Honda Shows ’06 Product
American Honda’s Motorcycle Division unveiled its 2006 powersports vehicle line-up during the company’s annual business meeting, held September 7 at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas.
Honda has more than 70 motorcycle, scooter, ATV and personal watercraft models for 2006.
Dealers at the event – themed “The Power of Red” – saw all-new units, including the 675cc FourTrax Rincon/GPScape ($7,699-$7,999), Gold Wing with airbag ($18,999-$22,799), CBR1000R ($11,299), Interceptor ABS/Interceptor ($10,499), 599 ($7,399), CRF150F ($3,099), CRF250R ($6,299), TRX450R ($6,649-$6,799), TRX250EX ($3,699), TRX90 ($2,649) and track-only NSF100, the price for which has not been released.
In the road category, the 2006 Gold Wing receives satellite navigation, an 80-watt audio system, a cold weather comfort package, and the industry’s first fully integrated rider airbag.
A road bike designed for track-use only, the 164-lb. NSF100 features a 99cc four-stroke single producing 8.7hp. It’s a machine Honda calls “the ultimate roadracing starter kit.”
Rounding out the road line introduction, Honda says the CBR1000RR received extensive changes that sharpen handling, boost horsepower and reduce weight; the ’06 Interceptor has a revamped VTEC system and a plethora of styling upgrades; and back in the line for 2006, the 599 features a host of upgrades, including an inverted HMAS fork and two-piece mini-cowl with tinted flyscreen.
Off-road riders can look forward to a CRF150F with an all-new engine featuring push-button electric starting, new transmission ratios and new suspension settings; and a CRF250R now using a unique dual-muffler exhaust system.
Honda’s quad line-up is led by the new FourTrax Rincon/FourTrax Rincon GPScape, which has a 675cc engine featuring electronic fuel injection, new suspension and front disc brakes, and new colors that include Natural Gear Camouflage.
In addition, the TRX450R is an all-new machine from the ground up and now comes in an electric start version; and the TRX250EX receives race inspired styling, new front and rear suspension, and an innovation called Honda SportClutch, which provides the fun of manual shifting for experienced riders, while offering the ease and fun of no-stalling to those with less seat time.
Honda’s smallest TRX, the TRX90, also receives an electric starter, plus TRX450R inspired bodywork, new suspension settings and a host of other refinements
Learn more about Honda’s new vehicles in the September 26 issue of Powersports Business magazine.
