Honda, many new features at EICMA 2023: from the new CB1000 Hornet to the return of the CBR600RR [PHOTO and VIDEO]

Honda is among the great protagonists of the Milan Motorcycle Show, EICMA 2023, where the Japanese company reveals the new features that make up the 2024 range, with 4 new models and other 4 updated significantly, two of which are equipped with the revolutionary electronically controlled clutch Honda E-Clutch, as well as the concept of an electric vehicle intended to expand Honda's offering.

New CB1000 Hornet

The new one will debut at EICMA 2023 Honda CB1000 Hornet, top of the range swimming from the Honda naked family with the sting. Powered by the 2017-2019 Fireblade engine, the new Honda maxi naked has 150 HP and over 100 Nm of maximum torque. The new CB1000 Hornet, which will be on sale from summer 2024, has the engine set in a new steel frame with descending beams, coupled with Showa suspensions – SFFBP upside down fork with 41 mm stanchions and shock absorber on swingarm with ProLink – both adjustable on preload and extension.

The style is essential and aggressive naked. Distinguished by the penetrating look of the super compact double LED headlights, it continues with a short tank, on the sides of which the "bumblebee wings" are folded forward, in perfect Hornet style, to emphasize the muscular look, which tapers towards the saddle and then lengthens into a very slender, wide and flat tail. The frame also has aesthetic functions, deliberately left visible but painted black, as is the trellis seat support frame.

The electronic package will be complete, with the indispensable Throttle By Wire accelerator and 3 Riding Modes, selectable from a 5" color TFT display, equipped with Honda RoadSync connectivity for both Android and iOS smartphones.

New CB500 Hornet

In addition to the top of the 1000 cc range, the Japanese company is also expanding the Hornet family downwards with the debut of the new Honda CB500 Hornet aimed at beginners and A2 license holders. With a style inspired by its bigger sisters, the bike has a front that incorporates a new upgraded LED headlight, while the chassis, suspension and engine are inherited from the CB500F. The motorbike is therefore powered by a 471 cc parallel twin with 48 HP and 43 Nm.

Equipped with HTSC traction control, the CB500 Hornet boasts a solid steel frame with diamond structure associated with suspension with Showa SFFBP inverted fork with 41 mm stanchions and Showa shock absorber working via ProLink linkage. The all-new and very complete 5-inch color TFT display features Honda RoadSync connectivity for Android and IOS smartphones.

New CBR600RR

EICMA marks the return of Honda CBR600RR, the beloved 600 cc supersport that has been updated in every aspect, bringing with it a high-performance four-cylinder engine that delivers 121 HP of power and 63 Nm of maximum torque. In addition to the aluminum frame and completely redesigned aerodynamics, the new Honda CBR600RR relies on Showa suspension (BPF fork) and shock absorber on aluminum swingarm with multi-adjustable ProLink Units.

The Bosch 6-axis IMU inertial platform allows total control of all dynamic parameters, set with dedicated mixes on 5 Riding Modes that manage power delivery, traction control, wheelie control, engine braking, cornering-ABS with wheel anti-lift rear. All selections are made from the new 5" color TFT display which can be set to three different information layouts.

The HESD electronic steering damper is standard, as is the slipper-assist clutch and Quickshifter. For passive safety there is an emergency flashing of the indicators in the event of intense and sudden braking.

New NX500

The acronym NX used by Honda in the 90s is back in vogue with the new NX500 which replaces the CB500X in the Japanese brand's range. Designed to have fun on any route, the new NX500 has an adventurous look, making people appreciate its lightness (196 kg with a full tank) and technical updates, such as those relating to the Showa SFFBP upside-down fork and shock absorber. The style changes, with a more adventure-inspired front end, dominated by the new LED headlight, smaller central side panels and a redesigned tail. The bike also features a new 5-inch color TFT display with Honda RoadSync connectivity for Android and iOS smartphones.

New CBR500R

The gateway to the world of Honda super sports cars is the renewed one CBR500R, significantly updated for 2024. The profound restyling gives a new look to all intents and purposes of the super sports car that can be driven with an A2 licence. The new split headlight unit, the redesigned fairing, the fairings shaped to take advantage of the presence of the discreet but effective aerodynamic fins, and the new tail, are made even more suggestive by the completely redesigned graphics which make it a "small Fireblade". Furthermore, new ECU mappings make acceleration brighter and more aggressive.

The standard equipment improves with the adoption of the new 5" color TFT screen equipped with Honda RoadSync connectivity to connect Android and iOS smartphones. The system is managed with the new backlit left electric block with 4-direction slider.

New CB650R and CBR650R

Honda's mid-range four-cylinder naked bike from the "Neo Sports Café" family, and its sporty CBR650R sibling, both receive major styling and technical updates.

