Race to the Dream

TORRANCE, CA- June 7, 2013 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – American Honda has just released a video featuring the Team Honda Muscle Milk duo of Trey Canard and Justin Barcia. With a rich racing history and a prestigious list of previous Honda champions, the American Honda race team is a place riders dream of being, and that’s especially true of Canard and Barcia.

Canard, who returned to racing this year after a serious crash in 2012, has continued to have a noteworthy comeback, landing on the podium three times during the 2013 Supercross season and posting respectable results in Motocross. During his first year in the premier class, Barcia has shaken the competition by grabbing two victories and three additional podium finishes during the 2013 Supercross season. He has also appeared on the podium at two of the first three 2013 Motocross races.

About American Honda

American Honda Motor Co., Inc. was established in 1959 and is the sole distributor of Honda motorcycles, scooters, ATVs and side-by-sides in the U.S. The American Honda Motorcycle Division is responsible for the sales, marketing, and operational activities for these products through authorized Honda dealers. For more information on Honda products, go to www.powersports.honda.com.

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American Honda Announces Dan Betley as New Team Manager

TORRANCE, CA – May 17, 2013 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – American Honda proudly announces Dan Betley as the new Honda Muscle Milk team manager beginning with the opening round of the 2013 Motocross season at the Hangtown Classic in Sacramento, CA. Betley successfully filled the role during the 2013 Supercross season as he led the team to two victories and six additional podiums.

Since he began his career with Honda in 1989, Betley has held multiple positions within the race team, including his most recent as Engine Development and R&D specialist. He has worked with many high profile motocross champions such as Jeff Stanton, Jeremy McGrath and Ricky Carmichael, making him highly qualified for the role as team manager.

“Dan has been with Team Honda for many years and has played an important role in the team’s success,” explained Honda Race Team Director Ray Conway. “It seems natural for him to move up to Team Manager and he has done a great job filling in during the 2013 Supercross season.”

“I’m looking forward to transitioning into my new role,” explained Betley. “It’s a challenging job but I got a good feel for what it entails while filling in during the 2013 Supercross season and I’m grateful Honda chose me to continue as team manager. We have two extremely talented riders in Trey Canard and Justin Barcia and a great team behind them, so I am looking forward to a successful Motocross season.”

About Honda

American Honda Motor Co., Inc. was established in 1959 and is the sole distributor of Honda motorcycles, scooters, ATVs and side-by-sides in the U.S. The American Honda Motorcycle Division is responsible for the sales, marketing, and operational activities for these products through authorized Honda dealers. For more information on Honda products, go to www.powersports.honda.com.

About Muscle Milk

Muscle Milk® Ready-to-Drink is a protein-enhanced functional beverage that promotes workout recovery, lean muscle growth, and sustained energy. Muscle Milk takes the guesswork out of high performance nutrition, delivering a precise blend of premium proteins, complex carbohydrates, functional fats, vitamins & minerals. CytoSport™, the maker of Muscle Milk®, is among the largest sport nutrition protein beverage companies in the U.S. and offers a complete line of protein-enhanced powders, shakes and bars. Muscle Milk® was named Ready-to-Drink Beverage of the Year by bodybuilding.com, Best Functional Beverage and Beverage of the Year by BevNet and Company of the Year by Beverage Forum presented by Beverage Marketing Corporation and Beverage World.

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New Honda Common Service Manual

TORRANCE, CA – February 15, 2013 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – The Common Service Manual is one of Honda’s best selling service publications and has been completely rewritten to include over 300 pages of new content. The new manual is part instructional manual, part technical reference manual, and part service manual. As such, the publication is ideal for those who want to learn more about powersports vehicles and how to service them.

American Honda’s Motorcycle Communications and Training department has completely rewritten the Honda Common Service Manual. The expanded manual includes over 300 pages of new content, including information on newer technology introduced on our powersports models, such as pneumatic forks, Dual Clutch Transmission, and Combined ABS. Together with this new information, American Honda recognizes there is a heightened interest in older Honda powersports vehicles. So the Honda Common Service Manual includes information about older technology such as breaker points, drum brakes, and two-stroke exhaust valve systems.

The Honda Common Service Manual is designed to be part instruction manual, part technical reference manual, and part service manual. As such it helps readers understand mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical fundamentals, learn the function of components, and perform troubleshooting and servicing procedures. This purpose and goal of the manual is encapsulated by the terms “Read, Understand, Learn, Do” printed on its back cover.

Due to the broad applicability of its content, the Honda Common Service Manual will be of interest and benefit to any powersports enthusiast, whether a Honda owner or not. The manual will be especially useful to those who want to work on their own vehicle and to help prepare those who aspire to a career as a powersports technician. Due to the generic nature and wide scope of the manual, however, it does not eliminate the need for the model specific service manuals when working on a particular vehicle.

