The Champions Around The Globe

Soichiro Honda's obsession was automobiles, but, paradoxically, he introduced Honda motorcycles. Driving fast in addition to racing were endeavors he enjoyed, and this passion was complemented by his mechanical knowledge, picked up from working in an auto repair shop while he was in his teens. He acquired a good amount of experience with riding motorcycles, because he had both an Indian, and a Harley.

It seemed to be only when he was 41, in 1948, that Honda began his own Honda Motor Company, but he had already owned an auto repair shop, starting way back in 1928. He believed he must design it well, and create it well, to compete well, so his primary focus was on design, followed by quality. His company just about went under in 1953, even though motorcycle sales were increasing, because of economic depression in Japan. He kept his manufacturing facility in operation so as to avoid laying off people, even though only a small number of motorcycles were actually selling. It was a good call, because the C100 Super Cub was released in 1958, and it became the world's most successful motorcycle. The bike, which possessed a three speed transmission plus a four-stroke motor, was a functional bike that was cheap and could be used by anyone.

Folks new to motorcycles found it easy to use, and it soon found a big following amongst the women commuters. Honda attained the spot of the largest manufacture of motorcycles by 1959, due to the fact of the success of this bike. At that time they chose to set their sights on the entire world. They needed to set a precedence, therefore they decided to come to the United States. They believed if their models were accepted by the American people, they would likely win over the rest of the world as well. Honda had been first on the market to the American public in June, 1959, in Los Angeles, and by 1960 a person could buy a Honda from any of more than 75 stores.

By making accessible half the funding for two important organizations, Honda showed their commitment to the community and won a huge amount of public trust for their company. These were the Motorcycle Industry Council, and the Motorcycle Safety Council, both highly prized by enthusiasts of motorcycles. People kept championing Honda as the number one motorcycle manufacturer during the seventies, as they continued developing new bikes which were irresistible. In 1973 Honda cycles were the champions of over 70 races around the globe, and they were soon renowned as the speediest available. The revolutionary GL1000 Gold Wing was launched in 1975, making touring bikes comfortable and stylish, and the style was hurriedly emulated by Honda's competition.

Honda continued to create innovative motorcycles which attract a cross-spectrum of cultures. Every year Honda donate numerous motorcycles to what they regard as worthwhile causes, and this helps retain the respect and fondness with which they are regarded. They remain active in bike safety by funding training courses and ensuring that motor cyclists have the best information. For a number of decades they've proven their motorcycles to be some of the most reliable of those manufactured. The success they have achieved with some of the big risks they have taken has resulted in Honda growing to be a virtual emperor of motorcycles