Honda Motorcycle History
People know Honda as a multinational industry giant, creating some of the most innovative motorcycles in the world. But the company has not always been so well known. In fact, Honda comes from very humble beginnings. Read on to discover how the company went from a dream to a successful reality. For a wide selection of Honda motorcycles, visit Maxey’s Motorsports in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
The Beginning
Honda can trace its launch to humble beginnings. A mastermind named Soichiro Honda was fed up with the rigid path of engineering school. One day he left and never came back. This dropout then decided to start his own company in 1948, naming it after himself. His passion for tinkering with engines served him well in his quest to improve vehicles.
One year after launching the company, he hired an engineer named Takeo Fujisawa. They both dreamed of making easy-to-ride vehicles that were accessible to the public. They met through a mutual business contact. Honda focused more on the model launches while Fujisawa gravitated towards the financial aspect. But both worked together to create the first real motorcycle for the company: the D-Type motorcycle. The “D” stood for dream. The bike was well-received and quickly became popular. Within ten years of this bike’s release, Honda would become the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world.
Dominating the American Market
Honda made its start in the American market by setting up headquarters in Los Angeles, California in 1959. This location was its first overseas subsidiary and was called the American Honda Motor Company. In 1968, a relatively short amount of time later, they sold their one-millionth motorcycle in the United States.
Part of Honda’s success in America was due to their unique marketing approach. Most American companies pushed the idea of bulky harsh bikes for the tough rebels of the country. Honda went the opposite direction. They launched a campaign centered on the idea that “you meet the nicest people on a Honda”. This mentality made motorcycles more approachable and accessible to the average person. This helped them appeal to a broader demographic. Combine this with more affordable bikes that were lighter (making them easier for newbies), and it’s no surprise Honda took off.
What cemented Honda in the American market was their release in 1968: the CB750. It was unlike anything released before, eventually being the first of a brand new category of motorcycles called superbikes. It boasted a new inline four-cylinder overhead camshaft engine, which normally was used exclusively for racing motorcycles. It gave riders improved speed and performance while still being sold at a lower price. This bike revolutionized the industry and earned the title “Motorcycle of the Century”. Ever since then, Honda dominated the American market.
Honda Today
Honda has come a long way from being a dream in the heart of a college dropout. Soichiro Honda built his company on the principles of innovation, reliability, and affordability. He wanted to create bikes that people of all riding abilities and background could enjoy.
Over the years, the company stayed true to its founder’s principles. With each new decade, Honda surprises the world with new innovations and game changers. As Honda grew, they also continued expanding out their options with state-of-the-art models, from the long-distance champion Gold Wing to the speed demon RC213V-S supersport bike. Honda produces a large range of model options to meet the needs of all types of riders. Whatever type of bike you purchase, you can rest assured it has the quality and innovation people have come to associate with Honda.
Are you ready to check out some Honda bikes in person? Maxey’s Motorsports offers a wide selection of new and used Honda bikes. We proudly serve those in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Edmond, Norman, and Shawnee, Oklahoma.