We’re going APE for the Monkey Bike!

It’s finally arrived, and we couldn’t be more excited!

The 2018 Monkey bike has arrived in Ireland. The Honda Monkey bike is perhaps most widely known as a groovy icon of the 1970s, but it first saw the light of day in 1961. Originally developed as a 49cc child’s plaything for Tama Tech, an amusement park in Tokyo, it proved so popular that a road-going version was developed.

Its popularity was based on a cute, instantly-likable design, tiny dimensions and ultra light weight – which made it a whole load of fun around town.

By 1978 – a point that marked the start of real prime time for the Monkey – the machine had been re-styled with a teardrop style fuel tank, and became hugely popular with legions of RV (Recreational Vehicle) drivers in need of convenient transport to use once they were parked up. And this is where and when the cheeky Monkey really cemented its place in millions of hearts; with its 3-speed gearbox and centrifugal clutch (which needed no ‘traditional’ motorcycle skill to operate) it gave thousands of riders their first experience of twisting the throttle on a powered two wheeler.

Because it was so much fun, and so easy to ride, it did more to sell the concept of motorcycles to a wider public than perhaps any other machine. With its chunky tyres, mini-‘ape’ style handlebars, miniscule fuel tank and big, squashy seat the Monkey look is unmistakably of its time, but – just like the affection in which it is held – also timeless.

Now in 2018, Honda’s genuinely iconic mini-bike is re-imagined for the present day, with styling that draws heavily on the original, complemented by modern, premium touches such as USD forks, twin rear shocks, LCD instruments, IMU-based ABS and full LED lighting. Its 125cc air-cooled engine delivers 6.9kW power, and fuel efficiency of 67km/litre; wet weight is a mere 107kg.

2018 Monkey Features:

  • Styling, paint and chromed parts draw heavily on the original
  • 125cc air-cooled engine delivers 6.9kW power, 11Nm torque and 67km/l
  • Steel frame, USD forks, twin rear shocks and 12-inch diameter tyres
  • Wet weight of 107kg, with wheelbase of 1155mm and 775mm seat height
  • All lighting is premium LED

The 2018 is available in three different colours:

Banana Yellow/Ross White

Pearl Nebula Red/Ross White

Pearl Shining Black/Ross White

 

The Honda Monkey bike is now available in your local Honda Motorcycle dealership, priced at €4400.

You can read the full specification for the Monkey here.

The all new Super Cub 125

Honda has unveiled the all new Super Cub 125, the legendary machine dates back to 1958, when the original was designed by Soichiro Honda and his long-time business partner Takeo Fujisawa, its stated aim was straightforward: ‘to provide the joy of playing a useful part in people’s lives’.

The Super Cub C125 marks a new page in the unique story of a vehicle with such universal appeal that it has been sold in over 160 countries, and with such an instantly-recognisable look that it was the first vehicle in Japan to be granted a 3 dimensional trademark.

While the look does not deviate from the classic template, an increase in power and torque thanks to its 125cc engine helps keep the Super Cub ahead of city traffic; its automatic centrifugal clutch has also been upgraded to match the output boost and give ultra-smooth, quiet gear changes.

The steel frame too, has been optimised with a tuned rigidity balance that maintains the Super Cub’s famously welcoming usability. Longer travel front and rear suspension, 17-inch cast aluminium wheels and disc front brake deliver a supple, confident ride with strong stopping power. Full LED lighting brings a modern touch, the Smart Key day-to-day convenience.

Pearlescent paint highlights the evocative design of the Super Cub C125, which will be available in the following options:

  • Pearl Niltava Blue
  • Pearl Nebula Red

Features;

  • A subtle evolution of the classic clean and timeless Super Cub style, plus full LED lighting
  • Easy to use, with comfortable riding position and smooth, stable handling
  • Longer travel suspension, 17-inch front/rear wheels and front disc brake; single channel ABS
  • Honda Smart Key with ‘answer-back’ function for day-to-day convenience

 

The Honda Super Cub is expected to arrive in Ireland in Autumn 2018.

You can register your interest with any Irish Honda Motorcycle Dealership now!

Guide to Honda Motorcycle Technology

New to motorcycling? Or been riding bikes for years but just never knew what some of those abbreviations we use in our Motorcycle brochure means?

