Penultimate push as Repsol Honda Team chase Team Championship

The flyaways draw to a close and the end of the season is fast approaching, but the Triple Crown is still wide open.

First hosting a Grand Prix in 1999, the Sepang International Circuit has been a constant fixture on the MotoGP World Championship calendar for both racing and testing. The 5.5km long Malaysian circuit is a physically demanding challenge no matter the conditions, air temperature rarely dropping below 30ºC even when the tropical storms hit.

Hunting a sixth straight Grand Prix victory in 2019 and his third at Sepang, Marc Marquez arrives in Malaysia in perfect form as he continues to dominate the premier class. Currently on 375 World Championship points, the Malaysian GP present the reigning MotoGP World Champion with his first opportunity to pass Jorge Lorenzo’s record of 383 points scored in a single season. As in Australia, Marquez is aware he’ll face a strong challenge from Yamaha and Ducati.

Lorenzo arrives in Malaysia hoping for better fortunes after a trying weekend in Phillip Island. Struggling in the cooler conditions, Sepang’s heat should offer Lorenzo a chance to continue improving his feeling on the Honda RC213V. The five-time World Champion has finished on the premier class podium seven times in Malaysia.

Just a single point separates the Ducati Team (409) from the Repsol Honda Team (408) in the Team Championship as Honda look to complete the prestigious Triple Crown. With both the Riders and a record 25th Constructors Championships achieved, the Team Championship is final objective to achieve in 2019.

Practice for the premier class begins at 10:50 Local Time on Friday, November 01 with the 20-lap Malaysian Grand Prix scheduled for 15:00 Local Time on Sunday, November 03.

Unstoppable Marquez equals Doohan as most successful Honda rider

A tenth win of 2019 for Marc Marquez wrapped up the Constructors Championship for Honda after an inch-perfect ride in Japan.

Victory for Marc Marquez at Honda’s home round in Motegi earned Honda the Premier Class Constructors Championship for a record 25th time. As a result, Honda claim both the Riders and Constructors Championships in the same year for the 20th occasion as they celebrate the 60th Anniversary of competition. It also marks Honda’s 70th Constructors Championship across all classes.

Launching perfectly off the line, Marc Marquez went around the outside of his competition to lead through the first corner. Fabio Quartararo tried to respond to the pace of the eight-time World Champion, but within just three laps Marquez had an advantage of over one second and followed it up with successive flying laps. By lap 13 the gap had grown to two seconds and the reigning World Champion switched his attention to managing the race. Crossing the line 0.870s ahead of Quartararo after easing his pace in the closing laps, the Repsol Honda Team rider continued his perfect record of top-two finishes in 2019. The victory is the tenth 2019 and his fourth in a row, the first time Marquez has achieved four-straight wins in the premier class since 2014.

 

Taking his 54th win in the premier class, Marc Marquez draws level with the legendary Mick Doohan as the most successful premier class Honda rider. The 14 podiums, 13 of them in succession, of 2019 also move Marc Marquez to 350 World Championship points, just 33 points shy of Jorge Lorenzo’s all-time premier class points record of 383 with 75 points still to play for.

Making his 200th premier class start, Jorge Lorenzo battled through a difficult start to the Japanese GP. Lorenzo crossed the line in 17th position and while not satisfied with the result, is pleased with his improved feeling and pace aboard the Honda RC213V in the closing laps. The finish saw Lorenzo reduce the margin between himself and the race winner to its smallest margin since his return from injury – a trend he will look to continue at Phillip Island in just a week’s time.

The MotoGP World Championship now heads directly to round 17, the Australian Grand Prix at Phillip Island from October 25 to 27.

Honda Motorcycle Clearance Sale

Clearance sale on Honda motorcycles now available:

Save between €800 – €3000 on a range of Supersports, Touring, Street and Adventure bikes

First up we have €800 off the 2017 CBR500R. Catch it now at €6,800


Followed closely by €1000 off the 2018 CBR650R and the CB1000R FOP. Get them now at €8,800 and €14,700 respectively!

 

Then if you’re looking to pick up €2000 worth of savings you can on the CB1100 RS, now €12,900

 

Finally you go can go for the mega saving of €3000 on the super hot CBR1000RR SP1

 

Grab any of these discounts at your local Honda Motorcycle dealership now

 

*Terms and conditions apply. Limited stock available. Deposit must be received to hold any item. Honda Ireland reserve the right to withdraw offer at any time. Discount available while stocks last only.