The Honda Common Service Manual is one of Honda’s best selling service publications. Despite the greatly increased size and higher quality of the new manual, the suggested retail price remains at $49.95. A special discounted price is available for qualifying powersports technical schools and their students.

Together with Honda’s model specific service manuals (1959 to current), the Honda Common Service Manual is available for purchase through Honda powersports dealerships. To find a local Honda dealer, use the Find a Dealer feature at http://powersports.honda.com. Manuals can also be ordered from Helm Incorporated at www.helminc.com or 888-292-5393. Discounted technical school/student orders must be placed from the Helm website.

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Akira Narita to Compete in AMA Supercross

TORRANCE, CA – January 4, 2012 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – Akira Narita will be heading to the U.S. to compete in the first few rounds of the 2013 Supercross series starting with the season opener at Anaheim stadium. Narita, 33, is the current All Japan National Motocross Series champion, but he’s no stranger to that title: he’s won a remarkable eight All Japan National Motocross Series championships starting in 2002 when he won his first title in the 250 class.

Narita will be competing aboard a Honda CRF450R for Team HRC (Honda Racing Corporation). Narita sees his participation is the U.S. Supercross series as a way to boost his riding to the next level. “Supercross racing in the U.S. is the highest level of the sport, and the best possible training for me prior to the All Japan championship,” said Narita. “I appreciate the support of HRC and American Honda in my racing here.”

While this HRC effort is separate from American Honda, you can find Narita’s support rig parked with the Team Honda Muscle Milk trucks so the teams can work together to assist Narita in his quest to compete in the most competitive Supercross field in the world. Look for this multi-time Japanese champion on the starting line at Anaheim 1 on January 5, 2013.

About American Honda

American Honda Motor Co., Inc. was established in 1959 and is the sole distributor of Honda motorcycles, scooters, ATVs and side-by-sides in the U.S. The American Honda Motorcycle Division is responsible for the sales, marketing, and operational activities for these products through authorized Honda dealers. For more information on Honda products, go to www.powersports.honda.com.

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Motorcycle Industry Council Board Member and Discover Today’s Motorcycling Innovator Ray Blank Retires

MIC Grateful for Blank’s Years of Service, Dedication and Enthusiasm

IRVINE, CA – November 6, 2012 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – After devoting more than 25 years to supporting, promoting and growing the motorcycle industry through the Motorcycle Industry Council and Discover Today’s Motorcycling, MIC Board of Directors member Ray Blank announced his retirement, effective Oct. 1. Blank’s MIC retirement comes closely on the heels of his corresponding retirement from American Honda, where Blank was senior vice president of the Motorcycle Division.

Blank has been an avid motorcyclist and passionate supporter of the motorcycle industry for more than 25 years. He has also been an active member of the MIC Board since 2010 and served on the Marketing and Public Policy Committee. Additionally, Blank was one of the original organizers of the very successful, motorcycle industry-promoting Discover Today’s Motorcycling program.

“Ray Blank has been an integral part of the motorcycle industry for as long as I can remember,” said MIC President Tim Buche. “His forward thinking, his commitment, and his passion and perseverance have made him a powerful force in supporting the MIC’s mission to preserve, protect and promote motorcycling. As a member of the MIC Board, Ray was diligent in his efforts. And as one of the original members of DTM, Ray was tireless in his pursuit of sharing motorcycling with the non-riding public. Everyone at the MIC wishes him well in his retirement, but he will be sorely missed.”

American Honda’s newly promoted Vice President, Motorcycle Division, Robert Gurga will assume Blank’s duties on the MIC Board when Blank steps down. Gurga has been with American Honda’s Motorcycle Division for 34 years and previously served as assistant vice president of marketing.

“After nearly 30 years in the motorcycle industry and 25 years working with the MIC, I have made the decision to step down,” said Blank. “I am very proud of my time working with the MIC and Discover Today’s Motorcycling, and what we have all achieved together. I never thought I would have the good fortune to be involved with so many great motorcyclists and industry friends during my career. I want to thank everyone I’ve worked with for memories I never dreamed possible.”

The Motorcycle Industry Council exists to preserve, protect and promote motorcycling through government relations, communications and media relations, statistics and research, aftermarket programs, development of data communications standards, and activities surrounding technical and regulatory issues. As a not-for-profit, national industry association, the MIC seeks to support motorcyclists by representing manufacturers and distributors of motorcycles, scooters, motorcycle/ATV/ROV parts and accessories, and members of allied trades such as insurance, finance and investment companies, media companies and consultants.

