Justifiably famous as an engineer, Soichiro Honda also possessed a natural gift for understanding the wants and needs of motorcyclists - and how to grow Honda’s market share.
He intuitively understood that brand loyalty would pay dividends and that it was paramount to offer small capacity machines in order to capture hearts and minds. Aside from the ubiquitous Cub series of small capacity four strokes, Honda also created Benly, SS and CB models in the 50cc capacity class.
For many countries within Europe - and in other territories around the world - a 50cc machine was an entry level bike and the first taste for many of a powered two-wheeler. As early as 1973, the Benly CB50JX offered stand out styling with a rear seat cowl and the luxury of a cable operated front disc brake.
The simple yet robust single overhead cam engine was designed to be “learner proof” while its state of tune combined a fair turn of speed with commendably frugal fuel consumption. Although top speed was restricted by law in many countries, the sheer thrill of getting from A to B for many 14- or 16-year-olds (depending on country) was a pivotal moment and, for many, started a life-long loyalty to Honda machinery.
Eventually equipped with a hydraulic front brake and even a rev counter, the CB50 – like many other first motorcycles – is fondly remembered and in great demand. In fact, the majority of Japanese mopeds from the 1970’s and 80’s are now very popular rekindling memories for riders who want to recapture their youth.
If you have a CB50 that needs some love, then take a wander around the CMSNL website and search our vast treasure trove of Honda spares… and remember we don’t stock memories, but we do create them!
source: https://www.cmsnl.com/hond...
issued: Monday, January 20, 2025
updated: Monday, January 20, 2025
link to this page:
https://www.cmsnl.com/news/cb50-memories-of-future-past_news12017.html