2011 SW-T600: The luxury commuter

Press release date: 2 November 2010

Model status: New model

Introduction

Large-capacity scooters are an elegant solution to the transport needs of urban and suburban commuters. In a car, the daily trip into the city for work or college can be a stressful experience with traffic-packed roads, endless queues, road pricing for four-wheelers in some cities, and a fight for parking at your destination. A two-wheeler is the obvious solution, but few scooters possess anything like the comfort, convenience or refinement of a car. And yet the discerning commuter values these qualities and is accustomed to very high standards of design, technology, reliability and performance.

The 2011 SW-T600 is a high-tech and luxurious new large-capacity scooter designed specifically to appeal to this sophisticated market. It is a thoroughly 21^st century vehicle; one that integrates the very latest in advanced technology, great design and dynamic engineering to deliver a hugely satisfying riding and ownership experience.

By combining the acclaimed styling and compact, traffic-busting dimensions of the SW-T400 with the thrilling performance of a twin-cylinder 582.2cm³ engine, the SW-T600 really does have it all – the ability to slip through city streets and the speed and refinement to travel great distances so effortlessly it feels like flying. Indeed, so impressive is the performance of the SW-T600 that it takes its class to new heights. It elevates the large-capacity scooter beyond its status as a humble commuter – a machine to be forgotten at weekends – to something more exciting and versatile; a genuine alternative to a motorcycle. So fun and rewarding is the SW-T600 that the long, scenic route home from work may become too tempting to resist.

Despite its powerful performance, the SW-T600 is easy to use, affordable to run, practical and utterly reliable. The strikingly styled bodywork conceals generous storage compartments while the fuel-injected, liquid-cooled engine is both fuel-efficient and low-maintenance. The elegant and comprehensive instrument display puts everything the rider needs to know just a glance away, while the seating area, with its ergonomically refined stepped seat is both welcoming and extremely comfortable. The result is an inspirational new vehicle of unrivalled elegance, practicality and versatility: the 2011 SW-T600.

Main features

- High-class design and sophisticated details add appeal for the discerning and image-conscious customer.

- Refined and low maintenance twin-cylinder engine delivers smooth, effortless power.

- Advanced chassis design and suspension systems provide superb comfort and complete control.

- Generous underseat compartment for the storage of 2 full-face helmets or a laptop and briefcase.

- Powerful Combined hydraulic disc brakes provide safe and secure stopping power. Combined ABS version offers the extra assurance of an Antilock Brake System.

- Fuel injection and catalytic converter systems minimise harmful emissions, comfortably complying with EURO-3 regulations.

- Extremely high levels of finish and build quality for unrivalled owner satisfaction.

Styling

Elegant look

The stunning styling of the SW-T600 follows the critically acclaimed design of the SW-T400. Where many maxi-scooters are understated to the point where they compromise on character, the new SW-T600 is striking and utterly modern. The distinctive and beautifully resolved design sweeps back from the well-defined nose, with its pair of powerful headlights, through the luxurious seating area to a tapered rear end that gives the machine a lightweight and dynamic stance on the road. The lines and surfaces of the SW-T600 are as athletic as those of a sports car, and the stunning level of finish throughout reinforces this connection.

Excellent wind and weather protection

The carefully sculpted fairing cowl is both practical and beautiful, helping protect the rider and passenger from turbulent air. Particular care has been taken to manage the airflow around the lower part of the bodywork, curving the windblast around the rider’s feet and legs.

Comprehensive and classy instruments

Inspired by automotive interiors, the instrument panel shows all the information the rider needs in a clean and clear multi-function display designed to be easy to use. The five dials of the display include a tachometer and analogue speedometer to communicate critical information at a glance, backed up the analogue fuel meter and coolant temperature gauge. An LCD display also features a fuel consumption gauge, an indicator for the HISS (Honda Ignition Security System) and a V-belt indicator. The result is a classy display that looks good day or night and contributes significantly to the machine’s luxurious, premium feel.

Luxurious comfort

Just as the engine and chassis have been engineered to create the kind of refined feel that makes a difference on long rides, so the seat has been carefully designed for maximum comfort. The low 755mm seat height ensures total control while also creating a roomy, neutral and natural riding position for all-day comfort. A reassuring back support separates the rider and passenger, increasing comfort for both, while the passenger also benefits from a broad, comfortable seat and retractable footsteps. With no need to stop for a stretch, the SW-T600 broadens the remit of the big-capacity scooter to include long distance two-up touring. 

