Chad Reed and TeamVodafone used Sydney’s Darling Harbour today to officially unveil the Honda that he will compete on in this weekend’s Monster Energy Super X, Australasian Supercross Championship, season opener this weekend.

Reed was introduced on stage by Channel Seven television identity Mark Beretta in front of a healthy crowd of national media outlets and interested observers passing by, riding his TeamVodafone machine on stage as the curtains were drawn.

“I am really excited to be racing under the TeamVodafone banner for this weekend’s event,” said 28-year-old Reed. “I have had enjoyed a strong relationship with the team for the past four years and follow their progress closely through the telecast in the U.S. and on the internet.

“To be running the bike in this livery is something new and exciting for the sport and it is great to be able to launch it in time for my home race in Newcastle. It is really cool to be coming out with something new that no one has seen before and to have personally played a role in its design.”

The CRF450R that Reed will ride this weekend features the unique chrome and rocket red livery that fans are used to seeing on the TeamVodafone V8 Supercars.

Reed’s race bike looks surprisingly stock for Saturday night’s opener, featuring Showa kit suspension from Pro Circuit, a Pro Circuit exhaust, Pro Circuit triple clamps, Renthal Twin-Wall handlebars, an ARC clutch lever, Hinson clutch cover, Light Speed carbon-fibre pieces, black D.I.D rims, ONE Industries graphics and Renthal sprockets.

Reed’s ride remains with minimal sponsorship throughout apart from title sponsor Vodafone, Dunlop, Pro Circuit, Showa, Renthal and ONE. It also shares sponsorship from the V8 team including Holden and Komatsu.

Although Reed’s CRF lacks Honda branding, Honda Australia today revealed that it will be backing Reed’s campaign with technical support courtesy of well known technician and Honda training guru Philip ‘Pip’ Harrison.

“It’s all just come together recently, so I’ll be going up to Newcastle straight away to build a bike for Chad, run a quick test session and then go racing,” Harrison commented. “I’m thrilled to be a part of this new team and am looking forward to getting back into the thick of racing for this series.”

Reed confirmed that he will only be contesting Saturday’s Newcastle round of Super X at Energy Australia Stadium in 2010, not yet completing a deal for the next year’s AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, series – his priority at this point of the year.

It was also confirmed that Reed will soon be behind the wheel of the reigning champion TeamVodafone V8 Supercar, the team taking a history-making 1-2 finish at Bathurst last Sunday. Bathurst winner Mark Skaife joined Reed and TeamVodafone for the Supercross team launch today.

“It has been two years since I drove a TeamVodafone V8 Supercar, the cars have come a long way and the team has switched from Ford to Holden,” said Reed.

“The experience was a rush. I learnt a lot with every lap and look forward to any chance I may get to test the new Commodores.”

Sharing a passion for two wheels as well as four, TeamVodafone principal Roland Dane was excited to welcome the world Champion to the team.

“Chad is one of Australia’s greatest sporting stars and his profile and achievements are held in high regard across the world,” said Dane. “We’re pleased to have him on board as a member of TeamVodafone and are thrilled that he has decided to run a livery that reflects our race cars.

“In the past he has shown he is more than capable on four wheels as well as two, and we look forward to providing him with further testing opportunities aboard our Holden Commodore.”

Click here to read our full Mid Week with Chad Reed interview, where Reed speaks candidly about a number a topics concerning his career.

For over 30 images of his new Honda, check out this link.

If films are your thing, be sure to watch this quick flick from the launch in Darling Harbour.