2005 Honda FMX650

Honda have always kept a steady eye on the ebb and flow of ever-changing trends
in motorcycling around the world, and have followed with great interest the
developments in many of Europe's unique niche motorcycle markets. One category that
has been growing steadily over the last few years, and most particularly in Europe, has
been the widely popular 'Super Motard' class. Initially consisting of off-road race bikes
that had been specially adapted to run-and slide-on paved racetracks in exciting
displays of astounding riding skill, this new style of motorcycle racing caught on big with
young riders throughout Europe and its distinctive design variations have simply not lost
their appeal.
From customised street bikes built by hand from small off-roaders with specialised
after-market parts to full-blown street-legal factory racers decked out with the hottest
chassis and engine components, this niche category has really taken the Continent by
storm. Besides providing identifying links to the famous riders who pilot these creations
at racing events, the main appeal of the Super Motards is rooted in their unique
combination of the light weight and quick, responsive control of off-road machines fused
with fully streetable road bike equipment that gleams of super-trick high-tech racing
componentry exuding a daring sense of 'Xtreme' riding fun and 'out of the ordinary'
style.
While Honda has, over the years, produced several models that combine off-road or
rally styling and features in versatile on-road fun bikes, there has not yet been a machine
in the Honda line-up that integrates all the essential elements of full-bodied Super
Motard-style in a stand-out machine that really maximises a rider's riding and styling
enjoyment.
Now, for 2005, Honda introduces an exciting new, European-developed and
European-exclusive entry into the exciting Super Motard category, wrapping the booming
power of a proven 650cc 'big-single' engine in a light, confident-handling road bike with
trick-looking equipment, fat low-profile tyres and eye-catching styling that really shouts
of performance and riding enjoyment, and inject a big blast of light-hearted fun into any
urban street scene. The new FMX650 gives riders a sharp-looking yet easy-riding and
economical new ticket to the fun of Super Moto riding with ample performance and
abundant style to keep the excitement level running high for days on end.
Development Concept
Honda's new FMX650 was developed as a wildly impressive, large-displacement
yet low-cost 'Fun Moto' that can tackle the streets and motorways in exhilarating style.
Designed not so much for hard-core racing and riding experts-though it does deliver a
satisfying blast of performance for those able to take advantage of it-the FMX makes a
perfect mount for those simply looking for a strong and dependable machine that offers
a strong dose of flashy style to set one apart from the crowd.
Easy-handling and comfortable in all riding situations, the new FMX was
designed on a dual-sport-style chassis configuration with long-travel suspension
systems providing an ideal balance of on-road riding characteristics to tackle crowded
city streets, fast-paced main thoroughfares and tight, winding mountain passes with
equal confidence and effortless ease.
Delivering a powerful helping of performance with stylish panache and excellent
economy was also one of the central tenets of the FMX's fundamental design concept.
Given the need for versatile performance characteristics that can best appeal to the
widest range of rider needs, the new machine's power needed to come on strong and
smooth, yet never overwhelm its rider with an unexpected show of force.
Boasting a long, proven history of providing impressive get-up-and-go with
reliable and economical operation, Honda's famed RFVC (Radial Four Valve
Combustion chamber) air-cooled single-cylinder engine-one of Honda's best-loved
standards of big-bore single power and dual-sport performance-was thus selected to
power the new FMX. Strong, responsive and easy to handle, this engine delivers an
exciting blast of power that puts smiles on faces as easily as a yank on its throttle can
lift its wheel into the air.
With outrageously fun styling sense, impressive power and always easy handling,
the new FMX650 gives a brilliant new definition to the term 'Fun Moto,' and will
certainly win fast friends with its breathtaking combination of street smart performance,
style and second-to-none Honda quality.
Styling
Standing out with sharp, angular lines highlighted by bold expanses of colour, the
new FMX650 is aggressively styled for exciting riding days ahead, and for attracting
lots of attention along the way. Built on a slim and lightweight chassis that offers swift
and agile handling ease, the new FMX captivates with an ultra-modern look of racy
style that lifts spirits as it catches the eye. Extending in bold strokes from the tip of its
large, front fender extension to the sleek edge of its pointed tail, this new Fun Moto's
bodywork exudes excitement from every curve.
Borrowing from the latest look of many hard-charging off-road machines, the
FMX650's black-painted 11-litre fuel tank is partially enshrouded by the cowling of its
impressive bodywork, providing a layered look that fits right in with its dynamic Super
Motard styling.
The FMX's bright, rectangular headlight is integrated into the angular design of
its front visor, while a compact instrument panel resides behind it, providing a highvisibility
readout of operating conditions. Its wide, competition-style aluminium
Renthal handlebar features a handy hazard light button among its standard array of
switch gear.
