2009 Honda CRF230M, GL1800 Gold Wing, CBR1000RR-ABS and CBR600RR ABS - First Look

Honda streetbike fans might have a disappointing 2009. Other than bringing in its Japan-market DN-01 super-scooter, the only new model is the 2009 CRF230M, a supermotard based on the 2008 CRF230L dual-sport. Still, Big Red is still leading by offering ABS on its supersport 2009 CBR600RR and CBR1000RR. Also, the venerable 2009 GL1800 Gold Wing gets improvements.

The 2009 CRF230M is now the third quarter-liter(ish) supermotard from a Japanese OEM. It's based on the CRF230L, with an air-cooled, two-valve, sohc, 223cc carbureted Single and six-speed gearbox. Not exactly high-tech compared to the liquid-cooled, four-valve units in the 2009 Yamaha WR250X and 2009 Kawasaki KLX250SF.

The rest of the bike keeps the simple theme, dictated by the bike's $4749 MSRP. The 17-inch wheels get bias-ply Dunlop GT401 Arrowmax tires, and the chassis is playbike simple, with a 37mm fork, tube-steel frame and single 240mm front disc brake. The seat is narrow and a manageable 31.7 inches off the ground. It's not a competition supermoto, but a lightweight (claimed wet weight is 267 pounds) commuter or entry-level bike that should be economical to own: Off-Road Editor Ryan Dudek showed remarkable restraint and got 92 mpg on our city/highway mileage loop on a 2008 CRF230L.

To pep up the Gold Wing, Honda added a few gizmos. On all four Gold Wings, including the basic $20,999 version (that now includes the heated grips and seat), a simple tire-pressure-monitoring system warns the rider of low air pressure by lighting an indicator on the dashboard. The $25,599 top-of the-line Gold Wing, with the airbag and nav system, also gets XM Radio, complete with traffic and weather info that integrates with the nav screen.

Sportbikers get optional ABS for the 2009 CBR1000RR and CBR600RR. The system, which adds about 20 pounds to each bike, links the front and rear brake systems to save weight and enhance safety. Honda has tuned it so the rear brake pedal won't activate the front calipers unless the tires are about to slide, giving a traditional brake feel. Both bikes also get new turnsignals, and the 600 has unnamed modifications to "enhance midrange performance." The ABS adds $1000 to the $9799 MSRP of the CBR600RR and $11,999 price of the CBR1000RR (the Repsol Replica is available in non-ABS only for $12,499).