Honda Introduces BF60 4-Stroke Mid-Range Outboard Engine Featuring Best-in-Class Acceleration and Fuel Economy

May 14, 2009, Japan

News Release

TOKYO, Japan, May 14, 2009 - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today began sales of the BF60 mid-range 4-stroke outboard engine at Honda outboard engine dealers throughout Japan. A lightweight, compact, water-cooled, 3-cylinder, 60PS outboard engine, the new BF60 features PGM-FI*1 electronic fuel injection, Honda's original BLAST*2 (Boosted Low Speed Torque) air/fuel ratio and ignition-timing technology and lean-burn control to deliver a combination of best-in-class acceleration and fuel economy. 

The BF60's battery charging performance, also best-in-class*3, helps support the ever-increasing need for onboard device power. Convenient and easy to use, the BF60 is available with advanced features to accommodate a wide variety of boats and applications, including power thrust, multifunction bar handle and large rudder angle for enhanced turning performance.

  • *1PGM-FI (Programmed Fuel Injection) is a registered Honda trademark.
  • *2Honda's proprietary acceleration-enhancing technology, the BLAST system boosts torque during sudden acceleration by simultaneously optimizing the air/fuel ratio and ignition timing.
  • *3Honda calculations
BF60 mid-range 4-stroke outboard engine

BF60 mid-range 4-stroke outboard engine

●Annual sales target: 5,600 units (Japan: 250 units; Regions outside Japan: 5,350 units)
●Manufacturer's suggested retail price ◎Indicates model shown in photo  
BF60A LRTN: ¥990,150 (¥943,000 before tax)
BFP60A LRTN (with power thrust feature): ¥1,021,650 (¥973,000 before tax)  

Key Features of the BF60

  • Acceleration and cruising performance
  • Honda's proprietary acceleration-enhancing technology, BLAST, enhances acceleration performance through simultaneous, computer-controlled optimization of the air/fuel ratio and ignition timing.
  • Best-in-class maximum speed was achieved through weight reduction technologies such as the compact 3-cylinder engine layout developed exclusively for this 60PS outboard engine as well as reduced hydrodynamic drag by adoption of a streamlined gear case.
  • The large splash plate helps reduce water splash during operation.
  • Fuel economy
  • The PGM-FI electronic fuel injection system and lean-burn*4 control during cruising*5 allow the BF60 to offer best-in-class*6 fuel economy.
  • *4The mode in which lean-burn control is used during cruising to achieve higher fuel economy is referred to as ECOmo (Economy COntrolled Motor) mode.
  • *5Operation at 50-80% of full throttle
  • *6Honda calculations

Lightweight and compact

  • The BF60 is one of the lightest and most compact engines in its class due to its compact inline 3-cylinder layout and the use of lightweight materials in the aluminum mount frame, plastic oil strainer and plastic long-branch inlet manifold.
  • Exceptional usability
  • The new alternator is fitted with a multi-polar ACG to achieve best-in-class*7 22-ampere battery charging capacity.
  • The optional power thrust feature, which includes an oversized gear case, allows for the use of a higher-specification, larger-diameter (BF115 class) propeller with a low 2.33 gear ratio for low-rpm, high-thrust power.
  • The bar handle version allows for the widest-in-class rudder angle*8, enhancing turning performance. (Optional parts enable the remote control steering versions to also gain this feature.)
  • The multifunction bar handle includes a throttle grip with an integrated power trim and tilt switch for convenient trim control during steering. Adjustable settings include throttle grip friction and handle height, and the shift lever is left-right reversible.
  • As standard equipment, a trolling control switch located in the bar handle allows for 50 rpm-increment control in the 750-1,000 rpm range. A buzzer indicates switches to and from trolling mode and incremental rpm adjustments.
  • Compliance with the NMEA (National Marine Electronics Association) 2000® Standard for Serial Data allows for use with a wide range of marine electronic devices.
  • *7Honda calculations
  • *8Maximum rudder angle is 50° left/right (Honda calculations).
  • Durability
  • The timing belt is made of special durable materials, and sacrificial anode metal in the coolant pathway helps prevent corrosion.
  • Environmental performance
  • Emissions performance meets both U.S. EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) 2009 standards and CARB (California Air Resources Board) standards while significantly surpassing voluntary targets in Japan.
  • The plastic inlet manifold and large-capacity idle chamber help minimize noise.
  • Unit is 97% recyclable (Honda calculations).

●Specifications of BF60

Model BF60A (standard) BFP60A (power thrust)
Steering System Remote Bar handle Remote
Device Type LRTN XHTN LRTN XRTN
Type BBFJ
Environmental Conservation Organization Certification Number (issued in Japan) 20 Ocean No. 0013
Engine Water-cooled, 4-stroke, inline 3-cylinder, vertical shaft,
SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Displacement (cm3) 998
Bore × Stroke (mm) 73.0 × 79.5
Max. Power [kW(PS)/rpm] 44.1(60)/6,000
Recommended rpm range 5,000-6,000
Cooling System Water cooled (thermostat provided)
Ignition System Microcomputer-programmed battery ignition
Starting System Electric
Battery Charging Capacity 12V-22A
Exhaust System Discharge into water (propeller boss discharge)
Fuel Unleaded gasoline
Overall Length (mm) 777 851 792
Overall Width (mm) 417
Overall Height (mm) 1,397 1,524 1,453 1,580
Transom Height (mm) 521 648 531 658
Dry Weight (kg, with propeller) 110 121 119 125
Rudder Angle (left/right) 30º 50º 30º