New 2010 CBR600RR In Store!

You've heard the buzz, now come and test the new Honda CBR600RR for a test ride. We have this new award winning model in store, and it looks as great as they say.

Honda's tradition of winning continues for 2010, as the CBR600RR returns with its unbeatable combination of MotoGP-bred tech, power, light weight, and handling, highlighted by Honda's revolutionary Combined Anti-Lock Braking System (C-ABS), the first ever on a production supersport motorcycle. And with three trick new color schemes to choose from, you'll not only be on the best 600-class sportbike going, you'll also be on the best-looking machine as well.

The 2010 CBR600RR. Domination is in its DNA.

Read more about the new 2010 CBR600RR at Honda's website.
http://powersports.honda.com/2010/cbr600rr.aspx

New 2010 Honda CRF250R

The 2010 CRF250R is loaded with progressive technology and ready to confirm its domination of Supercross and Motocross tracks yet again. Its lightning-quick prowess and radical looks are matched with a new fuel injection system, even more power, lighter weight and smooth, easy handling characteristics. Whether you’re out to thrash the competition or just enjoy getting the best out of yourself and your motorcycle, the CRF250R is the tool to showcase your expertise.

New engine and transmission developments have focused firmly on boosting power and durability while keeping weight to a minimum. Starting, acceleration, cornering, traction and torque feel have all improved. The front fork has been revised to feature a larger-diameter 48mm slide pipe that improves running performance on rough roads. The rear suspension has had its weight reduced and layout changed for better mass centralisation, contributing to greatly improved dynamics. These changes, in combination with the proven Honda Progressive Steering Damper, deliver unbeatable handling through corners, whoops, braking bumps and jumps.

Honda 2010 CRF450R

The CRF450R is a dominating presence in Supercross, motocross, desert, endurance, flat-track and Supermoto where it continues to bring even the toughest competition to its knees. Relentlessly striving for more speed, more control, more reliability, more power and more performance, it combines these with light weight and effortless manoeuvrability.

The best balance of front and rear tyres enables great acceleration performance. Its slim and light proportions feature finely-honed aerodynamics for bullet-like aerial projection, and a low centre of gravity for easy control in the air. Inertia feel is minimised for a sensation of expert handling. Torque feeling is maximised everywhere and overall performance is fast, slick and exhilarating.

For 2010, to keep its riders out in front, small but effective changes to the engine and suspension systems achieve even better balance and control. The CRF flag is still flying high where it belongs – at the pinnacle of motocross achievement!

New for 2010
- New ECU programming and new FI settings improve off-on throttle response when exiting corners for easier control. - New engine auto decompressor system with revised decomp pin shape and optimal decompressor weight spring rate enables easier kick starting. - New front fork oil seal, oil quantity and valving contribute to improved plant feel and follow bumps better. - Rear damper features redesigned piston and compression adjuster to improve damping character for an easier ride and stronger acceleration over rugged terrain. - Air filter now has two attachment tabs for secure installation. - New connecting system for HRC FI setting tool uses only one coupler and eliminates need to remove fuel tank.

Honda 2010 GL1800 Gold Wing

With its distinctive good looks, unique flat-six engine and advanced comfort and safety technologies the Gold Wing still reigns as the world’s most advanced and full-featured touring motorcycle. This year the ‘King of the Road’ is offered in three beautiful new colours that emphasise its sophistication. The quick-starting fuel-injected Gold Wing engine is renowned for its long-haul power and strong performance. The motorcycle’s huge carrying capacity and luxurious ride quality make touring smooth and easy. Its quiet operation and the broad, wind-deflecting fairing together create a serene, relaxed ride.

The compliant suspension systems feature a computer-controlled adjustable pre-load damper while the powerful ABS* ensures confident braking, even in difficult circumstances. In spite of its considerable road presence, the Gold Wing handles with light manoeuvrability, making it an agile performer in city traffic. This is achieved by a low centre of gravity, which enhances stability and gives a secure, balanced ride feel. This exceptional tourer’s user-friendly equipment includes a premium audio system, a multi-function information centre and, on the Deluxe version, an integrated satellite navigation system.

The Deluxe version also incorporates the Honda Motorcycle Airbag system, the first ever designed specifically for a motorcycle. Touring possibilities are maximised with adjustable heated handlebar grips and seats, plus a range of specially tailored optional luggage accessories.

* Supporting Honda’s ongoing commitment to the Road Safety Charter, ABS continues to be offered across our entire Touring range.

The New 2010 Honda VT1300CX

The Honda VT1300CX is a true original in the chopper motorbike genre – a radical concept offered in a unique package that’s accessible to nearly every rider. The VT1300CX is visually daring and great fun to ride, with a feel and sound that place the rider squarely in the chopper domain.

