Honda Produces 200 Millionth Bike
Honda produces 200 millionth bike
The Japanese manufacturer says the milestone-setting motorcycle rolled off the line at the end of September. The 200 million-unit mark comes in Hondas 60th year in the motorcycle industry. Honda reached the 100-million mark in 1997.
Hondas began mass producing motorcycles in 1949 with the Dream D-Type, the companys first two-wheeler that didnt look like a bicycle with an engine. The Dream D-Type had a semi-automatic clutch; the left lever operated the front brake. The bike had only two gears, and to stay in either first or second gear,
The Dream D-Type proved to be popular at first due to its ease of use, but sales tapered off as riders found it uncomfortable to hold the pedal down in the proper position.
Hondas first production plant outside of Japan opened in Belgium in 1963. Honda now produces motorcycles at 32 facilities in 22 countries with separate research and development operations in the United States, Germany, Italy, Thailand, China and India, each one focused on meeting the needs of its local market.
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