Honda D-Type

Honda D-Type
Manufacturer Honda
Also called Dream
Production August 1949–1951
Assembly Japan: Hamamatsu, Shizuoka
Predecessor C-Type
Successor E-Type
Class Standard
Engine 98 cc (6.0 cu in) two-stroke single-cylinder engine
Bore / stroke 52 mm × 50 mm (2.0 in × 2.0 in)
Power 3 hp (2.2 kW) at 5,000 rpm[1]
Torque 3.15 lb·ft (4.27 N·m)
Ignition type Kick start
Transmission 2-speed semi-automatic
Frame type Pressed steel
Suspension Front: Telescopic, Rear: Rigid
Brakes Drum brakes, front and rear
Weight 80 kilograms (180 lb) (dry)

The Honda D-Type (also known as the Honda Dream, Honda Dream D-Type, Honda Type D and Honda Model D) was the first motorcycle manufactured by Honda, and was produced from 1949 to 1951. It featured the first semi-automatic transmission in a motorcycle. Although Honda had previously created engines meant to be fitted upon existing bicycle frames to create motorized bicycles, the D-Type was the first complete motorcycle that was produced by Honda. Its introduction pre-dated the sales of Honda motorcycles outside Japan, and was manufactured at the company's original Hamamatsu factory.[2]

The D-Type featured a two-stroke, 98cc, single-cylinder engine, and could produce 3 horsepower.[3] The D-Type was initially received well, however its unique semi-automatic transmission required unusual operation, and its noisy two-stroke engine were considered to be two of the main reasons that Honda decided to replace it with the E-Type as its successor.[4]

References

  1. "The Dream". Honda Motor Company. January 10, 2013. Retrieved November 23, 2015.
  2. Transmission Factory, Honda Motor Company, retrieved November 23, 2015
  3. Lavrinc, Damon (November 25, 2014). "Honda's 300 Millionth Bike Couldn't Be More Different From Its First". Jalopnik. Retrieved November 23, 2015.
  4. Alexander, Jeffrey W. (January 1, 2009). Japan's Motorcycle Wars: An Industry History. UBC Press. p. 120. ISBN 0774858443.

See also

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