Marquez pots the #8ball with incredible last corner win in Thailand

Marc Marquez was crowned the 2019 MotoGP World Champion in the only way he knows how: with a thrilling race win delivered at the final corner.

A full house at the Buriram Circuit were treated to an edge of their seats MotoGP race as they witnessed Marc Marquez crowned World Champion for the eighth time. From the front of the grid, Marquez charged forward and immediately began to chase pole setter Fabio Quartararo. With his only title rival, Andrea Dovizioso, a distant fourth Marquez was able to focus solely on the race win.

After trading fastest laps, the pair settled into their rhythm and Marquez waited for his moment to attack. The final laps were explosive as the 2019 MotoGP World Champion launched an all out assault on the young French rider, moving ahead as the last lap began. But it would go down to the final corner, Marquez expertly defending from Quartararo in the last corner to take the 2019 MotoGP World Championship in style.

With 325 points, nine wins, 14 podiums, nine poles and 10 fastest laps – Marc Marquez becomes the MotoGP World Champion alongside the Repsol Honda Team for the sixth time and takes the eighth World Championship of his career. The victory is also Honda’s 150th in the MotoGP class – an achievement no other manufacturer has been able to match.

Jorge Lorenzo suffered a difficult race, unable to improve his feeling in the hotter conditions. Ultimately crossing the line in 18th, Lorenzo is looking ahead to the next race in Japan where he hopes to improve his current feeling and results.

New CRF1100L Africa Twin information released

Alert for all you Africa Twin fans! Today September 23rd 2019 Honda have announced details on the all new CRF1100L Africa Twin and Africa Twin Adventure Sports:

  • Honda’s celebrated adventure machine gains wide-ranging performance and technology upgrades
  • New Euro5-compliant 1100cc parallel twin engine produces top power of 75kW and maximum torque of 105Nm – increases of 7% and 6% respectively
  • 5kg lighter, with 10% improvement in power to weight ratio, thanks to weight reduction in areas including engine, frame and swing arm
  • All-new 6.5” TFT Multi-Information Display incorporates Apple CarPlay® and Bluetooth connectivity, with touchscreen functionality
  • Four pre-set riding modes – plus two user-selectable options – offer scenario-specific tailoring of Power, Engine Braking, Honda Selectable Torque Control, (HSTC), Wheelie Control and Cornering ABS settings
  • HSTC, plus new Cornering ABS, Wheelie Control and Rear Lift Control functions are now managed by a six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit; Cruise Control is standard fit
  • CRF1100L Africa Twin itself has even sharper off-road focus
  • CRF1100L Adventure Sports is more ready than ever for the long haul – and now available with cutting-edge Show EERA™ suspension as an option
  • Unique Dual Clutch Transmission still available on both models

The Africa Twin has evolved. Lighter, more powerful and bristling with cutting edge technologies, both the Africa Twin itself and its ‘Adventure Sports’ sibling have been thoroughly updated – with even clearer distinct identities – to give riders the optimal equipment to tackle any True Adventure from an off-road trail to a continent-crossing marathon.

Frame and engine

Set to arrive in Europe within 2019, the Africa Twin will now be powered by a new Euro5-compliant 1084cc parallel twin engine (up from 998cc). Comprehensive revisions to the engine, including revised valve lift, aluminium cylinder sleeves and a new exhaust control valve, bring even stronger performance, while meeting the stringent new Euro5 regulations for 2020. Maximum power output increases by 7% to 75kW @ 7500rpm, with maximum torque up 6% to 105Nm @ 6250rpm, while the motor retains its silky-smooth power and torque delivery and distinctive ‘throb’.

The power unit is held in a new frame with aluminium sub-frame – bolted rather than welded to the main frame. The all-new, lighter aluminium swingarm is based on the same design as the CRF450R moto-crosser, for even better rear wheel traction and rider feel.

Electronics and instrument panel

A comprehensive electronics package managed by a new six-axis IMU includes Ride by Wire and Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) plus new features including Cruise Control, Cornering ABS, Wheelie Control, Rear Lift Control and Emergency Stop Signals. Six riding modes are available: four have pre-set levels of power, engine braking and ABS characteristics for different riding scenarios: Tour, Urban, Gravel and Off-road; two User modes allow the rider to set their own preferred combinations of these parameters.

