The annual Motorcycle Live Show in Birmingham attracts crowds of thousands over the 9-day event; with leading manufactures seizing the opportunity to ‘wow’, displaying the latest models on the biggest and brightest stage in the UK. When you put each of these manufacturers under one enormous roof, you are bound to see some more than others. This year, for 2022, Honda was no exception.
Often relied upon like a big-brother, Honda prides itself on a familiar sense of style and authenticity, without having to show off with brash graphics or blinding lights. Previously at the NEC show, predictability was Honda’s selling point, with a throng of loyal customers turning up to the stand to see the latest models and colours available currently and for the following year; each one craving the next instalment of the Honda brand. This year however, there was a sense of change about Honda. There was a youthful playfulness. The extended A2 range of motorcycles now offers the younger market even more choice, along with those who understand that bigger does not always mean better. For me, it was like going into a home: each room was divided by the character and personality of the machines. Each ‘room’ brought together those of similar interests – with some wonderful discussions to be had with the most knowledgeable team/family I have met.
The biggest news of the season for Honda, was the release of the all new 755cc parallel-twin engine. Now the beating heart of the 2023 Honda Transalp XL750 and Honda CB750 Hornet. The eight-valve Unicam engine features a 270-degree crank and can produce over 90 hp at 9,500 rpm and 55 lb.-ft. of torque at 7,250 rpm. With these sorts of figures, it was inevitable that the Hornet and the Transalp were the most sought-after bikes at the show. A confident Honda knew this would be the case, so they brought multiple bikes, in different colours and fitted options so the potential customer was guaranteed a seat and was able to get a genuine feel for the bike. If you want to see more about the latest technology to hit the Honda plant, you can check it out here.
Again, in another ‘new’ release, but with a familiar name, the Honda CL500 is back with a fresh new image and a vibrant taste for colour. The scrambler style has been absent from the Honda line-up for some years, so this was a breath of fresh air for customers who desire that sort of look without the compromise on quality that some other manufacturers have suffered. Honda knew the time was right to reintroduce this machine with A2 compliancy, this bike is sure to turn heads of all ages.
Unsurprisingly to some, the adventure market has grown by over 67% in the last 5 years alone. Honda’s iconic red filled the area from the CRF50 right through to the CRF1100. Celebrating 50 years of CRF, Honda was also awarded the MX1 Manufacturer of the Year Award by leading events company, RHL Activities during the 2022 show. Step away from the Honda stand into the undercover ‘Adventure Zone’ where the purpose-built off-road track had been created with a multitude of challenges and it was impossible to miss the bright lights of the CRF1100 Africa Twin in full flight. Visitors were invited to have a try on the most popular on/off-road machines on the market today, and it was clear from the side lines, the daytime running lights of the Africa Twin dominated the circuit. The pulsing engine note drew the eyes attention from on-lookers, as they observed the effortless way the Africa Twin took to the table-top and deep sand cornering.
My admiration for the Africa Twin in undeniable, however, my ability to reach the floor when sat on one leaves me with nothing but hope! However, I was in search of something much smaller and much quieter this time: the Honda EM1e. This new concept fully electric machine for the European market is set to make our shores for 2023; however, Honda were staying pretty tight lipped about this. Why? Because simply the market is untested. Sure, we are seeing the rise of electric motorcycles across other manufacturers, naturally with some teething troubles encountered. Honda don’t do ‘trial runs’, so when this bike is available to purchase, rest-assured, it will be absolutely right.
Honda wouldn’t be Honda without it’s sporting and racing credentials. Notably, Isle of Man TT legend John McGuinness MBE, BSB Factory Honda team boss, Havier Beltran & off-road expert, Dave Thorpe were of regular presence around the stand. Proudly displaying the winning machines, the Honda Fireblade commanded the attention it deserved throughout the ‘HRC’ area. It was a special moment to see so many British Superbike teams welcome the 2022 Honda Fireblade to their liveries for next season; which includes several Pirelli Superstock 1000 riders, as well as Superbike teams. As far as British motorsport goes, there will be a lot of red winged logos to be seen next year.
Honda’s passion for British sport extends beyond the paddock, as the affiliated partnership continues with the England Rugby Team. Enter the ‘games-room’ of the Honda-home and visitors were challenged to score against the wall! If you can’t kick a rugby ball about and have a couple of near misses with a rolling-road Honda NT1100 or a fully-loaded Honda GL1800 Goldwing Tour, then when can you?!
One last turn, and you find yourself in the hold of the Honda Goldwing. Our specialist Goldwing advisor, Chris was available for the first half of the show to advise potential customers of just what the quintessential tourer has to offer. Take a very plush seat, and explore the tailored options to ensure that the enjoyment factor is turned up to the highest possible level. Imagine being in the front sitting room, you know the one, the heart of the home, where you seek the most in entertainment and comfort all in one. This setting was the perfect place for the Goldwing stand, and very quickly it became my most favourite place to be. Coffee in hand, surrounded by luxury and refinement; I could have quite easily moved in!
Honda knows how to evoke emotion. It has the power to believe in its dreams. To capture this in a busy exhibition centre takes exceptional planning and execution. To let the bikes do the talking, to let the atmosphere carry you from ‘room to room’ in a calm, exploratory manner. To let the ‘family’ welcome you to each and every facet of the stand, and to feel like you a part of something much bigger. The saying goes, you meet the nicest people on a Honda; and that is a sentiment I can wholly agree with.
If you didn’t make the 2022 Motorcycle Live Show, you can take a look through our gallery images here. Next year sets to be the best one yet for Honda, and we will be running several opportunities leading up to the show to invite you along.
We hope to see you there!
