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Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Honda Motorbikes Hold Cross-Cultural Charm

By Nikia Culotti


Automobiles were his first love, nevertheless Soichiro Honda's destiny was to develop the motorcycle that bore his name. He loved driving extremely fast, as well as enjoying racing, and since he worked in an auto repair shop as a teenager, he knew the mechanical things. He had plenty of experience with riding motorcycles, because he owned and operated both an Indian, and a Harley.

Honda had a repair service shop in 1928, but was 41 years old in 1948, when he first started the Honda Motor Company. He believed he had to develop it well, and make it well, to compete well, so his primary focus was on design, followed by quality. In 1953 Japan was going through a depression, and, even though sales of motorcycles were on the up, the survival of his company was in jeopardy. He kept his manufacturing facility up and running so as to avoid laying off people, even though only a small number of motorcycles were being bought. It was subsequently a good decision, because the C100 Super Cub was released in 1958, and it became the world's most successful motorcycle. The bike was versatile and inexpensive, near anybody's reach, driven by a 4-stroke motor with a 3-speed transmission.

Women particularly took to it for the objective of commuting, but novice riders of both genders loved it for its ease of use. Honda attained the standing of the largest manufacture of motorcycles by 1959, due to the fact of the success of this bike. They determined that it was time for growth all over the world. They needed to set a precedence, so they made a decision to come to the United States. Achievement in America would surely lead to success worldwide, they believed. The original retail outlet promoting Honda motorcycles opened in June of 1959, in Los Angeles, and by 1960, successful dealerships, selling Honda's, were more than 75.

By means of community involvement , mostly through sponsoring 50% of the funding needed by a pair of organizations, Honda became a trusted brand. These were the Motorcycle Industry Council, as well as the Motorcycle Safety Council, both highly prized by enthusiasts of motorcycles. Honda carried on to create new motorcycles during the 1970's, which people could not get enough of, keeping them atop the industry. In 1973 Honda cycles were the victors of over 70 races around the globe, and they were soon renowned as the speediest available. The ground breaking GL1000 Gold Wing was launched in 1975, making touring bikes comfortable and stylish, and the idea was hurriedly emulated by Honda's rivals.

Revolutionary motorcycles, popular with different cultures, have continued to be made by Honda. They also try to keep a good reputation with the public by donating many motorcycles each year to causes that are deemed worthy. Honda still promote biking safety through the courses they sponsor and by helping bikers have access to the most up-to-date information available. For many decades they have proven their motorcycles to be some of the most reliable of those manufactured. They have become renowned rulers in the motorcycle industry, in no small part because of their willingness to innovate irrespective of the circumstances.




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