Honda’s flagship outboard series – the BF175/200/225 – has undergone a series of minor model changes. The latest generation of large-displacement V6 four-stroke EFI outboards has been reworked and refined to deliver more torque, greater fuel efficiency, incorporate NMEA 2000 compatibility (engine-to-electronics data communication) and other advantages.
Honda Australia marine manager Chris Schultz said the new BF175/200/225 ‘AK1’ was driven by Honda’s desire to “continually achieve best-in-class performance”.
“Never satisfied with maintaining the status quo, Honda solicited honest opinions from BF175/200/225 customers all over the world as to how this flagship series could be even further improved,” Schultz said.
“Honda engineers have reworked these engines to deliver satisfaction way beyond consumer expectations, with holeshot performance that’s equivalent to higher-rated horsepower outboards and fuel efficiency that’s second to none.”
The incorporation of Honda’s revolutionary Boosted Low Speed Torque (BLAST) air/fuel ratio linked ignition timing control technology delivers explosive holeshot performance to get boats on the plane quicker than ever. Activated by sudden throttle movement, BLAST makes available the greatest amount of torque at the precise moment it’s required.
Reducing fuel consumption by five per cent over the previous BF175/200/225 was achieved by adopting a combination of an O2 feedback system and simple lean burn system – a first in the outboard industry. Known as ECOmo (Economy Controlled Motor), the system is activated when the engine is in mid-range cruising rpm and the throttle is steady. Extensive testing concludes the resultant fuel efficiency is equivalent to that of Honda’s BF150 linear air-fuel (LAF) lean burn system.
Among other notable changes, a new gearcase – with a dramatically more hydrodynamic profile – reduces water resistance and improves acceleration, and a new water intake screen provides better cooling for maximum motor efficiency.
A number of other minor model changes have improved the rigging and maintenance of the engines at the dealer service level.
More at: www.honda.com.au
