Many people have a brand Honda associated primarily with cars. But in its homeland, Japan, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. is a leader in the motorcycle industry. And this despite the fact that Japanese motorcycle monsters Suzuki and Kawasaki few were able to get around «Honda» managed to stand on the same pedestal with them, presenting worthy representatives of their own model range to each category of motorcycles.

Honda motorcycle logo design changes since 1947

How it all began

The Honda company appeared more than 80 years ago, in 1946. Its founder is Soichiro Honda. This man with an unconventional way of thinking and behavior, a daring character and a special talent for invention managed to lead the brand to the greatness that we know it today.

Soichiro Honda in 1948

Soichiro Honda (1906-1991)

Soichiro Honda — Japanese engineer and inventor, a man who from an early age was attached to motorsports and repeatedly participated in auto racing. He was born into a poor family of an ordinary blacksmith who repaired bicycles. But it was his father’s profession and hard work that instilled in his son the skills to solve even complex technical problems.

Soichiro, as a teenager, did not graduate from school. At the age of 16, he became an apprentice to a master in Tokyo, who took the young inventor into an auto repair shop. Until 1928, Honda was an apprentice, working and saving money to return to his home province of Hamamatsu and open his own repair shop there. In the same year, Soichiro received his first patent for the idea of installing metal spokes in car wheels instead of wooden ones.

Mr. Honda's car service in Hamamatsu

Yamashita plant in Hamamatsu city

The birth of the idea of producing mopeds

It was for his unconventional and extraordinary thinking that Soichiro Honda in the future received the title of a person who is able to find simple solutions to complex technical problems. But before that, the inventor had to go through a difficult and thorny path in his home province of Hamamatsu, where he got the idea to register his first company, which was called Tokai Seiki Heavy Industry.

The first own business was registered in 1937. A year later, Honda invents the piston ring, for which it receives a patent and begins large-scale production under the banner of its company. And one of the first buyers of piston rings is Toyota, a contract with which Soichiro loses due to poor product quality.

To solve this problem, the inventor attends an engineering school and researches automated production at all Totyota factories in Japan. And the problem with low quality was solved, and mass production of rings began at the new plant.

But Tokai Seiki Heavy Industry was not destined to survive for long. During the war and the earthquake of 1946, the company was seriously damaged. Honda would be forced to sell its brainchild to Toyota, gaining 450 thousand yen from the transaction.

«Honda» opened in 1948 with a staff of 34 people

Destruction after war and earthquake

At this difficult time for the country, both Soichiro and all residents of Japan needed inexpensive but fairly fast transport. And the idea of creating it came suddenly. Honda once attached a motor to his bicycle, creating a moped. Many people liked the new transport, and soon the founder of Honda assembled similar vehicles for a dozen of his friends and acquaintances, and also decided on mass production of such cars.

The emergence of the Honda Motor Company

In 1946, Soichiro Honda registered a new company, which was named Honda Technical Research Institute, or «Honda Technical Research Institute». A year later, production of the first product begins under its banner. It was a two-stroke A-type engine, the volume of which was 50 cm³.

Motorcycle Honda A-Type 1947

Motorcycle Honda Dream D-Type 1949

After a year of work, the company undergoes a rebranding. Honda Technical Research Institute receives a new name in keeping with the spirit of the times. This is how the today-famous Honda Motor Company appeared, which began to develop and mass produce motorcycles.

The first product is the Dream motorcycle, or «Dream», rolled off the production line in 1949. It had a 98 cm³ engine. In this significant year for the company, another key event occurred — Takeo Fujisawa joined the company, with whom Soichiro Honda shared responsibilities. The founder took on all the work on development and production technologies, while Fujisawa received responsibilities for corporate management and sales.

Motorcycle Honda Dream E-Type 1951

Honda Cub Type F engine

In 1950, Honda Motor Company expanded and opened its first branch in Tokyo. A garment factory is also being purchased here and converted into a factory for the production of motorcycles. Exactly in the Tokyo branch «Honda» The release of a new line of motorcycles, Dream E-Type, formerly Dream D-Type, begins. These models were released in 1951 and created a sensation with their ability to reach speeds of up to 70 km/h.

The next few years are full of significant events for the company:

1. In 1952, the head office of Honda Motor Company was moved to the capital of Japan. At the same time, the Shirako plant opens in Saitman Province. Soitoro creates a new Cub Type F engine, which has a power of 1.2 hp and a displacement of 50 cm³.
2. In 1953, the company opens two more factories. A trade union is registered for workers and a system is created for accepting proposals from the employees themselves. In the same year, the company begins production of Benly J-type.
3. In 1954, shares of the Honda Motor Company appear on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. At the same time, the brand begins mass sales of Juno K-type scooters, which are exported to the USA.

