TORRANCE, Calif.  – Honda confirmed that the revolutionary RC213V-S is to be sold as a premium 2016 model, with a limited number set to be made available to U.S. customers. Every sport bike enthusiast has dreamt of climbing aboard a MotoGP™ machine and experiencing firsthand these bikes’ exceptional engineering and performance, but with rare exceptions, only top-echelon racers have had that opportunity—until now. With the RC213V-S, a fortunate few will have the chance to purchase what is essentially a pure MotoGP weapon, with only minimal changes for a street application. 

Originally unveiled in prototype form at Italy’s EICMA show last November, the RC213V-S is based on the RC213V that Marc Marquez rode to the last two MotoGP world championships, and is closer to a MotoGP bike than any road-going model ever offered to the public. “Ever since the modern four-stroke era of MotoGP began, fans have demanded a road-going version of Honda’s legendary RCV,” said Lee Edmunds, Manager of Motorcycle Marketing Communications at American Honda. “With Honda’s dominance in recent years, that call has become unrelenting, so we’re excited to announce the RC213V-S. This motorcycle reflects the same attention to detail and precision in assembly found in the factory machine. It’s an amazing bike that is sure to be a hit with a select group of U.S. customers.”

In addition to confirming the prototype-derived RC213V-S, the announcement included news in the production-based realm of motocross bikes, with the updated 2016 CRF450R and CRF250R. The CRF150R returns for 2016 as well.

RC213V-S

Setting a new benchmark for performance in production road bikes, the groundbreaking RC213V-S was developed with close collaboration between Honda’s Motorcycle R&D Center and HRC, and is painstakingly manufactured in an exclusive workshop in the Kumamoto factory, using premium materials and production methods that are atypical for production motorcycles. 

Like the RC213V upon which it is based, the RC213V-S is powered by a compact 90º V4 999cc engine with titanium connecting rods and a sand-cast aluminum crankcase. Mass on the lightweight machine is highly centralized, and it’s race-derived features include an under-seat fuel tank and carbon-fiber-reinforced-plastic fairing. Among the components inherited directly from the race bike are the swingarm, slipper clutch, magnesium Marchesini wheels (17 inch size for the RC213V-S), pressurized Öhlins fork and adjustable footrests and foot controls, as well as most of the Brembo brake components. In recent years, MotoGP has ushered in huge advances in the area of electronic rider aids, and this is reflected in the RC213V-S, which boasts throttle-by-wire, selectable power modes, engine-brake control and traction control, with position-detection technology developed through Honda’s ASIMO project. 

• Color: HRC Tricolor, Carbon Fiber
• Price: $184,000
• Availability: Reservations for this limited-production model will be taken exclusively through the official model website: www.RC213V-S.com beginning at 3:00 p.m. PST on July 12, 2015

CRF450R

The bike that earned six wins in the 2015 AMA Supercross series and finished on the podium at every round takes another step forward for next model year, with updates aimed at improving handling and traction. To enhance stability on the CRF450R, the fork is 5mm longer, while the rear suspension gets a new link and spring, as well as revised shock settings. The diameter of the chain roller has been reduced by 4mm to 34mm.

• Color: Red
• Price: $8,699
• Availability: July 2015

CRF250R

The motorcycle that took five of the top ten places in the 2015 250SX East final points standings gets even better for the 2016 model year, thanks to a series of changes aimed at increasing horsepower and improving handling. Among the engine updates are higher compression, increased cam lift, titanium exhaust valves, new valve springs, and updates to the cylinder-head porting, piston shape and connecting-rod shape. In addition, the air-intake tube has been changed, while the exhaust system gets larger outlet diameters for improved breathing and a new header-pipe resonator for improved power output. Updates to the fuel-injection mapping have also been incorporated, and the radiators are enlarged for improved cooling. Additionally, the fork length has been extended by 5mm to improve stability, and the chain-roller diameter has been reduced from 38mm to 34. Given these improvements and its record of great handling and proven reliability, the CRF250R is sure to remain a top choice choice for professional and privateer motocross racers. 

• Color: Red
• Price: $7,599
• Availability: September 2015

CRF150R/CRF150R Expert

Packing high performance and Honda technology into the industry’s only four-stroke mini racer, the CRF150R gives younger riders a head start when it comes to motocross racing. Boasting race-tuned Showa front and rear suspension, a Unicam® engine (based on those of the CRF450R and CRF250R), a track-designed chassis and precision braking, this competition-ready machine is available in two versions to suit a wide variety of riders: the CRF150R and the CRF150R Expert, which has larger-diameter wheels, a higher seat and a longer swingarm. 

• Color: Red
• Price
  • CRF150R: $4,990
  • CRF150R Expert: $5,140
  • Availability: August 2015