Honda Announces Model Changes for Its BF50 and BF40 Medium-sized 4-stroke Outboard Engines - Significantly Improved Fuel Economy During Cruising -
March 26, 2008, Japan
March 6, 2008—Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced today that it has implemented model changes for its BF50 (50HP) and BF40 (40HP) medium-sized, 4-stroke outboard engines. The new models will be available starting March 6 at Honda outboard engine dealers throughout Japan.
The new BF50 and BF40 outboard engines will retain their class-leading lightweight, compact packaging, enhanced with PGM-FI*1electronic fuel injection, Honda’s original BLAST*2 (Boosted Low Speed Torque) air/fuel ratio and ignition-timing technology, and lean-burn control to deliver powerful startup and acceleration together with outstanding fuel economy during cruising.
BLAST, along with a newly designed gear case and other improvements, contributes to improved acceleration and a higher top speed, while lean-burn control results in a 22%*3 improvement in fuel economy over the previous model*4 during cruising. Battery charging capacity has also been increased to 17 amperes—over 1.7 times that of the previous model— to achieve class-topping*5 charging performance.
- *1PGM-FI (Programmed Fuel Injection) is a registered Honda trademark.
- *2BLAST (Boosted Low Speed Torque) was first employed in the BF90 (90HP), released in November 2006. Particularly during acceleration, it effectively boosts performance by adjusting the air/fuel ratio for maximum torque while advancing ignition timing to its maximum pre-knock level to increase torque under full-load conditions.
- *3Fuel economy as measured at 80% of rated engine rpm and 57% of rated output in EPA emissions mode (Honda calculations).
- *4Compared to previous BF50 (Honda calculations).
- *5Honda calculations.
BF50 medium-sized, 4-stroke outboard engine
| ●Annual sales target Japan and global: | 14,000 units |
| (Japan: 600 units; overseas: 13,400 units) | |
| ●Manufacturer’s suggested retail price in Japan | *indicates model shown in photo |
| BF50D LRTN | ¥785,400 (¥748,000 before tax) * |
| BF40D LRTN | ¥732,900 (¥698,000 before tax) |
BF50/BF40 Key Features
- Lightweight and compact
- A reduction gear is employed to achieve compact engine layout by offsetting the in-line 3-cylinder engine forward, while a long-branch plastic inlet manifold and miniaturized electronic components further contribute to the class-topping lightweight, compact design.
- Fuel economy
- The PGM-FI electronic fuel injection system and lean-burn control*6 during cruising (sustained operation at engine speeds of approx. 3,000~4,500rpm) contribute to around a 22% improvement (approx. 18% for the BF40) over the previous model in fuel economy while cruising.
*6 The mode in which lean-burn control is used during cruising to achieve higher fuel economy is referred to as ECOmo (Economy COntrolled Motor) mode.
- Operational performance
- The new engines employ BLAST (Boosted Low Speed Torque) air/fuel ratio and ignition-timing technology, in which a computer selects the optimum ignition timing for the air/fuel ratio, resulting in improved acceleration.
- A new streamlined gear case for reduced hydrodynamic drag, compact engine layout, and other lightweight technologies contribute to maximum speeds at the top of their class for small-displacement engines.
- A large splash plate helps reduce water splash during operation.
- Environmental performance
- Noise levels have been reduced by 1.0dB over the previous model through such improvements as a longer exhaust pipe and an optimized rib design inside the upper portion of the extension case, for improved rigidity.
- Both models exhibit outstanding environmental performance, exceeding 2008 CARB (U.S. California Air Resources Board) emissions standards-the most stringent in the world. They also significantly exceed both U.S. EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) standards for 2006 and domestic Japanese voluntary regulations.
- Both models are 93.6% recyclable (Honda calculations).
- Durability and reliability
- A set of four warning lamps alerts the operator in the event of low oil pressure, overheating, charging malfunction, or PGM-FI electronic fuel injection system malfunction.