Motorcycle Honda Benly J-type 1953

Scooters Honda Juno K-type 1954

Technological progress and the company's breakthrough do not go unnoticed. In 1954, Honda Motor received the opportunity to participate in international motorcycle racing. The company's team performs at the Sao Paulo and Isle of Man TT motorcycle races in Brazil and the UK. In the same year, Soichiro personally visits the Isle of Man to familiarize himself with the European automobile industry.

Soichiro Honda took part in motorcycle racing

Honda team on the Isle of Man in 1961

In 1955, the company received the title of leader in motorcycle production in Japan, overtaking numerous rivals. In the same year, the Honda Motor team was allowed to participate in the first Japanese motorcycle race Motorcycle Endurance Road Race, where it became the winner in the 350 and 500 cm³ classes and received a prize for vehicle design. In the same year, the company will present three new motorcycle models:

Benly JB
Dream SA
Dream SB-type

Motorcycle Honda Dream SA 1955

Motorcycle Honda Benly JB 1955

1956 brought the company the creation of corporate principles that are still followed today. At the same time, Honda Motor Company opens the first service center and introduces the first product warranty card for a period of 1 year.

A year later, a research and development center opens at the Shirako plant. The company's shares soar and reach the top of the list on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. In the same year, 1957, the team «Honda» wins the Mt. Asama Race, taking victory in the 350 cm class³.

Motorcycle assembly at the Honda Motor plant

Motorcycle Honda Super Cub 1958

In 1958, the company presented a new model of Super Cub motorcycles, and a year later it became the largest manufacturer in the world.

Entering the international market

In 1959, Honda Motor Company opens its first company abroad. It became American Honda Motor, established in the USA. A year later, the research center at the Shirako plant was spun off into a separate company, Honda R&D Co., Ltd.

In 1961, the Honda Motor Company broke world records in the field of motorcycles in terms of sales, selling more than 100000 motorcycles per month. At the same time, production is expanding. The assembly of motorcycles begins in Taiwan, and a company representative office appears in Germany, where Honda Deutschland GmbH is established.

First American Honda Motor office

Suzuka Circuit Sports Complex

In 1962, the company made a fundamentally important and significant decision for itself — to open a plant to produce its own equipment for production. This plant later became the basis for Honda Engineering Co., Ltd. At the same time, Honda Motor Company opened a representative office in Belgium to provide European buyers with motorcycles and built the Suzuka Circuit sports complex.

The year 1968 can rightfully be called an anniversary year for the Honda Motor Company. In this period:

1. The millionth Honda motorcycle was produced at the American representative office.
2. The company’s team took second place for participating in the Formula 1 Grand Prix in France.
3. A contract was signed to introduce Honda motorcycle products to the Spanish and Mexican markets.

Honda RA302 car at the Grand Prix in France in 1968

Motorcycle Dream CB-750 Four 1969

In 1969, Honda Motor Company continued to conquer the world market by opening Canadian and Australian offices. At the same time, the Dream CB-750 Four motorcycle comes off the assembly line at the American plant. A year later, the company opens a center that works to develop traffic safety and develops measures to prevent environmental pollution. The same year, Honda Engineering Co. appeared. In 1971, the company established a Brazilian representative office and began full-scale production of motorcycles in Mexico.

But Honda Motor Company achieved true worldwide fame in 1972, when it released the car Civic. It was with his presentation «Honda» is beginning to be associated with many people as a car manufacturer.

First generation Honda Civic

Honda automobile company logo

In 1973, Soichiro Honda decides to leave the post of president of the company and retire. At the same time, the founder of the concern does not completely abandon his brainchild, but continues to personally test and test each new vehicle. In the same year, together with Suzuka Circuit, they held the first national motorcycle festival.

1974 was a turning point for many Japanese manufacturers. The oil crisis contributed to a decline in sales for all automakers. But Honda made an unusual, but correct decision for his company - he doubled production volume and reduced the cost of production. And this measure brought the company a 75% increase in sales. The same Toyota and Nissan, which decided to reduce production volumes, lost about 40% of sales. In the same year, founder Soichiro Honda received his doctorate from Michigan. A year later, the company launches a new direction - Honda Credit System, specializing in credit sales.

In 1981, the volume of products produced by Honda Motor Company reached a record 5 million mark. Shares of the Japanese manufacturer appear on the London Stock Exchange. A year later, the Honda XL500R becomes the winner of the Paris-Dakar rally. Another year later, the Honda team reappears in Formula 1, and this after a break of 15 years.

Motorcycle Honda XL500R 1982

American «Automotive Hall of Fame»

In the decade of the 1980s, Soichiro Honda became the first Asian to be inducted into the American Automotive Hall of Fame. For his outstanding services in the field of motorcycle and automobile production, the Japanese engineer took an honorable place among other great figures.

