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‘Performance and practicality’ is how renowned Australian boating journalist, Rick Huckstepp, has summed up Honda’s brand new BF75 and BF90 four-stroke EFI outboards.
Although the engines were launched just a fortnight ago, Mr Huckstepp was part of an international media contingent that visited Japan in June for a preview of the new models.
After testing the sleek, high-performance outboards on a variety of boats, Mr Huckstepp said he was positive the engines would prove extremely popular among Australian boaters.
“At a glance, my first impression was of the engine being lightweight in comparison with the BF75/90 of old – a result of the scalloped engine cowl, which reduces the roundness of its appearance,” Mr Huckstepp said.
“I soon discovered the engines not only looked lighter – they were... the lightest in their class, in fact!
“The amazing low-down torque and top-end speed, incredible fuel efficiency, and, of course, ultra-low emissions will make these engines ideal for a huge range of boating applications in Australia.”
In addition to the exceptional performance, Mr Huckstepp said Honda’s Japanese engineers had gone to great lengths to achieve “the best in practicality”.
“Excellent thinking has seen the use of external lock-down clips on the cowl, which offer superior security over ‘hit and miss’ internal latches as far as securing the cowl to the base,” he said.
“They’ve also sunk the power head further into the engine frame to lower the centre of gravity, and installed a removable tab in the chassis so you don’t have to be Houdini to get the bottom spark plug out of the head during servicing.
“Having had two older versions of the BF90 on my last boat, I’m excited about undertaking some extended testing with the new model – if what I’ve already seen has impressed me, what I’m to experience will likely knock me over!”
Further information: Honda – (03) 9270 1111 or visit: www.honda.com.au
(September 2006)
Pictured: Privileged to a sneak peek at Honda’s new BF75/90 in Japan recently, renowned Australian boating journalist, Rick Huckstepp, believes the new engines will prove extremely popular among Australian boaters.
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