It doesn’t matter what you buy. Maybe you need some new gloves or boots, or you fancy a new helmet. Or perhaps you’re after a new top box or some heated grips. You can even put your voucher towards having your bike serviced if you wish.

Just remember, whatever you treat yourself to, your voucher is only valid until the end of October. Get the voucher here.

May 12 2010

American Honda Motor Company’s Powersports Division announced today the release of two additional new models for the 2011 model year. This pair of scooters includes the new Honda PCX™ and the always popular Ruckus®.

“We’ve enjoyed tremendous success with our line of scooters,” said Powersports Press Manager Bill Savino, “and now along with the 2011 Ruckus we’re introducing the brand-new PCX, a very stylish 125cc scooter that adds even more depth to Honda’s scooter line.”

Additional information will be released regarding other new 2011 models in months to come. More detailed information and images of Honda’s model line can be found on powersports.honda.com or see your local Honda powersports dealer.

• Introducing the all-new Honda PCX: A fun, stylish ride that’s also economical to operate

Meet the 2011 PCX, a stylish and decidedly sporty new mid-sized scooter that really delivers on routine errands, short commutes and even enjoyable little getaways. Its modern good looks combine with easy handling to create a practical yet fun riding companion. Thanks to its strong-running 125cc liquid-cooled fuel-injected four-stroke engine and a capable chassis, the PCX serves well for getting around town and even for short backroad weekend adventures. An electric starter and Honda’s easy-to-use V-Matic automatic transmission make this new scooter a snap to operate. With comfortable seating to accommodate the rider and passenger, plus a surprisingly large under-seat storage area that’s big enough to swallow a full-face helmet and more, the PCX serves as an accommodating package that rolls economical transportation and a fun-filled ride all into one. Available in Pearl White and Candy Red. Price: TBD

• A machine that’s too cool to know it’s a scooter: Honda Ruckus

Here’s a bare-bones example of two-wheeled transportation that’s way too cool to call itself a scooter. Fully equipped to battle urban traffic with a thrifty liquid-cooled 49cc engine, an electric starter and Honda’s easy-to-use V-Matic automatic transmission, this welterweight is ready to raise a Ruckus—the perfect name for a handy and tough in-town runabout that packs plenty of attitude. Available in Orange/Black and Black. Price: TBD

Read more in the Summary of 2010 Mid-Year CEO Speech

Both bikes feature awesome special-edition paintwork celebrating Honda’s amazingly successful Isle of Man TT campaigns with two record-breaking riders: Ian Hutchinson and John McGuinness.

Ian Hutchinson tore-up the record books at this year’s TT races with an unprecedented five out of five solo wins in the Superbike, Superstock, Senior and two Supersport races. To mark his success on his Padgetts Honda race bikes, the ‘Hutchy’ CBR1000RR celebrates that amazing feat with a brilliant pearlescent white paint scheme that features a map of the 37.73-mile Isle of Man TT course, outlined around the top of the bike. A red line faithfully follows the twists and turns of the historic mountain course, complete with corner names. Both side fairings of the Fireblade are emblazoned with a commemorative decal illustrating all five of Hutchinson’s victories at this year’s TT races and, his overall TT Championship victory. There is also Ian’s unique ‘Hutchy’ graphic on the tank, along with his signature.

The John McGuinness special-edition makes an ingenious play on the fastest man around the TT course’s name. John has traditionally used a representation of a pint of the black stuff on the back of his leathers, and the ‘McGuinness’ CBR1000RR takes this a stage further by turning the Fireblade into a two-wheeled pint of it! A beautiful and intricate paint-scheme replicates the look of a pint, complete with dew-drops of condensation on the fairings and the creamy white head that only the perfectly poured pint has. John’s bike is also adorned on the fairings with a gold map of the TT course and his lap record of 131.578mph and, each bike is also autographed by John, enhancing its exclusivity even further.

