It's official! The 2012 Honda CBR1000RR Gets Major Updates!

Those leaked photos last month were real! Here's the official press release from Honda on more new models for 2012. Soak it in and pick which one you'd like to take a look at, and stay tuned to Heartland Honda for arrival dates! What do you think of the upgrades?
"The list of Honda models for 2012 keeps growing as a dozen new additions expand the upcoming season lineup. This latest release includes the substantially revamped CBR1000RR—the essential superbike—offering the perfect balance of power and handling designed to work together as one complete package. Sportbike aficionados will also be glad to see the CBR600RR in 2012, and riders partial to cruisers will have plenty to talk about. Honda's line of V-twin cruisers includes eight different models: the Sabre®, Stateline®, Interstate™ and Fury, plus Honda's 750cc line of V-twins—the most popular metric cruisers in history—the Shadow Phantom®, Shadow® RS, Shadow Spirit and Shadow Aero®. For sport touring fans, the highly regarded ST1300® also returns in 2012.

"Our broad range of street bikes demonstrates again why the Honda brand remains so popular with riding enthusiasts," said Powersports Press Manager Bill Savino. "Whether they gravitate towards sport riding, cruising or touring, this latest model release offers riders distinctly different options, all with Honda's renowned dependability, quality and reliability."

- CBR1000RR: The Essential Superbike
Honda's CBR1000RR is the essential superbike—the perfect balance of power and handling designed to work together as one complete package. The CBR900RR set the bar for liter-bike performance when it was introduced 20 years ago, and the new 2012 CBR1000RR sets that bar even higher. For 2012, the CBR1000RR boasts even better handling via a patented Balance-Free Rear Shock, Big Piston Fork and new wheels. Add to that a 999.8cc engine pumping out huge midrange horsepower and torque for class-leading real-world muscle, and you have a high-performance package unmatched in its overall balance by the competition. In addition, new aggressive bodywork aids aerodynamic flow and high-speed handling, and new LCD instrumentation, including a lap timer, five-level shift indicator and more, redefine the pure essence of liter-class sportbikes. Availability: December 2011; MSRP: $13,800 (standard model), $14,800 (C-ABS model)

- CBR600RR: Leading the Way Among Middleweights
The CBR600RR melds a light and compact chassis with impeccable power delivery to create a balanced combination that remains a favorite among sport riders. In racing, no other 600cc machine has won more AMA and World Supersport championships than Honda's CBR600. Also available with Honda's unique Combined ABS for the pinnacle of sportbike braking performance, the CBR600RR continues to lead the way in the middleweight class. Availability: December 2011; MSRP: $11,540 (Black, standard model), $11,690 (Red, standard model), $12,540 (C-ABS model)
- Fury/Fury ABS: Chopper Essence, Honda Quality
The radical Fury appears to be something from the farthest fringes of the two-wheeled world. Yet it's a Honda, through and through. Here we have the rolling incarnation of the pure, undiluted chopper essence, a machine that simply looks right, sounds right and goes straight to the heart of radical enthusiasts. Yet despite the extreme lines and head-turning looks, the Fury is a radical chopper that has all the functionality, quality and reliability built into every Honda. Availability: January 2012; MSRP: $13,390 (standard model), $14,390 (ABS model)

