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wkid_one
22nd July 2003, 12:55
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<TD>Honda Develops Mountain Bike for Downhill Competitions
--- Will Participate in 2003 Japan Series</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><IMG height=209 alt=RN01 src="http://world.honda.com/news/2003/image/2030203_1.jpg" width=300>

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<TD>Tokyo, February 3, 2003 --- Honda Motor Co., Ltd., as part of its ongoing commitment to spread the dream of mobility, has developed a mountain bike for downhill competitions called the RN01<SUP><SMALL>*1</SMALL></SUP> ("RN zero one"), which it will enter in the 2003 Japan Series (all races) and the World Cup (spot participation) in order to develop further technical know-how and enhance the bike's performance.

Machine development and team management will be overseen by Honda R&amp;D Co., Ltd.'s Asaka R&amp;D Center - Honda's motorcycle research and development division - as part of its R&amp;D activities. The team assembled to compete in the 2003 season will be called Team G Cross Honda<SUP><SMALL>*2</SMALL></SUP>, and the rider will be Naoki Idegawa, who was ranked 68th in the world and 5th in the Japan Series for 2002.

Distinguishing characteristics of the RN01 include a frame that has been subjected to rigorous strength analysis and reinforced in those sections where the stresses are greatest, plus the use of a suspension made by Kayaba Industry Co., Ltd. The brakes, developed in partnership with Akebono Brake Industry Co., Ltd., are lightweight and deliver superior braking and control. A transmission mechanism employing such newly developed technology as frame mounting for reduced unsprung weight is being tried out for the first time on this bike.

Downhill racing is a bicycle race that typically takes place on snowless ski slopes or other downhill courses. Racers compete against the clock, reaching speeds of up to 70~80km/h. Each year there are seven World Cup races, one World Championship race, six Japan Series races, one Japan National Championship race, and one Asian Championship race. Due to the extreme ruggedness of the courses, the machines must be highly rigid and durable. Honda is adapting the technology it has accumulated in motocross racing to sharpen its competitive edge.

How the names were chosen:
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<TD vAlign=top><SMALL>*</SMALL>1&nbsp;</TD>
<TD>The "RN01" machine name: The name combines R and N, which stand for Racing and Natural force ("nature's power"), followed by "01" to indicate that this is the first model.</TD></TR>
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<TD vAlign=top><SMALL>*</SMALL>2&nbsp;</TD>
<TD>The "G Cross" team name: The name is a combination of G for Gravity and the 'Cross' from motocross.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Duke of Rogan
22nd July 2003, 13:08
and it probably costs more than a most of their new bikes with engines?

What?
23rd July 2003, 06:32
If not, it wouldn't be impossible to bolt an engine in. Should go like snot with a CR500 donk...:gob:

SPman
23rd July 2003, 19:31
Hmm...not a lot of frame/wheel clearance.

Aha - a new bike for Nhuanh.&nbsp; :)

wkid_one
24th July 2003, 08:15
I was thinking it would be perfect for me seeing as I can't ridea motorbike....but hold on it is designed to reach 80kph - feck - that counts me out then - my vision goes blurry over 30.

NhuanH
24th July 2003, 16:55
Originally posted by SPman
Aha - a new bike for Nhuanh.&nbsp; :)

Aww shucks, it the thought that counts.&nbsp;

But having pedalled (or is that peddled?)&nbsp;for much much longer than I have been twisting my right wrist I have found that despite having 2 wheels in common it is hard for manufacturers to make the cross over from motored to non.&nbsp; Most of the time they are novelty, dare i say it gimmicky things.&nbsp; Eg. Porsche, BMW, Mercedes, Ferrari!&nbsp; And the other way has not been so hot eith: Cannondale had to divest it's MX division which was SERIOUSLY dargging down a successful company built on bicycles.

About the best compaines that do the cross over are the parts, accesories and clothing types: Fox, Dainese, Astars, Sidi, Gaerne.

Just my 0.02

&nbsp;:done:

Misssy
27th July 2003, 11:05
Could be a bit of you Dan. Not to sure about the colour thou, or the seat.

Take it from personal experience you can cause a lot of damage to yourself mountain biking as well. :eek:

What?
28th July 2003, 07:32
Originally posted by wkid_one
- my vision goes blurry over 30.

You could try closing your eyes, Wkid. It works for Volvo drivers...:p

wkid_one
28th July 2003, 19:00
I know...but at least I have more than one eye to shut - unlike some other posters