The CRF1100L Africa Twin comes equipped with a 6.5” TFT Multi Information Display touchscreen as standard. The level of information shown on the easy-to-use, sleek and slender unit can be customised to the rider’s preference; information is displayed clearly and concisely, digestible at a glance at any time of day. The TFT touchscreen is also compatible with Apple Carplay®, allowing riders to get directions, make calls, receive messages, and listen to music via the applications on their phone.

CRF1100L Africa Twin

Further sharpening its genuine off-road capabilities, the new CRF1100L Africa Twin itself has been slimmed down even further, with new striking rally-style body work, slimmer fuel tank and 40mm narrower seat, adjustable between 850mm or 870mm.

The low screen allows the rider to move forward and backward freely, whether seated or standing up; compact handguards and sump guard complement the sharper look, while also contributing to the overall 4kg weight reduction. The 10% increase in power to weight ratio brings a new level of dynamic performance.

CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports

Now sharing the same riding triangle as the Africa Twin itself, the CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports is fully equipped for the long haul.

The larger 24.8L tank with range of over 500km, broader front fairing, five stage adjustable screen, standard-fit heated grips and ACC socket bring even greater comfort and practicality.

Further rider-focussed technology upgrades come in the shape of new three-stage cornering lights – which create a wider beam of light as the bike leans over – and the option of Showa Electronically Equipped Ride Adjustment (EERA) suspension.

Aligned to the four pre-set riding modes, and adjustable at will in the two User modes, the Showa EERA has three rear preload pre-sets, and utilises the six-axis IMU and balance-free valve technology in the front forks to provide the perfect suspension response no matter the terrain.

Dual Clutch Transmission

Honda has sold over 100,000 DCT-equipped motorcycles across Europe since the system – still unique in the motorcycle industry – first appeared as an option on the VFR1200F in 2009, and approximately half of Africa Twin customers choose it as an option.

The system has evolved consistently over the last decade. On the new Africa Twin’s DCT, the system’s ‘cornering detect’ function is operated through the IMU, allowing even more natural shift patterns when in automatic ‘D’ or ‘S’ mode.

Colours

The CRF1100L Africa Twin will be available in Grand Prix Red and Matte Ballistic Black Metallic, both of which include a striking new red sub-frame. The Adventure Sports version comes in Pearl Glare White Tricolour – reminiscent of the original classic XRV650 – and Darkness Black Metallic.

Over 87,000 Africa Twins have been sold worldwide since 2016. With this comprehensive round of upgrades – the development of which involved 21 new patent applications – Honda is aiming to attract thousands more customers to the myriad life-affirming experiences made possible by its ‘True Adventure’ flagship machine.

Honda Ireland expect the new Africa Twin to be available here in the next few months. 

Peter O’Mahony teams up with Honda Ireland

Peter O’Mahony is one of Ireland’s leading professional rugby players, representing  Munster and Ireland. Honda Ireland are delighted to announce we have teamed up with Peter for his other passion – his garden!

 

Peter is currently in Japan ahead of the World Cup, preparing for Ireland’s first game against Scotland this Sunday 22nd September at 08.45am, Peter is an integral part of the Irish side. However when he’s home in Cork he loves nothing better than spending time in his beautiful garden, what you’d call a self confessed garden enthusiast!

As Peter has become the brand new Honda Brand Ambassador, he will be using some of our most popular lawn machinery, including the Honda HRM3000 Miimo, our robotic lawnmower. Use of this product will ensure his grass is kept an optimum height and condition when he is away from home. Safe for children and pets, this robotic lawnmower is the perfect model for a busy young family, such as Peters.

To tend to the bushes and other growth Peter will be using the Honda UMK425ELE, straight shaft brushcutter. Robust and durable this tool will help Peter tame the areas of the garden where needed.

You can keep up to date on how Peter finds the products through his social media channels – Instagram and Twitter. 

To celebrate this very special partnership you can win a limited edition World Cup Jersey and rugby ball signed by the man himself over on the Honda Ireland Facebook page. Enter before September 27th to win.

 

Peter is pictured with Colin Lynch, Honda Ireland. September 2019. 

Last lap brilliance in Misano moves Marquez ahead of Hailwood with 77 victories

A 77th career victory makes Marquez the fourth most successful rider in Grand Prix history, bringing fans to their feet on his way to winning a thrilling San Marino GP as Jorge Lorenzo claimed more points.