- Sabre: Pro-Street Style in a Classic Ride
Sometimes you just want to wear your aggression on your sleeve, and that's why the Sabre is ready to do your talking for you. The Sabre's muscular pro-street style provides a classic ride, with ergonomics to match. Add an impressive V-twin engine complete with Honda's sophisticated Programmed Fuel Injection, and you'll be rolling down the meanest streets with a bike that's as tough as it looks: the 2012 Sabre. Availability: January 2012; MSRP: $12,250 (standard model), $13,250 (ABS model)
- Stateline: Power and Style for Cruising
Featuring long, low lines that embody what cruising is all about, the Stateline blends two worlds of motorcycling style: traditional looks plus progressive elements. The deeply valanced fenders arc downward in classic retro style, yet the all-new rolling chassis and overall lines bring a fresh look to the class. Add to that the deep throaty rumble of a big V-twin engine and that classic big Vee power pulse, and you have a machine that's the perfect choice for cruising—anytime you want. Availability: January 2012; MSRP: $12,150 (standard model), $13,150 (ABS model)
- Interstate: High Style Plus Traveling Credentials
Sure it's fun to have a stylish ride, but it can be even better when high style merges with the ability to rack up big miles—and that's what the Interstate is all about. Check out those stylish hard leather bags that offer ample storage space and that big, traditional windscreen; we're talking all-day riding comfort and convenience that will carry you through that long, long getaway. Because when you're aboard one of the coolest rides around, sometimes you just don't want the ride to end. Availability: January 2012; MSRP: $13,240 (standard model), $14,240 (ABS model)
- Shadow Phantom: Minimalist Looks, Maximum Cool
The Shadow Phantom celebrates the joy of back-to-basics motorcycling by delivering a V-twin ride packing a uniquely clean and uncluttered appearance. Check out the minimalist look and extensive blackout treatment that bring your eyeballs back to that muscular V-twin engine featuring the convenience and sophistication of Programmed Fuel Injection. By staking out the low-profile approach to cool, the Shadow Phantom reinforces the idea that bling ain't everything in a cruiser. Availability: December 2011; MSRP: $8240
- Shadow RS: Because Classic Ideas Never Go Out of Style
The Honda Shadow RS serves as rolling proof that classic ideas never go out of style. By combining agile and responsive handling, V-twin power, clean, crisp lines and standard-style riding ergonomics, the RS is perfectly poised for whatever the journey may bring. The Shadow RS's higher footpegs enhance ground clearance, and its thoroughly modern liquid-cooled 745cc V-twin engine boasts Honda's sophisticated Programmed Fuel Injection to enhance your riding pleasure. Climb aboard the Honda Shadow RS, and the open road is all yours. Availability: December 2011; MSRP: $8240
- Shadow Spirit 750 C2: Big-Bike Looks, Distinctive Styling
Here's a machine that's perfect for cruising city streets as well as exploring back-country roads—the Shadow Spirit 750 C2. Honda has brought together a big-bike look, distinctive street-rod styling and a muscular V-twin engine—now including the sophistication and metering precision of Programmed Fuel Injection. And it all comes wrapped up in a surprisingly affordable package. Availability: December 2011; MSRP: $8240 (Black), $8540 (Candy Orange Flame)
- Shadow Aero: A Proven Winner
As a proven favorite, the Shadow Aero serves as a most satisfying ride for a wide range of enthusiasts. Factor in the Shadow Aero's classic retro styling, low seat height, power-packed V-twin engine now with sophisticated Programmed Fuel Injection and fine handling—all at a price that's just right for today's budgets—and you understand why the Aero is so popular with riding enthusiasts. Availability: December 2011; MSRP: $8240 (Candy Dark Red, standard model), $8540 (Pearl Black/Silver, standard model), $9240 (ABS model)
- ST1300: The Favored Long-Haul Ride
Long-distance adventure is best experienced aboard a machine that's keenly in tune with your riding senses. For years, the Honda ST1300 has answered the call of the open road by setting the standard for power and handling in a package that's ideal for crisscrossing the USA or just enjoying a long weekend on the road. Equipped with a powerful 1261cc V-4 engine and Honda's sophisticated Programmed Fuel Injection, plus full-coverage bodywork, a three-way-adjustable rider's seat, a motor-driven adjustable windscreen, dual saddlebags and more, the ST1300 remains the choice of dedicated long-haul riders. Availability: December 2011; MSRP: TBD
- ST1300P ABS: Law-Enforcement Special
Law enforcement agencies can also experience what other Honda riders have known for years: Nothing matches Honda's legendary performance, quality and reliability. Availability: December 2011; MSRP: TBD"

Did you know?? Honda Used to Make a Briefcase Motorcycle You Could Carry Around!!

Who knew? Honda made mini-scooters that you could carry around like a briefcase in the early '80s! I wonder what one would be worth as a collectible these days? Here's the article and video detailing this neat invention, courtesy of the FW.com:
"These days cars come with some pretty sophisticated add-ons: rearview cameras that show what’s behind you, driver alert systems that wake you if you’re dozing off. These optional features are all well and good, but none of them hold a candle to the Honda Motocompo, a tiny, folding scooter that was sold as a trunk-sized accessory for the Honda City and the Honda Today from 1981 to 1983.
Equipped with a roaring 2.5-horsepower engine and almost three pound-feet of torque, these collectible briefcase bikes could reach speeds upwards of 18 miles per hour. With specs like that, it’s a wonder why they didn’t sell better."

