Built to work - even harder. Meet the 2012 Honda Foreman.

Honda's Foreman family of all-terrain vehicles have always been the machines to count on when you need an ATV that's not afraid to take on the tough jobs. And this year they're better than ever: Stronger, smarter, even harder working, whether it's around the ranch, factory, or your favorite trail.

How can that be? Because in addition to four-wheel drive and Honda's innovative Electric Power Steering, the Foreman line now features Honda's Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI). That means you get more efficient fuel delivery, easier starting in cold conditions, and less maintenance. While we were at it, we gave the Foreman a new look too, with new, aggressively styled bodywork, plusher suspension, and a more comfortable seat.

So tackling those tough jobs just got a whole lot easier if you hire the right Foreman to take charge of your jobsite.  

Keep up with Heartland Honda to be one of the first to see these great new ATVs!

FIM World Superbike 2011 - Castrol Honda

With one weekend down in this prestigious championship circuit of racing, Honda riders Jonathan Rea and Ruben Xaus were able to finish 12^th and 16^th in the first race, and 4^th and 10^th in the second race, respectively.  This leaves Rea in 6^th place points standings, and Xaus in 13^th.  This is the beginning of a very exciting racing season for Honda, as these riders were on all-new Castrol Honda motorcycles.

An iconic team has returned to the World Superbike Championship: Castrol Honda.  The new team includes riders Jonathan Rea and Ruben Xaus on Honda’s CBR100RR Fireblade, and will be run by the Ten Kate Racing outfit (acting managing squad since 2004).

Castrol and Honda motorcycle racing have links dating all the way back to their first foray into the sport at the Isle of Man TT in 1959, and celebrated 50 years together in 2009.  Castrol has maintained support of Honda’s World Superbike efforts in recent years, but returns this season as the title sponsor.  The Castrol Honda team has three world titles on their belt, with John Kocinski in 1997 and then twice with fellow American rider Colin Edwards in 2000 and 2002.

This season will be Jonathan Rea’s third in the World Superbike championship.  Rea hails from Australia at age 23, and finished fifth place and fourth place, respectively, in his previous championship runs.

Ruben Xaus first competed in the World Superbike arena in 1998 and finished second in 2003 before spending two years in MotoGP.  The 32-year-old Catalan rider has 11 career wins to his name and a total of 35 podium finishes.

Donald Smith – sponsorship manager, Global Marketing Unit, Castrol:
 “Castrol are delighted to join Honda once again to see the return of the famous Castrol Honda World Superbike team to racetracks around the world. Motorcycle racing provides Castrol with the ultimate environment to test and develop our advanced Castrol Power One technology and the Castrol Honda World Superbike team provides a powerful and exciting platform to demonstrate the performance of our Castrol Power One products.”

Carlo Fiorani – racing operations manager, Honda Motor Europe: 
“We are absolutely thrilled that Castrol has shown this level of faith in Honda and its World Superbike championship team. We are really looking forward to the 2011 season and to achieving even more wins under this famous racing banner. It’s great to have an such an iconic motorsport brand as title sponsor for the team and, personally, I think the Castrol Honda CBR1000RR race machine looks absolutely fantastic!”

Ronald ten Kate – manager, Castrol Honda World Superbike Team:
 “When our world championship racing adventure was first beginning, many years ago now, Castrol Honda was the one team in the paddock which everyone looked up to, whose professional and performance standards we all wanted to achieve. It is an honor for us now to be racing under this famous and historically successful banner and we are privileged to be following in the footsteps of the team we admired so much in the past. You can be sure that everyone in the Ten Kate Racing organization – riders, mechanics, and all the workshop staff – will give 100% commitment to this really exciting new phase of our World Superbike campaign.”

2011 MotoGP Preview

The Repsol Honda Team greeted the start of an exciting new season; making their first appearance on stage together was the formidable 2011 Repsol Honda Team: Dani Pedrosa, Andrea Dovizioso and Casey Stoner unveiled the new RC212V.

As it was in 1995, when Mick Doohan, Alex Criville and Shinichi Ito first rode in Repsol Honda colors, HRC lines up a three-rider team again, for the first time in the MotoGP four stroke era.

Here’s a clip from the finish of testing at Sepang:

Repsol Honda riders led by Casey Stoner took the top four places in the second pre-season MotoGP Test at Malaysia's Sepang circuit on Thursday, the final day of the three-day test.

Hitting the top of the timesheet in 1 min 59.665 seconds, Stoner and his Honda counterpart Dani Pedrosa, who came in at 1:59.803, both broke the 2:00 mark and beat Valentino Rossi's 2009 circuit lap record.

Honda's Marco Simoncelli came third with a best time of 2:00.163 and Andrea Dovizioso was the final rider to get within a second of his team-mate Stoner, posting a fastest time of 2:00.541.