For cruisers and choppers, style is king. The focus of the VT1300CX is its raked-out chopper styling, incorporating a visual balance of positive and negative space between the airy front end and the more substantial engine and rear end. Its high-mount steering head gives the frame a see-through, open-air look with plenty of breathing room between the upper frame and the front cylinder head. Its long, slim fuel tank is perched up high, while its seat is ultra-low. The fat 200mm rear tyre is paired with a slim 90mm front wheel that’s wrapped in an attractively close-fitting fender. A striking visual impact is created by the multi-faceted nine-spoke front and seven-spoke rear wheel design.

The condensed, hard-tail look of the rear end is accentuated by the exaggerated rake and stretched wheelbase which stretches a full 1,805mm between axles, giving a soft ride as well as a characteristic look. Clean lines and curves in every part of the bike emphasise a Spartan return to basics. Equally important, a close-up inspection of the VT1300CX reveals an attention to detail which has been carried to the extreme. The prominent chrome headlight accentuates the frame and fork angles. Even the LED tail-light complements the shape of the rear fender, which also lacks visible fender stays – all for the purpose of giving the rear a simple and elegant shape. Smooth, clean lines also define the swingarm and the driveshaft on the left side.

Clean-cut execution and careful crafting create a chopper with the distinct air of a full-on hand-built custom bike, but one that can be owned and maintained for a fraction of the cost.

The engine is the soul of the VT1300CX. Fire it up and waves of muscular V-twin power, sound and feel flood the senses. Based on Honda’s proven and muscular VTX1300 motor, it is a 1312cc liquid-cooled 52-degree V-twin with a single-pin crankshaft, dual balancers and a new Programmed Fuel Injection system. The engine is cooled by a compact radiator that’s neatly concealed between the frame’s downtubes. Maintaining the neat, uncluttered look, the top radiator hose is hidden away beneath the front head cover. A newly designed dual exhaust system and new camshafts add to the creation of an engine that produces hugely satisfying performance and awesome sound. Low fuel consumption (the VT1300CX delivers an impressive 20km per litre*) and a clean, reliable, maintenance-free shaft drive mean more time spent on the road and less in the garage. It’s all about the ride.

New Suzuki Review

Check out the new Suzuki review on About.com.

Motorcycle expert Basem Wasef gives his opinion on the new GSXR-R1000 superbike, praising it's speed, handling and breaking.

Read the full review here, and then call us to schedule your test ride.

Suzuki Racing Update

Two-time AMA Supercross Champion Chad Reed of Australia, will be returning to Rockstar Makita Suzuki Factory Racing after sitting out for the last two motocross seaons.

The racing team announced that Reed will compete in the 2009 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship and will ride his Rockstar Makita Suzuki RM-Z450 in the motocross class in the 12-race series. Reed will be back in the saddle before he knows it as the series revs up on Sat. May 23 at Glen Helen Raceway in San Bernardino, California.

Reed is excited about his return to racing this season and said: “I’m really looking forward to racing the Outdoors this year and I’m excited about it for several reasons. The last few years, I didn’t race Motocross because I really felt like I needed to take a break after the supercross season. But this year, I feel so comfortable with the Rockstar Makita Suzuki team and everybody has been so supportive that it just makes me want to get out there and race. Also, I’ve been impressed with the changes to the series that MX Sports has done and I think they’re taking it in the right direction. So I really want to be a part of that and support the series and the sport. My team and my sponsors have stepped up to make this happen and I can’t thank them enough.”

During the 2009 AMA Supercross Series, Reed led the points race for most of the year and placed second overall. He raced his Suzuki RM-Z450 to three wins and finished on the podium in 16 of his 17 races. Reed will bring a lot of experience to the team as he is a former two-time AMA Supercross Champion, THQ World Supercross Champion, AMA Supercross Lites Champion and a World Motocross Grand Prix winner.

Suzuki Racing Update

Rockstar Makita Suzuki Factory Racing’s Ryan Dungey won his first AMA Supercross Lites Championship by placing fourth in Salt Lake City, Utah, on April 26th and finishing first overall on points in the West Coast Championship. Dungey, riding a Suzuki RM-Z250, won four SX Lites races along with two other podium positions to take his first AMA Pro title.

In the Supercross class, Suzuki’s Chad Reed ended up on the podium again in the Salt Lake City event. Reed, the two-time, defending AMA Supercross Champion got the holeshot and placed first in his heat race. He then got the holeshot in the 20-lap main event. Reed was in the lead for several laps, but then collided slightly with another rider. He got back on his bike and ended up in second place. However, Suzuki teammate Mike Alessi, wasn’t able to reach the main event.

Meanwhile, Suzuki’s Michael Byrne is still out with an injury and didn’t compete.

