Honda

125 CB 92 – 1963

The Japanese arrive

Even though there have been some 160 different makes of Japanese motorcycles, the history of the Japanese motorcycle industry didn't really get under way until after World War II. The rise of the industry was led by Soichiro Honda, an inventor-engineer who began in 1946 by converting government surplus generator engines to power bicycles.

Smoking Like a Chimney

Honda built his own "chimney" 50cc engines (so-called because they were tall and smoked a lot!) and in 1948 founded the Honda Motor Company. In 1949, Honda was the first Japanese manufacturer to make both engines and frames. Honda visited the Isle of Man Yr for the first time in 1954 In 1959, in its first TI', Honda won the 125cc manufacturers' award.

An Exporting Phenomenon

The Honda motorcycle quickly established its own identity, with advanced features like overhead camshaft in 1955 and an electric starter 125cc in 1958. In 1955, the maker opened an overseas branch in the United States. Honda offered world markets a new type of sporty, well-equipped two-wheeler. By 1960, Honda was building half of Japan's 1.8 million motorcycles and exporting 45,000. That was already more than the British were exporting, and the figure would multiply sixfold in two years! Built between 1959 and 1963, the CB 92 was a sporty 125cc machine notable for its performance and its level of standard equipment.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: 125cc (44x41mm) twin-cylinder fourstroke

Power output: 15 hp @ 10,500 rpm

Valves: overhead camshaft, 2 valves per cylinder

Fuel system: carburetor

Transmission: 4-speed gearbox; chain final drive

Suspension: (front) leading link; (rear) swinging arm

Brakes: (front) two leading shoe drum; (rear) drum

Wheels: wire; (front) 18 in; (rear) 18 in

Weight: 242 lb

Maximum speed: 80 mph

This is the ultimate version of the CB 92, launched in 1959, with its typical pressed-steel fork and frame and its angular lines.