Tetsus Tales November 2013

[Cars]

Tetsus Tales November 2013

<dt><br /><img src="http://image.superstreetonline.com/f/features/1311_tetsus_tales_november_2013/58699776+ppromo_large/honda-sport-s500.jpg" onerror="javascript:this.src='http://static.superstreetonline.com/_SiteConfigs/_global/images/no_photo_100px.gif'" alt="Tetsus Tales November 2013 - Super Street Magazine" /><br /><a href="http://www.superstreetonline.com/features/1311_tetsus_tales_november_2013/">Tetsu speaks about the Honda 50 cc and how it revolutionized the way Americans looked at motorcycles.</a><p>In 1962, Honda started to sell the motorcycle “Honda 50” (50cc motor) in USA. But the image of motorcycle for American people was outlaw. Honda wanted to change the image of motorcycle and made good catch phrase for selling, which was “You meet the nicest people on a Honda”. Honda 50’s sales was good because of this catch phrase. President Kennedy said to the Japanese Prime Minister, “Honda’s mini motorcycle make new lifestyle for American young people.” In Japan and USA, Honda Zoomer (Ruckus) is very popular. Many Japanese Zoomer owners swap the motor from original 50cc motor to over 100cc scooter motor. One of reason for swapping motor is Japanese traffic regulation. Japanese traffic regulation for 50cc motorcycle says Limited speed is 30km/h (must follow speed limit if the sign board say under 30km/h). The 30km/h speed limit regulation started in 1947. I guess 30km/h speed limit is too slow and the regulation is too old but Japanese government will not change the regulation. Japanese media say the motorcycle from 100cc to 250cc is becoming popular in Japan (not 50cc motorcycle because of traffic regulation) because riding cost is not expensive. 250cc+ motorcycle or cars make expensive cost for owners. For example: government inspection is every two years; under 250cc motorcycle is fuel saver and the owner don’t need to take inspection. 50 is very important number for Honda this year and Honda cars get 50th anniversary in 2013. In 1963, Honda started to sell Sports 500 (Honda’s first sport car) and Honda T360 (Honda’s first car). Both cars have DOHC motor. Basically, T360’s DOHC 360cc motor would have Honda Sports 360. The Honda Sport 360 project was cancelled but dropping 360cc DOHC motor would be a waste so that’s why Honda put S360’s motor for T360 truck. It is hard to find Honda S500 and T360. You can see the both cars at Honda Collection Hall at Twin Ring Motegi. There will be 50th anniversary event where we can see many old Honda Sports cars and racing cars because all of old Honda Sports owners in Japan are interested in the event. Honda imported some Honda Sports 600 and 800 in the ‘60s. I want to know how many Honda S are alive in USA now.</p> a <br /> Photo Gallery: <a href="http://www.superstreetonline.com/features/1311_tetsus_tales_november_2013/">Tetsus Tales November 2013 - Super Street Magazine</a><br /><br /></dt>

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