Honda: Renato Zocchi on CB500X in the new adventouring challenges of 2020 [PHOTO]

New commitments for Renato Zocchi in international level adventouring events, this time riding one Honda CB500X. An example prepared for the occasion.

Information

The collaboration between Honda Motor Europe and Renato Zocchi has continued since 2017. After the raids on the CRF 250 Rally, the commitments in 2018 and the success in class 2 at Gibraltarrace in 2019 on a Honda X-ADV set up to compete off-road, there are new challenges to face on the twin-cylinder crossover CB500X. Speaking of the model, some have been reported recently news which concern this and other examples of the brand with units from 500 cc.
Zocchi himself and the technical partners were interested in the transformation of the model in view of the commitments.
According to the indications, the example was defined also taking into account the advice of the Japanese designer Kenji Morita. Functional interventions to improve off-road behavior, avoiding complexities not aligned with the nature of the model. The various modifications were carried out in the Honda Moto Macchion workshop in Legnano, with the coordination of the technician Stefano Lucenti.

Painting and graphics are handled by Honda's event operations department in Atessa, Abruzzo. The engine and chassis of the model entrusted by Honda Motor Europe are standard, with a full high-performance SC-Project exhaust. The fork is also standard with Andreani Group springs and pistons, so the shock absorber is Ohlins, 1 cm longer and with different external adjustments. They include a high carbon front mudguard, made by SC-Project, then an aluminum engine guard developed in a dedicated and artisanal way. Finally, Bridgestone Battlax Adventurecross AX41 tires present on Bartubless spoked tubeless rims.
Zocchi and the CB500X “Rally” they will be involved in the Hard Alpi Tour, then in the Alps Tourist Trophy International and in the Swank Rally of Sardinia as an Adventure Riding team, according to the indications.

Photo: Honda Motor Europe Ltd. Italy