We’re excited for this season to get started and thankfully, it’s not too far away! Go Honda!

March 20 – Losail Circuit, Qatar

April 3 – Jerez, Spain

April 24 – Motegi, Japan

May 1 – Estoril, Portugal

May 15 – Le Mans, France

June 5 – Circuit de Catalunya, Catalunya

June 12 – Silverstone, Great Britain

June 25 – Assen, Netherlands

July 3 – Mugello, Italy

July 17 – Sachsenring, Germany

July 24 – Mazda Raceway, United States

August 14 – Automotodrom Brno, Czech Republic

August 28 – Indianapolis, United States

September 4 – Misano, San Marino

September 18 – Motorland Aragon, Aragon

October 16 – Phillip Island, Australia

October 23 – Sepang Circuit, Malaysia

November 6 – Comunitat Valenciana - Valencia

Honda Pumps

Tough, rugged, reliable.  And they clean up nicely, too.

It all starts with the legendary Honda four-stroke engine because, let’s face it, that’s the heart of any pump. These engines have long been recognized as the industry leader in providing reliable, quiet and fuel-efficient power.

Why is Honda the world’s largest manufacturer of engines?

Reliability. Our four-stroke technology absolutely sets the standard for reliability. That’s precisely why rental shops and working professionals greatly prefer Honda equipment. There’s virtually no downtime and they last longer than you can even imagine.

Fuel Efficient and Quiet. The fact that our four-strokes are exceptionally fuel efficient and quiet are two more attributes. On the job site, this counts for a lot.

Easy to Start. Honda is also easy to start and easy to use. All of our pumps and engines are perfectly matched and Honda-engineered for quality and precision.

All these reasons explain why Honda pumps are better. That’s why we put together a line of 16 different portable pumps to cover almost any usage, from de-watering to multi-purpose, even submersible.  Ask us at Heartland Honda to tell you more about Honda pumps!

Why Choose a Honda Trimmer?

Four-stroke engines are better.  Period.

More fuel efficient.  Quiet.  Less smoke.  Less odor.  Lower emissions.  More torque. Less hassle. Smoother performance.  Not to mention legendary Honda reliability. 

There are so many advantages to a four-stroke engine, we need another page to list them all.

Easy to start

There’s a reason Honda engines are renowned for easy starting.   With our superior design, Honda trimmers are incredibly easy to start!  No hassle, no fuss.  Just a quick, consistent, easy start.

Easy and comfortable to use

Honda trimmers are comfortable and easy to use, from day one. 

• No mixing of gas and oil, which means fewer headaches for you. 
• Excellent balance and low vibration makes them easy to hold and work with. 
• Quiet, low maintenance operation. 

Lower cost to operate

Honda trimmers are considerably more fuel-efficient than similar 2-stroke models. Less fuel means less cost to operate.  

In fact, if you’re a commercial landscaper, a Honda trimmer can pay for itself in less than a year based on fuel and oil savings alone.

Powerful performance

Honda trimmers are designed to take on the tough jobs.  Even thick grass and heavy brush don’t bog them down. 

• Engines provide strong low-end torque characteristics and ample power for demanding conditions. 
• Many jobs can be performed at partial throttle, further increasing fuel efficiency. 

Flex Shaft with Limited Lifetime Warranty

Honda’s flex shaft design is lighter, stronger, and has a longer life than a solid type of shaft. In fact, it offers the strongest torsional strength in the industry, as well as longer life through the ability to absorb shock.  It’s much easier to service.  And the flex shaft offers all of these benefits without increasing vibration or operator fatigue. 

We’re so confident in the performance and durability of our flex shaft, we back it with a limited lifetime warranty. 

Reliable, durable design

Honda trimmers are built to last. 

• Commercial grade 4-stroke overhead cam GX engine
• Heavy duty gear box
  The gears are helical cut for a quieter, smoother operation and long life. 
• Double ball bearings on both input and output shafts 
  Improvements to the output shaft seal allow better lubrication of the bearing on the HHT series as well.

Improvements to the output shaft seal allow better lubrication of the bearing on the HHT series as well.

Quiet

Honda trimmers are remarkably quiet.  Your ears will notice the difference!   Quiet operation is due in part to Honda’s four-stroke engine technology and superior design.

Honda offers Quiet Line™ standard on all our models.  This premium line reduces the noise level by another 5 decibels. 

And because Honda trimmers offer strong low-end torque, you can do many jobs at partial throttle, reducing noise levels even further.

What about the weight?

You may have heard others try to characterize Honda trimmers as being heavy. 

The reality is Honda trimmers use the lightest engines in their class.  They have very similar weights to other commercial grade trimmers – even competitive two-stroke models.  In some cases, our units are even lighter!

