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Many outboard manufacturers have just recently started
to offer four-stroke outboards as part of their product lines. One
manufacturer, though, has been producing four-stroke outboards for
more than 30 years and, with its latest model, continues to push the
frontier of this technology.
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New Honda outboard
boasts four-stroke technology
for lower emissions
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Honda has introduced a new two horsepower, four-stroke
outboard with better fuel efficiency, lighter weight and easier
operation than the previous similar motors in its line. Powered by
Honda's new M4 four-stroke engine, with an overhead valve design that
minimizes exhaust emissions, it boasts emission levels that are better
than this year's EPA requirements.
The overhead valve design also improves fuel economy.
Combined with a larger integral fuel tank, it enables the outboard to
travel up to 50 percent farther on a tank of gas than the earlier two
hp models.
An available centrifugal clutch engages automatically
as rpm increases. This convenient feature permits starting and idling
in neutral. The twist-grip throttle, along with a 360 steering pivot,
affords excellent maneuverability.
Displacing 57 cc, the single-cylinder engine operates
at 5,000 to 6,000 rpm at full throttle. Its sleeveless uniblock
cylinder and aluminum sintered connecting rods help keep its weight
remarkably low.
The engine's inherently quiet four-stroke design and
underwater exhaust port maintain operating noise at a low, pleasant
hum that helps anglers 'sneak up' on unsuspecting fish. The outboard
also is ideal for small sailboats, dinghies and canoes.
Like all Honda outboards, the two hp features the
environmentally friendly four-stroke design that eliminates mixing of
gasoline and oil. As a result, there is none of the oil discharge,
smoke, spark plug fouling or odor associated with two-stroke
outboards.
Standard features include electronic ignition, an easy
to use recoil starter, forced-air engine cooling, water-cooled exhaust
and a convenient oil level inspection window. Models also will be
available with the traditional direct drive, plus both long and short
shafts, for various boat applications.
Suggested retail price is $855.
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