History of Honda Motorcycles
Honda is a manufacturer of motorcycles and cars, getting a foothold in the U.S. market in the 1960s by introducing a series of fuel-efficient, low-cost motorcycles that chased the venerable British motorcycle makers away and ultimately led the fledgling motorcycle company to become the second-largest automaker in Japan, behind Toyota. In 2008, it was the only automaker to show a profit in the weakened global economy.
Postwar Start
Soichiro Honda began building motorcycles with discarded army engines in 1946 to provide economical transportation for the public.
Dream Machine
In 1949, the Model D, or Dream, motorbike debuted with a 50cc engine.
Getting Bigger
By 1958, Honda had developed the leisure C100 Super Club motorcycle, then followed in 1965 with the CB450 that directly competed with the British-owned Triumph, BSA and Norton.
Conquers the United Kingdom
British motorcycle makers lost their hold in the U.S. when Honda used trial flexible management techniques and a willingness to invest in its factories to become the top exporter to the U.S.
Racing Background
Always a competitive bike on the race track, the expensive, elegantly designed NR500 debuted in the late 1970s. Its fastest production bike, the CBR1100XX 1137cc Super Blackbird, was produced in 1996.
Gold Wing
Honda's most durable motorcycle, the Gold Wing, began production in 1980 and remains a favorite among enthusiasts for its lightweight construction and power.
Tags: British motorcycle, British motorcycle makers, Gold Wing, History Honda, History Honda Motorcycles