This is a case where the product specs just don’t tell the whole story.  Most of our competitors list their trimmers’ weight without the cutting head.  In a real life situation, you’ll find that their models are similar in weight to the comparable Honda trimmer. 

And, because Honda trimmers have excellent balance and low vibration, they are actually more comfortable to use over long periods of time.  Add in the quality, fuel efficiency, durability, and performance offered only by a Honda trimmer, and there’s just no comparison. 

The bottom line: don’t just look at the numbers in a brochure.  Instead, ask your dealer for a demo.  We think you’ll find that comparing apples to apples, the Honda is a winner. 

Honda Power Equipment... For my lawn?

Love Honda technology, reliability, and power? It's not just for fun you know, Honda's can do yardwork too! Here's a quick look at what Honda Power Equipment can offer you...

At Honda, we know exactly what goes into building an exceptional mowing machine. From our legendary 4-stroke engines to our exclusive twin blade systems, our lawn mowers are designed to be the best on the planet.

• Reliable four-stroke power that meets the toughest EPA and CARB emissions standards
• Exclusive twin-blade system that result in better mulching, increased bag capacity and tiny grass clippings that add nutrients to lawn
• Exclusive features and revolutionary technology
• Outstanding reliability and quality
• Superior mowing performance
• A full three year residential warranty on HRX, HRR, and HRS mowers

When it comes to maintaining a beautiful lawn, nothing makes the cut quite like a genuine Honda mower.

The FG110 mini-tiller is an extremely versatile tiller, great for a variety of gardening situations. Although many people think of a mini-tiller only for small garden beds, the FG110 can also handle larger areas with ease. It performs equally well in both soft and compacted soil.

Consider the FG110 particularly for:

• Raised bed gardens
• Tilling in tight spaces
• Tilling close to existing plants
• Easy transportation and storage

The FG110 has a variety of attachments available, so it also provides you with the convenience of a multi-functional tool.

Go Camping!

Did you know how much easier and fun camping can be with Honda?  For starters, a Honda generator can power your RV or any other accessories you need while enjoying the outdoors.  Camping with ATVs or dirt bikes can also make for a great weekend getaway. Look for local trails and tracks wherever you're wanting to get out to and make a trip out of it! Heartland Honda has all the power accessories you need, and we can help you find the right ATV or dirt bike to fit your hobbies and needs.  Let us know what you're thinking about, and we'll get you all set for plenty of springtime fun!

Let's talk about lights!

With many advantages over traditional halogen lighting, such as low power draw with high lumen output, crystal clear light, no replacing bulbs, easy mounting and durability, it’s no wonder that HID Lighting is has become very popular in the off-road category.  

Warn© makes a great line of ATV/MUV lights that easily mount on any handlebar, roll-bar, or rack.  They are known to be some of the most reliable, durable, and of course, SERIOUSLY BRIGHT, accessory lights on the market.  No matter the off-road adventure you plan to take (or attempt...), these lights will be sure to keep the trail well-lit!  Stop by and ask one of our P&A associates to show you what kind of lights will fit your off-road machine.

With safety always a topic in the motorcycle world, lights are important to consider.  Many riders prefer to upgrade their bike’s stock lighting system with LED bulbs.  LED lights are known to use less energy, produce more light, and last much longer than traditional bulbs.  These are all obvious benefits to any rider concerned with night riding safety, and you can even add extra lights to the rear of your bike to help improve visibility to other drivers on the road while you’re out.  You can talk with any Parts & Accessories associate at Heartland Honda about what kind of lights will best suite your specific motorcycle and the different options you have.  Always stay safe! 

It's HERE - The 2012 Gold Wing has arrived.

Feast your eyes, folks... The 2012 Honda Gold Wing will be in the Heartland Honda showroom in May 2011, and we can’t wait to take this one for a spin!  Touting an innovative GPS navigation system with user-friendly programmability, a built-in MP3/iPod interface, increased luggage capacity and greater protection from wind and weather, the country’s favorite touring motorcycle has taken the stakes up a notch.  Here’s a break-down on what this year’s newest release from Honda has to offer.

Fresh styling cues produce a more integrated appearance along with a sporting edge, adding to the premium touring visage.

Redesigned fairing adds extra wind protection, especially to the lower body and leg areas.

Larger saddlebags add approximately 7 liters of additional storage space, upping total capacity to well over 150 liters including the trunk and fairing pockets.  Handy central storage pockets added to models without airbags.

Revised suspension settings front and rear yield added compliance for a better ride and more comfort.  Urethane seat material and cover material give added comfort.

New, fully integrated navigation system with new, brighter color screen.  

Next-generation receiver gives quicker satellite connection.  

3-D terrain view, lane assist with junction view and more.  

