Honda Minibikes - A History of Quality and Performance

One of the more popular brands in today's minibike game is Honda. Although Honda's haven't been around since minibiking's golden era, they have developed a reputation of late. Honda's quality and commitment to detail is evident throughout the automotive and utility vehicle industry. Honda makes automotives, motorcycles, ATVs, and various other machines for work or play. Honda issued its first products in 1948, and has grown steadily ever since. This company now encapsulates many areas of our daily lives - cars, lawn & garden care, generators, and more. Honda's reputation for performance and quality is especially evident in their minibikes.

Since Honda makes some of the best-selling motorcycles on the planet, minibikes are an obvious transition. The seamless transition to Honda minibikes is due in part to the fact that they really are just smaller, simpler motorcycles. Honda started its minibiking legacy in the late 70s - early 80s. They featured two main bikes these first few years - the Trail 50 and Trail 70. The bikes didn't tout outstanding performance (their engines outputted standard horsepower), but had a high-quality brand name behind them and great sporty looks. The bikes sold well, due in part to their ease of use and low initial and maintenance costs. Today, these bikes remain collector's items and their restoration is rampant.

While many restorers are concerned with bringing the bikes back to their pristine original condition, other handymen and women want increased performance. This can be accomplished a number of ways. Often, a heavier-duty engine (size and horsepower) is the first step. Some of the restored bikes now feature engines up to 120+ cubic centimeters, outputting almost 10 horsepower (compared to the 4 horsepower stock configuration). The next concern is a custom exhaust for increased airflow, allowing this new, larger engine to ‘breathe.' The next, and most noticeable, operation in the restoration is the aesthetic appeal. Adding a new coat of paint and some fresh decals is a great start. Many collectors then add a new saddle, and sometimes saddlebags. There are other visual accents, but most of these minibike enthusiasts are minimalists (the original appeal of the Honda minibikes).