Well look no further & check our ultimate guide to Honda Motorcycling Technology:

DCT

Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) is an automated clutch and shift operation system that retains the direct acceleration feel of a manual transmission with the ease of use of an automatic. It basically allows you to forget about the gear changes and concentrate on steering, turning, accelerating and enjoying your trip.

ABS

Anti-Locking Braking System reduces braking pressure by monitoring the wheel speed, preventing the wheels from locking up.

HESD

The Honda Electronic Steering Dampener minimises sudden steering changes at high speeds for enhanced riding ease and comfort.

PFI

Programmed Fuel Injection is a map-type computerised system that maintains strong power and responsive performance in
all conditions.

HSTC

If the Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) system senses an imminent loss of rear wheel traction it reduces torque to allow the tyre to grip.

CBS

The Combined Brake System actuates both front and rear brakes when the rear brake pedal (or lever) is engaged, for a smooth and confident balance of braking control.

ISS

The Idle Stop System automatically stops the engine running after three seconds at idle and restarts it instantly with a twist of the throttle, helping to reduce emissions and fuel consumption.

HISS

The Honda Ignition Security system only allows the bike to be started by its original encoded keys to effectively protect against theft.

LED

LED lights featured on Honda are a brighter and more energy efficient than traditional bulbs, with no time delay and a longer life.

V-Matic 

V-Matic Transmission is a belt-converter transmission with advanced three-stage operation provides seamless shifting throughout a wide range of speeds delivered with twist-and-go ease.

Öhlins 

Öhlins Electronic Control Suspension is a Öhlins Objective Based Tuning Interface adjusts both the compression and rebound damping force of the front fork and rear shock.

Big Piston Fork

Offers more sensitive damping than a conventional fork, improving control in a wide range of riding situations.

Honda Evolutional Catalysing System 

Oxygen-sensing system maintains an optimal air/fuel mixture for the most effective catalytic reduction of exhaust emissions.

Smart Key

This innovative technology improves both convenience and security. As long as your key is in your pocket or bag, you can release the seat and start the engine. with the press of a button

Euro 4

Complies with latest EURO 4 emissions regulations.

Honda Multi-Action System 

Cartridge-type front fork and rear damper design ensures a confident balance of compliant damping and precise handling.

G Mode

Triggered by a switch on the instrument panel, G Mode improves traction and machine control by reducing clutch slip during gear changes. Only available on the X-ADV & Africa Twin in 2018 range.

S Mode

Available on Automatic (DCT) bikes, S- for Sport is a more relaxed driving style.

D Mode

Available on Automatic (DCT) bikes, D – for Drive is for relaxed city and motorway driving.

Pro-link rear Suspension

Monoshock rear suspension utilises a triangular linkage system to progressively increase damping force through range of rear swingarm movement.

Showa 

Showa Dual Bending Valve forks improve ride comfort and handling by delivering proportional rebound damping with firmer compression damping.

And that’s a wrap! As you can see our Honda Motorcycles are dripping with the latest technology. If you want to get your hands on any of our Honda Motorcycles you can visit one of our Honda Authorised Motorcycle Dealerships.

Crossover CRF450L to arrive in September

The long awaited Honda CRF450L will arrive to Ireland this September.

Honda had a desire to produce a dual-purpose bike that draws strongly on the fundamental performance of a race machine CRF450R, yet with much more ‘normal’ service intervals and high-quality road ancillaries, has taken its CRF450R moto-crosser as the base to start from, and created the new CRF450L.

It is unmistakably a race-bred CRF – and looks it – but with the additions and modifications needed to make it both road legal and supremely useable in a trail environment. As such, the CRF450L is a complete package, as happy roosting trails as it is linking them up on-road. And with Honda engineering and build quality at its core, is sure to do so for years to come.

The journey from full race to road legal trail was a detailed one for the CRF450L. Road legality required the engine to gain EURO4 compliance, while from a longevity and usability viewpoint, the power output and character, needed careful attention.

It’s still a CRF450R; just one that’s quieter, both mechanically from the chassis and engine, as well as its new exhaust. Both fuelling and ignition maps are now managed by 02 lambda sensor; compression ratio has been lowered and crank mass increased for improved drivability. The gearbox is a 6-speed – for longer legs on the road – and a cush drive has been added to the 18-inch rear wheel.

