HONDA HAWK 11
To Osaka, Japan, where Honda has launched a new Africa twin-powered sporty machine. Dubbed the Hawk 11, the new bike is a simple, no-nonsense sportsbike aimed at road use, with semi-retro styling, a neat half-fairing, and a low price (around £8500 in Japan).
The 1082cc engine puts out a modest 101bhp with 77ft lb of torque, and is bolted into a cradle-type steel tube frame, with USD front forks and rear monoshock, plus dual radial four-piston front brake calipers up front. There’s a natty round LED headlight, wacky underslung fairing mirrors, and a horrendously chunky exhaust system, complete with an extra catalyst hanging below the engine.
If they’d managed to make the Hawk 11 as light as it looks, then we’d be pretty interested. But with a claimed weight of 214kg and that 101bhp output, it seems like it will be a bit steady, sadly.
Like all Hondas, it will no doubt be very pleasant
