Honda CB1000R XESS - extreme potential of this new Naked streetfighter’s intensely aggressive power

Honda CB1000R XESS - extreme potential of this new Naked streetfighter’s intensely aggressive power

The XESS (eXtreme European Streetfighter Styling) version of the CB1000R draws on the most extreme potential of this new Naked streetfighter’s intensely aggressive power. It focuses the customer’s attention on the eventual possibilities for modifying the production model to make it even more stunning.

The original CB1000R was intended to stimulate Honda Emotion; to be number one in the Sports-Naked category and the ultimate bike for two-wheel enthusiasts. This was achieved through its innovative and challenging design and through such impressive technology as the ex-Fireblade inline-4 engine, the long-and-low underslung exhaust and the hybrid aluminium swingarm. Incorporating impressive handling and a sporty nature, our plan for this model is to become the big Naked queen of the long and winding roads.

Our goal with the XESS is to allow CB1000R customers to shine out in the crowd (even more!) and give them really breathtaking added value. It is similar to our much-appreciated initiative with the Hornet 600 in early 2006. It’s clear that Naked customers like to customise their bikes, so we decided to sow the seeds of imagination with a reality model.

The XESS represents the most radical and extreme styling of the new Italian-designed CB1000R. Just as Honda represents “The Power of Dreams,” the CB1000R should be considered “The Model of Dreams” in the Naked category – a dream bike starting with a unique Honda basis and cutomised with the most impressively designed accessories.

If the CB1000R is a spectacularly emotional bike, the velvet-red XESS builds even more on that emotion - aggressive as a panther and ready to holeshot with a premium motorcycle image. That’s why the tank is graced with the new Honda Wing emblem that only decorates top-end models like the RC212V, the Fireblade and the DN-01.

This impressive customization of a brand-new motorcycle model with quality custom parts is yet another unique and visionary initiative from Honda.

The XESS project was carried out by a local workgroup in Italy. Vito Cicchetti (General Manager, Honda Italy) proposed the initial concept and positioning, while Fausto Giancristofaro sought out suppliers of the most passionate parts and coordinated the realisation of the special model’s.

The many parts that have been added or changed include: a special Showa-signed and anodized massive front fork, Hanabira front discs with radial-mounted front callipers, a titanium twin-exhaust, lighter and race-ready footpegs, an aggressive red transmission chain, reversed levers, a velvet seat and several carbon fibre elements (such as the front mudguard, front light cowl, rear hugger, side covers and rear seat cowl).

The concept, drawings and development of the mass production model were established by R&D headquarters in Roma with the support of the Italian Sales Division. With its already sensational design, it provided an ideal basis from which to develop such an impressive and aggressive prototype. The result is a model that celebrates traditional Honda quality with 100% Italian design.

honda cb1000r - Gold Edition

honda cb1000r - Gold Edition

honda cb1000r usa moto guzzi v7

honda cb1000r usa moto guzzi v7

honda cb1000r usa single sided swingarm

honda cb1000r usa single sided swingarm

honda 919 specs - Best in show for the Agility class

honda 919 specs - Best in show for the Agility class

Agility is important with motorcycles which one has to ride on more than the open road, or closed race track. Over the years, as tire and suspensions have become more sophisticated, bikes have developed fantastic high-speed stability and low-speed about-town riding nimbleness. But as sports bikes morphed into street-legal racers, and riding positions became more and more angled towards the front tire, and sometimes beyond it!, the regular town rider has needed to morph into a fully ambidextrous, yoga-devoted, flexible putty mold. So, no wonder the sit-up-and-beg, naked street tourer has become the fastest growing sector in Europe and the US. In fact the European 600cc Honda Hornet was the best selling bike in the range last year. Now, spurred on by the likes of the Ducati Monster, Suzuki Bandit and Triumph speed triple (remember Tom Cruise in MI2?), Honda has decided to finally offer something decent over here. Of course, in the UK we have the almighty Black Bird X11- a naked and restyled XX, but let’s not start on a sour note.

