History of Honda Motocross

Soichiro Honda, a mechanical engineer with a passion for motorcycle racing, founded American Honda Motor in 1959. Setting up a small shop in Los Angeles, his desire was to revolutionize the technology of engine building. His U.S. motorcycle debut was a disappointment, but persistence paid off with Honda Motor Company becoming the most celebrated dirt bike producer in the motocross industry.

Humble Beginnings

Born in Japan in 1906, Soichiro Honda completed only an elementary-level education. During World War II, he established a research institute dedicated to building small engines that could be adapted to fit bicycles. With popularity exploding in Japan, he brought his bikes to the United States in 1959. Americans were not receptive to his ideas, and the company showed a $54,000 loss after the first year. Mr. Honda remained dedicated to bringing his brand worldwide attention and concentrated on marketing the motorcycles to the general public.

Advancements

The Honda CR125M Elsinore was released in 1973. Riders were captivated by its light weight, polished aluminum tank and below-market price of $749. It was the bike to beat and soon become the machine choice of every serious motocross racer. The Elsinore models evolved until the mid-1980s, when Honda dropped the name and bikes were known simply as CR.

Exploding Popularity

One of motocross' most popular racers, Bob Hannah, left Yamaha and began riding a Honda CR250R in 1983. The hype surrounding Hanna's new ride resulted in an unscripted advertising campaign for the company. The sport of motocross was gaining worldwide appeal, and linking the popular rider to the Honda brand brought attention to the company, propelling it to the forefront of the motorcycle industry.

First of Its Kind

Kicking off the new millennium, Honda began making much-anticipated improvements to its bike line up. Motocross riders demanded more and Honda responded with the CR450R. The smooth power offered by the four-stroke was unbeatable. Its aluminum frame was lightweight, and soon other dirt bike companies would have to respond with a competitor or admit defeat.

Team Honda

Honda Motor Company has lent support to some of the most accomplished riders in the sport of motocross. Jeremy McGrath, Ricky Carmichael and David Bailey, three of the most recognizable and decorated racers of the sport, have hit their career peaks while riding for Honda-supported teams. Honda Red Riders, an amateur motocross sponsorship program, provides discounts and incentives to racers who have not reached the pro ranks.

A Lifetime of Achievements

On August 5, 1991, Soichiro Honda passed away at the age of 84. His contributions to the sport of motocross and the automotive industry have been memorialized with his induction into the American Motorcycle Association's Hall of Fame. A collection of his product line, from inception to current models, is on display at the AMA in Pickerington, Ohio.

Resources

• American Motorcyclist Association