Munich, Germany; September 13, 2004 - Honda Europe Motorcycle S.R.L. today revealed the new 2005 motorcycle models for the European market, on exhibit at INTERMOT M?chen (Munich Motor Show), a major international motorcycle exhibition held this year from September 14 to 19. 

Honda's motorcycles for the new model year offer European customers exciting new performance. The CBR600RR, based on the advanced technologies featured on Honda's RC211V MotoGP champion, offers improved performance, while the new mid-class FMX650, aimed at the popular European motard market, further reinforces the Honda lineup. 

In addition, Honda continues to enhance environmental and safety performance. A new version of the CB1300 joins the growing lineup to feature the Antilock Braking System (ABS), and the Zoomer, a 50cc scooter popular in Japan, is now equipped with Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI). 

Key features of the models featured at the exhibition are as follows:

The CBR600RR is a mid-size supersport bike equipped with a liquid-cooled, four-stroke, in-line, four-cylinder, 600cc engine. First introduced in 2003, this motorcycle features advanced technologies and styling developed for the RC211V, Honda's MotoGP machine, and has been very well received in Japan, Europe, and North America. The 2005 model for Europe features a lighter frame and improved suspension (including the inverted front fork and radial-mount front brake calipers used in the RC211V and CBR1000RR), providing improved performance and handling stability. The CBR600RR will be released in European markets starting at the end of 2004, and annual European sales are projected to reach 12,000 units.

The new FMX650 is a dual sport model featuring an air-cooled, four-stroke, single-cylinder, 650cc engine and super motard styling. With fun motoring as its design concept, the FMX650 is equally at home in the city or out on the highway. Starting in spring 2005, the FMX650 will be released in a wide range of European markets. The FMX650 is manufactured by Honda affiliate Montesa Honda S.A. of Spain, and annual European sales are projected to reach 7,000 units.

The CB1300 is a naked sports motorcycle with a liquid-cooled, four-stroke, in-line, four-cylinder, 1300cc engine. The 2005 model features improved throttle response at lower speeds, and the CB1300 ABS Antilock Braking System-equipped model is now also available. Manufactured at the Hamamatsu Factory in Japan, CB1300 and CB1300 ABS are scheduled to be released in European markets staring in spring 2005. The combined annual European sales for the two bikes are projected to reach 2,000 units.

The Zoomer, new to the European market, features cool naked styling and a liquid-cooled, four-stroke, single-cylinder, 50cc engine. Introduced in 2001 in Japan, it was developed by Honda's "N"Project team, which focuses on the individualistic youth segment. The Zoomer has since been released in the North American market as well. The 2005 Zoomer will be the first 50cc scooter sold in Europe to feature Honda's advanced Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI), which not only improves fuel economy and reduces emissions, but also achieves smooth acceleration and even greater engine reliability. Starting in fall 2004, the 2005 Zoomer will be released in a wide range of European markets. The Zoomer is manufactured at the Kumamoto Factory in Japan, and annual European sales are projected to reach 5,000 units.