With its contoured seating area delivering a comfortable ride, the FMX's sleek
seat cowl angles sharply upward, its lower lines paralleled by the impressive canisters
of its polished dual exhaust system, and terminates into a sharply angled upturned end
with a slim yet brilliant multi-segment LED taillight element integrated into its
underside curves.
Under the seat are installed a set of four handy fold-out hooks for attaching straps
and hooks to secure cargo to the rear seat area.
Small, angular indicators like those featured on Honda's Hornets also complement
the FMX's sharply modern looks, and double as attention-getting hazard lights in
emergency situations when switched on at the left-side handlebar control unit.
Dual Front Fender
The FMX's wide, grippy Super Sports-style front tyre is covered by a huggerstyle
fender mounted close to its tread. High above it, a large extension of the upper
fender reaches over the wheel with the look of a big, wide-coverage off-road mudguard.
This prominent upper fender extension features a large air vent hole built into its upper
surface, which is designed to direct a steady stream of cooling air down to the engine's
head and cylinder when up to speed. The large gap opened between the two mudguards
also serves to direct a more effective stream of air to the air-cooled engine.
Colouring Concept
Bold design is best seen in bold colours, and the new FMX650 fits the bill in three
starkly attractive colour variations that really highlight its sharp angles and grab
attention like nothing else.
Colours
Red/Black (to be confirmed)
Grey (to be confirmed)
Black (to be confirmed)
Powerful 644cm3 Big-Single Engine
The new FMX650 gets its big surge of thumper power from a rugged 644cm3 aircooled
RFVC single-cylinder engine for optimised combustion efficiency and a strong,
responsive thrust of big-single acceleration. Honda's highly original Radial Four Valve
Combustion chamber (RFVC) configuration has won renown in the worlds of racing for
providing exceptional power and solid, dependable reliability. A push-button electric
starter and fully electronic ignition combine with the engine's fully automatic camshaftintegrated
decompression system for quick and easy one-touch starts in all weather
conditions, and a single-shaft balancer reduces vibration to provide comfortably smooth
operation throughout the engine's strong rev range.
Power reaches the rear wheel by way of a smooth-shifting five-speed transmission
that's been geared for comfortable on-road operation. In town or out on the open road,
performance is impressive, with high-torque surges of low-to-midrange acceleration
leaping forth at the twist of the FMX's throttle.
Eye-Catching Dual-Canister Exhaust System
The FMX650 features a large-volume, dual-canister exhaust system that feeds out
in parallel from the engine's two exhaust ports. Made entirely of rugged stainless steel,
the system stands out with its two large-capacity buff-finish silencers reaching upward
and back along the bottom edge of the seat. The combined volume of this twin system
contributes to optimised power output while providing an aggressive look and an
impressive sound.
The system's twin canisters also feature uniquely designed endcaps, which direct
the exhaust output down and outward, instead of straight back, for a more exhilarating
aural accompaniment to the brisk riding the new FMX was designed to do. Besides
looking and sounding better than conventional systems, this unique design also more
effectively draws the exhaust out of the silencers by making use of the low pressure
effect created by wind passing over the exit holes.
To ensure complete compliance with Europe's strict EURO-2 emissions
regulations, this dual exhaust system also features built-in catalytic heat tubes to protect
the environment by reducing output of harmful exhaust gases.
Chassis
Simple and Strong Mono-Backbone Frame
The FMX650 is built on Honda's innovative Mono-Backbone frame format,
which shares several fundamental design features with the frames developed for
Honda's popular Hornet line-up. This lightweight and rigid construction is formed of
large-diameter, thin-wall pieces of rectangular-section steel tubing laid out in a simple
yet highly rigid single-cradle configuration. The frame's main backbone also performs
double duty as the oil reservoir for the dry sump engine, and holds an ample 2.5 litres of
oil capacity. Its single rectangular-section steel seat rail is attached to the backbone
section at one point, and is braced by two triangulated box-section pieces for optimal
rigidity, providing a solid mount for both the seat and the exhaust system's dual
canisters.
Designed, like the Hornets, to provide light and agile on-road handling, the
FMX650's frame combines with compliant suspension components to achieve a 'Fun to
Ride' sensation that can really be felt, and an easy reach to the ground for most riders.
Large, lightweight, open forged aluminium plates mounted on either side of the
base of the frame carry foot pegs, levers and related components, and are bolted directly
onto the ends of the swingarm pivot shaft. These eye-catching pieces also impart an
impressive sense of urban style to complement the FMX650's attractive angular
bodywork.
Competitive Motard-Style Suspension Systems
The FMX's front and rear suspension systems really look the part of a Motardstyle
street dodger. Up front, the two massive gold-anodised stanchion tubes of its
impressive inverted front fork stand out with purposeful intent and a look of high
performance. Featuring large-diameter 45mm sliders and leading-axle forged
aluminium end caps, this fork delivers a full 218mm of responsive, calmly assured axle
stroke, and precise handling over smooth roads and rough patches. To ensure light and
easy handling with its wide and grippy front tyre, the fork's stanchion tubes are set
slightly wider apart than usual for optimal leverage that requires minimal effort to wind
through city traffic or slice through the tight corners of a mountain road.
