HONDA DEVELOPS THE DOWNHILL BikeFEB 18
HONDA DEVELOPS THE DOWNHILL BikeFEB 18
(Photo Courtesy of world.honda.com
Honda R&D Co. Ltd.’s Asaka R&D Center Honda’s motorcycle research and development section will oversee machine development and team management as part of their R&D activities. Team G Cross Honda*2 will form the team for the 2003 season. Naoki Idegawa will ride the bike. He was ranked 5th in Japan Series 2002 and 68th overall.
The RN01 has distinctive characteristics such as a frame that has undergone a rigorous strength analysis and been reinforced in the areas where the stresses are highest. The Akebono Brake Industry Co. Ltd. developed the brakes that are light and provide superior control and braking. This bike is the first to test a transmission system that uses frame mounting technology for less unsprung weight.
Downhill racing is a type of bicycle race that takes place on snowy ski slopes or other downhill courses. The racers compete against each other, reaching speeds up to 70-80 km/h. There are seven World Cup races each year, one World Championship race and six Japan Series races. One Japan National Championship race is also held. The extreme nature of the tracks means that the machines must be strong and durable. Honda will use the technology that it has developed in motocross racing as a competitive advantage.
Name selection:
*1 The RN3cm machine name: This name combines R, N and Nature force (natures strength), and is followed by 3 cm to signify that it is the first model.
*2 The G Cross team’s name: This is a combination G for Gravity with the Cross from Motocross.
