Honda Announces Its First Bikes of the 2019 Lineup
If you're a Honda lover, we've got some great news... Honda has just announced the first of its 2019 lineup. As fast as 2018 is flying by, now you have something big to look forward to! Here are the latest bikes announced:
CB300R/ABS
Honda’s all-new “sport naked” family is built on the belief that attitude is essential, and in carrying that philosophy over to the 2019 CB300R, Honda turns an exciting corner with its small-displacement lineup. Inspired by the Neo-Sports Café design made popular by the trendsetting 2018 CB1000R, the CB300R sets out to distill all of the excitement of two wheels into lightweight form, blending assertive design with Honda’s engineering prowess to offer new and experienced riders alike an opportunity to express themselves on two wheels.
Fun to ride and a joy to own, the CB300R has many of the premium features found on its larger-capacity siblings. Couple that with Honda’s free-revving, 286cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine and a brand-new frame, specially designed to provide optimum rigidity and reduced weight, and the result is the ultimate lightweight sport-naked machine.
Design
Styling is a deliberate reduction, putting the machine’s blacked-out hardware on display. It’s also brutally neat and brings a new hard-edged attitude to the naked-bike scene. The cutaway tail unit is barely there, though it supports separate rider and passenger seats plus the nylon rear mudguard mount. Rider and passenger foot-peg hangers are aluminum.
A lightweight, full-function LCD instrument display is nearly 60% thinner and provides simple readouts for speed, engine rpm, fuel level, and gear position, with warning lights arrayed across the top. Full LED lighting—including turn indicators—adds a premium feel and contributes to improved mass centralization. The headlight uses a dual-bar light signature—upper for low beam and lower for high beam—and the taillight is the thinnest ever mounted on a Honda motorcycle.
Family genes abound, as the fuel tank also shares the same basic motif as the CB1000R: Attitude.
Chassis/Suspension
The CB300R’s frame—which helps underpin its minimalist style and is drawn on the same Neo-Sports Café aesthetic as the new CB1000R—is constructed from high-tensile steel tube and pressed steel, with the steel pivot plate now separated from the main frame. Through this design, the main frame between the head and seat rail is now free from the stress applied to the rear wheel, which enabled each piece to be optimized in terms of strength and profile, primarily through the use of thinner steel pipe and steel sheet. While offering optimized strength, the main frame is now lighter weight.
A new swingarm offers similar rigidity and performance benefits, with increased thickness at the cross member but tapered wall thickness toward the new, hollow rear axle for ideal flexibility. Newly designed, lightweight aluminum wheels share the same design as those in the rest of the CB lineup, ultimately aiding in the bike’s nimble handling characteristics.
A 41mm inverted fork with compliant damping and supple spring rate is pared to an updated single shock offering seven-step spring-preload adjustment. A 49.6/50.4 front/rear weight bias provides a positive feel for front-end grip and easy steering, which is also helped by the low, 313 pound wet weight (317 pounds with ABS) and compact 53.3 inch wheelbase. Seat height is 31.5 inches.
Stopping power comes courtesy of a 296mm floating front brake disc paired with a radial-mount Nissin four-piston caliper, and 220mm rear disc matched to a single piston caliper. On the CB300R ABS, both brakes are modulated by two-channel ABS that works through an inertial measurement unit (IMU) to give precise front-to-rear distribution of ABS operation, depending on vehicle behavior. Dunlop radial tires—a 150/60R-17 at the rear and a 110/70R-17 at the front—are standard. To help achieve nimble handling, parts near the vehicle’s periphery have been designed to be lightweight, while many of the heavier components (including the engine, muffler, rear shock, battery, and ABS modules) are laid out to provide an ideal center of gravity.
Engine
The CB300R’s compact 286cc DOHC four-valve, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine (shared with the CBR300R) is a diminutive jewel that has won many fans for its free-revving, responsive nature. And while that free-spinning character can get the adrenaline pumping as revs rise, the engine also works well in real-world road-riding conditions, both around town and out on the highway.
Bore and stroke are set at 76 x 63mm, with a compression ratio of 10.7:1. PGM-FI fuel injection—with 38mm throttle bore and a refined, straight-shot intake path—delivers crisp throttle response across the rev range. The exhaust is underslung, and its dual-chamber muffler exits on the right side; reduced air resistance contributes to an ultra-linear throttle response. The engine is also designed with the minimum number of moving parts. Details like low-friction piston rings, high-density core radiator and iridium spark plug help increase fuel efficiency. Thanks in part to the weight-saving measures and the new intake layout, initial acceleration has been improved by 4%.
