1952

launched in June 1952 the F-type Cub was an ancillary clip-on engine for pedal cycles. 

Post-war Japan saw a huge business in pedal cycles, by the early 1950s over 50,000 cycle dealers were in business. Bicycles were the main form of local transport due to weak economy and poor public transport infrastructure following war and earthquake damage. 

In 1952 Honda could see a market to help new and existing cycle owners and Soichiro Honda returned to his 1946 first product and created an all-new clip-on kit engine for cycles. Known as the “red engines with white tanks for bicycles” they were successfully sold via a nationwide network of bicycle dealers and shipped in cardboard boxes. 

Only sold in Japan, this product was a huge success for the new company.

Retail price at introduction:

 ¥25,000 (£24.00) - 1952, Japan

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