Honda is unveiling a brand new 2 cylinder engine. The 700cc parallel twin has a 62 degree forward lean and is designed to work with either an improved second generation version of their dual clutch transmission or a six speed manual. The mid size engine is focused on both fuel efficiency and delivering maximum torque in the low to mid speed range. Fuel consumption is said to be a 40% improvement over sport models in the same displacement range. The purpose of the engine is to allow Honda to develop a range of models in the mid size class. It will be introduced in three concept models at EICMA 2011 in November in Milan, Italy. One of those concepts, the Integra, is shown here.
Honda press release follows:
TOKYO, Japan, September 26, 2011 – Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has announced the development of a new motorcycle engine with powerful torque in the low- to mid-speed range and top class, fuel-efficient environment performance, along with a second-generation Dual Clutch Transmission. This new engine is a liquid-cooled, 700cc, 4-stroke, in-line, 2-cylinder engine that fits into the mid-class range (displacement between 500 and 750cc) popular in Europe. Fuel economy exceeds 27km/L (63 mpg), best in the mid-class range, and achieves an approximate 40% improvement over other sports models in its class.
This new engine can be coupled with a newly developed lightweight, compact second-generation Dual Clutch Transmission, featuring a smooth, direct feel and excellent transmission efficiency, in addition to a 6-speed manual transmission.
This new engine will be mounted on three models based on different concepts, which are slated for exhibition at EICMA2011(69th International Motorcycle Exhibition) to be held in November in Milan, Italy.
Honda developed this new motorcycle engine in order to realize a set of motorcycles based on its new concept of offering outstanding fuel efficiency in the mid-class while delivering powerful, throbbing torque in the normal range for touring and urban riding.
Development was performed to meet these requirements:
- An engine that is easy to handle with plentiful torque in the range normally used, and which also delivers a pleasant, throbbing feel during sporty rides
- Top-class, fuel-efficient environmental performance best suited for the next-generation mid-class engine
- A lightweight, compact design that allows more freedom in the body layout and provides highly convenient space
Honda determined the engine layout after examining a variety of engine types from numerous perspectives and decided on an in-line, 700cc, 2-cylinder engine with a 62º forward lean (cylinder assembly angle). To meet a wide variety of uses, two transmissions can be coupled with this engine: the second generation of Honda’s innovative Dual Clutch Transmission, and a 6-speed manual transmission.
Main Features of the New Engine
- Higher combustion efficiency and lower friction
A wide variety of low friction technologies that aid better fuel economy are incorporated: To improve fuel efficiency through better-controlled combustion while realizing a powerful ride in the low- to mid-rpm ranges, the bore-stroke ratio is set at 73×80mm. An ideal combustion chamber shape and optimum valve timing also contribute to achieve stable combustion. Resin coating is applied to the pistons, and lightweight aluminum material is employed for the first time in a motorcycle in the friction-reducing roller rocker arm.
- Uneven-interval firing and uniaxial primary balancer
Adoption of uneven-interval firing with a 270° phase crank and uniaxial primary balancer help realize an engine with a pleasant throbbing feel that also reduces vibration.
- Branch intake port inside the cylinder head, valve timing
The layout of a branch intake port inside the cylinder head was chosen to have only one intake channel for two cylinders. This design creates deliberate interference between the two cylinders’ intake processes to achieve precisely calculated changes to combustion timing.
In addition, to change the valve timing between the two in-line cylinders with one camshaft, the specifications provide for a cam with two timing routines for the intake valve. Through these measures, subtle combustion changes can be generated to give the engine a delightful, pulsating feel.
- Exhaust emission purification system
To maximize the efficiency of exhaust emission purification so that the catalyzer, a three-way catalyst, can be started promptly after the engine starts, the catalyzer has been placed directly beneath the exhaust ports. This design lets the combustion gas pass through the catalyst while the gas is still hot. In addition, a combination of measures, including the adoption of an electronically-controlled fuel injection system (PGM-FI), allows the engine to achieve an emission level approximately half the European emission standards (Euro 3). The resulting environmental performance is ranked among the top in the world without compromising powerful, smooth output.
- Second-generation Dual Clutch Transmission
The Dual Clutch Transmission, developed for the first time by Honda for motorcycles and installed on the VFR1200F, is now lighter and more compact through a simplified hydraulic circuit and other design enhancements. A learning function has been added to each selected running mode to detect a variety of riding environments from city streets to mountain passes and automatically performs the most suitable shift control. Although it is an automatic transmission, the Dual Clutch Transmission delivers fuel economy on a par with manual transmissions as a result of its excellent transmission efficiency.
B*A*M*F says
“Adoption of uneven-interval firing with a 270° phase crank and uniaxial primary balancer help realize an engine with a pleasant throbbing feel that also reduces vibration.”
One could make all manner of jokes about this little snippet of copy.
Looks like a nice engine. It’s great to know it has low to midrange torque, but I’d love to see some numbers.
I was wondering how long it would take for dual clutch transmissions to make it to motorcycles. I could see them being potentially useful in racing, as they are with automobiles.
I’m looking forward to seeing the other concepts in which they will feature this engine.
Tin Man says
I guess its the shape of the future,the engine is fine but they are using the design to lower the”tank” area, kind of gives the bike a Scooter look that I detest. Im sure the bikes are not really meant for the U.S. market anyway. There is still a lot of life left in the ICE and with Hondas resources Im sure they will improve the dismal fuel economy of their current 700cc offerings. Twin cylinders have always been the best comprimize in the mid size range.