Generous storage

As befits its status as the luxury car of the scooter world, the SW-T600 boasts several storage compartments. Flick the trunk opener and beneath the seat you will find a main storage area big enough to take two full-face helmets, or a laptop and briefcase. This compartment features a light that switches on automatically when the seat is lifted. Smaller essentials can be kept closer to hand in either the lockable 2.2-litre glove box or the deep ticket pocket, both of which are easily accessible from the rider’s seat.

Colours

The new SW-T600 makes its debut in three sophisticated colours which reinforce its clean lines and luxurious finish:

- Sword Silver Metallic New!

- Pearl Cosmic Black New!

- Titanium Metallic New!

Engine

Twin-cylinder power

Compared to the single-cylinder engines commonly found in small-capacity scooters, the twin-cylinder unit that powers the SW-T600 operates on a higher plane of performance, refinement and user satisfaction. Thanks to optimised intake and exhaust systems the SW-T600 produces 37.7kW at 7,500min^-1 and a stunning 55Nm of torque at just 6,000min^-1. As a result the machine has the acceleration to surge ahead of other urban traffic in the blink of an eye. On the open road the engine has the kind of sharp responses and strong, flexible power delivery that encourage dynamic riding, while such is the abundance of performance that even high-speed overtakes and sustained motorway riding are effortless. At the same time the engine’s twin-cylinder configuration and biaxial balancer mean that all this performance is delivered without vibration or fuss, giving a smooth and comfortable ride.

Compact and lightweight

Despite its credentials as a class-leading engine in terms of performance and refinement, the power unit in the SW-T600 has been engineered to be as light and as compact as possible. This in turn helps create a lightweight and very manageable chassis with excellent handling characteristics, including reassuring stability at speed and agile, easy handling in town.

Fuel-efficient and clean

Modern engine design and an advanced PGM-FI fuel injection system mean the SW-T600 is fuel-efficient. Because less fuel is needed to complete a given journey, time and money is saved at the petrol pumps. This efficiency also allows the use of a smaller fuel tank, for both superb handling and far more storage space within the body of the vehicle.

Chassis

Comfort and control

The SW-T600 has been developed to deliver car-like levels of luxury, stability and safety, together with a sophisticated air of refinement well beyond that of most scooters. The skeleton of the SW-T600 is a steel centre backbone frame based on the design used in the SW-T400. Its layout keeps the bulk of the scooter’s mass low and centralised, which works with the low riding position to deliver outstanding levels of control. The wheelbase of 1599mm and 28.5° caster angle give unruffled, responsive dynamics at any speed. As a result the SW-T600 enjoys superb agility together with a serene and secure chassis feeling that is crucial to a premium feel. Capable of generous bank angles thanks to its slim body and compact dimensions, the machine is utterly composed in corners. The chassis has also been designed to reduce vibration to a minimum. The already smooth engine is rubber-mounted, while fastidious engineering throughout the chassis structure all but eliminates tiresome vibration, leaving the rider fresh after even a long journey.

Advanced motorcycle-derived suspension systems

A refined ride feel was a key element of the brief for the SW-T600, and to this end the machine uses advanced suspension systems to deliver superb handling and a cosseting ride quality. The sturdy 41mm hydraulic front fork resists flex under braking and over bumps to deliver consistent damping and shock absorbing properties, while the lightweight alloy rear swingarm configuration uses a pair of damper units with 5 levels of preload adjustment, allowing riders to tailor the scooter’s suspension to suit their individual requirements. The strikingly styled and lightweight cast alloy wheels (14" at the front and 13" at the rear) further enhance the plush ride quality by helping reduce the all-important mass of the machine’s unsprung components.

State-of-the-art braking systems

As befits a machine with top-class power and performance, the SW-T600 boasts reassuringly advanced braking systems. The front wheel is fitted with a large 276 x 6mm disc gripped by a powerful triple-piston caliper, while the rear wheel features a 240 x 6.5mm disc with a dual-piston caliper. The two brake calipers are linked via the Combined braking system, which optimises front and rear brake actuation for smooth, powerful braking in all situations. The Combined ABS version of the SW-T600 further enhances the machine’s levels of safety with an Antilock Brake System. Should the system sense an imminent skid at either wheel, the brake pressure is modulated to maximise braking performance while retaining full control. 

Standard equipment

Honda Ignition Security System (HISS)

Fitted as standard, the Honda Ignition Security System is an electronic security measure that makes the scooter impossible to start without one of the two original keys. Without one of those keys the ignition system remains completely immobilised, preventing hot-wiring and ride-away theft. 

Antilock Braking System

The Combined ABS version of the SW-T600 further enhances the safety of the vehicle by retaining control and maximising braking when stopping in an emergency. 

