July 2, 2007 – Honda adds airbags to some Gold Wings
Part of the 2008 lineup that American Honda Corp. recently unveiled includes color and feature changes to its flagship, the Gold Wing, including an industry first.
Honda is placing a fully integrated rider airbag on full-featured, 2008 Gold Wings.
The airbag feature was one of the changes Honda revealed in its 2008 motorcycle lineup, which was partially announced June 4. More information on 2008 models will be released Sept. 6.
Besides changes to the Gold Wing, Honda also announced a new feature that’s been added to its Shadow Aero, a new design element to one of its popular off-road bikes and new colors to several of its ’08 models. Honda said it expects several popular 2008 models to be in showrooms by early summer.
The Gold Wing’s airbag, positioned in front of the rider, is controlled by an electronic control unit, which analyzes signals from crash sensors to determine whether to inflate the airbag. Four crash sensors are attached on the bike, including two per side on the front fork, and detect changes in acceleration that are caused by frontal impacts, Honda said in a press release.
The company said once the sensors detect an impact, it only takes 0.015 seconds before the airbag inflation is activated.
Besides the new feature, the Gold Wings (MSRP: $19,599-$24,649) will also be available in four new colors: Metallic Red, Pearl White, Titanium and Black.
For its cruiser segment, Honda added a new two-into-two exhaust system in its Shadow Aero (MSRP: $6,799-$7,099). The exhaust system will feature bullet-style mufflers for a classic cruiser look. The Shadow Aero will come with a new tank logo and new colors: Candy Dark Red, Metallic Silver/Black, Black/White, Candy Dark Red/White and classic Black.
Another change Honda announced was in its enduro lineup. The CRF230F (MSRP: $3,649) and the CRF150F ($3,149) will both have a narrower seat and redesigned fuel tank and handlebar shape to increase rider comfort.
Other changes to the 2008 Honda lineup include the following:
In addition to the changes, Honda also released MSRPs on a number of 2008 models. Here they are by segment: (dual sport) XR650L, $5,949; (motocross) CRF150R, $4,199; CRF150R-Expert, $4,299; (off-road) CRF100F, $2,399; CRF80F, $2,099; CRF70F, $1,699; CRF50F, $1,349. PSB
