MILAN SHOW: Honda reveal mass of updated models

Honda have revealed a whole host of model updates in Milan, revitalising the A2-friendly CB500 range, the frugal NC750, and adding a new fun off-roader through their Montesa brand.

CB500 range updates

The highly popular A2 licence-friendly CB500 trilogy gets a decent revamp for 2016, with the CBR500R sporting an aggressive new look, LED lighting, larger fuel tank, adjustable front fork and a newly designed exhaust that both realigns the weight balance for better mass-centralisation, and gives a bit more bark, too.

The CB500F street bike gets a harder-edged more stripped down look for 2016. It also gets a larger fuel tank, LED lighting, spring preload adjustable front fork, new exhaust and adjustable brake lever. Meanwhile the CB500X adventure-styled version gets improved wind protection and taller screen and shares its siblings additions of a larger fuel tank, LED lighting, spring preload adjustable front fork and adjustable brake lever.

NC750 range updates

The super-economical NC750 range has been given a similar wave of the magic design wand to update the range for 2016. The adventure-orientated NC750X gets tougher looks for the new year, with LED lighting, revised fork damping, an expanded storage compartment, plus LCD instruments with personalised colour options. The Dual Clutch Transmission version receives 3-level S mode, plus further software upgrades in both MT and AT riding modes. The exhaust has also been tuned for a deeper tone.

The street-focussed NC750S also gets LCD instruments with personalised colour options, plus two Special Edition two-tone paint editions. The Dual Clutch Transmission version gets the same mode upgrades, as does the exhaust music.

The scooter-shaped NC variant, the Integra, also gets LED lighting, a new Showa Dual Bending Valves front fork, LCD instruments with personalised colour options, two Special Edition paint options and the same mode upgrades as its siblings.

New Montesa 4RIDE

Honda sister brand Montesa have unveiled a new crossover trials/trails machine, dubbed the 4RIDE, made for fun and easy off-road use, rather than being competition focussed. It takes the basis of the Cota 4RT260, but uses revised gear ratios, incorporates a seat, and elevated suspension. The tank grows from 1.9 litres to 4.4, and should deliver a range of around 75 miles. It’ll arrive in showrooms in early 2016.