired by its two larger sisters and aerodynamic performance to match the iconic Hornet name.
The front of the CB500 Hornet features ducts on each side of the headlight that channel air to the upper area of the tank, contributing to a more linear direction with excellent agility and maneuverability. The new LED headlight spreads light and illuminates even in the darkest conditions.
The power and torque of the 471cc engine are within the maximum requirements to be compatible with the A2 license – 35 kW and 43 N·m – and the updated injection settings improve low RPM accelerations; the CB500 Hornet now includes the HSTC traction control system for added peace of mind.
High-quality cycling includes a 41 mm diameter Showa SFF-BP inverted fork, Showa rear shock absorber, and dual front discs with four-piston calipers; the new 5-inch TFT screen allows you to connect mobile devices thanks to the Honda RoadSync app.
New CBR600RR
After a six-year absence from Honda’s model range for Europe, the much-loved – and sharp – CBR600RR returns in 2024 to rejuvenate the middleweight super sports category. Equipped with top electronic systems and featuring cutting-edge aerodynamics inspired by MotoGP, the new CBR600RR is a “gem” of four-cylinder motorcycling, with a significantly improved free-revving engine compared to the previous version and a maximum power of 89 kW (over 120 hp) at 14,250 rpm and 63 N·m of torque at 11,500 rpm.
Its very gentle handling offers excellent maneuverability, with instant direction changes and high stability, thanks to its double-beam aluminum frame, also aluminum swingarm, Showa Big Piston inverted front fork with 41 mm diameter stanchions, and Showa mono-shock with Pro-Link system, as well as the front winglets derived from MotoGP prototypes.
The CBR600RR has a new and comprehensive electronic package, taking full advantage of the 6-axis IMU unit, as found in the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade; this mid-displacement model features TBW throttle, 5 riding modes, cornering ABS, HSTC variable traction control system with 9 intervention levels, Wheelie control, rear wheel lift control system, and ESS emergency braking lights. The Honda electronic steering damper (HESD), an assist slipper clutch, and a Quickshifter system are also standard equipment.
New NX500
The iconic designation “NX” returns to Honda’s model range in the form of the new NX500.
Meaning “New X-over,” the NX500 is designed to be enjoyed in all situations, from winding roads to gravel trails or long-distance adventures. Based on the popularity of the now-discontinued CB500X, this new model features a fresh style, excellent specifications, and performance upgrades.
The dynamics and maneuverability have been improved thanks to a weight loss of 3 kg (1.5 kg of which come from the new lightweight cast aluminum wheels with 5 spokes) in the kerb weight, to 196 kg, to the revision of the spring constant and damping of the 41 mm Showa SFF-BP inverted fork and also to stronger accelerations thanks to the new fuel injection system programming.
The other updates in the specification come in the form of a new 5-inch TFT screen, smartphone connectivity thanks to the Honda RoadSync app, and HSTC traction control system. Headed by a new headlight, the style has been completely revamped, with new plastics front and rear, blending the practical character of the compact adventure style with an imposing silhouette and solid forms.
CBR500R
The “entry-level” bike in Honda’s CBR super sports family has also been significantly improved for 2024.
Updated clearly and comprehensively, the Fireblade-inspired style includes a new headlight and taillight, as well as a completely revised chassis with fins to improve the front feel. The new graphics and colors amplify the “baby blade” look of the CBR500R and the new fuel injection system tuning improves low-speed acceleration.
The new 5-inch color TFT screen is operated by an easy-to-use backlit switch and is the interface for the new connectivity feature in the form of the Honda RoadSync app.
CB650R and CBR650R
The mid-sized Honda CB650R naked bike and its sister, the CBR650R, both receive a style update and new technologies for 2024.
The unique Neo Sports Café look of the CB650R has evolved to make it a motorcycle with sinuous, more dynamic shapes and greater objectivity. Leading the way at the front is a new slanted LED headlight, the bike’s style features new radiator guards and a more pronounced rear fairing that completes the new taillight.
Its sister CBR has two redesigned LED headlights that combine with renewed upper and lower fairings and, together with the also redesigned rear, combine a strong character with fine lines of attractive angles, to enhance the pure sporty appeal of the CBR650R.
