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