ROAD NEWS
information delivery and management of all systems , as well as the connectivity of the Honda Smartphone Voice Control system for both Android and IOS devices . All lighting is LED ; the indicators auto-cancel and also include Emergency Stop System ( ESS ). A full range of accessories , including a quickshifter , soft luggage , engine protectors and cosmetic enhancements are expected to be ready to go at the time of the official launch . Blue Wing Honda , the New Zealand distributor of Honda Motorcycles , is yet to announce local expected arrival and pricing .
WHAT HONDA SAYS
“ The Hornet has always been a very special motorcycle for Honda . Exciting , engaging performance has always been matched to lithe , agile handling ,” says Mr Fuyuki Hosokawa , Test Project Leader , Honda R & D , Japan . “ Before starting this project , we thought long and hard about what kind of performance we wanted to give to the rider . We knew that it was essential to keep the classic Hornet top end power ‘ hit ’ and at the same time , as a new generation Hornet for modern times , we wanted the engine to have a really strong torquey feel and ‘ throbbing ’ sensation at low to mid rpm . Our aim has always been to match these to the lightest , most agile handling possible , to make every ride – even in town – as engaging and fulfilling as possible . To get the kind of performance and lightweight handling we wanted , we knew we had to develop an all-new short-stroke twincylinder engine , with a 270 ° crankshaft . This would not only deliver that top-end rush , but also the sporty low-down torque , ideal for riding in urban environments and powering out of corners on the open road . For us , the Hornet has always been the ultimate representation of the streetfighter concept and this new Hornet , proudly carries on this tradition .”
KIWI RIDER 93