Honda Integra: the test (I)

During the Honda Day held at the Circuit de Catalunya, while the CEV race was taking place there, the Plusmoto.com team was able to test the Honda Integra thanks to the courtesy of the dealer Control 94.

On this occasion we approached one of the maxi-scooters that have gone on sale this year, 2012, but is it really a maxi-scooter or not? You may wonder why we ask this question, and the reason is that the Integra has a motorcycle hidden inside it.

To set the scene, what better way than to introduce it. It is a vehicle with a 670cc engine and 237 kg verified with all fluids, producing about 51.7 hp. The most powerful configuration is also sold limited to 35 kW for those who hold an A2 licence, which in our language translates to 47 hp.

It is a engine with a long 73 mm stroke, designed to be very useful at low revs, since this increases its torque, making it very suited to urban use. Furthermore, its maintenance will be long-term, since the services are carried out every 12,000 km, an absolute eternity, and the spark plugs are changed every 48,000 km.

It features a dual-clutch DCT transmission with six speeds, in which the average speed the target market usually rides has been studied in order to ensure a good choice of power curve. This system engages the next gear before it is selected: there is a jump between clutches, one for even gears and another for odd gears, and since the next gear is already engaged, no power is lost, resulting in linear acceleration.

Among its virtues is that its computer studies our riding style, trying to understand how we ride and adjusting the revs to our style. For this to happen, we must have the D (Drive) or S (Sport) mode selected, in which it does not cut ignition. There is also the MT (Manual) mode, in which we can wind it up to the limit. It should be noted that gear changes are made from the left handlebar grip, where there are two buttons: one to upshift on the front side (operated with the index finger) and another to downshift on the side next to our thumb. The control for switching between the different modes is located on the right grip.

The double aluminium tubular spar frame with diamond configuration is shared with the NC700X and the NC700S. This is the new trend for minimising costs, something necessary in the world we live in today. Together with the suspension and the 17-inch wheels, they give it a character that is not only urban, since it was also conceived with possible touring or short-trip use in mind.

In addition, the Honda Integra comes equipped with C-ABS, something that becomes more vital every day and above all helps those who are just entering the world of motorcycling, although its importance in emergencies should never be forgotten, as we already saw in the video published by Kymco.

In case you are thinking of comparing this model, do not forget that it now comes with a free Top Box, which is no bad thing, because it is not particularly known for having much storage space under the seat.

The Honda Days are a great opportunity to get close to a lot of models, whether or not we intend to buy them; we can simply try out their performance and receive advice on the most popular models of Honda.

Photos | Alejandro Batán (Plusmoto.com)