At the back, the FMX650 comes fully equipped with Honda's progressive Delta-
Link Pro-Link rear suspension system, which utilises a large 40mm-diameter gascharged
damper to support a rigid rectangular-section steel swingarm for superb control
and a plush, comfortable ride for one or two throughout its 186mm of axle travel.
Lightweight Aluminium Rims and Responsive Disc Brake
The FMX's lightweight and sturdy 17" black-anodised aluminium rims are
attached to compact and lightweight hubs with strong and shiny stainless steel spokes,
and mounted with high-performance low-profile street tyres for quick handling, racy
looks and impressive cornering control.
For premier stopping performance, the FMX was also equipped with superb disc
brake control front and rear. Up front, its large 296mm rotor is ably stopped by a
lightweight dual-piston calliper, while a compact, swingarm-mounted single-piston rear
calliper grips a 220mm drilled rotor between sintered metal pads for a highly responsive
balance of braking control.
Optional Equipment
A handy steel tube rear carrier can be bolted-on behind the seat to facilitate carrying
larger objects with security and ease.
A convenient and versatile cargo net helps secure even larger objects to the rear carrier or seat.
An optional 20mm lower recontoured seat gives shorter riders an easier reach to the
ground for enhanced riding confidence.
Attractive Cheetah and Cheque patterned seat skins fit over the seat to give the FMX
an even wilder and more Xtreme look of street sliding style.
Easy-appliqué decal sets add a striking touch of street cred to the FMX's dynamic lines.
A rugged, water-resistant bike cover manufactured from breathable fabric allows the
FMX to dry while covered. Its strong, reflective outer material protects paint against
damage by ultraviolet light. Ropes attached to the cover's lower edges allow it to be tied
down to protect the FMX's paint from possible damage resulting from a fluttering
cover. The cover also features two holes in its lower front section to facilitate the secure
attachment of a U-Lock.
Beautifully designed, wide-coverage knuckleguard set protects the hands from wind
and grime, while emphasising the FMX's rugged good looks.
Specifications
Engine - Air-cooled 4-stroke RFVC SOHC single
Displacement - 644cm3
Bore x Stroke - 100 x 82mm
Compression Ratio - 8.3 : 1
Max. Power Output - 27.7kW/5,750min-1 (95/1/EC)
Max. Torque - 52.3Nm/4,500min-1 (95/1/EC)
Idling Speed - 1,300min-1
Oil Capacity - 2.5 litres
Carburation - 40mm VE-type carburettor
Aircleaner - Dry, cartridge-type paper filter
Fuel Tank Capacity - 11 litres (including 3.8-litre reserve)
Ignition System - Fully transistorised electronic
Ignition Timing - 8° BTDC (idle) ~ 26° BTDC (5,750min-1)
Sparkplug Type - DPR8EA-9 (NGK); X24EPR-U9 (ND)
Starter - Electric
Battery Capacity - 12V/8AH
ACG Output - 210W
Headlight - 12V 60W x 1 (low) / 55W x 1 (high)
Clutch - Wet, multiplate with coil springs
Clutch Operation - Mechanical; cable-actuated
Transmission Type - 5-speed
Primary Reduction - 2.029 (69/34)
Gear Ratios - 1 2.666 (32/12), 2 1.750 (28/16), 3 1.250 (25/20), 4 1.000 (23/23), 5 0.800 (20/25)
Final Reduction - 3.000 (42/14)
Final Drive - O-ring sealed chain
Frame - Single Cradle Mono-Backbone; Steel tube
Dimensions - (LxWxH) 2,151 x 823 x 1,157mm
Wheelbase - 1,490mm
Caster Angle - 29° 06'
Trail - 97mm
Turning Radius - 2.4m
Seat Height - 875mm
Ground Clearance - 216mm
Dry Weight - 163kg
Kerb Weight - 170kg (F: 80kg; R: 90kg)
Max. Carrying Capacity - 155kg
Loaded Weight - 325kg (F: 115kg; R: 210kg)
Suspension - Front, 45mm inverted leading-axle telescopic fork, 218mm axle travel, Rear - Pro-Link, 186mm axle travel
Wheels - Aluminium rim/steel spoke
Rim Size - Front, 17M/C x MT3.50, Rear - 17M/C x MT4.00
Tyre Size - Front, 120/70 R17M/C 58H, Rear - 150/60 R17M/C 66H
Tyre Pressure - Front, 200kPa, Rear - 225kPa
Brakes - Front, 296 x 4mm hydraulic disc with dual-piston calliper and
sintered metal pads, Rear - 220 x 5mm hydraulic disc with single-piston calliper and
sintered metal pads
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