Dungey was happy with the championship and said it took a lot of hard work from everybody involved: “Winning the championship feels good, it’s been a long time in the making – the past two years have been tough. This whole year, it was a fight. We worked hard for it and the whole Rockstar Makita Suzuki team stuck by me and had faith in me. This is something I’ve worked hard for since I was a little kid and I did it from the heart.

Reed said he was happy with his performance, but disappointed with his collision:

“I got out front and I felt like I was riding good and in a good position. But James Stewart got by and I passed him back, but he got back by. I had a look around and felt good about where we were, but unfortunately I had a get-together with another rider and lost contact with James. He’s obviously riding really, really well and it was just difficult to get back up there.”

Love Suzuki? You'll love our range of Suzuki clothing, caps and accessories at our Suzuki motorcycle dealership in Ayr. Stop by soon and snap up something from this stylish range.

Honda Racer on the mend

American Honda announced on April 13th, that Honda Red Bull Racing star Ben Townley had successfully undergone surgery in Europe to look after a continuing problem with the rider’s right shoulder.

Honda Red Bull Racing team manager Erik Kehoe said in a statement, “Ben elected to have the necessary surgery, which also confirms his decision not to race the outdoor nationals due to the difficulties he was experiencing with his shoulder. We support him in his decision and hope to see him back to full health and racing as soon as possible.”

The Honda racer headed to Belgium for the operation, which was performed by Dr. Toon Claes. Townley, the former MX2 World and SX East Coast Lites champion, commented on his status and immediate plans.

“It’s been an unfortunate two years in my career, but the Honda Red Bull Racing team and all my sponsors have stuck by me. My shoulder was at the point where I could not commit to racing 100 per cent and with further tests and medical opinions we were able to pinpoint the problem. Red Bull will be lending all their support through their athlete performance team and will help me focus on my rehab and getting back to full health. The next step after that will, of course, be getting back on the race track.”

It is believed that Townley will stay in Belgium for about three more weeks, before heading back to America, where he will then begin his shoulder rehabilitation program.

Suzuki Racing News

Rockstar Makita Suzuki Factory Racing’s Ryan Dungey was victorious at the AMA Supercross LItes race in Seattle, Washington’s on April 18th.

Dungey got off to a great start on his Suzuki RM-Z250 and gapped the field to take the 15-lap race. He now has a nine point lead in the championship points race going into the final round of the Supercross LItes West Coast series next weekend.

In the Supercross class, Rockstar Makita Suzuki’s Mike Alessi got the holeshot on his RM-Z450, led the way for the first few laps and then battled for a podium spot the rest of the way. However, he came of his bike momentarily, but got back on to finish in fourth place. Rockstar Makita Suzuki teammate Chad Reed had a tough time though. The defending, two-time AMA Supercross Champion fell at the beginning of the event and found the going was pretty tough from then on. Reed ended up in seventh place. Michael Byrne is still injured and didn’t compete.

Dungey said, “The track was falling apart out there but everybody stayed focused and worked hard. I was able to get a good start in the main and just took it from there… I’m just really happy with how the race went, the fans were great and now I have some momentum going into next weekend.”

Alessi said he got off to a good start by leading the first seven laps, but ended up paying for his mistake. However he was happy that he made up some points on racers in front of him in the standings.

The disappointed Reed said there are still two races left and anything is possible so he is now focusing on the races in Salt Lake City.

Rockstar Makita Suzuki Factory Racing will race again at Rice Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City, Utah, on April 25.

Love Suzuki? You'll love our range of Suzuki clothing, caps and accessories at our Suzuki motorcycle dealership in Ayr. Stop by soon and snap up something from this stylish range.

Sale on Shoei Helmets!

If you haven't taken advantage of our recent motorcycle clothing special offers, you might want to hurry, as stock is quickly selling out! We are already sold out of the Saint Andrews graphic of the AGV Stealth helmet, and all of our reduced price RST Voltage 1pc leather suits have flown off the racks.

New Arrivals in North Harbour Motorcycles Clothing Department:

Wolf have a brand new textile range out called Titanium, we have the mid length jacket and matching trousers in stock. Retail prices are £224.99 and £179.99 respectively.

RST have a new 1pc leather suit called Fusion out. This is now in stock and retails at £399.99. They also have a new Ladies leather jacket called Mayfair and matching trousers that are at present filtering through. The jacket is £159.99 and the trousers £139.99 and finally Blytz have brought out a ladies boot in black/black and black/pink which retails at £60.00 and we have sizes 3-8 in stock.

Visit us today to see what other great deals we have on motorbike clothing and helmets!

Suzuki Racing News

FMF Suzuki Off Road’s Josh Strang won his second race of the season at the Big Buck GNCC, round four of the 2009 Grand National Cross Country series, in Union, South Carolina.

