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Honda Innovations

Sunday, January 11th, 2009
honda motorcycle
Two motorcycles models were introduced by Honda in 1983 that were to have a big impact on the motorcycling community. One was the Honda Shadow 750 and the other the Honda VF750F Interceptor. They were very different in design but both models extended motorcycle engineering enormously.

With an innovative V twin engine Honda’s engineers produced an engine for the Shadow with two cylinders arranged in a V configuration that considerably reduced vibrations. In previous V twin engines with the angle between the cylinders not at 90 degrees imbalance causes vibration and added weight, complexity and cost is caused by the counterbalances needed to damp these down. Honda overcame this problem by using an offset dual pin crankshaft which achieved a perfectly balanced V twin engine with a narrow angle, the first of its kind. Honda later used this design in the VT500C Shadow and the VT500 Ascot.

The Shadow also had other design innovations including a one way Sprague clutch, designed to stop wheel chatter which was also a problem with previous V twin engines. Three valve cylinder heads and twin plugs, still used by Honda in Shadows produced today, were also introduced with this model of Shadow. Three valves improved fuel flow and reduced emissions are a result of twin plugs. These innovations increased mileage and liquid cooling stabilised the temperature for lower emissions and better performance.

These innovations substantially increased performance giving the Shadow a performance equal to that of motorcycles with at least 50% more displacement.

Honda didn’t stop there however. Other features included hydraulic valve adjusters, electronic ignition, hydraulic clutch and front brake and other features designed for easy maintenance and improved performance. needing only regular oil changes and spark plugs replaced on a regular basis it was one of the easiest motorcycles to maintain in its day.

Innovative and forward thinking design is great but looks are equally important! General opinion is that the Shadow’s looks were also a huge leap forward. During the 1950’s and 1960’s classic American cruiser styles had become increasingly popular and these designs were incorporated into the Shadow from the drawing board rather than slapped on as an extra as other motorcycle manufacturers were doing. This gave a completely integrated style to this cruiser. Design considerations that made the Shadow stand out from the crown include cast wheels, angled muffler, twin seats, backrest and a stylish front end.

The VT500C, introduced in 1983 was available in Black or Candy Wine berry Red. Both the rear fenders and fuel tank were painted, the engine covers were black and the side covers chrome. From 1983 to 1986 a Red and Black Honda Shadow decal with a gold outline was on the side cover. The headlight was rectangular and chrome and there was a single horn.

By 1985 colours available were Candy Glory Red or Black and the headlight was now round. it also had dual horns and a twin seat with an integrated backrest. In this year the engine covers were chrome and the fins were enlarged.

One of the most popular lines ever produced placed Honda at the front of the cruiser movement. Today the Honda Shadow is as popular as it was when it was introduced more than two decades ago.

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Honda From The Past

Saturday, January 3rd, 2009
honda motorcycle
Owen Walcher asked:

The founder of Honda Automobiles, Soichiro Honda, was born in 1906. He grew up helping his father repair bicycles in the little town of Komyo. At 16, he headed to Tokyo, 270 kilometers away, to take an apprenticeship at an automobile repair shop. He took up racing and, after a violent crash, he was convinced by his wife to retire from the sport. The repair business alone was not enough to keep him occupied. This restlessness led to his venture into piston ring manufacturing in 1937.

    By the early 1950s, Honda had developed into an engine manufacturer. Honda’s inventive spirit led the company to develop class-leading engines for Japan’s motorcycle industry. Honda met Takeo Fujisawa by chance in 1948. The two men shared a desire for long-term investment, a rare trait in post-war Japan. They agreed to work together; Fujisawa invested his money and took on the marketing responsibilities and Honda continued on the technological side of the business. The Honda Motor Company was born in 1948.
Soichiro Honda did much of the market research for his products. This research went as far as traveling to races all over the world and examining the competition’s motorcycles. Once a benchmark was set with a competitive product, Honda would take this information home and strive to top that mark. Honda’s racing successes converted to sales successes. In 1959, Honda had topped the Japanese motorcycle sales chart with 285,000 units. Two years later, Honda was selling at rate of 100,000 units a MONTH!
   
   Honda announced its intention to enter automobile production in the early 1960s and introduced the S360 sports car. When it was decided to begin exporting the Honda products, the United States was chosen as a key target. The first Honda motorcycles were introduced into the United States in 1959. By 1963, Honda was the top-selling brand of motorcycles in the United States. Today, Honda stands as the largest motorcycle manufacturer and the 9th largest automobile manufacturer in the world. With cars like the Civic S Hatchback, Prelude and Civic CRX, Honda became the first car maker to finish first, second and third in the Motor Trend Import Cars of the Year selections!
Here’s a peek at what they have in store for the model year 2007:
   
 2007 Honda Accord
The changes to the seventh-generation Accord will be most noticeable at night, when the multiple LEDs in the taillights and center high-mounted stop light (CHMSL) are readily apparent. The CHMSL has been moved from the rear window to the rear edge of the trunk, where it acts as a small spoiler. The rear fenders are changed slightly from earlier models, as has the grille and front bumper. Improvements to intake and exhaust airflow have enabled Honda to find a few more horsepower in both Accord engines. The silky-smooth 3.0-liter single overhead camshaft, 24-valve V6 is up four horsepower, for 244 at 6250 rpm, with maximum torque 211 lb-ft at 5000 rpm. Honda’s VTEC variable valve lift and timing system ensures optimum performance at all engine speeds, and there is a very healthy midrange surge of torque that is best taken advantage of by the six-speed gearbox.
  2007 Honda Element
The 2007 Element is available in two versions, the LX and the EX. Both the Element LX and EX come equipped with the same 166-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and new Drive-by-Wire electronic throttle control system, as well as a handy Maintenance Minder organizer whose name speaks for itself. With this seventh generation version, Honda will deliver a face-lifted SUV that features additional 10 horsepower, new five-speed automatic and a new set of standard safety equipment.
   2007 Honda Fit
The 2007 Honda Fit is a triumph of creativity, proof that good ideas don’t have to be expensive. Both trim levels for this front-drive, five-door hatchback (the Fit is offered in base and Sport trim) feature a 1.5-liter, 109-horsepower VTEC four-cylinder engine. Delivering 105 pound-feet of torque at 4,800 rpm, it posted a 9.3 second, 0-60 mph sprint. As if anticipating safety concerns from U.S. buyers, Honda has provided two key features standard on both the base and Sport models. Both trim levels now come with four-wheel antilock brakes and side curtain airbags.
   2007 Honda Ridgeline
Honda’s pickup truck is a compact, five-passenger 4-dr crew cab with a 5-ft long cargo bed and standard all-wheel drive. Ridgeline has several design features unusual to pickups, including independent rear suspension and unibody construction. The tailgate drops down or swings out. The sole powertrain is a 255-hp V6 and a 5-speed automatic transmission. ABS and traction/antiskid control are standard. So are front side airbags and curtain side airbags that cover both seating rows and include rollover deployment. All models have front bucket seats and a 60/40 split rear bench with cushions that flip up to increase in-cab storage.
Soichiro Honda’s unique leadership has allowed the Honda Motor Company to become a world power in the automotive fields. Mr. Honda’s views went counter to the direction of his own government and yet his company has prospered. With innovation developed by Mr. Honda as a basis, the Honda Motor Company has become a technological force in the motorcycle and automobile industries in Asia, Europe, and North America.

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