JP says
Stick it in a old style standard and a Sport Tourer please
David Duarte says
yes, Honda, please please please please please please make an old school standard bike with this mill, that would rule!
B50 Jim says
Once again, Honda shows us why they’re the company everyone else tries to catch. Fix the styling so it looks like a “real” road bike and it’ll be a great machine for all us middle-aged riders who want to keep riding but have various physical “issues” that make it harder for us to swing a leg than it used to be.
Phoebe says
Like others have said, I’d like to see this motor in other styles of bikes. A standard would be great. I’m not too jazzed about the scooter styling of the Integra.
Richard Gozinya says
The Integra is a scooter, and if I recall, one of the bikes they’re planning on putting this motor in is a standard, the third will be an adventure bike.
Shawn says
Other sites are saying the engine is called the Integra, and that it’s showcased here in the maxi-scooter Mid Concept, from last year.
Paul Crowe - "The Kneeslider" says
Could be, but the scooter photo above is labelled by Honda as “INTEGRA,vehicle equipped with new engine to be unveiled at EICMA 2011.” If you read the press release above, they don’t seem to be calling the engine Integra, but sometimes the Japanese to English wording gets confusing.
Des says
I’m a midrange bike fan on a BMWF800 that needs replacing. This engine is ideal. Honda and other makers have been pushing the scooter look for a while and from an on paper point of view they make sense. Most motorcycle riders are not on paper kind of people. I’d like a sport tourer please.
They say they are going to be displaying 3 variants with the engine lets hope one is a proper bike for want of a better word. Although with the floorboards for your feet this bike would mean you’d have clean boots.
Fingers crossed.
Random says
As Richard said above, one of the planned bikes is a standard. “Spy” pictures of it have already been released, actually seems a nice bike, but the model caught had no gear lever (probably a DCT)
QrazyQat says
I like the engine and all, but I just had to laugh about a 700cc motorcycle being “mid-size” nowadays.
hoyt says
The new ‘Silver Wing’ ? or would this be a Bronze Wing? Copper Wing?
Kenny says
Lead Wing?
Better than a Gold Wing according to Shakespeare.
Hopefully they’ll try challenging Aprilia and BMW in the mid-size adventure/funduro market.
Richard Gozinya says
Actually that concept pictured is a scooter.
Sean says
This seems very similar to the BMW F800, but my F800 barely gets
50mpg – their claimed 63mpg seems like quite a stretch.
The 270deg crank is interesting (same as Triumph’s big twin), which
should give the feel of a 90-deg V. By contrast, BMW chose to balance
the F800 like an inline-four, but they could have made it balance like a
90deg V-twin (as in the Ducati super-mono).
Honestly, I don’t see any big advantage over the F800, _except_ for the DCT. If Honda can build a naked standard, similar to the F800R, with DCT, I’ll be very interested.
mark says
There are quite a few Honda mid-range models using the old v-twin, like the TransAlp, the Deauville, the DN-01 and so on. As the story mentioned, these are all Euro-centric rides. I imagine that this new motor will be used in a similar circumstances. Expect around 60bhp with good torque and lots of flexibility. I like it.
todd says
It seems to me like this is the first-ever motorcycle engine designed with mileage in mind. The cylinders are canted so far forward it looks like its primary use is in scooters, otherwise it will make for a mighty long wheelbase. If the scooter is the teaser bike, it will be interesting to see what else they intend on using it in.
Really, I can get 60 (real) MPG out of my ’90 GB500. Maybe Craig Vetter is on the right track for getting even higher mileage with aerodynamics.
-todd
hoyt says
What if someone could get 50-60 mpg while leaving your bike behind?
todd says
I imagine the 60 mpg claimed is when done the typical way; 40 mph, no start/stopping. It likely goes down hill real quick when the throttle is used in earnest. It probably weighs a bit more than the 350 lb-ish GB, hurting its around-town mileage.
I guess like you suggest with this, you could have it both ways: decent power when you need it and good mileage all the other times.
Of course, I can get 50 mpg from my ’93 Monster 900 but only when I make an effort to keep both wheels on the ground.
-todd
andy says
I can get 60+ mpg from my parallel v-twin CB500s (1998) It has 58 hp. The best i ever recorded was 68mpg though that was cruising at 50 to 60 mph for most of the trip.
Steve says
I would like to see what sort of lightweight sport, dual-sport, sport-tour or ADV package this motor could enable… or maybe all of the above!
Casey says
The Integra to me is nowhere near being a scooter, Put a “tank” on top of that frame and it’s a touring bike.
mark says
MCN reports that there will be a naked and an off-road-lite version coming. They have a pic of the naked
http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/News/newsresults/New-bikes/2011/September/sep2611-hondas-new-700cc-naked-how-good-is-it-going-to-be/
A bit busy for me, but like most new Hondas, I’d like to see it in the metal before making any sort of decision.
Hooligan says
I never believe a single word that MCN prints. It might as well be called a fantasy comic.
Zippy says
Honda has given up on real cruisers/baggers. Might as well build scooters with automatics. My bikes, hotrod and 4 wheel drive SUV are all manuals. My wifes minivan is an automatic. I guess you could call this the minivan of motorcycles. Probably about as exciting to drive!