Honda Marine opens order books for refreshed V6 engines

Australian customers can now start ordering the flagship BF200, BF225 and BF250 V6 outboard engines that feature new looks, easier maintenance and more rigging options. The company said the refreshed engine range was “currently on its way to our dealers”.

However, the initial run of engines will not include iST, Honda’s name for its “Intelligent Steering and Throttle” system that was announced for the range earlier this year. If owners specifically want the drive-by-wire system, Honda Marine said they would have to wait until later in 2019 before the technology, which also adds push-button engine start alongside wireless throttle and steering controls, would become available here.

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The new-look outboard engines sport what Honda calls its “Progressive V Form”, with aerodynamic lines and an emphasised "V" framed in the centre grille and chrome line detail.

Honda’s redesigned V6 engine cowlings are now more durable and resistant to paint chips and scratches, and offer more protection from water entering the engine. The cowlings use a three-latch lock and seal system with two inverted grip points to make the cover easy to remove and carry for maintenance.

The improved cowling uses a dual-channel, indirect air circuit induction system that improves airflow while moving moisture away from the throttle body.

The undercase now uses only three pieces instead of the previous model’s seven, and includes a heavy protective rubber edge at the base of the cowling.

However, the white engines won't be offered to Australian customers, with Honda Australia stocking with silver. An immobiliser fitted to US versions of the V6 engines also will not be available in Australia.

However, technologies that will make the Honda outboard engines an attractive option in the 175-250hp range include Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC), which is borrowed from Honda’s road cars. The technology optimises the outboard engine to provide more power at high revs, and better fuel economy at low revs.

There’s also a more precise fuel injection system, known as Programmed Fuel Injection, a boosted low-speed torque system that make a more potent fuel/air mix at low revs to help with manoeuvres such as hole shots, and lean burn control for low-rev fuel economy. It will be available on the BF225 and BF250.

Honda’s engineers have also thought more about corrosion prevention, with a new zinc-nickel plating technology helping to cut down on oxidation. As well, the V6 engine’s banks have doubled the number of anodes they use to four.

Maintenance was also a target of development. The high-pressure fuel filter has moved to a more accessible location to cut its replacement time from 60 minutes to just five.

The refreshed Honda Marine high-power outboard engines feature an expanded number of rigging options, including top-mount binnacle or side-mount controls,

The Honda BF200 outboard engine will be available with an extra-long (25-inch, Std/Ctr) shaft. The Honda BF225 and BF250 outboard engines will be available with a long (20-inch), extra-long (25-inch, Std/Ctr) or ultra-long (30-inch, Std/Ctr) shaft.