Honda Motorcycle Insurance

A brief history of Honda motorcycles

Soichiro Honda quickly learned in his 30 years that life was full of hard knocks, never more so when his piston ring making business collapsed in the late 1930s. He also learned methodical thinking and engineering could overcome most technical problems and after taking on new engineering skills, his reformed business became a huge success.

WWII effectively finished large scale Japanese manufacturing, but not Soichiro’s spirit or forward thinking. In 1946, he purchased a bulk load of ex-military radio generators and quickly developed the small capacity two-stroke engines to fit and power ordinary bicycles – the first cheap, powered transport for the masses.

Three years later, the newly formed Honda Motor Co. released its first purpose-made bike with a 98cc two-stroke engine. It’s rumoured that the first test ride of the bike led to one of the few Honda staff saying: “It’s like a dream…”

It wasn’t long before Soichiro Honda saw four-stroke power as the only viable, clean and acceptable method of engine propulsion and introduced a 146cc Dream motorcycle, and so began a long history of innovative four-stroke motorcycles.

From revolutionary V4-powered motorcycles to single and twin-cylinder bikes, Honda Motor Co. has continuously strived to produce the best motorcycle available in all genres of motorcycling.

Even though Honda has produced such a famed range of bikes like the class-leading Honda CBR Fireblade superbike, and past racing greats from the separate division that is Honda Racing Corporation, Honda Motor Co. should be known as the company that produced the biggest ever selling motorcycle. That bike is the humble Super Cub range, better known in the UK as the C50, C70 and C90.

In essence, the Super Cub is a single-cylinder four-stroke workhorse loved and respected by owners across the world – a bike that has achieved an unbeaten production figure of over 100  million bikes. Honda’s greatest advertising campaign was for the Super Cub and its slogan has never been topped in the world of motorcycling: “You meet the nicest people on a Honda”.

Honda’s range of motorcycles

125cc

The Honda CBR125R is the leading sports 125cc learner legal, while the CB125R delivered modern-retro styling for the fashionista in us all. On the opposite end of the scale, the CBF125 isn’t so dramatically styled but equally reliable and fuel conscious.  Thanks to its ease of use and funky styling, the MSX125 grom has quickly garnered a dedicated following while the Super Cub C125, Monkey and Dax 125s all hark back to Honda’s 70s heritage.

Scooters

With  ten scooter models to choose from, ranging from 110cc to the dual transmission equipped 745cc parallel twin Forza 750 Maxi scoot, Honda has the market well and truly covered. All machines are four-stroke powered and the commuter specials such as the Vision 110 are fuel misers with a claimed return 140mpg.

Adventure

The Honda NC750X and X-ADV are revolutionary adventure machines with a semi-auto gearbox, space under the tank or seat to fit a helmet and Honda’s latest corporate adventure styling – quite simply bikes anyone could ride.  For A2 licence holders, the CB500X (or NX500 for 2024) offers a great adventure package. The Transalp name makes a return for 2023 - this time with an all-new 750cc parallel twin engine - while the evergreen Africa Twin tops the range.

Sport

Honda has a fearsome reputation for building sports bikes that are designed for road use but are also exceptional on the track with little modification. The CBR600RR makes a welcome return for 2024, and is the definitive middleweight supersport machine, while the class leading CBR1000RR-R has just surpassed its 30th year milestone. With an ABS braking system and superb chassis, the Fireblade proves that you can ride fast in relative safety. A2 licence holders don’t get ignored with a brace of Sportsbikes in the form of the CBR500R and the new-for-2024 CBR650R.

Naked series

More models here than you can shake a stick at. Although classed as naked, some models come with half-fairings to fulfil their roles as dual-purpose machines. The CB1000R uses a detuned sport engine to give an engaging ride, while the CB650R and CB750 Hornet offer middleweight packages as four-cylinder and twin cylinder alternatives. A2 licence holders are also spoilt for choice with the chunky looking CL500, CB300R and the latest iteration of evergreen CB500F – the CB500 Hornet

Touring

Honda’s Legendary Goldwing is the epitome of Japanese touring machinery. Complete with every touring comfort required and powered by a flat-six engine, this bike is the super-size divan of the bike world. The NT1100 is a Grand Turismo, whereby the need to travel fast with luggage is easily met.

Custom

The old image of cruisers as being long, low and slow are quickly dispelled by Hondas current range of bikes. Utilising engines from the Africa Twin and CB500 range respectively, the Rebel 1100 and A2 compliant Rebel 500 will turn heads while delivering a truly engaging riding experience.

How Bennetts provide insurance for Honda owners

Bennetts recognises that Honda produces a comprehensive range of motorcycles, all meeting different criteria to suit the many and varied needs of prospective owners. Because of this, Bennetts understands what it means to a customer to get a quote to suit his or her machine and needs – we are all different.

We also recognise that a new Honda model is not always what our customers are looking for. For this reason, Bennetts also has the knowledge and means to find our best competitive quote for second-hand Honda machinery.

As a motorcycle insurance specialist with over 90 years experience, we believe we can offer a competitive insurance quote geared to suit you and, of course, your Honda motorcycle.

How to get a quote for your Honda motorcycle

Getting an insurance quote is easy with Bennetts. We search our panel of insurers to find you our best price for the cover you need.

Simply complete our online form or contact us.

Sources of interest for Honda owners and fans

world.honda.com/motorcycle/ – Honda global website dedicated to its motorcycle division with separate links to dedicated sites for sport, technology talk, Super Cub and much, much more.

www.hoc.org.uk/ – this is the official Honda Owners Club website. Here you’ll find information, news and advice from the people that ride and breathe Honda motorcycles.

www.davidsilverspares.co.uk – David Silver Spares is the first port of call for anyone requiring spares for Honda motorcycles manufactured between the early 1960s and early 2000s.