When you take a spin down Honda racing’s memory lane, you can’t help but be impressed by the enduring success of the brand and the sport. From Soichiro Honda’s manufacturing passion and racing vision to a major manufacturer that deals in everything from OEM parts Honda motorcycle to motorcycle tires for sale, the brand persists. Here’s a brief look back at Honda’s racing history.
Father Figure
Soichiro Honda was born in Japan in 1906. His upbringing and education led him to join automobile servicing company Tokyo Art Shokai where he helped build a Curtiss racer and lent his hand to tuning cars. Eventually, he formed a company that manufactured piston rings. Following its sale, he founded Honda in 1946.
Honda put the emphasis on manufacturing motorized bikes, and the first official version went to market in 1949. The company started racing its bikes in 1959 and by 1964 it was the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world.
Racing Highlights
Honda entered five bikes in the Isle of Man race in 1959 – he was the first Japanese manufacturer to compete in the race – and his team swept the podium in 1961. Honda went on to join the Formula One racing circuit from 1963 to 1968. In 1965, the manufacturer won at the Mexico Grand Prix with driver Richie Ginther. After a hiatus, Honda returned to the circuit, winning its first 500 cc Grand Prix World Championship in 1983.
World Championships
Through the remainder of the 20th century and into the 2000s, Honda has gone from strength to strength in many forms of racing. The company’s accolades include the following titles:
- Eight World Enduro Championships
- Six Motorcross World Championships
- Three world championships (at observed trials)
If you’re the proud owner of a Honda or any other brand of bike, invest in motorcycle OEM parts today and return it to its factory-floor glory. Just think of it as paying homage to the motorcycle world’s original designers and manufacturers such as Soichiro Honda!