PCX/ABS
Highlighted by a stylish design and enjoyable performance, Honda’s PCX150 has long been the ideal choice for riders who want to have a little fun while getting around. Thanks to its liquid-cooled engine and smooth lines, the 2019 PCX150 turns heads wherever it goes, while also offering great range and considerable comfort through its well-tuned chassis and dual rear shocks, now featuring 3.33 inches of travel. With a light curb weight of 289 pounds, a nimble 51.8 inch wheelbase and a low 30.1 inch seat height, the PCX150 is an easygoing scooter that brings an element of enjoyment to any ride. And for 2019 the PCX150 features style updates, including a new LED headlight design.
Engine/Drivetrain
- Liquid-cooled 149cc single-cylinder four-stroke engine is fuel efficient thanks to friction-reduction measures applied to engine internals
- Low-friction Honda V-Matic automatic transmission provides smooth, predictable acceleration while also bolstering fuel efficiency
- Large air filter and optimized exhaust system enhance airflow, contributing to strong engine performance
Chassis/Suspension
- Large 2.1 gallon fuel tank located under floorboard for low center of gravity and enhanced riding traits
- Sidestand and centerstand offer parking versatility
- Larger, 100/80-14 front and 120/70-14 rear tires with optimized construction reduce energy loss due to tire deformation
- New frame contributes to reduced weight and added stability, for a confidence- inspiring ride
- Three-stage rear-suspension springs with 3.33 inches of travel provide optimum ride comfort
- Stylish eight-spoke wheels are lightweight and enhance overall handling
- Available anti-lock brake system enhances braking security in adverse riding conditions or emergency-stop situations
- Expansive leg area offers optimal room for a comfortable riding position
- Finely shaped body panels emphasize connection between upper and lower shells for sporty-yet-chic overall design
- Large, lockable under-seat compartment now provides 28 liters of storage space and features a saddle hinge for easy loading or unloading of items
- LED headlights, taillight, turn signals, and license plate light lend a distinctive look while producing brilliant illumination
- Stylish LCD instrumentation includes fuel-consumption readout and clock, plus speedometer, odometer, trip meter, and fuel gauge
- X-shaped taillight assembly offers great visibility and supports overall design
- Integral 12-volt adaptor is a convenient charging point for personal electronics
- Storage compartment under dash for small items, with a large lid for easier access
- Helmet hook under seat
Grom/ABS
G-R-O-M: For anyone remotely familiar with the cultural revolution birthed by Honda’s 125cc sport bike, that simple four-letter word conjures thoughts of enjoyment and fun. An instant cult classic, the Grom has captured the hearts and throttle hands of riders of all sizes and ability levels through its unique ownership of the small-bore sport category. A major portion of its charm is due to its diminutive stature, which is friendly to new riders, offers nimble handling, and is an absolute blast for carving turns. The pint-size Honda’s lightweight feel and peppy powerband contribute to its broad appeal, while the big-bike-inspired styling turns heads in every environment. With a four-speed transmission, manual clutch, and disc brakes, the Grom is as serious as it is delightful.
Engine/Drivetrain
- Single-cylinder 125cc SOHC four-stroke engine packs a perfect blend of performance with impressive fuel efficiency plus accessible and fun all-around ability.
- The engine uses low-friction technology such as an offset cylinder and a roller rocker arm for the valve gear.
- Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) offers excellent throttle response over a wide range of riding conditions by continuously monitoring several variables to ensure the correct fuel mixture for the existing riding and atmospheric conditions.
- The four-speed gearbox is managed via a manual clutch and offers smooth and consistent gear changes.
Chassis/Suspension
- Integrated fuel tank and side panels with an edgy look
- Stacked LED headlight layout.
- Under-slung exhaust, upswept tail unit.
- Sporty handlebar bend.
- Compact chassis features a sturdy mono backbone steel frame.
- Telescopic inverted 31mm fork (like on a full-size motorcycle) delivers 3.9 inches of travel.
- Steel box-section rear swingarm and a sturdy single shock yield 4.1 inches of comfortable rear-wheel travel.
- Single front 220mm disc with hydraulic dual-piston caliper and single rear 190mm disc with hydraulic single-piston caliper deliver strong stopping power.
- Compact 47.4 inch wheelbase and light curb weight of 225 pounds results in amazing agility to boost rider confidence.
- LCD digital dash includes speedometer, odometer/A&B trip meters, clock and fuel gauge.
- Flip key.
And finally, we are pleased to announce the return of the ever-popular CRF230F and CRF50F models for 2019.
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