MotoGP Race 15 of 18, Repsol Honda Heads to Japan

Who's ready for the next round of MotoGP? Repsol Honda is! Tune in this weekend for the 15th round of the championship, the Japanese Grand Prix straight from Motegi. Here's the pre-race news on the Honda boys from motogp.com:

"The Motegi circuit will welcome the travelling family of the World Championship with Casey Stoner leading the standings 44 points ahead of Jorge Lorenzo. Repsol Honda team mate Andrea Dovizioso lies in third place with Dani Pedrosa just 15 points behind him in fourth.
Casey Stoner has achieved 8 wins and 13 podiums in 14 races upon his return to the track where he won last season, now wearing Honda colours at their home Grand Prix.
Dani Pedrosa, despite physical problems, has two wins this season and a total of eight podium finishes in eleven races. Pedrosa has visited the podium in Motegi five times in his career.
Motegi is also a venue where Dovizioso will aim to shine again, last year he achieved his first ever MotoGP pole position and took second place on the podium after one of his best races in the premier class.
HRC will present a fantastic line up in Motegi hoping to bring courage and support for the East Japan area. In addition to the riders participating in every Championship round (Dani Pedrosa, Andrea Dovizioso and Casey Stoner for Repsol Honda Team; Marco Simoncelli and Hiroshi Aoyama for Gresini Team, and Toni Elías for LCR Team), HRC test riders Shinishi Ito and Kousuke Akiyoshi will also race in Motegi. Ito will be a wild card entry in a HRC Team while Akiyoshi will ride alongside Elías for LCR.
Casey Stoner:
"Motegi is quite a different circuit, it's similar in a way to Le Mans and is very stop-start, a little like a go kart track, but in general it's more fun than some of the other circuits we visit. It has a lot of hard breaking, a lot of hard accelerating, it's pretty tough on the body and physically demanding. If you miss your breaking points it's easy to run wide so it will be important to get the set up on the bike just right. As in Aragon, we will be going out there trying to win. We had a fantastic race here last year, probably one of my best and it will be fun to go there on the Honda and see how the bike works around the circuit".
Andrea Dovizioso: 
"We go to Japan focused on returning to the podium, this has to be our target. We will arrive at the Japanese GP this year in the same position we were last year - straight from a crash and zero points, but I’m determined to transform this disappointment with extra motivation. Last season we had a great race and we almost won, so I’m confident to repeat a great performance at Motegi, a circuit that I like and where I have been on the podium in all the three classes. Regarding the characteristics of the track, the Twin Ring Motegi has a lot of acceleration zones so it suits the RC212V well, allowing us to use all the strong points of our machine.
Dani Pedrosa:
"Motegi is one of my favourite circuits not only for the layout but also for the atmosphere; I always ride well there and feel a lot of support from the Japanese fans and I think this year will be even more special for them. Obviously, last year I had a hard time there due to my injury, but I want to focus on my riding and enjoy the GP. I go there with the same approach as the last races: trying to do our best in all the sessions. I have won at this track in 125 and 250, but not yet in MotoGP, so that's a big motivation for me. I enjoy racing in Motegi and together with my team will do our best to perform well".
Repsol Honda press release."

Who's ready for Bikes, Blues and BBQ? We are!

Custom Honda VT1300 Sabre
Bikes, Blues and BBQ in Northwest Arkansas is one rally that demands attending. With all the events going on this year, it's sure to be the best yet. While you're roaming around the rally taking in the sights and sounds, be sure to stop by Heartland Honda's tent (on Dickson St and also at Parson's Arena) and see all the things we put together to show off this year!! We didn't hold anything back on getting some customs ready to be shown off, what do you think? Let's hope we see you there!
That's a mean-looking Big Red
Custom Camo Paint, Who wants to go hunting?

2012 Gold Wing Roadsmith Trike

We did just what everyone's been waiting for... We built a 2012 Gold Wing Trike! Check out the build pictures, what do you think of the final product?
This Gold Wing didn't know what it had coming...

Getting ready to add the rear end!

Almost there... How about those fenders?
All done! Meet the 2012 Gold Wing Roadsmith Trike.