The plastics are lifted directly from the CRF450R and all lighting is LED, with the front headlight in particular throwing out a penetrating beam. Increased volume for the titanium fuel tank adds range and all the items that make the CRF450L ready to purchase as a licensed, road going machine – such as speedometer and horn – are present as standard.

Features:

  • Based on the CRF450R, with first major service at 32,000km
  • EURO4 compliant, with electric start
  • Greater crank inertia improves drivability and feel for traction
  • 6-speed gearbox
  • Drawn from the 18YM CRF450R, with minor adaptations for its dual purpose role
  • Full LED lighting, increased fuel tank volume and sidestand
  • Larger radiator volume, plus electric fan
  • Styling closely mirrors that of CRF450R

The CRF450L will arrive to Irish dealerships in September 2018. Keep an eye out for updates on it’s arrival and pricepoint.

CB1000R is now available for those Irish road trips

The 2018 CB1000R stands out from the crowd by moving away from the standard super sports-derived big naked formula to create a motorcycle that melds exhilarating function to a form that offers a radically fresh, visually stunning two-wheeled aesthetic. It’s a motorcycle that looks, feels and performs very differently from what’s gone before.

And now it’s available for those road trips around Ireland.

The CB1000R has landed in Ireland this week and is now available from your local Honda dealer.

Some of the features available on this model are:

  • Bold styling:  Every aesthetic detail of the CB1000R has been finessed, and the overall design, its style and powerful stance, merge retro minimalism with the elevated performance package of the engine and chassis.
  • Metal Finish: use of premium metal finishes throughout the machine, including a lustrously painted flangeless steel fuel tank.
  • Light Up: The bike features LED lighting, including a feature horseshoe-shaped light ring.
  • Adjustable Showa Suspension:  Allows for reducing weight, while delivering compliance, comfort and control across a broad range of riding conditions.

For more information on the CB1000R visit here. 

Priced from €14,600.00, call your local Honda dealer to get yours.

But the big question is – where are you heading on the road trip?! 

Details released on the brand new Honda 2018 Monkey Bike

Details on the new Honda Monkey bike for 2018 have been released. Honda’s genuinely iconic mini-bike is re-imagined for the present day, with styling that draws heavily on the original, complemented by modern, premium touches such as USD forks, twin rear shocks, LCD instruments, IMU-based ABS and full LED lighting. Its 125cc air-cooled engine delivers 6.9kW power, and fuel efficiency of 67km/litre; wet weight is a mere 107kg.

 

Model overview:

  • Styling, paint and chromed parts draw heavily on the original
  • 125cc air-cooled engine delivers 6.9kW power, 11Nm torque and 67km/l
  • Steel frame, USD forks, twin rear shocks and 12-inch diameter tyres
  • Wet weight of 107kg, with wheelbase of 1155mm and 775mm seat height
  • All lighting is premium LED

 

After the modern-day success of the sharp-suited MSX125, which proved the desire for a funky, pocket-sized town run-around, it was time for the Monkey name to return, reborn and ready for life in the 21st century city.

Naturally the classic Monkey style had to provide the cues for the new model. A trapezoid silhouette highlights the compact length, while adding depth and substance to its stance. Simple, curved surfaces are designed independently of each other and feature throughout.

The glossy 5.6L fuel tank, finished in the same paint colour as the frame, swing arm and rear shocks, crowns the machine, and proudly wears a historical 3-D Old Wing design Honda logo. Chromed steel high-level front and rear mudguards – plus the evocatively-stamped exhaust shield, circular mirrors and high-rise handlebars – all pay homage to the original.

Modern technology is fully present within the evocative reincarnation of the classic look: a digital full-LCD circular meter features speedometer (which winks playfully when the ignition is turned on), odometer with two trip meters and six-segment fuel level indicator; all lighting is LED; the ‘wave’ pattern key (which also wears the Old Wing motif) features an ‘answer back’ system that makes the lights flash at the push of a button to allow easy location in crowded car parks; the single channel ABS system operates with an IMU to mitigate rear ‘lift’ under strong braking.