The MIC is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., with a government relations office in metropolitan Washington, D.C. First called the MIC in 1970, the organization has been in operation since 1914. Visit the MIC at www.mic.org.

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Honda of South Carolina to Produce Side-by-Sides

TORRANCE, CA – November 1, 2012 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – American Honda today announced that production of Honda side-by-side MUVs will transfer in 2013 from Honda de Mexico S.A. de C.V. (HDM) to Honda of South Carolina Mfg., Inc. (HSC) in Timmonsville, SC. Honda currently markets the Big Red side-by-side in the U.S.

These changes are part of a global Honda strategy tied to future growth forecast in the side-by-side segment. Current plans call for the completion of side-by-side production at HDM in 2013, with production to begin at HSC in the summer of 2013 to meet the needs of U.S. customers and for export to global markets.

Currently dedicated solely to the production of Honda all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), HSC has the capacity to produce more than 250,000 vehicles and 310,000 engines annually. Based on the increased production capacity and future expansion potential, it was determined that HSC was the right location for Honda side-by-side production.

HSC is one of nine major Honda factories in the U.S. Since it began operation in 1998, HSC has manufactured more than 2.5 million Honda ATVs.

Following the move of side-by-side production, HDM will increase capacity for the production of additional two-wheel products to meet growing market demand in Mexico.

About American Honda
American Honda Motor Co., Inc. was established in 1959 and is the sole distributor of Honda motorcycles, scooters, ATVs and side-by-sides in the U.S. The American Honda Motorcycle Division is responsible for the sales, marketing, and operational activities for these products through authorized Honda dealers. For more information on Honda products, go to www.powersports.honda.com.

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American Honda Announces the Retirement of Ray Blank, Senior VP of the Motorcycle Division

TORRANCE, CA – September 11, 2012 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – American Honda announces that effective October 1, 2012, Senior Vice President of the Motorcycle Division Ray Blank will retire. Robert Gurga has been promoted to the position of Vice President, Motorcycle Division.

“After nearly 30 years with the Motorcycle Division, I have made the decision to step down,” said Blank. “American Honda has been wonderful to me over all these years, and I am very proud of what the people at American Honda have all achieved together through both the good and bad times. I never thought I would have the good fortune to be involved with so many great motorcycles and industry friends during my time here. I want to thank everyone I’ve worked with for memories I never dreamed possible.”

Robert Gurga has been with the Motorcycle Division for 34 years, and previously served as Assistant Vice President of Marketing. “Ray Blank has been a great leader here at American Honda and for the industry as well,” said Gurga. “We look forward to taking on new challenges as our business continues to evolve and our industry experiences new growth in the years to come. These are very exciting times for the powersports industry, and American Honda will continue to create opportunities for our sport to grow through innovative products and programs.”

About American Honda
American Honda Motor Co., Inc. is the sole distributor of Honda motorcycles, scooters, ATVs and MUVs in the U.S. American Honda’s Motorcycle Division conducts the sales, marketing, and operational activities for these products through authorized Honda dealers. For more information on Honda products, go to www.powersports.honda.com.

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Team Honda Muscle Milk announces Tommy Hahn for the 2012 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship

TORRANCE, CA – May 17, 2012 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – American Honda announces today that Tommy Hahn will be filling in for Team Honda Muscle Milk’s Trey Canard throughout the entire 2012 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship series. Hahn will join Justin Brayton aboard a factory CRF450R for all 12 rounds of the nationals.

2012 Team Honda Muscle Milk – Justin Brayton

“For Honda to pick me is an amazing opportunity,” said Hahn. “It is a confidence booster knowing I have such great support from Team Honda Muscle Milk.”

“We have known Tommy for a very long time, and we are excited to have him back on the team for the 2012 Motocross series,” said Team Manager Erik Kehoe. “He is naturally talented and we believe he possesses all the tools needed to run at the front of the pack.”

About Honda
American Honda Motor Co., Inc. is the sole distributor of Honda motorcycles, scooters, ATVs and MUVs in the U.S. American Honda’s Motorcycle Division conducts the sales, marketing, and operational activities for these products through authorized Honda dealers. For more information on Honda products, go to www.powersports.honda.com.

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Justin Barcia Signs with Factory Honda

TORRANCE, CA – May 8, 2012 – (Motor Spors Newswire) – American Honda is proud to welcome Justin Barcia to Team Honda Muscle Milk for the 2013-2014 seasons. Barcia will contest both the AMA Supercross Championship and AMA Motocross Championship aboard a factory-prepared Honda CRF450R race machine.

Barcia has been a part of the Honda family for many years, riding several models as he rose through the amateur ranks. After winning numerous amateur titles, Barcia made his professional motocross debut in 2009 aboard a GEICO Honda CRF250R. The GEICO Honda Race Team program allows top amateurs to take the next step into their careers as professional Lites riders. The team has proven quite successful with Trey Canard, Eli Tomac and Justin Barcia all coming through the ranks to win AMA Lites Championships.