Instead, let’s get one thing clear. The 919 is a great town bike. But, more surprisingly, it has also proved to be a great partner up in the hills of Malibu and beyond, and out on the faster, twisty, over-a-ton sections too, during the course of the last few weeks. The first feeling I had when I picked the bike up was of my old BMX bike days. Because the 919 basically feels like a bicycle with a big engine stuffed under the handlebars and a cool and rather sexy (I’m told by my girlfriend) matt black gas tank. Just riding back from Torrance on the 405 freeway, it was clear that this bike had some serious get up and go. Redlined at only 9500, instead of the usual 13,000 or so for the 954, the power curve has clearly been redesigned and the management system re-mapped to deliver smoother horses from lower down in the range. It works! The bike doesn’t need to be revved hard, like a F6, to pull away from traffic lights or make the required lane change up an incline. Better yet, the 919, naked as it may be, doesn’t overtly force wind buffeting onto the long suffering 70mph+ rider. This said, I don’t see why Honda cannot offer a standard detachable screen as seen on so many of this ilk, which would mean you could really have a big cake and enjoy it! Do the bugs in the teeth thing in town and slip on the screen for a bit of protection for sprinting down to Palm Springs or out to Angels Crest. At 100mph the revs sit nicely at 6,000 and the bike can be (and was) really hustled along the highway, in and out of traffic as quick as you please, with lots of forward vision afforded by the high and comfy position and no wrist ache – something I am particularly prone to. The motor even produces a quaint little induction roar from 2-3,000 revs, which sounds rather ominous and quite rude actually.

2009 honda crf450r - Honda Dirt Bike Motorcycle Comparison

2009 honda crf450r - Honda Dirt Bike Motorcycle Comparison

Coming into this comparison, Honda’s all-new 450 was perhaps the most hyped MX motorcycle of the model year. And ever since we first laid eyes on it during our First Look report we couldn’t wait to turn a wheel on the new machine. That being said, when the Honda box van pulled up, it was an all out race to be the first one on the bike.

With a variety of different sized table-tops and step-up jumps, a good portion of your time at Racetown is spent in the air. And this is where you’ll appreciate how light and compact feeling the new CRF450R is.

2009 honda interceptor - easy to marvel at the Interceptor's high-tech parts manifest and its state-of-the-art components, including a VTEC-equipped

We’re all familiar with the rush that supersport motorcycles provide, but also wish we could ride more withought the fatique that comes as standard. Honda’s response to the demands of adrenaline and comfort takes the name Interceptor and concludes in simply the most versatile all around motorcycle powered by a racing-derived V-Four VTEC engine.

2009 Honda Interceptor European version

Despite speculations conforming which the new Honda VFR will feature a V5 engine, the 2008 Intermot show in Cologne has to prove the motorcycle press wrong.

Instead of being fully upgraded as a 2009 model year, the bike still features the VTEC V4 engine, the only important addition being the C-ABS system, but only as an option. Also, the White paint scheme now available on the European version and the Black on the North American one further enhance the awesome VFR design and that’s pretty much all that this bike brings new on the scene.

But you should never doubt the performance of a VFR engine. The V4 – VTEC with electronic fuel injection, which distributes power in two different stages by implementing an ingenious valve opening system, is both a great power source and an economical engine depending on the riding preferences of each rider. Maximum horsepower is 108 at 10,500 rpm and torque, 59 ft.lb at 8,750 rpm.

The engine is positioned on a nimble double – beam aluminum frame ensuring that the handling abilities would stay true to the VFR name.

2009 honda vfr1000

2009 honda vfr1000

2009 honda goldwing - with the addition of XM Radio featuring traffic and weather reporting capabilities

2009 honda goldwing - with the addition of XM Radio featuring traffic and weather reporting capabilities

The ultimate touring bike carries on to 2009 without featuring any technical or design changes, but does feature the regular fair share of goodies with which Gold Wing customers are already accustomed.

A true limousine on two wheels, the Gold Wing comes fitted with airbags, ABS, Comfort Package, heated seats and feet warmers, features without which any normal rider wouldn’t be able to pun the number of miles that this bike is capable of. Reverse gear and electronic suspension is simply more than any rider could dream of, but at a minimum curb weight of 895 pounds, these systems become absolutely necessary.

honda motorcycles

honda motorcycles