Both riders are made up that their Island exploits are being celebrated in such a way. Hutchy said: “It’s exciting and really nice of Honda to make these Special Edition bikes. Better still, I’ve been given the first one which is such a lovely gesture. It’s an awesome bike to ride the Fireblade – how we did in the Superstock race shows how good it is. I won’t be riding mine though: it will be going straight in the living room! On the paintwork, the skill and attention to detail is just stunning. When you go up close, you can see just how pearlescent the white paint is, it’s an amazing piece of work.”

McGuinness remarked: “I’m so proud to have a Special Edition bike like this. I’m honoured that Honda has recognised my achievements at the TT in this way and it cheers me up after a 2010 Isle of Man campaign that was hit by bad luck. I feel part of the Fireblade programme now with my wins on the current ‘Blade and previous versions, so it’s very special to know people can buy this bike. With the one that Honda has given me, like Hutchy, I’m not going to use it, it will join my collection. I’ve got an older style ‘Blade, a V-twin SP-1 and a number of other Hondas. I’m always going to keep hold of it. The paintwork is amazing and every owner’s bike will be unique, as each of the bubbles on the bodywork is done by hand and different every time. It’s a work of art.”

Both bikes are available now to order, from Honda motorcycle dealerships across the country, in both standard and ABS-equipped versions. The ‘Hutchy’ or ‘McGuinness’ Special Edition ‘Blades are just £1,000 above current Fireblade on-the-road prices, meaning these truly memorable editions are priced at £11,725 OTR, or £12,375 OTR with the added comfort of Honda’s amazing electronically-controlled C-ABS braking system developed specifically for sports bikes. Both machines are also available with Honda’s current great 0% APR and 2.9% APR finance offers which end on 30 September 2010.

To find out more about the Special Edition Fireblades or for further information about Honda’s great range of scooters and motorcycles, genuine parts, accessories, latest offers and forthcoming events, visit www.honda.co.uk or your local Honda Motorcycle dealer who can be found using the ‘Dealer Search’ facility within of www.honda.co.uk/motorcycles,

CV-Matic makes the Wave110i AT a product that offers both the typical characteristics of Cub-type bikes such as longer riding range, durability and superior cost-performance as well as added characteristics such as ease of operation and comfortable ride. In addition to Thailand, Honda has plans for the sequential introduction of Wave110i AT in Vietnam and neighboring countries to meet the diversifying needs of customers in ASEAN markets.

The CV-Matic features a new cooling system which solved the issue of heat load on drive belt, and was developed based on the small-motorcycle automatic transmission technologies Honda has been fostering over the years. This new system enhances the durability of the drive belt and allows for a more compact design with a shorter distance between the drive pulley and driven pulley. Due to this advance, the engine position does not need to be significantly altered, optimizing design layout freedom.

Industry-wide motorcycle sales in Thailand in 2009 totaled approximately 1.54 million units (down 10% compared to 2008). With sales of approximately 1.01 million units, more than 60% of the industry sales total, Honda has been the best-selling motorcycle brand in Thailand for 21 consecutive years. Due to the added comfort and ease-of-operation, the overall sales of AT models has been growing in Thailand, accounting for approximately 710,000 units, or approximately half of the market size in 2009.

With the introduction of the Wave110i AT, an AT model of the already popular Wave110i, Honda will further enhance its product lineup to meet the diversifying customer needs. Moreover, Honda is planning to install Honda’s programmed fuel injection system (PGM-FI) to all models sold in Thailand by the end of 2010.

As well as having by far the largest number of machines in the top 100 with a total count of 25, Honda was also joint top for the number of machines in the final top 20, with the VFR400, CB900F Hornet, CBR600RR and CBR1000RR Fireblade machines featuring strongly. Many older Honda motorcycles were also included in the final 100, including the CBR1000F, CBR600F, ST1100 Pan European and CBR900RR Fireblade, highlighting the reliability, popularity and build-quality of used Hondas.

