Honda® Motorcycle History
When you hear the brand Honda, you probably think about cars. However, Honda® motorcycles are just as trusted and reliable as any commuter vehicle made by the company. Although you’ve heard the name often, you probably don’t know much about the history behind Honda motorcycles. This iconic brand comes from humble beginnings. Keep reading to learn more about the origins of Honda motorcycles. When you’re ready to check out some bikes for sale, give us a call at Arizona Honda in Snowflake, Arizona. We proudly serve Show Low and Holbrook. We’ll get you on the road on the perfect Honda motorcycle!
The Beginning
Soichiro Honda was not happy. He was fed up with the rigid path of engineering school. One day, he decided enough was enough. He left and never came back. This dropout decided to bet on himself and created his own company in 1948, named after himself. His natural love for tinkering with engines helped him in his quest to improve vehicles.
Just one year after launching the company, he hired an engineer named Takeo Fujisawa. Both of these innovators dreamt of making easy-to-ride vehicles for the public. Honda focused on the model launches and Fujisawa focused on the financial aspects of the business.
Both men worked together to create the first Honda motorcycle: the D-Type motorcycle. The “D” stood for “Dream.” The bike quickly became popular among the public. Within ten years of the release of the first Honda motorcycle, the company would become the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world.
Dominating the American Market
Honda brought its operations to America in 1959 by setting up headquarters in California. This location was the first overseas subsidiary and was named the American Honda Motor Company. In just nine years, the company had sold their one-millionth Honda motorcycle in the United States.
The unique marketing approach of the company has played a large role in its success. Most American companies opted for bulky bikes targeted at the tough guys of the country. Honda motorcycles have never been marketed like that. Soichiro Honda took the opposite approach. The company centred its campaign around the phrase, “You meet the nicest people on a Honda.”
This strategy made Honda motorcycles more approachable and accessible to the average person. This helped the brand reach a broader demographic. The bikes were lighter and more affordable so they were more accessible to new riders. All of this led to the success of the company.
What really cemented their place in the American market was the release of the CB750 in 1968. This bike was unlike any other bike released before. This Honda motorcycle eventually became the first superbike. It had a new inline four-cylinder overhead camshaft engine which was normally only used for racing motorcycles. This revolutionary bike gave riders better speed and performance at a lower price. It’s no wonder this bike earned the title of “Motorcycle of the Century.” Ever since then, Honda has dominated the American market.
Into the Future
Honda motorcycles have come a long way from their beginnings. Soichiro Honda built his company on the ideals of innovation, reliability, and affordability. He sought to create a bike that all people could ride no matter their ability or background.
Throughout the years, the company continued to stay true to its founding principles. Honda continues to surprise the world with new innovations. They’ve expanded their operations and created even better models.
Honda motorcycles are built to last and made for riders of all levels. The wide range of models means you’ll be able to find a bike that fits you and your needs. You can be sure that your Honda motorcycle is top notch quality.
Are you ready to check out some motorcycles for sale? Give us a call at Arizona Honda in Snowflake, Arizona. We proudly serve Show Low and Holbrook too. You’ll be hitting the road in your Honda motorcycle in no time!