30th Anniversary Honda Fireblade Is Coming To America

30th Anniversary Honda Fireblade Is Coming To America

© 2022, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc. From a press release issued By American Honda:

Honda Unveils 12 Motorcycle Models in Broad-Ranging Announcement

March 29, 2022 — TORRANCE, Calif.

Five different motorcycle categories represented

Announcement includes 2022 and 2023 year models

Today’s new-and returning-model announcement from Honda is a reminder of the remarkable array of two-wheel products the company produces. Covered in the reveal are no fewer than 12 models from five different categories including sport, miniMOTO, dual sport, scooter and trials – not to mention the side-by-side models that were unveiled separately today.

Headlining the announcement is the legendary CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP, which in 2022 adopts important new performance upgrades to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Fireblade’s original introduction in Europe (followed a year later in the U.S.). Returning for 2022 are the CBR650R sport bike and CB650R naked bike, both of which come standard with ABS. On the miniMOTO front, the 2023 edition of the popular Grom is back, as is the 2022 edition of the retro Trail 125. The PCX also returns for 2022, continuing as the benchmark model among scooters, and joined by the 2023 Ruckus. Three dual-sport machines were also announced – the incredibly popular CRF300L; its adventure-focused sibling, the CRF300L Rally; and the classic XR650L, the latter in a new color. In addition, a pair of upgraded Montesa Cota trials machines – the choice of FIM Trials World Champion Toni Bou – are offered to U.S. customers for the new model year.

“We recognize that motorcycling comes in many forms, a fact that is reflected in today’s announcement,” said Brandon Wilson, American Honda Manager of Sports & Experiential. “The models included are each unique, but they share a commitment to delivering the enjoyment of two-wheel recreation. We’re proud of the disparate nature of the motorcycling community, and we’re happy to serve all of its members in 2022 and beyond.”

 

2022 CBR1000RR-R FIREBLADE SP

 

A 2022 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP 30th Anniversary Edition at speed. Photo courtesy American Honda.
A 2022 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP 30th Anniversary Edition at speed. Photo courtesy American Honda.

 

To celebrate the original, groundbreaking CBR900RR and a record of continuous challenges since the introduction of that game-changer, Honda offers a stunning 30th Anniversary version of the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP. For 2022, development of this model’s inline four-cylinder engine centers on mid-corner acceleration: the intake ports, airbox, airbox funnels and exhaust mid-section are all revised to deliver extra midrange power. The final-drive sprocket has gone up three teeth for stronger acceleration through each ratio, and quick-shifter performance has been upgraded. Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) has also been optimized, with feedback from HRC’s riders, for refined rear-tire traction management, and throttle feel has improved even further.

Color: Pearl White

MSRP: $28,900

Availability: July

 

2022 CBR650R

 

A 2022 Honda CBR650R. Photo courtesy American Honda.
A 2022 Honda CBR650R. Photo courtesy American Honda.

 

Designed to be appreciated on the street, but drawing inspiration from the supersport realm, the CBR650R excites riders with its sharp lines, complete bodywork and corner-carving abilities, but it also delivers comfort, practicality and value. A full-fairing sport variant of the standard CB650R, this model has a high-quality Showa Separate Function Big Piston fork, stylish aesthetics and excellent emissions performance. With a finely tuned chassis delivering light, responsive handling, and a high-revving inline four-cylinder engine that offers enjoyable power, the CBR650R is exciting to ride and a pleasure to own, a gratifying intersection of values for the modern sport bike rider.

Color: Matte Black Metallic

MSRP: $9,799

Availability: August

 

2022 CB650R

 

A 2022 Honda CB650R. Photo courtesy American Honda.
A 2022 Honda CB650R. Photo courtesy American Honda.

 

Honda’s iconic CB moniker evokes a proud legacy of middleweight machines that boast user-friendly four-cylinder engines mated to nimble, confidence-inspiring chassis. That’s also an accurate description of the CB650R, which features a Showa Separate Function Big Piston fork, excellent emissions performance, striking aesthetics and comfortable ergonomics. Showcasing Honda’s Neo Sports Café design theme through its smooth lines and compact packaging, the CB650R is a popular and enjoyable naked bike that builds on the CB history of catering to diverse riding experiences, from daily commutes to exhilarating outings on tight, twisting backroads.

Color: Matte Black Metallic

MSRP: $9,299

Availability: September

 

2022 TRAIL 125

 

A 2022 Honda Trail 125. Photo courtesy American Honda.
A 2022 Honda Trail 125. Photo courtesy American Honda.

 

When it comes to fun, approachable, popular miniMOTO models, no manufacturer even comes close to Honda, and the Trail 125 is a prime example of one such machine that also pays tribute to the past. The model harkens back to a golden era of motorcycling when there was seemingly a CT model on the bumper rack of every motor home but, like Honda’s nostalgic Monkey and Super Cub, it also incorporates the modern joys of practical design and hassle-free technology. Compared to the urban-focused Super Cub on which it is based, the Trail 125 has a number of rugged upgrades, making it ideal for casual trekking on- and off-road.