1991 was a tragic year for both the company and the entire automobile and motorcycle production industry — founder Soichiro Honda died. However, Honda Motor Company continued to develop and adhere to the principles created by its permanent leader.

Honda Motor Company today

And today Honda Motor Company remains a dynamically developing concern. Under the banner of the Japanese manufacturer, cars, motorcycles, engines, special equipment and much more are produced. The company has over a hundred production offices at its disposal. Its enterprises are located in 33 countries. Honda Motor Company's production capacity allows it to produce millions of units annually.

HondaJet Elite II jet aircraft

Honda outboard motors

Such a huge production allowed the company to become a leader in the number of motorcycle units produced in the world. By number of cars produced from the assembly line «Honda» is in the top ten. At the same time, Honda Motor Company is one of those few companies that have abandoned the idea of merging with other auto manufacturers to create concerns. Honda has enormous potential and opportunities to independently engage in production, maintain and improve its position in the world in terms of units produced of cars and motorcycles.

Honda head office in Tokyo

Honda plant in Vietnam

The best motorcycles from Honda

The Honda brand is a company with a long history of development and becoming an international corporation. Every person is familiar with its name, even those far from the world of auto and motorcycle products. The manufacturer's product range includes dozens of motorcycle models that have taken leading positions around the world. But the portfolio of the Japanese brand includes representatives of motorcycle production that have become iconic and remain so today.

Honda CB400

This is a naked bike that was announced to the public over 40 years ago. A motorcycle with a long-lasting engine, an 18-liter fuel tank, and four shock absorbers. The model is ideal for beginner motorcyclists. Rugged housing and internal components Honda CB400 prevent damage to the motorcycle during the learning process. The absence of a large number of electronic devices makes self-repair possible, and the popularity of the model makes it easier to find replacement parts.

Motorcycle Honda CB400F 2022

Motorcycle Honda CB400SS 2008

Motorcycle Honda CB750 2023

Motorcycle Honda CB600F (Hornet) 2013

Honda Africa Twin 750

A legendary touring motorcycle, most often used for long-distance motorcycle trips. This company model «Honda» used by tourists to bypass hard-to-reach and non-tourist routes. Honda Africa Twin 750 has a huge range thanks to a 24-liter fuel tank. However, the production of motorcycles of this model range ended in the 2000s. Today you can find relatively «new» a bike with low mileage will be difficult.

Motorcycle Honda XRV750 Africa Twin 2004

Motorcycle Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin 2021

Honda NC750X

A comfortable, safe and easy-to-maintain motorcycle model created on the platform of a road bike. The advantages of the Honda NC750X are:

1. Low fuel consumption - only 3 liters per 100 km.
2. Automatic version.
3. Equipped with a spacious compartment for storing things.
4. Comfortable fit.
5. Good wind protection.

A motorcycle with a 14-liter fuel tank is recommended for beginners. It is convenient, versatile, and can be used by people of any height.

The automatic transmission is equipped with a wide range of control modes. There are two standard ones: Drive and Sport. In Sport mode there are three intermediate modes.

The Honda NC750X motorcycle can be used by beginners to learn how to ride on city roads, off-road and in stressful conditions. For experienced motorcyclists, the bike will provide a comfortable ride in bad weather and cold seasons.

Motorcycle Honda NC750S 2017

Motorcycle Honda NC750X 2022

Honda VFR800

A good motorcycle model belonging to the middle category. Honda VFR800 belongs to the sport-tourist class, is equipped with a 4-cylinder engine, a 21-liter gas tank, ABS and CBS safety systems. The Honda VFR800 is a universal bike in terms of use and handling. It provides a comfortable ride at high speeds, overcoming small «dalnyakov» along highways. Not suitable for beginners, because when fully equipped it is heavy and has components made of expensive plastic.

Motorcycle Honda VFR800 2018

Motorcycle Honda VFR1200 2014

Honda GL1500

Brand flagship «Honda». Large touring bike with a 6-cylinder engine, 24 liter gas tank, hydraulic brakes and a combined braking system. The large weight and dimensions made it possible to equip the bike with auxiliary components, such as:

air suspension;
anti-peck;
reverse;
automatic transmission.

Model modifications depend on the selected Honda GL1500 configuration. We are talking about a retractable footrest, an LCD monitor, illumination of parameters on the dashboard and other additions that make it easier for an experienced motorcyclist to control a large bike. By default, the motorcycle is equipped with a built-in radio, multiple glove compartments, and three panniers.

Motorcycle Honda GL1500 1996

Motorcycle Honda GL1800 2020

Motorcycle Honda GL1500 with sidecar, 1999

Motorcycle Honda GL1800 trike 2023

Models of Honda