After a promising morning Warm Up session where Marc Marquez finished first and Jorge Lorenzo finished 1.5 seconds behind, the Repsol Honda Team entered the 27-lap San Marino Grand Prix with confidence.

Marc Marquez made a flying start to the race and moved to fourth by the first corner, quickly progressing up to third just a few corners later. Muscling past Viñales on lap four, the World Championship leader set about closing down the almost one-second lead of Fabio Quartararo. The Frenchman’s advantage was soon reduced to just two tenths, Marquez electing to wait for his moment to attack. As the laps ticked down, the reigning champion began to edge closer and put increasing pressure on the young French rider.

The start of the last lap saw Marquez’s RC213V roar past Quartararo heading into Turn 1, the pair briefly sparring before Marquez made the move stick later in the lap. Crossing the line 0.903s ahead of Quartararo, Marquez returned to the top step of the podium after back-to-back second place finishes. The win moves him 93 points clear of title rival Andrea Dovizioso in the MotoGP World Championship standings with six races remaining. Taking the 77th win of his career, Marquez also moves ahead of Mike Hailwood to cement himself as the fourth most successful rider in Grand Prix history.

Jorge Lorenzo was author to a consistent race, able to steadily advance up the order. Ultimately taking 14th, Lorenzo marks his return from injury with back-to-back points finishes. The five-time World Champion was unable to achieve his target of finishing within 30 seconds of the race winner due to reduced grip come the race on Sunday. Suffering from less discomfort after the race was an encouraging sign for Lorenzo who will look to fight back in Aragon.

Honda leave Misano extending their advantage in the Manufacturer Championship to 60 points over closest rivals Ducati while the Repsol Honda Team close the deficit to the Ducati Team in the Team Championship to just 25 points. With Round 14, the Gran Premio Michelin®  de Aragon, taking place on September 22 the Repsol Honda Team are keen to carry their momentum forward as they return to Spanish soil.

Marquez equals Agostini with sensational second in Silverstone

Continuing his run of two top finishes, Marquez took important steps towards his ultimate goal as a determined Lorenzo finished in the points on his return from injury.

The British summer continued in full force on Sunday as round 12 of the 2019 MotoGP World Championship at the Silverstone circuit enjoyed 31°C ambient temperatures. With circuit temperature at 44°C when the lights went out, it was set to be another demanding premier class race.

From the 88th pole position of his Grand Prix career, MotoGP World Championship leader Marc Marquez made a perfect start aboard his Repsol Honda Team RC213V and avoided the incident behind. With championship rival Andrea Dovizioso and potential podium contender Fabio Quartararo out of the race, Marquez was joined by Alex Rins at the front as the duo swapped fastest laps for most of the race.

The pair played a game of cat and mouse until the final lap, Marquez having led the entire race and setting a new race lap record of 1’59.936. A front-end moment in the last corner caused the World Championship leader to close the throttle and as a result was forced to settle for second place, missing the win by just 0.013s. Continuing his run of top two finishes in 2019, Marquez leaves Silverstone with a dominating 78 point lead in the MotoGP World Championship with seven races left.

Taking the 88th podium of his premier class career, Marquez draws level on premier class podiums with the great Giacomo Agostini. The result moves Honda to 45 points clear of Ducati in the Constructor Championship and brings the Repsol Honda Team to within 36 points of the Ducati Team in the Team Championship.

Knowing his physical condition, Jorge Lorenzo entered Sunday’s British Grand Prix with the simple aim of finishing the race to further understand his fitness level. The five-time World Champion’s determination was rewarded with a pair of points in 14th place as he profited from a consistent approach and the mistakes of others ahead.

Six-time World Champion Jim Redman, winner of Honda’s first premier class race in 1966 on the Honda RC181, was also in attendance and enjoyed talking racing with Marquez and Lorenzo.

Now the Repsol Honda Team will travel to the Misano Circuit for a two-day test. Racing resumes at the San Marino GP, September 13-15, at the same circuit.

Honda IZY Sale: An easy choice

You can now save €100 on the Honda IZY Lawnmower range

Until stocks last we have €100 off the HRG466SKEP, HRG536VYE and HRG536VLE!

The Honda IZY range is renowned for it’s easy start, low maintenance and reliability.

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Save today on the Honda IZY range!

Available in your local Honda authorised dealership, click here to get full driving directions to your local dealership.

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