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Watercraft
Preview: Honda Finely Tuned BF225 |
Honda's new BF225 4-stroke delivers power and improved fuel
efficiency
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Date: |
6/14/05 |
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Tackle Type: |
Watercraft
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Manufacturer: |
Honda |
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Reviewer: |
Zander |
Introduction:
As gas prices continually
reach new highs, recreational boats, especially those saltwater rigs with twin
or triple outboard configurations, can easily use hundreds of dollars worth of
fuel on one extended trip. For 2006, Honda Marine's BF225 has been modified to
increase fuel efficiency 10% over previous models. Other new improvements make
the engine easier to use for boaters and anglers.
Impressions: While the Mercury Verado continues to grow in popularity fans of
Honda outboards will be excited to know that the company is committed to improving what
many already consider to be among the most refined outboards on the market.
Known for their fuel efficiency and quiet operation even the most fuel efficient
Honda outboards will still require their share of fuel on those multi day bass
tournaments or offshore overnighters. It is for these dedicated anglers that
Honda decided it was high time to implement some of their newest fuel saving
enhancements on their biggest engines. In addition to employing a number of
these proven features from their smaller BF150, the engineers at Honda also made
some extra enhancements to further enrich performance.
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The new and
improved more efficient BF225 Honda outboards |
So what's new on the BF225?
The BF225 now includes lean burn feedback control, which is
also found on Honda Marine's BF150. With this feature,
fuel
economy
is improved and power maximized
throughout the entire acceleration range. In lean cruise mode, a linear air-fuel
sensor and engine command system automatically adjust the air-fuel mix according
to speed and load.
"With the new BF225, boaters and anglers get superior performance and fuel
efficiency. It shows how Honda technology keeps people on the water and having
fun without worrying about fuel costs," said marketing manager Robin Senger.
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Honda "Lean
burn feedback control" was previously proven on the popular BF150 which
powers many bass rigs |
Honda technology has improved shifting on the 2006
BF225. Engineers developed a new shift mechanism and redesigned the heavy-duty
gear profile to make Neutral easier to find. With the addition of a new throttle
cam, low-speed running is enhanced, and operators can fine-tune trolling in 100
rpm increments between the 650 rpm to 1,200 rpm range.
An anti splash shield added to the
engine's midsection reduces splash and spray when boats, especially offshore
boats, during take off.
Based on
Honda's reliable automobile engine design, the large-displacement V-6 engine
utilizes Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) to deliver a
unique blend of power, torque and efficiency at any speed. This is an adaptation
of the very same technology that makes Honda's high revving NSX and S2000 sports
cars so responsive and entertaining to drive. "Performance with efficiency is
what VTEC is all about," states Senger.
Cleaner burning & Warranty:
As with all of Honda Marine's
environmentally friendly outboards, the BF225 exceeds 2006 EPA emissions
standards and complies with the California Air Resource Board (CARB) 3-Star
rating. All Honda Marine outboard engines have a limited, 3-year, nondeclining
warranty that provides anglers with the same top-to-bottom coverage from the
first day to the last.
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Saltwater
anglers that run twin or triple high powered engines will benefit most from
the new more efficient and refined BF225 engines |
Pricing:
Honda Marine's BF225 comes in 20-inch, 25-inch and 30-inch shaft sizes with a
suggested retail price beginning at $18,740. This puts the new Honda BF225 right
in the same price range as the competitor offerings.
Conclusion: Many 4-Stroke outboard fans turn to the Honda to power their
fishing machines for a number of reasons, the most compelling of which is the
company's use of advanced technology, level of refinement, quiet operation, and
fuel efficiency. Honda was the first manufacturer to really tout the advantages
of 4-strokes, stressing that no intake and exhaust ports in 4-stroke cylinders
and pistons allow the engines to run at much tighter tolerances and for an
extended lifespan. Many anglers have switched to 4-strokes because of
environmental regulations and fuel efficiency, and the new and improved high
power Honda BF225 appears to be an excellent choice for anglers that necessitate
plenty of power and still wish to diminish those frowns every time it is time to pay a
visit to the gas pump.
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