Honda Integra
Honda has a developed a new 670cc motorcycle engine, with, according to Honda, powerful torque in the low- to mid-speed range and top class, fuel-efficient environmental performance. Second-generation Dual Clutch Transmission has also been developed to further complement the new engine configuration.
Honda say they have developed the engine as a centre-pin for a range of mid-class motorcycles that will have fuel efficiency, while delivering powerful, useable torque for both urban and touring riding at their ethos. The result, say Honda, is an engine that is easy to handle, with plentiful torque throughout the rev range but with top-class fuel efficiency and environmental credentials, all packaged in a lightweight, ergonomically efficient and versatile design.
A liquid-cooled, 670cc, 4-stroke, in-line, 2-cylinder engine, with fuel economy expected to exceed 76mpg, the new engine technology represents the best in the mid-class range, and an approximate 40% improvement over other sports models in the same class. In addition, a combination of measures including the adoption of an electronically-controlled fuel injection system (PGM-FI), allows the engine to achieve an emission level approximately half the European emission standards (Euro 3). The resulting environmental performance is ranked among the top in the world without compromising powerful, smooth output.
This new engine can be coupled with a lightweight, compact second-generation Dual Clutch Transmission, featuring a smooth, direct feel and excellent transmission efficiency, in addition to a 6-speed manual transmission option. The Dual Clutch Transmission - developed for the first time by Honda for motorcycles and initially installed on the VFR1200F - is now lighter and more compact through a simplified hydraulic circuit and other design enhancements. A learning function has been added to each selected running mode to detect a variety of riding environments from city streets to mountain passes and automatically performs the most suitable shift control.
The first machine to feature the new engine will be the Integra, a model based on the New Mid Concept revealed at EICMA (Milan show) in November 2010, although this machine will have limited availability in the UK due to mainland Europe being its primary markets. Two further models for 2012 will be unveiled at EICMA this November that will also incorporate the same engine technology and be available with both manual and DCT options across Europe.