In the top 20, the highest placed Honda was the VFR400R, with a rating of 91% overall. The popular Hornet, evergreen favourite CBR600RR and class-leading Fireblade all followed with a 90% overall feedback rating.

Steve Martindale, General Manager of Honda (UK) Motorcycles said, “It’s encouraging to see so many Hondas, old and new, being voted in Britian’s top 100 bikes – but to achieve 25% of the whole survey is impressive. With a number of older models also in the survey, it really highlights the reliability, build-quality and longevity that you only get with a Honda. With a great new model line-up for 2010 – including the amazing new VFR1200F and impressive ‘chopper’ styled Fury – we’ll be continuing to provide great bikes which we’re sure will also be desirable for many years to come. On behalf of everyone at Honda, we’d like to thank all the motorcyclists who took time to complete the survey and for being proud of their Honda machines.”

The 7,000-mile ride will see the intrepid pair take in three continents and fourteen countries in just fifteen days – from 27 February to 14 March – circumnavigating the Mediterranean and passing through dramatic landscapes as they cross from Europe, into Africa, through the Middle East into Turkey and back to the UK.  They will cover 480 miles on their shortest day and 630 miles on their longest – not a trip for the faint hearted!

In preparation for their challenge, John-Jules and Hoskins visited Honda’s acclaimed training Institute for some hands-on familiarisation with their Transalps and, a rudimentary introduction to motorcycle mechanics with one of Honda’s expert Master Technicians!

Hoskins, the man behind the creation of the Iron Butts Med Circle Challenge, is no stranger to motorcycling adventures. Since fighting his battle with cancer, he has undertaken a number of epic charity motorbike rides, including a 4,000 mile round trip in six days from London to Moscow in aid of the 2005 Children in Need appeal.

Hoskins commented, “I’ve owned a Honda Fireblade for the last ten years and it has never missed a beat, so in my mind a Honda was the only real choice for this trip due to their incredible reliability, quality and range which has something for all riding needs. We looked at a few different bikes in their range as possibilities, but the Transalp is definitely the right machine for our challenge with its great adventure riding capabilities, comfy riding position, renowned reliability, good tank range and great luggage capacity. Bike adventure riding has risen in popularity due to certain TV programmes in the last few years, but I wanted to find a way of showing how these types of adventures are not just for the privileged few – a life changing experience like this can be achievable for anyone with two weeks off work and no support crew!”

49 year-old Danny John-Jules is best known for his comic role in the classic hit TV show Red Dwarf, which is as popular as ever with a new series being filmed later this year.

John-Jules said, “This is going to be no holiday, but it will be an incredible trip and experience where we aim to raise money for Sport Relief but also promote the fun and freedom of safe adventure motorcycling. I love crazy adventures and there’s no better reason to do something like this other than to support a worthwhile cause and encouraging more people into motorcycling, which I’m passionate about.”

The pair will set off on their Honda Transalps from Alexandra Palace in North London on Saturday 27 February, during the 2010 Motorcycle Show being held at the venue.

To follow their progress, where both Danny and Graham will post a series of blogs and images from their amazing adventure, visit www.ironbutts.co.uk. You can also support this dynamic duo by sponsoring them at www.uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ironbutts.

Honda today announced a donation to the Red Cross of more than $300,000, as well as portable generators, water pumps, and other Honda products for use during humanitarian relief and recovery efforts in Haiti.

The donation represents the collective contribution of the Honda family of companies in North America, which consists of sales, manufacturing, finance and research and development operations in the United States, Canada and Mexico, with employment of more than 31,000 associates.

“We want to help address the dire human need that Haiti is experiencing as a result of this disaster,” said Tetsuo Iwamura, president & chief executive officer of American Honda Motor Co., Inc., and chief operating officer of Honda’s North American region. “Honda has a longstanding relationship with the Red Cross, and we will work continuously with them to assist with the effort to provide much-needed relief.”