Points-of-interest information includes Honda dealers, fuel stations, restaurants, lodging, attractions, transportation, government and emergency information and saved rider’s input with home function.

Easy-to-use handlebar and fairing-mounted controls.

New enhanced system offers direct MP3/iPod connectivity plus full device control through handlebar controls.

SRS CS Auto technology surround-sound system brings the latest in sound system technology to the Gold Wing.

Six-element speaker system includes two rear speakers, a pair of front speakers and two tweeters for rich, full surround sound quality.

Color options will be Pearl White, Candy Red, Ultra Blue Metallic, and Black.  Keep your eyes peeled before May, and stay connected with Heartland Honda to make sure you get one of the first looks!

Indy 2011 - ContourGPS Camera

This camera is too cool not to check out... So read on, please.  

Contour is a well-known maker of light HD helmet cams, and now the world's first wearable GPS video camera. ContourGPS and ContourHD are the ideal hands-free video cameras to shoot and share HD video for your active lifestyle. Light enough to fit on your goggles, these compact and rugged helmet cameras make high def video affordable.

With the all-new ContourGPS, you can capture crisp HD video and track your location, speed, and elevation.  All at once. From your helmet, goggles, front of your bike... Well, you get the idea.

The ContourHD revolutionized the way people shoot and share video by creating the first wearable HD video camera. The Secret? A low profile design mated to the patented TRail™ system that makes it easy to slide and lock to your body, equipment, or vehicle.

The camera, at only 5.2 ounces is the smallest and lightest combination of hands-free video and GPS. It's also easy to operate and use. As simple as sliding a single oversized switch forward to start recording, even with a pair of gloves on. In addition, it is simple to line up your shot with a rotating lens and two lasers that assure you get the perfect shot.

The compact and lightweight design principle was carried throughout every detail of the ContourGPS. The locking back door keeps the internal Micro SD card safe so that it can capture hours of HD video content. When expanded up to 32 GB, it will record over 8 hours of HD content on one card.

Contour is unveiling a built-in Bluetooth chip in the ContourGPS and a mobile app that together enable your phone to become a live viewfinder. Now you can see what your camera sees while configuring your settings, all from the most remote locations.

So, too cool, right?  Come by Heartland Honda to check one out... and share your videos with us if you get one!

Dealer Expo - Indy 2011

Heartland Honda spent last weekend in Indianapolis checking out what all of your favorite powersports parts companies have been up to and are ready to bring to you this year.  Ready to check out all the cool new stuff? Here are some highlights...

In the rider safety market there is a new product available to help combat everyday riding on the roads or in the city. Viber Ride created an alert tactile device that reminds a rider his/her turn signal is on. Turn signal vibration technology is embedded into a rider’s handlebar that emits vibrations to notify the rider when the turn signal is left on. Options include silver, black and chrome end caps to match a bikes décor.

For dirtbikes, Matrix has several new products for the coming year. They introduced a wedge design for their bike stands so that new Honda motorcycles will sit level. There is also an oil drain pan, redesigned tie downs, and a gas tank holder.

In the sportbike category there was plenty to see, including the new Cortech Dryver tankbag line comes with a new innovative quick release gas cap ring mounting system. The new system provides an easy way to attach and remove the Cortech bags with ease and guards the finish of the bike. Cortech’s new Dryver tankbags are built with waterproof construction, come in a variety of sizes and options including various GPS mounts giving the sport rider choices based on their needs.

In the gear section we saw collaboration happening between lifestyle brands to create limited edition gear and apparel. MSR presented a new MSR DVS K-Dub 14 apparel line that celebrates Pro AMA motocross/supercross Honda rider Kevin Windham. The K-Dub line includes a DVS 14 T-shirt, hoodie, jersey shirt, Flexfit 210 fitted hat and an adjustable one size fits all hat. Two custom shoes are available from DVS, the Premier and Enduro models featuring the No. 14 on the rear of the shoe.

All in all, there are lots of new products and innovations coming out this year.  Excited to see? Come ask any of our Parts & Accessories associates and we'd love to show you!

I want to get my hands dirty!

Are you one of those motorcycle/ATV owners who enjoy tinkering with your own toys?  Whether simple oil change, installing new accessories, or just giving it a good cleaning, having a Genuine Honda Service Manual handy is imperative.  I know you boys don’t like having to read the instructions, or follow directions, but not properly handling your Honda can create big problems (not to mention frustrations).  Maybe you just picked up an antique that needs plenty of work, but you aren’t sure exactly how they worked compared to later models.  Honda Genuine Service Manuals are available dating back to 1959 models!  The more you know about your Honda, the more care you can give it, and the more knowledgeable a rider you can be.  It is always a good idea to have a Genuine Service Manual for your favorite toy.  Ask any of our Parts & Accessories associates if we have yours in stock; if we don’t, we’ll get it right away!