After going at it for a grueling three hours, Strang managed to cross the finish line just seconds ahead of his Suzuki teammate Charlie Mullins, who came in third place.

With the victory, Strang becomes the first repeat winner of the series. "The last two laps were quick," Strang said. "We all three wanted to get in the lead and pull away. It's definitely good to get that second win."

Mullins fired first, earning his third holeshot award and was quickly followed by Strang and the rest of the racers as they headed into the woods. Mullins managed to stay in the lead for the first few laps and then traded the lead with Strang, and others. As they sped through the dusty track, Strang manage to put some distance between himself and Mullins. From that point on, the two teammates went wheel-to-wheel until the finish, when Strang pulled a head by a few seconds to take the tight race.

Mullins said he felt good going into the last lap and was satisfied with his third place finish.

It was Strang’s second win in four rounds and it lifts him up to third place in points total with 87. Mullins, who won the opening contest, has raced consistently and sits in second in spot with 94 points and one win.

Kinetic Powered Motorbike

Ever feel guilty about not getting enough excersise when you take your bike somewhere instead of cycling? A new German company have designed a new motorbike which lets you get the speed and power of a motorcycle while still employing some pedal power:

The Erockit Motorbike is based on a revolutionary technology which connects human power with the electric engine of a motorcycle. The power of the running engine is derived from the muscle power of the rider.

The user rides the Erockit like an ordinary bicycle, but the power he exerts is multiplied electronically through the kinetically powered engine. The power used for the brakes works in the same way.

The Berlin-based company will release the first serial production of the Erockit later this year; a limited edition of 10 bikes is planned.

Source: erockit.net via Trendhunter

Spring clean your bike

Here is a great checklist before hitting the road this riding season, courtesy of About.com

1. Is the Fuel OK?
2. Check the Engine Oil's Quality and Quantity
3. Charged Up?
4. Check for Leaks
5. Check the Tires
6. Are You Ready to Ride?

The New Honda Fury: Coming Soon

Pure chopper styling. Pure attitude. And all Honda. The new Fury™ is the machine everyone is talking about this year. One ride and you'll know why about this year. One ride and you'll know why.

The Fury is a classic—with its raked-out front end, minimalist chopper styling, super-low seat. In short, it has everything you want—just without the thirty-grand price tag.

Now that the press has seen it, here's what they're saying: "...one of the coolest-looking cruisers ever offered by a Japanese manufacturer." Kevin Duke, Motorcycle.com 1/16/09 "Fit and finish are impressive, and the chromed 1,312cc engine looks great with all that open air above it." Basem's Motorcycles Blog on About.com 1/16/09 (Basem Wasef)

Coming to North Harbour Motorcycles in April!

Get cashback on Pirelli tyres

See our site for details of this cashback offer from Pirelli as well as more great offers from Honda, as well as our parts, clothing and accessories departments.

2009 Goldwing: Find Yourself

The Honda Goldwing has always been all about mod cons, and the 2009 model is no different.

Seems to me that part of the adventure of owning a big touring bike like a Goldwing is meandering around the roads of new places, enjoying the scenery and taking a break from the routine and schedule of your 9-5.

But if that translates into getting hopelessly lost, perhaps it's not so much fun.

Honda have stepped in and jumped onto the GPS bandwagon by offering the 2009 Goldwing with a state of the art satelite linked navigational system.

Of course, another approach is to get this bike in bee-sting yellow. You will certainly be easily found!

Find out more or get a quote from our New Motorcycles department.

Get your Face on Your Lid

Visit http://www.italianlegendaryprotection.com/ today to be one of the exclusive few who will be able to put their own photo on an AGV Rossi Mugello helmet.

Honda in MCN

In this weeks edition of Motorcycle News the experts compare non-ABS Honda Fireblade up against the new ABS Fireblade.

Michael Neeves rated the ABS Fireblade highly when he tested it at the launch, but many people question whether it has a place on high power sports bikes.

MCN tested the two bikes back-to-back to see if there was any major difference.

Source: MCN News 25th February

Open Day

Thanks to everyone who came along to our open weekend. It is always nice to see so many friendly faces.

For those of you who didn't make it, don't forget that you can still take advantage of Honda's Finance deal until the end of March.

We also still have a limited amount of stock at greatly reduced prices, in both our clothing and parts department. Visit our Offers page for full details, or stop by today.

Ride out the Credit Crunch with Honda's latest promotion

Welcome

Hello to all of our customers. We will be using this new blog to talk about the latest news from our shops, as well as bring you some of the latest going ons from the world of motorcycle sports. Stay tuned for the latest deals from out motorcycle clothing and parts departments, and get the low down on the lastest models from Honda and Suzuki.