Color: Glowing Red

MSRP: $3,999

Availability: April

 

2022 PCX

 

A 2022 Honda PCX scooter. Photo courtesy American Honda.
A 2022 Honda PCX scooter. Photo courtesy American Honda.

 

Honda’s PCX is the ultimate tool for tackling urban environments in style, continuing to set the standard for scooter design and technology. Equipped with a freeway-capable engine, the PCX is equally suitable for new riders and more experienced customers, delivering performance, fuel economy, great handling, a comfortable ride and simple operation – all attributes that are vital in the scooter category.

Color: Pearl White

MSRP

PCX: $3,899

PCX ABS: $4,099

Availability: April

 

2022 CRF300L

 

A 2022 Honda CRF300L. Photo courtesy American Honda.
A 2022 Honda CRF300L. Photo courtesy American Honda.

 

The motorcycle industry’s top-selling dual-sport model, the CRF300L boasts strong power, low weight and excellent on- and off-road performance, while also delivering unparalleled value, reliability and styling. The model has a broad powerband, predictable handling and aesthetic cues that are carried over from Honda’s CRF Performance line, and it’s available in standard and ABS versions, both of which are ready to provide low-cost transportation and true dual-sport adventure.

Color: Red

MSRP

CRF300L: $5,349

CRF300L ABS: $5,649

Availability: April

 

2022 CRF300L RALLY

 

A 2022 Honda CRF300L Rally. Photo courtesy American Honda.
A 2022 Honda CRF300L Rally. Photo courtesy American Honda.

 

Based on the standard CRF300L, but with comfort-focused upgrades including hand guards, more fuel capacity and a frame-mounted wind screen, the CRF300L Rally evokes images of the Dakar Rally while delivering practicality and value. More suitable for long-distance adventuring than its standard sibling, the Rally version is also a stellar commuter.

Color: Red

MSRP

CRF300L Rally: $6,099

CRF300L Rally ABS: $6,399

Availability: April

 

2022 XR650L

 

A 2022 Honda XR650L. Photo courtesy American Honda.
A 2022 Honda XR650L. Photo courtesy American Honda.

 

Yes, the XR650L has been a familiar part of Honda’s lineup for many years, but there’s a reason the tried-and-true dual-sport model continues to be popular with customers. It’s highly adaptable, opening the door to adventure on single-track trails, dirt roads and backroads, while also delivering capable transportation in the city. The natural result of those characteristics – plus a proud Baja heritage – is a diehard following of riders, who will be pleased to know that the model has received a styling facelift for 2022.

Color: White

MSRP: $6,999

Availability: April

 

2022 MONTESA COTA 4RT260R

 

A 2022 Honda Montesa Cota 4RT 260R. Photo courtesy American Honda.
A 2022 Honda Montesa Cota 4RT260R. Photo courtesy American Honda.

 

The latest evolution of Montesa’s versatile 259 cc platform, this model acquires the “R” suffix for 2022, indicating its more competition-ready specifications. Upgrades include a switch to Showa suspension components, as well as a larger aluminum muffler that delivers increased horsepower across the rev range. The 4RT260R also gets new graphics and a striking black color.

Color: Black

MSRP: $9,199

Availability: May

 

2022 MONTESA COTA 4RT301RR RACE REPLICA

 

A 2022 Honda Montesa Cota 4RT 301 RR. Photo courtesy American Honda.
A 2022 Honda Montesa Cota 4RT301RR Race Replica. Photo courtesy American Honda.

 

Montesa’s most competition-focused model, the 4RT301RR Race Replica is the pinnacle of trials performance. Powered by a 298 cc four-stroke engine and touting Showa suspension components and a white Repsol livery, the model is the choice of trials legend Toni Bou – intended for competition use only.

Color: White

MSRP: $11,799

Availability: May

 

2023 GROM

The undisputed emperor of the miniMOTO world and the spawner of a vibrant subculture of fun-seekers, Honda’s Grom inspires a cross-demographic army of enthusiasts who embrace the diminutive model with remarkable passion. Its low seat height and approachability make it an unintimidating option for new riders to learn with, while its modular styling and peppy performance make it an entertaining plaything for experienced riders and a customization platform for those looking for an amusing project. It’s no wonder that the Grom continues to be one of the powersports industry’s most popular motorcycle models.

Colors

Grom: Matte Black Metallic; Cherry Red; Force Silver Metallic

Grom ABS: Pearl White

MSRP

Grom: $3,499

Grom ABS: $3,799

Availability: April

 

2023 RUCKUS

When it comes to little two-wheelers that ooze personality and attitude, it’s tough to top Honda’s unique Ruckus®, the model that launched an entire scooter-customization subculture. With an exposed frame and dual round headlights contributing to an industrial-looking design, plus practical features like reliability, fuel efficiency and nimble handling, the Ruckus a great choice as a platform for personalization or affordable, around-town transportation.

Colors: White/Metallic Blue; Gray; Metallic Blue/Tan

MSRP: $2,899

Availability: April

 

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