Now that's a good-looking three-wheeler, don't you think?

ATV Parts & Accessories!

We've recently beefed up our ATV Parts & Accessories section, come check it out! We got all kinds of new helmets, gloves, balaclavas, grips, gun grips, luggage racks, and more. You've got to see all of this to believe it. Stop by or give us a call today to see if we have what you're looking for.

Bikes Blues and BBQ presents ArenaCross!

Bikes, Blues and BBQ has upped the game this year. Not only will there be plenty of action all over Fayetteville between Dickson Street, the fairgrounds, and the baseball stadium, but why not venture up to Springdale too?  Next weekend at Parsons Stadium (home to Rodeo of the Ozarks) is sure to be action-packed and tons of fun. Not only will the be professional riding Friday night ($10,000 pro purse guaranteed), but there will also be an exhibition freestyle show by "Cowboy" Kenny Bartram & the Steel Rodeo, and Amateur Day all day Saturday!! It is sure be tons of fun for viewers and participants alike. Heartland Honda will be there will all kinds of goodies and off-road fun, be sure to stop by and say "hi!"
Here's more information on ticket prices, early registration, and schedules: http://www.ascotparkmx.com/riderinfopage.html
We'll see you there!

Ever heard of "Hogg Toggs"? How about we give some away?!

Have you seen the new line of frogg toggs made just for bikers? They are a new twist on the classics we all know and love, made with increased visibility and wind protection. 
Frogg toggs are 100% waterproof, 100% windproof, super breathable, ultra lightweight and most of all, affordable.  Frogg toggs Hogg Togg suit is a generation II material that is super tough.  Frogg toggs products are constructed with a patented process of three layers of polypropylene material with a center layer of of microporous polypropylene film. Because the pores are 20,000 times smaller than a water droplet, moisture is unable to penetrate.  Air, however, passes easily in and out of the fabric, which means frogg toggs are incredibly cool and breathable.  In fact, they're 5 times more breathable than the leading waterproof fabric.
So... what do the new Hogg Toggs have to offer?  They are guaranteed to stay dry at any speed, and specifically designed to keep you dry and comfortable on the highway. The use of Frogg Eyzz reflective technology enhances visibility and safety at night and in inclement weather. Finally, and certainly importantly, the lightweight design allows the suit to compress and store in it's own stuff sack, which easily fits into saddlebags!
Here's the great news: We're going to have the ultimate facebook contest during Bikes, Blues & BBQ next weekend!! Any of our fans can participate simply by answering a question about their experience at BBB this year, and they'll be entered to win a his & hers set of Hogg Toggs! So if you haven't already, be sure to check out our facebook page at facebook.com/heartlandhondaar, and be watching next weekend!

Children's motorcycle gear, leather included!

Check it out, we have all sorts of kid's apparel in for street, dirt and touring! 
We always carry youth ATV and dirt bike safety apparel, including gloves, helmets and chest and joint protectors. We also now have youth Tourmaster jackets, and we can also get youth leather jackets and chaps. 
Just come by the shop or give us a call and we will get your little one all set up!

How to tell the difference between motorcycles, by sound!

Just thought we'd deliver a smile for the day.... enjoy!

MotoGP Bliss: 100 wins for Repsol Honda, 8th of the season for Stoner!

Last weekend at Aragon was another fantastic ride for Honda! Casey Stoner completed his 8th win of the season just ahead of teammate Pedrosa, stretching his points lead over reigning champ Lorenzo just a little further. Here's the full report from motogp.com:


"Casey Stoner claimed another victory at the MotorLand circuit on Sunday, giving the Australian his eighth win of the season and Repsol Honda their 100th win. The important victory puts the Australian 44 points clear of defending World Champion Jorge Lorenzo (Yamaha Factory Racing). Dani Pedrosa finished the round in second place behind his team mate, while Lorenzo made his way to the final podium spot.
Marco Simoncelli (San Carlo Honda Gresini Team) finished 6 seconds behind Lorenzo to take fourth, a strong finish for the Italian considering he ran off the track on his first attempt at passing the YZR-M1 of Ben Spies on lap 9. The Yamaha rider had a great start off the outside of the first row, leading into turn one in front of fellow front row starters Stoner and Pedrosa, but the two Honda riders got past him by lap two, and the American finally finished the race in fifth place.
Álvaro Bautista (Rizla Suzuki) finished in sixth off an eleventh place start, passing Hayden (Ducati Team) on lap 10 and holding the position to the finish line. The American and Héctor Barberá had a scrap for seventh, with the Hayden passing the Mapfre Aspar ride on the penultimate lap.
Cal Crutchlow (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) finished ninth, ahead of Valentino Rossi who started his Ducati Team machine from pit lane, and Hiroshi Aoyama (San Carlo Honda Gresini) in 11th.
A first lap crash for Karel Abraham (Cardion AB Motoracing) caused Randy De Puniet to run off track to avoid the Czech rider, the Frenchman rejoining the race to finish 12th ahead of the final race finisher Colin Edwards (Monster Yamaha Tech 3).
Andrea Dovizioso (Repsol Honda) also fell on the first lap and was unable to rejoin, while Loris Capirossi (Pramac Racing) collided with Toni Elías (LCR Honda) on lap 15, both riders going down in the gravel, producing another dislocated right shoulder for Capirossi and making the Italian's presence at the next round at Motegi questionable."

First Ride: 2012 Honda CRF250R

The votes are in, and the critics say "AWESOME." Take a look at what CycleNews had to say about their first ride on Honda's new 250.

"Cycle News headed back to Piru Raceway today to hang out with the Honda crew, including East Lites Supercross Champion Justin Barcia, for a day of riding on the 2012 CRF250R. Honda made the bike available today for the first time to the media, and we came away very impressed with the bike. Surprise, surprise.
 We've already been a big fan of the bike in recent years, and we certainly liked all of the changes that were made to the 2012, the bulk of those updates to the 249cc Unicam four-valve, Programmed Fuel-Injected motor. One of Honda's primary goals with the '12 was to increase the motor's bottom-to-mid performance, while (here's the tricky part) not compromising any of its already impressive top-end performance. They did this by reworking the cylinder head, fitting the intake system with a smaller 46mm (formerly 50mm) throttle body and tweaking mapping. Did it work? You betcha!
The CR is everything Honda advertised. It has excellent bottom-end and midrange torque and still revs to the moon. The powerband is extremely wide now, making the whole motorcycle easier to ride. Need instant power? Just grab a handful of throttle and the CR responds instantly, even if you're short a few RPMs. One quick fan of the clutch and the motor is back within the power-developing rpm envelope, which is easy to find since the powerband is much wider now.
And throttle response is instant, too. Honda has its PGM-FI system down pat.We found the bike relatively easy to start, but sometimes it got a little cranky when hot.
A powerful yet user-friendly motor inspires confidence on the new CRF250R.
The suspension and chassis weren't ignored, either. Honda made some refinements to the shock and fork settings, and beefed up the front axle collars, which Honda claims add front-end rigidity, thus improves steering precision. But most noteworthy is a revised rear linkage assembly, which combined with new shock valving, is supposed to keep the rear wheel closer to the ground and digging for traction while accelerating over smaller bumps. A new chain roller is said to reduce chain torque on the suspension, thus providing more active suspension movement, Honda claims.
As delivered, we found the rear sag to be a little on the soft side, but once we measured the sag to where it's supposed to be, somewhere between 103mm-105mm, things started falling into place. We preferred the ride height closer to the 103mm mark, where we felt the CR started feeling more balanced overall. At that point, the bike felt extremely stable and predictable. You just point it in the direction you want to go and you're there.
The Piru track wasn't extremely rough and didn't really put the suspension to the test, but from what we can tell so far...well, so far so good.
Once the suspension sag is set and balanced, the Honda turns on command.
Between our two testers, one weighing in around 190 pounds and the other around 175, we only made a few rebound clicks on the rear shock. Otherwise, the suspension is pretty well dialed in right from the start. The single best word to describe the suspension's action so far is - plush.We also noticed (and liked) the CR's wider (and longer) footpegs.The CR also comes with new Dunlop MX51 tires, which we feel are some of the best intermediate tires in the business.Like we said earlier, we came away quite impressed with the new CR, and we're looking forward putting a lot more time on it."
So once again, Honda has gone and made an incredible machine! Be sure to stay tuned to Heartland Honda for all the latest, and of course we'll let you know when WE get our hands on one of these!