ROAD NEWS

The Red Dot Design Awards are an international distinction , recognising outstanding product design that is aesthetic , functional , smart or innovative . Selected by a panel of 50 experts that tests and evaluates each entry , the winners reflect the latest technical , social , economic and ecological requirements of consumers . “ This year , Honda celebrates its 75th anniversary , and to receive multiple Red Dot Design Awards in the Product Design category for the fourth year in a row , across our automobile and motorcycle product ranges , is fantastic and a testament to our development processes ,” said Toshinobu Minami , Chief Operating Officer , Design Center , Honda R & D Co . Ltd . “ We believe in a unique human-centred approach to design and usability , and it is gratifying to see that focus reflected in the continued recognition for Honda at the Red Dot Design Awards .” Cementing the return of a favourite nameplate , the CB750 Hornet motorcycle took home a product design award . The revived nameplate takes inspiration from its ancestor , featuring a brand new 755cc parallel twin-cylinder engine , cradled by a brand-new lightweight steel-diamond frame . Honda ’ s

design team in Rome penned the CB750 Hornet as a ‘ new , contemporary expression of technical beauty with sharp lines and aggressive angles ’. The main signature of the Hornet is the fuel tank , which takes inspiration from the shape of a hornet ’ s wing and typifies the muscularity and athleticism associated with Streetfighter-style motorcycles . In addition , the XL750 Transalp received top honours from the Red Dot jury . Marking a return of the Transalp name to Honda ’ s motorcycle line-up after nearly a decade , the XL750 Transalp brings the comfortable do-it-all crossover to a new generation of riders . Built around the same all-new 755cc parallel twin-cylinder engine as the Hornet , it faithfully references the iconic 1986 original XL600V Transalp , but with a modern look , thanks to the sculpted fairing and screen that work together to reduce buffeting and increase weather protection . Sleek , simple , and clean , the iconic long-legged stance remains , projecting the adventurous intent for which the bike is renowned . This year ’ s accomplishments bring the number of Red Dot Design Awards won by Honda to 13 since 2020 , including a ‘ Best of the Best ’ accolade for the Honda e in 2020 . Both it and the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP have since been inducted into the Red Dot Design Museum in Essen , Germany , one of the world ’ s most significant exhibitions of contemporary design .

24 KIWI RIDER