Honda claims new mark in fuel efficient bike

Japan's Honda Motor on Monday unveiled a new motorbike engine that it claims is 40 percent more efficient than those currently available.

The 700cc, four-stroke, two-cylinder engine, a size popular in Europe, can do around 27 kilometres per litre (63 miles per gallon) of fuel, the company said, making it the best in the 500-750cc mid-range class.

The new engine will be installed in three models to be displayed at an international motorcycle exhibition in November in Milan.

Honda said the new engine would offer "outstanding fuel efficiency in the mid-class... for touring and urban riding".

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