The Red Cross has emphasized that the greatest current need is funding to support on-site emergency response teams. Honda has also been in close communication with the Red Cross regarding its need for material and equipment such as generators and water pumps on site, and Honda will continue to work with the Red Cross to determine its need for such support in Haiti.

The Honda donation consists of more than $300,000 in cash. This pledge will be augmented by a company matching gift available at various Honda companies, with funds designated to the Red Cross.

The wholly-owned subsidiary of Honda Motor Company of Japan, which also holds a 26 percent stake in Hero Honda, will position its new bike in a niche segment, said Shinji Aoyama, president and CEO, HMSI. “We don’t expect competition with Hero Honda as a joint venture brand. I am not in a position to compete. Our position of new model introduction is to expand the market itself. I believe we can activate demand from youngsters with this 110cc motorcycle,” said Mr Aoyama.

HMSI will launch its 110cc motorcycle on December 10 and price it about 10 percent higher than Splendor and Passion. The Passion Pro costs around Rs 44, 000 and the Splendor around Rs 39,250 ex-showroom Delhi.

With Hero Honda’s contribution to Honda Motor Company’s global sales growing substantially during the downturn, the Japanese auto major sees no reason to disturb the applecart in the motorcycle market in India, now or after 2014 when Honda’s technical agreement with Hero group comes up for renewal. Auto analysts had expected a head-banging collision between the two partners and some degree of cannibalisation when HMSI entered the commuter segment with a 110 cc bike.

However, to prevent a segment overlap with Splendor/Passion, HMSI’s new 110cc motorcycle will be a stylish lifestyle product for the youth rather than a big selling commuter bike.

“Along with a good mileage we will introduce the element of style which Indian people have never seen in this segment. I believe for youngsters there is a still a substantial demand that exists,” Mr Aoyama said. The demarcation of segments and position is crucial as the entry-level products of HMSI and Hero Honda have many common parts and will source many components from the same vendors.

In an earlier interview to ET Now, Honda Siel Cars India president and CEO Masahiro Takedagawa had said that Hero Honda’s performance helped Honda Motor Company (HMC) buck the global demand skid riding on small, commuter bikes and given how well Hero Honda has performed all through the downturn, “logically Honda sees no reason to split” from Hero Honda.

Hero Honda’s Splendor, at a million unit sales a year, is the largest selling single brand in the world. Along with Passion, the other best-seller in Hero Honda’s stable, the two brands comprise around 50-60 percent of the over 3-4 million units the company sells in a year.

HMSI sells around 400,000 motorcycles a year. Its scooter sales comprise 60 percent of its 1.2 million unit a year sales. “Clearly, HMSI does not want to leave what’s the bulk of the seven million unit a year motorcycle market wide open to rivals like Bajaj Auto and TVS, not to mention stablemate Hero Honda,” said the partner of a New Delhi-based MNC consultancy firm.

Honda are in the Christmas spirit but you’d better be quick – it only lasts three days! The “Ride on Time” sale at selected Honda Motorcycle Dealerships runs from December 10 to 12, 2009 and includes both on-road and off-road bikes, some with a bonus for the sale period only.

‘Honda Dollars’ apply to a number of sportsbikes such as the award winning CBR1000RR Fireblade, CBR600RR and CB1000R, the entire range of small to mid size scooters, entry level bikes such as the VTR250, off road and agricultural models including the CRF230L and CT110P, and the full range of CRF mini bikes for the kids.

Honda Dollars are also available on a range of ATVs (TM range) and Personal Watercraft (PWC).

At the time of purchase, customers can spend their Honda Dollars within the Dealership on accessories, for servicing, or as a discount off the bike purchased.

Depending on the model purchased, Honda Dollars received will vary between $200 and $1000.

Honda MPE Financial Services will also be waiving the application fee on any new Honda motorcycles financed during the sale, and anyone who purchases a TRX420FM or TM will receive a “no payments for six months” bonus when taking out finance.

Sounds like a good time to buy!

For the official word, check out the Honda website: www.hondamotorcycles.com.au