| Honda Announces Full Model Upgrade for BF2 2PS 4-Stroke Outboard Motor |
| Tokyo, August 26, 1998 --- The BF2, the world's only 4-stroke outboard motor in the 2PS class, has undergone a full model upgrade, and will go on sale from September 30 at Honda marine sales outlets.
The BF2 was designed as a light, compact and economically affordable 4-stroke outboard motor that was also extremely environment-friendly. Based on the GXV50 super-compact 4-stroke engine, which features an OHV (overhead valve) design that delivers a highly efficient combustion ratio, the BF2 is low on pollution while also consuming less fuel. Fitted with a centrifugal clutch, the BF2 is capable of ultra-slow cruising and trawling speeds, and can idle when the boat is stationary. A grip throttle version is also available. The combination of a grip throttle and centrifugal clutch raises its operability considerably, making the BF2 ideal for a wide range of uses--leisure, angling, commercial fishing, and more. All of Honda's outboard motors include 4-stroke engines, giving them the combination of extremely clean exhaust emissions with lower fuel costs. The line-up contains a total of 13 models ranging from 2PS to 130PS, allowing anyone to find a model perfectly suited to individual needs. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is currently supervising the phased introduction of exhaust emission standards that stipulate a legal maximum level of emissions by the year 2006. All of Honda's 4-stroke outboard motors already achieve exhaust emission levels that are well below the values mandated at this time. In addition, these engines easily meet the voluntary code of standards for exhaust emission reductions laid down by the Japan Boating Industry Association, which is also in the process of supervising the phased introduction of exhaust emission standards for marine craft during the period 2000-2006. Main features of the BF2 4-stroke outboard motor:
The Japan Boating Industry Association voluntary code is being phased in on a step-by-step basis from 2000 to 2006. This covers reductions in exhaust emissions of hydrocarbons (HC) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) from all gasoline-powered marine engines, including both powered craft and outboard motors. The code aims to achieve a 75% reduction in such emissions within this period. |