New Honda outboards restyled and revamped

Honda has launched a new "crouching" cowl design for its BF75, BF80, BF90 and BF100 four-stroke outboards at the 2017 Melbourne International Boat Show, while also staging the Australian debut of the new BF40 and BF50.

The new cowl styling with signature silver finish is said to give Honda’s mid-range outboards a strong and athletic appearance, while Honda's Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) technology and lean-burn-control technology (ECOmo), which allows the combustion process to occur with a leaner air/fuel ratio during cruising to achieve greater fuel economy, are part of the proven performance attributes.

The Japanese engine maker's revolutionary Boosted Low Speed Torque (BLAST) technology, which boosts engine torque at low RPM under rapid acceleration, is designed for strong hole shot when transitioning onto the plane.

The updated BF90 and BF100 have VTEC which varies the lift and duration of the intake valves at low and high rpm for even more kick.

All the aforementioned Honda models are wired for NMEA2000 connectivity, while the BF75, BF80, BF90 and BF100 also boast best-in-class charging performance with a 44-amp alternators.

Honda has upgraded the ECUs in its engines since January 2017 to enhance their diagnostics and fault finding. More recently, the Japanese engine maker re-released its BF250 ist outboard — the flagship engine in the range and the only model with fly-by-wire controls — following a recall.

We recently tested a hot new Robalo R302 centre console with the first of these upgraded twin BF 250 ist engines, so watch this space.

The other good news is that after a year-long trial, Honda has now rolled out its seven-year marine-outboard warranty for rec boaters for good.

This is a non-diminishing warranty in respect of what’s covered, although subject to servicing through an authorised Honda dealer.

More at Honda Marine.