Both bikes include Honda RoadSync connectivity and a new 5-inch color TFT screen, designed to be easy to read even in bright light situations.
Honda E-Clutch
The CB650R and CBR650R are also the first Honda motorcycles to be available with the innovative Honda E-Clutch technology, the world’s first fully automatic clutch for motorcycles with a multi-speed gearbox, designed to make motorcycling, from beginner to expert, even more enjoyable and exciting.
The Honda E-clutch eliminates the need to use a clutch lever to shift gears up or down in the gearbox. The rider only needs to operate the pedal to make the shift, ultra-rapidly and consistently, just as if using a Quickshifter system. During gear shifts, this system uses a harmonized combination of “half-clutch” operation, injection cut-off, and ignition control to eliminate jolts, resulting in an ultra-smooth ride.
The clutch lever is not needed for starting or stopping. The E-clutch system becomes active as soon as the engine is started, managing both scenarios smoothly and, if the rider desires, they can also use the clutch lever normally. If the rider wants to deactivate the system, they can also do so on the instrument panel.
CBR1000RR-R Fireblade and CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP
The year 2024 sees the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade and its SP version advance even further in their development curve with a series of updates to the engine and gearbox; these updates result in a huge increase in mid-range performance and improved throttle response.
Leveraging the extensive development and experience of HRC, the torque of 113 N·m and 160 kW (over 217 hp of the CBR1000RR-R) Fireblade SP have been substantially altered to generate even more acceleration coming out of corners, along with its staggering top-end power. This was further enhanced by the new shorter gear ratios and also by the primary transmission, the redesigned mid-fairing with new winglets, and a revised, lighter, and more flexible frame.
The addition of 2 motors to the TBW system increases control when accelerating only partially and provides a greater engine braking effect. The lighter block crankcases, crankshaft, and connecting rods, along with the revised valve timing and increased compression ratio, ensure the best performance of the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP and that it also achieves the best performance in each combustion cycle, while changes to the standard Akrapovič exhaust silencer reduce exhaust noise by 5 dB. The SP version of the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade is the world’s first motorcycle to use the new third-generation Öhlins Smart Electronic S-EC3.0 (SV) NPX 43mm inverted fork. There is also a function on the instrument panel that digitally helps us adjust the spring preload and was developed so that the rider can easily set up their Fireblade perfectly. The new Brembo Stylema R four-piston radial brake calipers offer consistent and high braking performance. CRF1100L Africa Twin and Africa Twin Adventure Sports The Milan Motorcycle Show (EICMA) also marks the public debut of the 2024 CRF1100L Africa Twin and its Adventure Sports variant, which feature a range of performance and practical updates for this year.Both models see a 7% increase in maximum torque – which appears 750 rpm earlier in the rev range – thanks to changes in the compression ratio, valve timing, intake openings, and also in the ECU programming. Revisions made to the dual-clutch transmission (the already famous DCT) allow for quicker downshifts to match the new engine performance, along with better curve detection and a more natural feeling in initial acceleration and between first and second gears.
The functional character has been improved by the addition of tubeless tires for quick repairs and a larger windshield with 5 levels of adjustment.
The CRF1100L Africa Twin now offers the ability to adjust the rear spring preload on the move through the 6.5-inch touchscreen.
The on-road riding capabilities of the CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports are enhanced by a new 19-inch front wheel and a wider front tire, as well as increased weather protection due to the wider front fairing and larger windshield, and greater comfort thanks to a softer seat.
SC prototype and:
The SC e: prototype will also be on display at the Honda stand, a conceptual version of the brand’s second electric two-wheeler for European customers, following the arrival of the EM1 e: electric scooter in key markets in 2023.
The SC e: prototype features distinct and ultra-modern design lines, a large flat platform, and a long and wide seat. This prototype will be equipped with two replaceable Honda Mobile Power Pack batteries for extended driving range, supporting customers looking for compact, quiet, emission-free urban mobility, with the additional advantage of being able to recharge at home.
The abbreviation “SC” stands for “SCooter”, meaning that an A1 license is sufficient to drive the mass production version, expected to arrive in 2025.
For more information, you can visit the official Honda website.