On the CB650R the Neo Sports Café style receives a refined restyling which makes its lines sharper, from the front to the tail, passing through the original air conveyors of the airbox and radiator. There CBR650R instead it evolves its competition-inspired style with new bold lines, even sharper and full of racing inspirations. For both, the light clusters are new, both at the front and at the rear, and the display is a new 5" color TFT equipped with Honda RoadSync connectivity controlled by a new intuitive backlit electrical block.

The engine is the well-known 650 cc with 95 HP and 63 Nm of torque, also available in a 35 KW version for A2 license. The frame and chassis also maintain the prerogatives that have made it successful, with Showa suspension (41 mm SFFBP fork) and brakes with 4-piston radially mounted calipers. The 650 CB2024R and 650 CBR2024R are the first models in the Honda range to benefit from the new Honda E-Clutch technology (electronically controlled clutch).

CBR1000RRR Fireblade and CBR1000RRR Fireblade SP

The development of the CBR1000RRR Fireblade and of the version SP takes a big step forward, thanks to updates that affect all areas. The 1.000 cc inline four-cylinder engine now produces greater mid-range acceleration while maintaining maximum power of 217 HP. It is the result of changes made to the cylinder head, compression ratio, distribution timing and valve springs. 

The aluminum frame now has greater flexibility characteristics that improve cornering steering accuracy and traction qualities. The aerodynamics are updated with newly designed fins that maintain downforce but with a 10% reduced cornering yaw moment.

The riding position has been modified to improve the sensation of control by the rider. The color TFT display offers all the relevant information for selecting Riding Modes and setting power delivery, engine braking, traction control, wheelie control and 'launch control' for standing starts. The ABS Cornering, in addition to the "road" and "track" modes, has the additional "race" mode. 

The bike is also equipped with an RC213V-S derived swingarm, 6-axis inertial platform (IMU), 3-level electronic steering damper (HESD), and Showa suspension on the standard version, electronic Öhlins on the SP version, as well as brakes , Nissin and Brembo respectively. On the SP, the “Öhlins Smart Electronic Control” (SEC 3.0) electronic suspension with user interface (OBTi) and internal needle valves (SV) are new generation. The braking system has also been updated, with Brembo Stylema R calipers on 330 mm discs.

The first 300 examples of the Fireblade SP in the "Mat Pearl Morion Black" color will be marketed as a Carbon Edition version equipped with numerous carbon fiber components which reduce the overall weight by 1 kg.

SC e: Concept

Also on display at the Honda stand at EICMA SC e: Concept, Honda's second electric two-wheeler project for Europe, following the arrival of the EM1 e: electric moped in 2023.

Distinctive and ultra-modern lines for the SC e: Concept which boasts a large flat footboard and a long, comfortable saddle. It will be equipped with two Honda Mobile Power Pack batteries and: interchangeable for greater autonomy. Designed for those looking for a compact and green vehicle for urban mobility, with the added advantage of being able to be recharged comfortably at home. The scooter, equivalent to a 125 cc, will be produced in 2025.

CRF1100L Africa Twin and Africa Twin Adventure Sports

EICMA 2023 also marks the public debut of the renewed Africa Twin. For 2024, Honda's adventure flagships – the CRF1100L Africa Twin , CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports – have been the subject of a substantial update which has led to an increase in performance, improved comfort and richer standard equipment.

The popular 1.084 cc parallel twin engine for the 2024 model offers a performance increase, with an output of 102 hp and 112 Nm of torque (+7% compared to before). The DCT gearbox has been revised to take advantage of the increase in performance, with downshifts taking place at a higher rpm, an improved gear recognition function
curves and an even more progressive release of the clutches which facilitates starts and maneuvers at low speed.

The CRF1100L Africa Twin, the more off-road oriented version, maintains the wheels in the 21" front and 18" rear sizes (now tubeless, however) and is available for the first time in two versions: the standard, with mechanical Showa suspension, and the “ES”, with Showa EERA (Electronically Equipped Ride Adjustment) electronic suspension. To make long journeys on the road more comfortable, on the redesigned and aggressive fairing, there is a new oversized windscreen adjustable to 5 levels.

The CRF1100L Africa Twin, with mechanical suspension, is available in Italy only in the "Grand Prix Red" color and only with a 6-speed manual gearbox. The CRF1100L Africa Twin ES, with electronic suspension, is available in Italy with both manual and DCT gearboxes but not in red. It also features heated grips and a 12V socket as standard. Twin ES, with electronic suspension, is available in Italy with both manual gearbox and DCT gearbox but not in red. It also features heated grips and a 12V socket as standard.

On the CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports the most obvious change is the update of the front end with the new 19" front rim, with 110/80 radial tire and the 20 mm reduction in the travel of the standard Showa EERA electronic suspension. 

Designed to cover long distances, the CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports has undergone a major redesign of the fairing and fairing, with aerodynamic advantages in terms of protection and comfort. The 5-level adjustable windscreen has been confirmed while the saddle is new, now with an extra layer of optimized density urethane which, thanks to the 8% more seat surface, reduces fatigue during long journeys.