Six New 2013 Honda Models Announced for US - Motorcycle.com

by Tom Roderick

April 1st, 2012 6:00 AM

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Within an undisclosed warehouse location in Torrance, California, not far from the company’s headquarters, Honda assembled the motorcycle media to announce its new lineup. On display in the nondescript living museum, a compendium of two- and four- (and one three) wheel models — highlights of achievement of both street-legal and closed-course variety, and a few automotive prototypes. In one corner of the room, draped in black, the six objects of interest for which all in attendance came to inspect.

In a pageant of speeches and guest appearances, Honda representatives took the wraps off the six 2013 models destined for U.S. dealerships. In order of appearance presented were the CB1100, CBR600RR, CBR500R, CB500F, CB500X and Gold Wing F6B. The first five weren’t necessarily unexpected, having been previously leaked in some manner, but how the hell did Honda sneak a new version of the Gold Wing into the mix?

CBR500R
MSRP: $5,999/$6,499 (ABS)

six new 2013 honda models announced for us motorcycle com, Look closely at the brake discs and you ll notice the rear disc is the cutout area of the front disc Talk about cost efficiency

Look closely at the brake discs and you’ll notice the rear disc is the cutout area of the front disc. Talk about cost efficiency!

The three new 500s introduced, the CBR500R, CB500F and CB500X, are all powered by the same fuel-injected, liquid-cooled parallel-Twin. The format creates three disparate models that will attract riders of different tastes but with similar pricing expectations. All three will be available in April.

The CBR500R bridges the sportbike gap in Honda’s lineup between the CBR250R ($4,199) and the CBR600RR ($11,540 in 2012). It also slots in nicely between Kawasaki’s Ninja 300 ($4,799) and Ninja 650 ($7,599). With the look and feel of a full-size motorcycle but without the intensity, intimidation factor or high-price of the race-spec 600RR, the CBR500R is posed to attract newbie riders as well as experienced ones uninterested in ponying-up for the latest 600cc track-focused weapon.

2013 Honda CBR500R, CB500F and CB500X (Specifications for all three 500 models are practically identical so we’re only listing the information once)Engine Type500cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin

six new 2013 honda models announced for us motorcycle com, Standard models are available in Black Pearl White Blue Red and Red while the ABS model comes in Red only

Standard models are available in Black, Pearl White/Blue/Red and Red while the ABS model comes in Red only.

Bore and Stroke67.0mm x 66.8mm Compression Ratio10.7:1Valve TrainDOHC; four valves per cylinder InductionPGM-FI with 34mm throttle bodies InductionComputer-controlled digital transistorized with electronic advance TransmissionSix-speedFinal DriveO-ring-sealed chainFront Suspension41mm fork; 4.3 inches travelRear SuspensionPro-Link single shock with nine-position spring preload adjustability; 4.7 inches travelFront BrakesTwin-piston caliper with single 320mm wave discRear BrakesSingle-caliper 240mm wave discABSOptionalFront Tires120/70-17Rear Tires160/60-17Wheelbase55.5 inchesRake (Caster Angle)25° 5’Trail103mm (4.05 inches)Seat Height30.9 inchesFuel Capacity4.1 gallons including 0.7-gallon reserveColorsBlack, Pearl White/Blue/Red, Red, ABS model Red onlyCurb Weight425/429 pounds

CB500F
MSRP: $5,499/$5,999 (ABS)

six new 2013 honda models announced for us motorcycle com

six new 2013 honda models announced for us motorcycle com, At 430 pounds full of fluids the CB500X is 5 pounds heavier than the CBR500R while its seat height at 31 9 inches is 1 inch taller than both the 500R and 500F bikes

At 430 pounds full of fluids, the CB500X is 5 pounds heavier than the CBR500R while its seat height, at 31.9 inches, is 1-inch taller than both the 500R and 500F bikes.

The last of the new 500 models closely resembles Honda’s recently launched NC700X ( tested here). Besides its adventurous styling, the CB500X’s front fork features 0.6 more inches of travel than the other two 500s and one degree less rake, 26° vs 25°. The 500X also features an adjustable windscreen. Both the standard and ABS versions of the 500X will be colored Matte Black Metallic.

CB1100
MSRP: $9,999/$10,999 (Deluxe)

six new 2013 honda models announced for us motorcycle com, Candy Red is the only color for the 2013 CB1100 Open face helmet not included although we d prefer a lid of the metal flake variety anyway

Candy Red is the only color for the 2013 CB1100. Open-face helmet not included, although we’d prefer a lid of the metal-flake variety anyway.

Honda did a commendable job of correctly styling the new 2013 CB1100 commensurate with the early '80s era. From its dual-spoke, five-point star wheels, thick, black blinker stalks and large round indicators to its squared-off fuel tank, the new CB's soundtrack screams J. Geils Band, Men at Work and The Human League.

Powered by an 1140cc, air-cooled, DOHC inline-Four and sporting twin-shock rear suspension and 18-inch wheels the CB1100 combines retro aesthetics with modern triple-disc-brakes, fuel injection and optional ABS. Editor Duke got an early ride on the new CB. You can check out his initial impressions here.

2013 Honda CB1100Engine Type1140cc air- and oil-cooled inline four-cylinder

six new 2013 honda models announced for us motorcycle com, Quintessential and elemental the 2013 CB1100 represents the best of a simpler time when all bikes were nakeds

Quintessential and elemental, the 2013 CB1100 represents the best of a simpler time when all bikes were nakeds.

