FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

20^th June 2003

HONDA LEADS IN BATTLE TO FOIL BIKE THIEVES

Honda’s new HISS 2 (Honda Ignition Security System) has won Category 2 approval by the Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre in Berkshire, also known as ‘Thatcham’ after the town in which the centre is based.

Honda’s scintillating new CBR600RR, Gold Wing, Pan-European and CB900 Hornet models are all equipped with the HISS 2 immobiliser system and automatically qualify for Thatcham’s Category 2 status privileges.

The Centre is funded by the Association of British Insurers (ABI) and hence the financial implications to Honda customers with HISS 2 equipped models are considerable: Category 2 approval from Thatcham equates to a 5-10% discount on insurance premiums.

What sets HISS 2 apart from its predecessor - the original HISS system - is a secure bracket which holds the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) in place, making its removal almost impossible. The new system was developed by Honda in conjunction with vehicle alarm specialist, Datatool.

The four models listed above all passed Thatcham’s five-minute attack test without the need of the additional bracket, but owners of machines equipped with the original HISS system need not be discouraged: for a nominal charge they can upgrade to HISS 2 by having the secure bracket fitted to their machines by an authorised Honda dealer and thus enjoy all the benefits that Category 2 approval confers.

"Although it’s sometimes difficult because they are so desirable, Honda is constantly working to make its models less attractive to would-be thieves," said Honda (UK) communications manager, Greg Willis.

"Along with Smartwater, which is applied free of charge to all new Honda models, the original HISS system was a great step forward in this battle. We’re delighted that HISS 2 has obtained Thatcham’s Category 2 status and made the resulting insurance discounts available to even more Honda customers," added Willis.