Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/592917
www.PowersportsBusiness.com MOTORCYCLE Powersports Business • November 9, 2015 • 35 Honda unveils 2016 VR1200X adventure bike U.S. debut for entire four- model adventure line set for Long Beach IMS show Reflecting the growing popularity of the adventure-touring segment, American Honda announced that the innovative VFR1200X is coming to the U.S. for the 2016 model year. Already extremely popular in Europe, the VFR1200X receives important updates for 2016 and will now be available to American customers, joining the previously announced brand-new 2016 CRF1000L Africa Twin in Honda's comprehensive adventure lineup. Honda also announced that the NC700X and CB500X will receive aggressive new styling for 2016, and that the U.S. debut for all four 2016 Honda adventure models will be at the Nov. 20-22 International Motorcycle Shows stop in Long Beach. "We're very excited to offer such a well- rounded offering of adventure-touring models in the U.S. for 2016," said Lee Edmunds, man- ager of Motorcycle Marketing Communica- tions at American Honda. "The introduction of the VFR1200X to North America follows on the incredible reception of the Africa Twin. With the NC700X and CB500X also set to get important updates for 2016, Honda has a model to suit the needs of any adventure- touring enthusiast." VFR1200X Now the largest displacement Honda adven- ture touring model, the powerful, smooth VFR1200X is brand-new to the U.S. market. Well suited to customers who don't want to sacrifice comfort during long days of two- wheel exploration, often riding 2-up, the VFR1200X is powered by a 1237cc V4 engine and is available with a standard gearbox or Honda's revolutionary six-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT); both versions feature Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), combined ABS brakes and shaft drive. The 19- and 17-inch wheels offer capa- ble road-going performance, while the inverted 43mm fork and single- sided swingarm incorporate mod- ern suspension technologies. Other features include a one- hand-adjustable windscreen, handguards and an acces- sory socket to charge smart phones or power heated vests. An extensive line of Honda Gen- uine Accessories is offered, includ- ing products for storage, rider comfort and customization. It will be available in May 2016 in Pearl Black. NC700X Popular with a disparate range of riders, the versatile NC700X gets exciting new styling for 2016, making for an aggressive, adventure- ready look. A 70mm higher windscreen reduces fatigue when riding at high speeds, and the new, smaller muffler has an improved sound and is lighter in weight. Luggage capacity has been increased by more than 0.25 gal- lons to 5.8, and the taillight is now LED. The NC700X is offered with standard and auto- matic DCT transmissions, and for 2016, the DCT version now has three different sport- mode settings in addition to the standard mode, enabling riders to select shift points that suit riding style of preference. Ready for everything from urban commut- ing to carving twisty canyon roads, the 2016 Honda NC700X made its world debut during the Tokyo Motor Show in late October. CB500X Light, nimble, affordable and fun, the CB500X is beloved for its ability to inject everyday rides with a spirit of adventure. For 2016, the inspirational CB500X receives a new LED headlight and taillight, as well as a taller windscreen and a hinged fuel cap. The fork now has external preload adjusters, while the front brake lever can be adjusted to fit differ- ent hand-sizes. Finally, changes to the transmis- sion make for smoother-feeling gear changes. Like the NC700X, the updated CB500X was unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show. PSB 50th anniversary starts with 15-year lease on new digs Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A., announced the location of its new North American corpo- rate headquarters at 26972 Burbank, Foothill Ranch, California. A staple in Orange County since 1969, Kawasaki reaffirms its commitment to the community with a new 15-year lease on a 200,000-square-foot facility just four miles from its current location in Irvine. Kawasaki celebrates its 50th Anniversary in the U.S. in March and will move into the fully-renovated complex in the summer. "Our purpose in securing a new corporate headquarters is centered around two primary objectives," said Masa Nakagawa, president and CEO, Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. "First, with more than 300 of our staff being based in or around Orange County, it is critical that our new location remain central to the com- munity. Second, as Kawasaki celebrates its 50th Anniversary in the U.S. in 2016, we wanted to cultivate a new environment that creates and exemplifies the Kawasaki brand and products, and we believe this new space will do just that." The new headquarters will be a prominent fixture in the heart of Foothill Ranch, which is adjacent to the Foothill Ranch Towne Centre and many other amenities. PSB Kawasaki moving U.S. HQ The 2016 Honda VFR1200X adventure bike, already a hit in Europe, will be available in the U.S. in May.