- Waterproofing of the gear case has been enhanced with an optimized shift rod seal and other improvements.
- Battery charging capacity
- The new alternator is fitted with a multi-polar ACG featuring more generating coils than the previous model to achieve a 17-ampere battery charging capacity-at the top of its class for outboard engines with the same output.
- Easy to install and maintain
- As with the previous models, the BF50 and BF40 can be mated to a wide range of boat types due to their lightweight, compact design.
- The new models are compatible with Honda’s latest general purpose engine diagnostic systems.
- A new one-touch plastic cap permits easy inspection of anode wear inside the engine, for significantly improved ease of maintenance.
- Design
- Like Honda's larger outboard engines, the BF50 and BF40 feature a striking 'wing form' design, emphasizing the design concept of slimness and strength.
Specifications
BF50
| Model | BF50D | |||||
| Steering System | Bar handle | Remote | ||||
| Device Type | LHN | LHTN | XHN | LRTN | YRTN | XRTN |
| Type | BBEJ | |||||
| Environmental Conservation Organization Certification Number (issued in Japan) *7 |
19 Ocean No. 0005 | |||||
| Engine | 4-stroke,in-line3-cylinder, OHC, 2-valves per cylinder |
|||||
| Displacement (cm3) | 808 | |||||
| Bore x Stroke (mm) | 70×70 | |||||
| Rated Power kW [kW(PS)/rpm] | 36.8(50)/5,750 | |||||
| Recommended RPM range (rpm) | 5,500~6,000 | |||||
| Cooling System | Water cooled (provided with thermostat) | |||||
| Ignition System | Microcomputer programmed | |||||
| Starting System | Electric | |||||
| Battery Charging Capacity | 12V-17A | |||||
| Exhaust System | Electric | |||||
| Fuel | Discharge into water (propeller boss discharge) | |||||
| Overall Length (mm) | 794 | 694 | ||||
| Overall width (mm) | 372 | |||||
| Overall height (mm) | 1,364 | 1,364 | 1,465 | 1,364 | 1,399 | 1,465 |
| Transom Height (mm) | 521 | 521 | 622 | 521 | 556 | 622 |
| Dry Weight (kg) | 100 | 102 | 104 | 98 | 99 | 102 |
BF40
| Model | BF40D | ||
| Steering System | Bar handle | Remote | |
| Device Type | LHN | LRTN | XRTN |
| Type | BBDJ | ||
| Environmental Conservation Organization Certification Number (issued in Japan) *7 |
19 Ocean No. 0004 | ||
| Engine | 4-stroke, in-line3-cylinder, OHC, 2-valves per cylinder |
||
| Displacement (cm3) | 808 | ||
| Bore x Stroke (mm) | 70×70 | ||
| Rated Power kW [kW(PS)/rpm] | 29.4(40)/5,500 | ||
| Recommended RPM range (rpm) | 5,000~6,000 | ||
| Cooling System | Water cooled (provided with thermostat) | ||
| Ignition System | Microcomputer programmed | ||
| Starting System | Electric | ||
| Battery Charging Capacity | 12V-17A | ||
| Exhaust System | Discharge into water (propeller boss discharge) | ||
| Fuel | Unleaded gasoline | ||
| Overall Length (mm) | 794 | 694 | |
| Overall width (mm) | 372 | ||
| Overall height (mm) | 1,364 | 1,364 | 1,465 |
| Transom Height (mm) | 521 | 521 | 622 |
| Dry Weight (kg) | 100 | 98 | 102 |
The dry weight is calculated with the propeller installed.
The Propeller, remote control, gauges and other setting parts for both the BF50 and the BF40 may be optional (sold separately).
- *7Upon completion of appropriate testing in accordance with relevant standards, the Fishing Boat and System Engineering Association certifies outboard engines as Environmentally responsible and issues certification on behalf of the Fisheries Agency of the Japanese government.