Honda Unveils 2004 Motorcycle, ATV, and PWC Models in Las Vegas

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LAS VEGAS, Sept. 10 -- American Honda's Motorcycle Division unveiled 10 exciting new and updated models at the company's annual dealer show Wednesday night, September 10, at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino.

This year's convention theme, Generation H: The Power Generation represents the broad appeal the Honda brand has to past, present and future riders. Honda's dedication to Performance First guides the company's approach to satisfying this vast range of customers.

"By putting Performance First, Honda continues to be the leader in the industry. The new models we introduced tonight represent Honda's continued commitment to that leadership role," said Ray Blank, Honda's Motorcycle Division Vice President. "In every aspect of our business we put the Performance First attitude into action. Our racing program is unsurpassed, our commitment to safety and environmental education are unequalled, the Honda Riders Club of America will see one million members in the next few years and our dealer support programs are the best of any manufacturer. That's what Performance First is all about and that's why Honda is #1."

Included in Honda's announcements were the VTX1800N, a neo retro styled VTX; the Shadow Aero, an all new 750cc custom incorporating shaft drive; the CBR1000RR, Honda's new Superbike platform; the 599, a new street bike with style, attitude and performance; the NSR50R and Dream 50R, two special competition-only 50cc motorcycles; the ST1100P, Honda's first entry into the police market; the Helix, an all-time favorite 250cc scooter returns in 11 new colors; the TRX450R, a race-ready ATV, successor to the legendary TRX250R; and the R-12, a new two-passenger personal watercraft.

The new models were greeted with enthusiasm by the assembled dealers, who have already benefited from over 30 new Honda launches in the previous three years. This has resulted in a corresponding sales increase of 67-percent. Honda's product lineup, already the broadest in the industry, now includes more than 75 motorcycle, scooter, ATV and personal watercraft models.

About Honda

American Honda Motor Co., Inc. is the sole distributor of Honda motorcycles, scooters, ATVs and personal watercraft in the U.S. American Honda's Motorcycle Division conducts the sales, marketing, and operational activities for these products through Honda authorized dealers. For further information about Honda products, racing teams, programs, and dealer locations, visit the Honda web site at: www.honda.com.

  2004 NEW MODEL PREVIEW

  CBR1000RR

Honda once again raises the bar in the liter-bike class with the all-new CBR1000RR. Built for the Superbike wars and the enthusiast street bike rider the all-new 1000RR boasts class-leading innovative technology. Honda Electronic Steering Damper (HESD), cassette-type close ratio six speed transmission, Unit Pro-Link rear suspension, Dual Stage Fuel Injection (DSFI) radial mounted brakes, all-new frame and a 998cc liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder combine to make this the bike to beat in the open sportbike class.

NICKY HAYDEN RC51 REPLICA

Celebrating Nicky Hayden's 2002 Championship Winning AMA Superbike season, this RC51 comes with Nicky's signature on the tank and a full sticker kit to replicate the American Honda/HRC race bike. With world and national Superbike championships to its credit, multiple wins at Daytona and numerous enthusiast accolades, the RC51 V-twin stands without peer.

VTX1800 R, N &S

Go ahead, get extreme. Introducing Honda's exciting new custom-building program that lets you personalize your VTX1800 like never before with all-new, factory-assembled options. Whether you choose to begin with a VTX configured as the new Neo-Retro, Retro, or Classic with spoke wheels, the Spec 1,2 and 3 options will have you cruising in style like never before.

Shadow Aero

Boasting incomparable retro styling, this 750cc custom has big bike looks and feel at a very attractive price. Featuring shaft drive and an incredibly low 25.9 inch seat height, the Aero is ready to head down the road with full size looks and performance, but without the full sized price.

599

Style, attitude and performance. The new 599 defines what a versatile, fun street bike should be. Aggressive good looks, a lightweight chassis and exhilarating performance add up to a middleweight naked bike package that will be at the head of the class.

ST1100P

Honda has created a police-issue version of its legendary ST1100 sport touring machine featuring V-4 smoothness, sport bred handling and supreme long distance comfort and convenience. This model comes with additional standard features specifically designed for police use.

Dream 50R

Honda stunned the racing world in 1962 with the RC110, a jewel like 50cc racer that claimed fame at the Isle of Man. The Dream 50R commemorates Honda's early racing history and the dream that Mr. Honda had for international competition.

NSR50R

HRC has elevated the road going NSR50 to full competition status. The bodywork is a replica of Honda's World Championship dominating NSR racers. This is the perfect track going tool for aspiring young roadracers who want to start learning the fine art of knee-dragging.

Helix

The popular Helix returns in eleven exciting new colors. Combining a 250cc four stroke engine, automatic transmission, and large lockable storage compartment, the Helix is perfect for going anywhere in comfort and style.

CRF250R

Here's the latest innovation in no compromise motocross bikes from the undisputed leader in four-stroke technology. Hot on the heels of the race winning CRF450R, this bike is destined to dominate 125cc class competition alongside the CR125R.

CRF250X

Take what is basically the all-new CRF250R and put a button on the handlebar that's connected to a lightweight, electric starter and you have the brand new CRF250X. It's a sure-fire formula for building the most serious off-road motorcycle to enter the dirt market in a long, long time. X marks the spot where you'll find a full-on, competition-oriented, off-road machine, coming from Honda.

CRF100F, 80F, 70F, 50F

America's favorite series of small off road fun machines now comes with race-inspired CRF styling. All four machines incorporate revised front suspension spring and damping rates for improved rider comfort and bump absorption.

TRX450R

As the spiritual successor to the legendary TRX250R, the all-new TRX450R incorporates advanced four-stroke engine technology from the CRF motocross machines, plus a chassis and suspension that will set new standards in the sport class.

AquaTrax R-12

Honda adds the new R-12 two passenger four-stroke personal watercraft to the line. Featuring Honda's race inspired quick trim system for improved hole-shots and cornering, and an advanced designed race bred hull for unbeatable handling. And of course, the R-12 provides two up comfort and quality discerning watercraft fans have come to expect from Honda PWC's.

  PREVIOUSLY RELEASED 2004 MODELS

  VALKYRIE RUNE

Concept to reality: three years ago a concept bike called the T2 was shown at a motorcycle show in Los Angeles. Now on the showroom floors in very limited numbers, the Valkyrie Rune features a unique diamond shape frame, an 1832cc engine based on the Gold Wing, trailing link front suspension and revolutionary Unit Pro-Link rear suspension. But this bike is all about style, sculpture, and how it makes you feel when you ride it. The Valkyrie Rune redefines the ultimate performance custom.

FOURTRAX RANCHER AT

Just because the FourTrax Rancher has been the best all-around ATV the world over for years doesn't mean Honda's hard-working engineers couldn't find ways to improve it. The new Honda FourTrax Rancher AT has redesigned styling, a larger engine, and a next generation successor to the legendary HFT automatic transmission, plus an optional version with GP.