Untitled

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 5, Issue 24, 10 November 1987, Page 7 (Supplement)

Honda have released two new four-wheelers on to the New Zealand farm bike market. On the basis of performance and price, Blue Wing Honda Ltd, the New Zealand importer and distributor of Honda motorcycles, believes the two new machines will become the most popular four-wheelers with local farmers. The two machines are the Honda TRX300J, a 300cc, two-wheel drive fourwheeler, and the Honda TRX300FWJ, a four-wheel drive version of the same machine. Both incorporate the latest four-wheeled motorcycle technology and feature an all-new 281.7cc overhead camshaft, high-torque, fourstroke, four-valve motor specifically designed for offroad use. The TRX300 is more compact, lighter and, with a smaller turning circle, more manoeuvrable than previous Honda four-wheelers in the same segment. The four-wheel drive version has a tight, 3.25 metre turning circle while the twowheel drive model has an even more impressive 2.5 metre turning circle. Weighing in at 205kg, the TRX300FWJ will be the lightest four-wheel drive farm bike available in New Zealand. The new engine, which features waterproof, troublefree CDI (capacitor discharge ignition) with elec-

tronic advance, puts out 19PS at 6500rpm and is fed by a newly designed CV carburettor. The motor is equipped with an automatic camchain tensioner. The engine drives through an automatic clutch and easy-shifting 5-speed transmission with super-low ratio and quick-select reverse gear. The TRX300FWJ employs full-time four-wheel drive with a limited slip front driveshaft differential. The four-wheel drive model is designed around independent, double wishbone front suspension and

trailing arm rear suspension, both with a large 1 30mm of axle travel. The two-wheel drive TRX300 has a new, longtravel MacPherson strut independent front suspension and a swing-arm type rear suspension, again allowing 1 30mm of axle travel. Both have strong, yet simplified frames to keep weight down and increase performance. Brakes on both models are fully sealed front and rear and are designed to keep out mud and water.

The 23 inch front tyres and the extra-large 25 inch rear tyres ensure good traction and excellent floatation An all-new body incorporates twin 25W headlights, a rear storage box and a 12 litre fuel tank. Strong, extra-large carriers front and rear are part of the standard specification and both are equipped with a tow bar. TheTRX300J is expected to sell for approximately $6,700, while the TRX300FWJ is expected to cost about $7,200.