“It has taken a lot of hard work to get our program where it is today,” stated Factory Connection President and GEICO Honda Team co-owner Rick Zielfelder. “We pride ourselves on having an elite program that offers support to top amateur racers and gives them the opportunity to further their careers in the professional ranks. The GEICO Honda Team has given riders the tools to reach their ultimate goal of winning professional championships. It also creates a seamless integration for the rider to make the move to racing the 450s with the Honda factory team. And like Trey Canard, we are pleased to see Barcia make the transition to Team Honda Muscle Milk.”

In the 2011 AMA Supercross season, Barcia appeared on the podium at every round of the nine-race series and was able to clinch his first Lites East Championship title. During the 2011 outdoor motocross season, Barcia was given the opportunity to ride the last four rounds aboard a factory CRF450R. He showed that he could run up front by taking third place overall at both Unadilla and Pala, and grabbing a moto win in Southwick. Barcia’s 2012 season has proven just as successful as he earned five race wins and wrapped up his second Lites East Championship in New Orleans with one round remaining.

“It’s an awesome feeling to sign with Team Honda Muscle Milk,” said Barcia. “It is something that I have dreamed of since being an amateur. I’ve been riding and winning on Hondas for years because it’s the bike I feel best on. I am excited to continue my career with Honda aboard the CRF450R. I got a glimpse of what I have to look forward to after getting the opportunity to race the 450 last year. After working with Jeff Stanton I have learned that hard work really pays off and I plan to continue that work ethic into my 450 career. With a great team behind me and an amazing bike, I believe I can be a contender for the championship.”

Team Manager Erik Kehoe welcomes Barcia to the Honda lineup. “We are pleased to have Justin on board for the 2013 season. With two Lites East championships under his belt, Justin has proven time and again that he has what it takes to run up front and win races,” said Kehoe. “He has also shown that he can be a front runner aboard a CRF450R. We believe that with his pure determination to win, Justin will be a consistent threat to climb the podium. His focus and drive make him a great fit for our team.”

About Honda
American Honda Motor Co., Inc. is the sole distributor of Honda motorcycles, scooters, ATVs and MUVs in the U.S. American Honda’s Motorcycle Division conducts the sales, marketing, and operational activities for these products through authorized Honda dealers. For more information on Honda products, go to www.powersports.honda.com.

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RECALL: American Honda Recalls About 2,900 ATVs due to Crash Hazard

February 21, 2012 – (Motor Sports Newswire) -

The following product safety recall was voluntarily conducted by the firm in cooperation with the CPSC. Consumers should stop using the product immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV)

Units: About 2,900

Distributor: American Honda Motor Company, of Torrance, Calif.

Hazard: A weld on the ATV’s front right upper suspension arm can separate, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle, posing a crash hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: Honda is aware of four incidents of suspension arm weld failures, including one in which a rider suffered a sprained wrist.

Description: The recalled vehicles are two-wheel drive 2012 Honda FourTrax Rancher ATV models TRX420TE and TRX420TM. The ATVs are red or green and have the word “Honda” on both sides of the fuel tank and the word “Rancher” on the front cowl below the handlebars and on the left rear fender. Rancher models in the following VIN ranges are being recalled:

Model	VIN Ranges
TRX420TE	1HFTE344* C4500841 thru C4502580
TRX420TM	1HFTE340* C4500542 thru C4501681

*Denotes a random alphanumeric identifier: “0-9″ or “X”

The model number is visible on the right front frame down pipe above the driver’s right-hand side front wheel. The VIN is located on the top center front of the frame and is visible looking down between the bars of the gear rack and through the middle opening of the front fairing.

Sold at: Honda ATV dealers nationwide from September 2011 to January 2012 for between $5,100 and $5,300.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using these ATVs and contact their Honda ATV dealer to schedule a free repair.

Consumer Contact: For more information, contact American Honda between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday toll-free at (866) 784-1870 or visit the American Honda’s website at http://powersports.honda.com. American Honda is contacting its customers directly.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about your experience with the product on www.saferproducts.gov

CPSC is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of the thousands of consumer products under the agency’s jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $900 billion annually. CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard. CPSC’s work to ensure the safety of consumer products – such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals – contributed to a decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.

Under federal law, it is illegal to attempt to sell or resell this or any other recalled product.

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, go online to: www.saferproducts.gov, call CPSC’s Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270 for the hearing impaired. Consumers can obtain this news release and product safety information at www.cpsc.gov. To join a free e-mail subscription list, please go to https://www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx.

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