Optional Equipment

The practicality and versatility of the SW-T600 can be further enhanced with a comprehensive range of optional accessories, specially produced for it by Honda Access Europe. These include:

40L top tox

Make the SW-T600 extra practical with the addition of Honda’s 40L top box. It stores a full-face helmet and more, and includes secure straps to prevent any fragile or valuable items moving around inside when you’re on the move. A padded mat on the floor of the top box cushions the contents against heavier bumps. The lockable top box lid matches the model colour and the unit is secured on a quick-detach mounting system. It features a carrying handle and a backrest for passengers.

Heated grips

Warm up those cold winter mornings and make your fingers more responsive with genuine Honda heated grips for your SW-T600. The grips control is easy to use, even with gloves, and a five-step sequence for different heat levels and status indication – the system even self-monitors to ensure there is no drain on the battery.

Scooter blanket

Honda’s scooter blanket is also available for your SW-T600, made from black, water-repellent fabric with sturdy zips to keep you protected. If you need extra warmth, there’s an insulated lining for cold damp mornings. If conditions are really inclement, a chest cover offers additional protection.

An integral cover keeps your seat dry while your scooter is parked.

Other Honda SW-T600 accessories:

· Alarm

· U-lock

· Top box inner bag

· Outdoor cover

Honda assurance

You can be sure that, like any other Genuine Honda Accessory, all those for the Honda SW-T600 fit perfectly because they have all been developed alongside the model. They are all subject to Honda’s rigorous testing procedures to make sure they adhere to our exacting quality standards, which is why they’re offered with a two-year Honda warranty.

Specifications – SW-T600 (ED-type)

ENGINE

Type: Liquid-cooled 4-stroke 8-valve DOHC parallel twin

Displacement: 582.2cm³

Bore x Stroke: 72 x 71.5mm

Compression Ratio: 10.2 : 1

Max. Power Output: 37.7kW/7,500min^-1 (95/1/EC)

Max. Torque: 55Nm/6,000min^-1 (95/1/EC)

Idling Speed: 1,300min^-1

Oil capacity: 2.6 litres

FUEL SYSTEM

Carburation: PGM-FI electronic fuel injection

Throttle Bore: 32mm

Aircleaner: Paper filter (oil-permeated type)

Fuel Tank Capacity: 16 litres

Fuel Consumption: 21.2km/l (WMTC Mode#)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Ignition System: Computer-controlled digital transistorised with electronic advance

Ignition Timing: 10°BTDC～32°BTDC (9,000min^-1)

Sparkplug Type: CR8EH-9(NGK)

Starter: Electric

BatteryCapacity: 12V/11AH

ACG Output: 442W

Headlights: 12V, 55W x 1 (low)/55W x 1 (high)

DRIVETRAIN

Clutch: Automatic; centrifugal

Transmission Type: V-Matic

Final Reduction: 6.016

Final Drive: V-Belt

Belt Converter Ratios: 2.1～0.85

FRAME

Type: Centre bone; steel tube

CHASSIS

Dimensions (LxWxH): 2,285 x 770 x 1,430

Wheelbase: 1,600mm

Caster Angle: 28.5°

Trail: 105mm

Seat Height: 755mm

Ground Clearance: 135mm

Kerb Weight: 247kg (F: 95kg; R: 152kg)

*250kg (F: 98kg; R: 152kg)

Max Carrying Capacity: 169kg

Loaded Weight: 416kg (*419kg)

SUSPENSION

Type: Front: 41mm telescopic fork, 105mm axle travel

Rear: Dual conventional dampers with 5-step spring preload adjustment, 115mm axle travel

WHEELS

Type: Front: Cast aluminium

Rear: Cast aluminium

Rim Size: Front:14 x 2.75

Rear: 13 x 4.50

TyreSize: Front: 120/80-14M/C 58S

Rear: 150/70-13M/C 64S

TyrePressure: Front: 200kPa

Rear: 225kPa (with passenger: 250kPa)

BRAKES

Type:Front: 276 x 6mm single disc with Combined 3-piston calliper (*ABS) and sintered metal pads

Rear: 240 x 6.5mm hydraulic disc with dual-piston calliper (*ABS) and sintered metal pads

*ABS version

All specifications are provisional and subject to change without notice.

# Please note that the figures provided are results obtained by Honda under standardised testing conditions prescribed by WMTC. Tests are conducted on a rolling road using a standard version of the vehicle with only one rider and no additional optional equipment. Actual fuel consumption 

may vary depending on how you ride, how you maintain your vehicle, weather, road conditions, tire pressure, installation of accessories, cargo, rider and passenger weight, and other factors.

Contact:

Honda Motor Europe Ltd.

470 London Road,Slough,

Berkshire,SL3 8QY

Phone: +44 (0) 1753 590 500

Fax: +44 (0) 1753 590 000

www.honda-eu.com