Honda, the well-known car and motorcycle brand, has become familiar to Vietnamese people for a long time. But few people know the deep history of this world-renowned motorcycle company.
>> The History of Honda Motorcycle (Part 1)
>> The History of Honda Motorcycle (Part 2)
From a strong technological foundation…
In the 1970s, Honda produced a two-stroke moped called the Amigo. The production of small two-stroke engines cost significantly less than four-stroke engines. Therefore, the Amigo opened up a new era for two-stroke motorcycles.
Honda Amigo
In February 1970, Honda entered the off-road three-wheeler market with the ATC90. Becoming familiar with this segment, Honda developed a new technology called All Terrain Vehicle (ATC) for three-wheelers. Along with the three-wheelers, Honda improved its line of two-stroke and four-stroke motocross bikes.
Honda ATC
After years of dominance in Europe, the improved racing bike based on the CB750 became victorious in the first major race in the United States. This victory alerted the American people to a formidable competitor on all race tracks. At that time, Honda continuously upgraded its engines. The 500cc-four engine was improved to 550cc, and the 350cc engine was increased to 360cc.
The 250cc and 350cc motorbikes also underwent regular design improvements. The continuous improvement of Honda’s sports models resulted in the launch of the first automatic transmission for the CB750A in 1976 and the improved three-valve V-twin engine on the CR 250 motocross bikes.
GL 1000 Gold Wing
In the late 1970s, Honda introduced trail bikes with the SL 250 model, which served both off-road and on-road purposes. Building on the success of the SL 250, Honda made a strategic move into the touring bike market with the GL 1000 Gold Wing. Featuring a premium 180-degree V-four engine with water cooling, the GL 1000 redefined the concept of comfortable and convenient travel. Equipped with a shaft drive, disc brakes, and a sleek 4.8-gallon fuel tank (compared to the standard 6-gallon tank of Harley bikes), the GL 1000 was considered the benchmark for comfort and luxury.
Entering the 1980s, Honda achieved new milestones, such as obtaining a license to produce large-displacement motorcycles in the United States. Immediately, they introduced the CBX 1047cc with a 6-cylinder engine, and an improved version of this bike won at the Isle of Man race.
…To Pioneering in the New Century
To demonstrate its leadership in technology, Honda introduced the first turbocharged engine for motorcycles in 1982. In the custom bike market, Honda launched the Honda Shadow – a combination of classic design and the latest advanced technologies such as water cooling and shaft drive. Unlike other heavy custom bikes, the Shadow was built to be versatile and perform well on different terrains.
Honda Shadow
After the success of the Shadow in the US market, Honda made a comprehensive investment in this market. It started with the establishment of Honda’s Research Center in the US in 1984. This center was responsible for developing new products in line with the American market’s roads, preferences, and lifestyle.
Throughout the 1990s, Honda continued to conquer the world with technological advancements and a deep understanding of its market culture. Soichiro Honda was honored at the Automobile Hall of Fame in the US in October 1989.
Honda Cub in the future
From the first brick laid down by Soichiro Honda, after 50 years of development, it’s time to consider the path for the next 50 years. Honda will continue to do what has made its name special and successful. Identifying technological development as a vital path, Honda promises its customers that what they see in their dreams today will be available at Honda showrooms tomorrow. And above all, the passion will continue to burn, driving Honda to lead the way into the new century.
Thao Anh (Based on TTTD)
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