News

This fantastic looking bike is due for release shortly. With its astounding concept bike looks, long and low proportions, high-styled 17" wheels and powerful V-twin engine, Honda's new DN-01 is a motorcycle that provides all the exhilaration one would expect from the finest of its breed. But with one major difference... it has no clutch! Instead, the DN-01 introduces to motorcycling the most advanced fully automatic transmission ever developed for any two wheeled vehicle.

Thirty three years ago Honda created the GL1000 Gold Wing, and in a single stroke transformed what had been a niche - motorcycle touring - into a major market segment. Smooth, roomy, luxurious, the GL seemed custom made for long distance travel. The Gold Wing's role was not clearly defined at first with two different groups at Honda wanting to take the GL1000 in two directions. One group wanted to create a true Grand Touring machine, with a wide powerband and flat torque curve.

The Honda Motor Company was created by one man, Soichiro Honda, and has evolved as an expression of his personality, of his engineering knowledge and energy. He died in 1991 at the age of 84, 43 years after forming the Honda Motor Company with an investment of $3,200. Before his retirement in 1973, he went from department to department every working day, checking on progress, suggesting alternatives, making engineering the central preoccupation of his company and his people.

Honda's new flagship sportsbike, the highly anticipated 2008 CBR1000RR Fireblade is now on sale. The latest model is a huge departure from previous models in the best possible way with distinctly unique looks, stronger performance and responsive control. The 2008 Fireblade features performance enhancing developments such as a new underslung exhaust system and "Honda Assist Slipper Clutch" designed to allow for aggressive downshifts that translate into smoother and quicker cornering control. It is slimmer and more compact than its predecessor.

Honda Australia has recorded the number one spot for motorcycle sales results for the first six months of 2008, according to official figures released by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI). Six of the ten top selling motorcycles overall are Hondas including the CT110P, CRF250R and CRF450R motocross bikes, enduro machine CRF450X, championship winning CBR1000RR Fireblade and the CRF50F mini bike.

Honda held a ceremony, July 21, 2008, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Super Cub sales which began in August 1958. The ceremony was held at Honda's Kumamoto Factory where the Super Cub is still produced today. "The reason we have been able to continue producing and selling Super Cub for 50 years is because of our customers who enjoy using Super Cub every day," said TakeoFukui, president & CEO of Honda Motor Co, Ltd.

Honda's latest XR400 Motard has hit the streets in a new two tone white colour scheme, boasting flare graphics and gold rims that set it apart from all others in the class. The XR400M is powered by a 400cc air-cooled 4-stroke single cylinder engine that offers superior intake and exhaust performance as well as high combustion efficiency that provides powerful mid-range torque.

Honda's all new 'king of the hill' has arrived - Honda's new TRX700XX has arrived and is set to send the ATV sport competition into a tail spin. The TRX700XX's new 686cc SOHC liquid-cooled fuel-injected, four-valve, four-stroke engine generates the highest peak output in its class. Wrapped in an impressive chassis with double wishbone Independent Rear Suspension (IRS), this unique four wheeler also features aggressive new sports styling.

The flagship Honda Cruiser is the VTX1800, which pays homage to the custom chopper. The 2008 model features a low-slung, 2-into-1 exhaust, performance influenced fender design, cast aluminium wheels and dragster style seating.

Honda's latest release of the XL700V Transalp has been reworked to appeal more than ever to those customers looking for a versatile motorcycle with all round capabilities. The '08 version available from dealers nationally now offers revised looks, as well as a lighter more powerful new 680cc liquid-cooled, fuel-injected 8-valve V-twin engine that delivers smooth, strong performance.

The JUST BIKES-sponsored CDR Rockstar Yamaha team wrapped up the ROCKSTAR MX Nationals in style in the series' final round at Coolum, QLD on August 3rd. Jay Marmont secured the championship plate in the Pro Open class, while consistently good performances from team mate, Cheyne Boyd, saw him finish third overall in the championship, just behind Suzuki's Daryl Hurley.

Harley-Davidson has completed its purchase of the privately held Italian motor-cycle maker MV Agusta Group. The Company has acquired 100 percent of MV Agusta Group shares for approximately 70 million euros ($108 million), which includes existing bank debt for approximately 45 million euros ($69 million).

Yamaha's legendary flagship muscle bike VMAX is back... and it means business. The original V4 roadster achieved cult status soon after it was launched in 1985. And now following a serious workout, the beast is not just improved... but totally reborn.

If you've ever called in to California Image, you'll no doubt be familiar with the larger than life figure that is Shane Delaforce.

Yamaha has released their 2008 four-stroke motorcross YZ250F & YZ540Fs - both with significant improvements. YZ450F For 2008 the YZ450Fs engine gets a number of improvements including reshaped intake ports and cam profiles, reduced piston tolerance and modified transmission backlash and shorty muffler. And the YZ450F's lightweight aluminium chassis runs with a shorter headpipe, lighter forks, compact new front caliper, and modified rear suspension - which makes the new bike accelerate better, turn quicker and feel lighter, for an even more dominant package.

The Melbourne leg of the 2008 Australian Motorcycle Expo (AME) is fast approaching - this October 30 to November 2, to be precise - so that means if you want to show off your wares to an absolutely HUGE number of bike owners and enthusiasts, now is the time to get yourself organised!

With strong fields across virtually all classes and good conditions throughout the weekend, this year's 32nd Historic Winton was a feast for the classic motorsport enthusiast.

Shane Diener once again proved he is the undisputable KING OF THE 24 HOUR by winning the 2008 event outright, making it five in a row and ten outright wins from twenty starts.

MV Agusta like to point out that the F4 is a reference point for all that the company stands for. Elegant design, race track performance and staying in front of the opposition.

Brutale 1078RR, introduced earlier this year, MV Agusta's response for cries of more performance was to deliver more power and to use additional performance components.

Occasionally in JUST BIKES, we receive submissions from readers with rare and unusual bikes. With this month's focus on everything Italian, it was perfect timing for us to showcase the rare and stunning 1975 MV Agusta 750 America sent in to us by Julian McLean.

The Corsaro 1200 Veloce is the sport evolution of the Corsaro 1200 and its name, Veloce, Italian for high-speed, reveals its intrinsic personality.

Three of the biggest names in the history of MotoGP/500cc racing will ride again when the 'Legends of MotoGP' line up on the grid at the 2008 Australian Motorcycle GP.

With pure, naked muscle, and a stunning DOHC inline-4 power plant, the monstrous CB1300 is truly deserving of its moniker: 'King of the CBs'.