Honda Bond

Published 27 Jul 2012 09:30

SKYFALL, the new, 23rd, James Bond film will roll out in cinemas from October 26 and from this week and two of the actual Honda machines used in the film can be seen at the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu, Hampshire.

Honda's CRF250R motorcycle proved to be the machine of choice for the 007 film's action vehicles and stunt crew. A total of 20 of the bikes were provided and modified for the opening sequence of the movie, shot in Istanbul and Adana, Turkey, earlier this year. The CRF250Rs were adapted and "dressed" into two native style motorbikes. One, a Turkish police bike which henchman, Patrice (Ola Rapace), seizes after a policeman crashes, and the other, a Turkish merchant's bike, which James Bond (Daniel Craig) uses to pursue Patrice through the streets. Both bikes feature extensive modifications, courtesy of Chris Corbould's award-winning special effects team.

In addition, two CRF450R motorbikes were used as HD camera filming machines, as only a motorbike could allow the camera crew to keep up with the chase scene and follow the mind-blowing stunts.

Stunt co-ordinator for Skyfall, Gary Powell, commented: "We needed a highly versatile and quality off-road motorbike that could be easily modified, without compromising performance or safety, for the opening sequence of Skyfall. Honda's CRFs are probably the best off-roaders out there so it's great that we've been able to partner with Honda as the bikes, while heavily modified, were superb to work with."

Honda (UK) corporate communications manager, Fiona Cole, said: "We are delighted to be a partner for Skyfall and are very much looking forward to seeing our Honda CRFs in action in the film and rolling out some great associated activities we have planned for October, when the film is released. We like to try and do things differently at Honda, including finding innovative, yet relevant, ways to showcase our diverse products, while also really engaging with our customers. It's great to not only have Honda machines chosen as the choice of Bond, but also to be working with such a longstanding film franchise."

The Skyfall 'police' and 'street merchant' bikes, alongside the unmodified Honda CRF250R, were unveiled on July 17 at the famous National Motor Museum in Beaulieu, which is hosting the Bond In Motion exhibition until December 31, 2012. The exhibition, the largest of its kind, celebrates 50 years of the James Bond films and showcases 50 of the most iconic Bond vehicles.

Honda is celebrating its association with Skyfall by offering free film tickets and promotions.

Visit www.honda.co.uk

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This article appeared in Slough Observer 26 Jul 12

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