As for the power unit, true to its origins, the Monkey’s horizontal SOHC 125cc single-cylinder engine is simple, robust and tuned to deliver useful about-town performance. Air-cooled, with bore and stroke of 52.4 x 57.9mm and compression ratio of 9.3:1, fed by PGM-FI, it produces 6.9kW @ 7,000rpm and 11Nm @ 5,250rpm. The gearbox is 4-speed and the engine returns fuel economy of 67km/l (WMTC mode).

The Monkey’s steel backbone frame has been tuned for a suitable balance between rigidity and supple feel – perfect for the wide variety of conditions the machine is sure to be ridden in. Oval in cross-section, the swingarm echoes the circular design theme that runs through the bike.

Wheelbase is set at 1155mm, with rake and trail of 25°/82mm and a minimum turning radius of just 1.9m. Wet weight is a mere 107kg, with a seat height of 775mm. The plush seat is made of high-density urethane for maximum comfort.

USD front forks wear a premium Alumite finish and are matched by dual rear shocks with 104mm of axle travel. Maximum ground clearance is 160mm. A single 220mm front disc and 190mm rear provide secure stopping performance, managed by the IMU-based ABS. Fat 12-inch block pattern tyres make for a smooth ride and are sized 120/80-12 65J front and 130/80-12 69J rear.

The 2018 Monkey 125 will be available in three colour schemes:

  • Banana Yellow/Ross White
  • Pearl Nebula Red/Ross White
  • Pearl Shining Black/Ross White

The monkey bike is expected to arrive to us here in Ireland in mid -late summer 2018. Pricing will be announced prior to arrival.

Register your interest with your local dealer today.

 

Honda Forza 300 gets radical makeover for 2018

The Forza name has long been a powerful force in Honda’s two-wheeled line-up. Its history as a premium mid-size scooter goes back to the year 2000: the first model set the template, delivering a lively ride, plenty of storage room and an innovative combined braking system. It was well received throughout Europe, where owners found its multi-role capability useful in every aspect of daily life.

The 2018 Forza 300 has a crisp, sporting new look and much tighter, sharper dimensions than the previous design. Its wheelbase and length are reduced, while it’s also narrower, but with a higher seat height for improved visibility. Even with a new larger diameter rear wheel, it is 12kg lighter thanks to a revised chassis and redesigned frame, which boosts acceleration, top speed and fuel efficiency.

Smoothly adjustable, the new electric screen provides maximum wind protection at speed­ or ultimate freedom around town. Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) has been added and can be switched on and off from the left handlebar.

Revised instruments serve up extra information digitally, in support of the analogue dials and all lighting is LED. The Smart Key offers control of the optional 45-litre top box.

The Forza 300 is not yet available in Ireland. It is anticipated to arrive late Summer/early Autumn 2018. In the meantime check out it’s little brother the Honda Forza 125.

New Honda Goldwing Arrives Spring 2018

Ireland is eagerly awaiting the arrival of the 2018 Honda Goldwing

The Honda Gold Wing, since its introduction as a naked 1000cc machine in 1975 has always been the ultimate in two-wheeled travel. And it’s a motorcycle that’s been very much on its own journey, growing in physical size and displacement over the decades, all the while creating an enduring and unrivaled reputation for luxury, quality, and comfort.

Now, in response to the evolutions of demographics and the motorcycle market, the development team in charge of the bike’s future have decided on a radical departure from what would be a traditional update trajectory.

So for 2018 the GL1800 Gold Wing takes a new direction and is brand new from the wheels-up. It still has an evocative, flat six-cylinder engine that delivers an avalanche of torque and power, and it still remains Honda’s flagship premium tourer, loaded with features that allow two people to ride in style. Yet it’s smaller, much lighter and much more agile – very much a true ‘rider’s motorcycle’.

And as a result, the new Gold Wing’s appeal is broader, reaching out to a younger generation of motorcyclists that may have overlooked – or simply not been aware of – the previous design. As happy on an urban commute as it is the open road, the Gold Wing is now a bike for all reasons, rather than just one.

The Goldwing is arriving into Irish motorcycle dealerships this spring – estimated April 2018. RRP: €36,000 including VAT.*

Visit your local Honda dealership for more information and to register your interest in the 2018 Honda Goldwing.

Find your local Honda Dealer here

*Price correct as of 27/02/2018.

2018 GL1800 Gold Wing Tour