Honda Unveils 2003 Motorcycle Models in Chicago
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Honda unveils 2003 motorcycle models in Chicago
Chicago, IL--- American Honda's Motorcycle Division unveiled 8 new and
updated models -- including five early-release 2004 models -- at the
company's annual dealer show Thursday night, September 12, at the Navy Pier
in Chicago.
Representing the continuing theme of Honda's branding strategy "Performance
First", the new products are designed to strengthen Honda's position in the
American powersports market. Since 1999, Honda has introduced or redesigned
more than 70 percent of its motorcycle, scooter and all terrain vehicle
(ATV) models.
Included in Honda's announcements are two cruiser models, one super-sport
motorcycle, two off-road bikes, one scooter, one ATV, and a new 2 -
passenger 4-stroke personal watercraft model.
The assembled dealers, who have already benefited from over 30 new Honda
product launches in the previous 3 years, were enthusiastic about the new
offerings. Honda's product lineup, already the broadest in the industry,
grew to over 60 motorcycle, scooter, ATV and personal watercraft models.
Honda Motor Ltd. President, Mr. Hiroyuki Yoshino, reminded dealers of the
importance of the U.S. market, "It was Honda motorcycles that established
the Honda brand in America. The U.S. market has always been important to
our motorcycle business -- not only as a place to sell our products, but a
place that influences our product direction"
Yoshino continued with a strong environmental message, "Together with
"performance first", we also put the environment first. Introducing
4-stroke technology throughout the lineup and other new technologies that
will make our products more friendly for the environment - even as we
advance our performance image."
2003 New Model Preview
CBR600RR
With the CBR600RR and the CBR600F4i in the line-up for '03, Honda has aimed
both barrels at the middleweight class. The new CBR600RR is a masterpiece
of technological innovation, designed to supplement the wildly popular
CBR600F4i. The CBR600RR borrows heavily from Honda's very latest racing
technology, in the form of the V-5, RC211V that has practically worn a hole
atop the MotoGP winner's podium.
Ruckus
If you've got the merest pinch of mechanical sense running around your
brain, you just have to split an ear-to-ear grin when you see the new Honda
Ruckus. This scooter fairly drips with personality, and your imagination
immediately begins to work overtime dreaming up possible uses and
applications. Trips around town, wheels for the college campus, a little
runabout on family camping trips-the Ruckus can do it all.
AquaTrax R-12X
Leave it to Honda to come up with the world's first two-passenger,
intercooled, turbocharged, four-stroke, personal watercraft. The AquaTrax
R-12X follows in the footsteps of the AquaTrax F-12X, and carries the
promise of one of the most agile and stable hull designs imaginable.
For sport-minded riders, the 2003 AquaTrax R-12X is going to set new--and
higher--levels of performance that will take the market by storm.
2004 New Model Preview
Valkyrie Rune
Do you remember the T2 concept bike Honda revealed in the March/April 2001
issue of Honda Red Rider? Essentially, the Valkyrie Rune takes the T2
concept to the production line, and will be available in limited numbers.
The Valkyrie Rune incorporates a unique diamond-shaped aluminum frame for
robust strength along with light weight, plus a fuel-injected 1832cc engine
based on the GL1800 power plant. Before you think the Valkyrie Rune is
merely a hot-rod exercise in radical style, take a look at the bike's
innovative suspension systems.
Meanwhile, styling element after styling element tears at your eyeballs,
vying for attention. Where to look? At the chromed cylinder head covers
evocative of muscle car hardware? The gorgeous, smoothly flowing
six-into-two exhaust system so artfully sculpted into place? The brawny
disc brakes, which are the largest ever mounted on a Honda motorcycle? Or
how about the gracefully flowing lines of the neo/retro low-slung bodywork
with the solo seat that beckons you to slide aboard for the ride of your
life?
The Valkyrie Rune redefines the ultimate performance custom.
VTX1300C
The new-for-2004 VTX1300C capitalizes on its forerunners' success in two
different areas: the mechanical soundness and fine overall balance of the
recently introduced VTX1300, plus the muscular hot-rod styling treatment of
the original VTX1800C.
CRF250R
Honda, the undisputed leader in four-stroke Performance First power,
introduces the latest innovation in no-compromise motocross race bikes: the
all-new 2004 CRF250R. Hot on the heels of the race-winning and
award-winning CRF450R, this new all-out racer will dominate 125cc-class
competition alongside the CR125R.
Whether you're a Veteran Class racer looking for the inherent advantage of
a broad four-stroke power delivery or you're a young gun seeking a traction
advantage in the ultra-demanding 125 class, with the new 2004 Honda CRF250R
you'll dust the guys who aren't Riding Red.
CRF250X
Take what is basically the all-new CRF250R and put a button on the
handlebar that's connected to a lightweight, electric starter. That's a
sure-fire formula for building the most serious off-road motorcycle to
enter the dirt market in a long, long time. Meet the brand-new CRF250X: X
marks the spot where you'll find a full-on, competition-oriented, off-road
machine, coming from Honda.
FourTrax Rancher AT
Just because the FourTrax Rancher has been the best all-around ATV the
world over for years doesn't mean Honda's hard-working engineers couldn't
carve out a little room for improvement. So 2003 brings the new 2004 Honda
FourTrax Rancher AT with redesigned styling, a larger engine and a
next-generation successor to the legendary HFT automatic transmission, plus
an optional version with GPSCAPE®, a GPS unit to ease navigation chores.
About Honda
American Honda Motor Co., Inc. is the sole distributor of Honda
motorcycles, scooters, ATVs and personal watercraft in the U.S. American
Honda's Motorcycle Division conducts the sales, marketing, and operational
activities for these products through Honda authorized dealers. For further
information about Honda products, racing teams, programs, and dealer
locations, visit the Honda web site at: www.honda.com.
Media inquiries:310.783.3745
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