Bore and Stroke73.5mm x 67.2mm Compression Ratio9.5:1Valve TrainDOHC; four valves per cylinder InductionPGM-FI with automatic enrichment circuit, 32mm throttle bodies IgnitionDigital transistorized with electronic advance TransmissionFive-speedFinal Drive#530 O-ring-sealed chain Front Suspension41mm fork with spring preload adjustability; 4.7 inches travelRear SuspensionDual shocks with spring preload adjustability; 3.5 inches travelFront BrakesDual four-piston calipers with full-floating 296mm discsRear BrakesSingle-caliper 256mm discABSOptionalFront Tires110/80-18Rear Tires140/70-18Wheelbase58.7 inchesRake (Caster Angle)27.0°Trail114mm (4.5 inches)Seat Height31.3 inches Fuel Capacity3.9 gallons, including 0.9-gallon reserve ColorsCandy RedCurb Weight540/549 pounds

CBR600RR

MSRP: TBD

For the first time, a Honda CBR600RR comes wearing the company’s crown jewel MotoGP Repsol racing garb. Look for bike availability beginning in March, and hopefully a firm retail price prior to that.

The fastest bike in the lineup of new model introductions is the venerable CBR600RR. For 2013 the 600RR features more aerodynamic, MotoGP-inspired bodywork with a redesigned, centrally located ram-air intake system, a new Showa 41mm Big Piston Fork, and a revised shock with new damping settings.

According to Honda, the aerodynamic advantages of the CBR’s new skin (a 6.5% decrease in drag) is the result of knowledge gained from the RC212V. While testing the CBR600RR, Honda found it had developed even more advanced aerodynamic improvements that were, in turn, incorporated into the RC213V.

The revised ram-air intake in conjunction with an improved ECU and fuel injection settings have increased mid-range power on the RR as well as enhancing throttle response at high revs. The larger damper piston inside the Showa BPF fork reduces internal pressures for more responsive fork action, while the new damper settings in the rear shock are said to improve overall performance.

2013 Honda CBR600RREngine Type599cc liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder

six new 2013 honda models announced for us motorcycle com, Color options for the 2013 CBR600RR include Red Repsol Edition or White Blue Red C ABS model available in Red only

Color options for the 2013 CBR600RR include Red, Repsol Edition or White/Blue/Red. C-ABS model available in Red only.

Bore and Stroke67.0mm x 42.5mm Compression Ratio12.2:1 Valve TrainDOHC; four valves per cylinder InductionProgrammed Dual Stage Fuel Injection (PGM-DSFI) with 40mm throttle bodies, Denso 12-hole injectors IgnitionComputer-controlled digital transistorized with 3-D mapping TransmissionClose-ratio six-speed Final Drive#525 O-ring-sealed chain Front Suspension41mm inverted Big Piston Fork with spring preload, rebound and compression damping adjustability; TBD inches travelRear SuspensionUnit Pro-Link HMAS single shock with spring preload, rebound and compression damping adjustability; 5.1 inches travelFront BrakesDual radial-mounted four-piston calipers with full-floating 310mm discsRear BrakesSingle-caliper 220mm discABSOptional Honda Electronic Combined ABSFront Tires120/70ZR-17 radialRear Tires180/55ZR-17 radialWheelbase53.9 inchesRake (Caster Angle)23.5° Trail97.7mm (3.9 inches) Seat Height32.3 inchesFuel Capacity4.8 gallons, including 0.9-gallon reserveColorsRed, Repsol Edition, White/Blue/Red, Red (ABS) Curb Weight410/432 pounds

Gold Wing F6B
MSRP: $19,999/$20,999 (Deluxe)

six new 2013 honda models announced for us motorcycle com, The blacked out F6B represents the hepcat option for those not ready to commit to the old man s Gold Wing

The blacked-out F6B represents the hepcat option for those not ready to commit to the old man’s Gold Wing.

A product of creative thinking or an amorous three-way between a Harley-Davidson Road Glide, DN-01 and Gold Wing, the F6B is certainly something new for Honda. Cosmetically the F6B is a Gold Wing with a new seat and without the touring model’s tall windscreen and rear topbox/passenger backrest. The style is undeniably cool while the blacked-out treatment provides a hint of menace.

The F6B owns the same seat height as the GL, but the new seat is narrower at the tank junction and when sitting on the F6B the reach to the ground is noticeably lessened, as is the 62-pound reduction in weight. Boasting a claimed curb weight of 842 pounds, the F6B is 62 pounds less than a base model GL largely by way of the omitted on-board compressor and reverse gear found on the touring bike.

Engine, frame, transmission, saddlebag capacity, etc., remain unchanged from the full-dress Gold Wing.

six new 2013 honda models announced for us motorcycle com, The Deluxe comes equipped with an assortment of Honda accessories Both models are available in the two color options Black or Red and will be available in February

The Deluxe comes equipped with an assortment of Honda accessories. Both models are available in the two color options, Black or Red, and will be available in February.

Other Returning Models:

VFR1200F

The 2013 VFR1200F comes in any color you want as long as it’s Metallic Black. MSRP: $15,999/$17,499 (DCT). Availability: February.

CBR1000RR

Standard model CBR1000RR’s come in Red, Repsol Edition or White/Blue/Red, while the C-ABS model is available in Black only. MSRP: $13,800/$14,800 (C-ABS). Availability: December.

CB1000R