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Motorcycle April
5, 2001 |
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| Honda Announces New "STEP COMPO" Foldable Motor-Assisted Bicycle |
Tokyo, April 5, 2001 - Honda
Motor Co., Ltd.announced the April 6, 2001 release of a new motor-assisted
bicycle, the "Step Compo", featuring a compact, lightweight, stylish design
and foldable construction that allows easy storage and transport.
The Step Compo stands as a successor to Honda's Raccoon Compo (released
in April 1998) and offers improved styling, excellent riding performance,
and more convenient foldable construction than ever. Development concepts
and keywords included "more stylish", "lighter weight", "smaller" and "further
travel range".
The Step Compo is the first motor-assisted bicycle to be built around a
die-cast aluminum monocoque frame. Weighing only 17.8 kilograms (about 2
kilograms less than the Raccoon Compo), it also features a foldable front-rear
split-construction frame convenient for storage in small spaces or stowing
aboard a vehicle for transport.
Even better, as expected from a manufacturer with both two- and four-wheeled
vehicle expertise, Honda has also designed the Step Compo in tandem with
the new Step Wagon vehicle, resulting in a perfect match that offers not
only excellent stowability but also built-in onboard battery charging capability.
This high degree of integration with automobiles and other means of transportation
expands the Step Compo's radius of travel and range of use to offer new
possibilities for integrating lifestyle and mobility.
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| STEP COMPO |
Primary Features of the Step Compo
Lightweight 17.8kg Construction, Stylish Design
To combine a slim, nimble-looking, stylish design with highly functional
construction, the Step Compo has been built around a die-cast aluminum monocoque
frame that is the first of its kind ever used in a motor-assisted bicycle.
Advanced design and manufacturing techniques including computerized wall
thickness analysis and aluminum die-casting, extrusion and forging were
used to create an optimized all-aluminum hybrid frame offering an ideal
balance of light weight, high strength, and optimized rigidity. Further,
the power unit module itself has been utilized as a structural member within
the frame, allowing functional components like the battery and control unit
to be integrated into the frame itself for an even more nimble, light-feeling
body design.
Foldable, Dividable Aluminum Frame
By folding it in half at the middle using a convenient lever, then folding
up the pedals and handlebars and lowering the seat, the Step Compo can be
collapsed to a volume about half that of the Raccoon for an easy fit even
in narrow storage spaces and easy carrying. The frame can also be divided
into two parts-the front and back half-if needed for even more convenient
storability.
ECO-Mode Achieves 30km*1 Travel Range
The Step Compo offers three different running modes including ON, OFF and
ECO. The ON*2 and OFF modes toggle the bicycle's motor assistance function
on and off, while the ECO mode conserves power by using motor assistance
only for high-load times such as take-off, acceleration, and hill climbing,
and leaving it off during low-load times including travel over relatively
flatter ground. Riding in the ECO mode extends the Step Compo's travel range
to approximately 30 kilometers*1, or about 1.5 times that of the ON mode
and roughly double that of the Raccoon.
| *1 |
Using normal running pattern. |
| *2 |
Motor assistance reduces required pedal pressure to about half that
required by normal bicycles between take-off and acceleration up to
15km/h. Motor-assist power begins to decrease gradually after 15km/h,
eventually reaching zero at 23km/h. |
Nimble, Comfortable Riding
The Step Compo's special 16-inch tires, long wheelbase, and wide seat-height
adjustment range ensure comfortable, easy riding. Its V-type caliper brakes,
operated by sporty two-fingered brake levers, offer excellent braking force
and control to ensure sharp, nimble handling. The built in 3-speed grip-type
transmission uses gear ratios that have been set to allow a single turn
of the pedals to propel the wheels a distance equivalent to that of a 26-inch
bicycle.
Powerful, Clean Nickel-Metal Hydride Battery
The Step Compo's compact, high-performance nickel-metal hydride battery
offers approximately 20% more battery life than conventional nickel-cadmium
batteries. A special charger unit allows fast battery recharging in about
2.5 hours using ordinary 100V household AC current, as well as onboard charging
using the 100V AC outlet*1 in the new Step Wagon*2. The battery uses key-equipped
open battery leads that allow fast, easy installation and removal, as well
as simple confirmation of remaining battery life by pressing the lead switch.
| *1 |
Standard equipment on type K, manufacturer's option on types I, D, and
Y. |
| *2 |
LA-RF3 and LA-RF4 models. |
Specifications(Please
note that this product is only available in Japan)
| Name |
Step Compo |
| Model |
UB10 |
| Overall Dimensions (L x W x H) |
1,375 x 530 x 977mm |
| Folded Dimensions (L x W x H) |
755 x 420 x 645mm |
| Seat Height |
Adjustable from 680 to 935mm |
| Wheelbase |
980mm |
| Tire Size / Wheel Diameter |
16 x 1.75 / 16-inch |
| Weight |
17.8kg |
| Power-Assist Speed Ranges (Proportional
/ Decreasing) |
0 to 15km/h / 15 to 23 km/h (3rd
gear) |
| Travel Distance Per Battery
Charge*1 |
ON Mode*2 |
20km |
| ECO Mode*2 |
30km |
| Flat-Surface Continuous Travel Pattern
|
25km
(15km/h in 3rd gear) |
| Motor Type / Rated Output |
DC brush motor / 235W |
| Drive Type |
Chain drive |
| Battery Type / Power Output |
Ni-MH / 24V-3.6Ah |
| Transmission Type |
Internal 3-stage grip-type |
| Lights |
Optional |
| Charging Time |
Max. 2.5 hours |
| *1 |
With rider and cargo combined weight of 56kg, temperature 25°C,
and new battery. |
| *2 |
Under normal road operation pattern. Values listed for travel distance
per battery charge are calculated based on set testing conditions
and may vary depending on weather conditions, road surface, model,
equipment, load, and other conditions. |
Colors
- MAT COCOS BLUE METALLIC / SHOT SILVER METALLIC-S
- SHOT SILVER METALLIC
- POLISHED / SHOT SILVER METALLIC
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