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We all know it Honda for its cars and for groundbreaking new automotive technologies such as variable valve timing (VTEC), all-wheel steering and hybrid powertrains.
But Honda didn’t get into the car business. It started by building motorized bicycles, then motorcycles. In fact, the first Honda cars came onto the market almost 20 years after the company was founded, starting with the T360 mini-truck and soon after with the legendary S500 sports convertible.
Today, Honda is one of the world’s most diverse automotive brands – as well as the world’s largest motorcycle and engine manufacturer – with products on land, sea and air.
So let’s take a look at what else Honda does besides cars.
Honda motorcycles
Honda’s origin story began on two wheels and today the company is the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world – a position it has held since 1959.
The first Honda motorcycles were imported into Australia in the early 1950s before the company officially established Honda Australia in 1969.
Today it offers a wide range of motorcycles, from off-road trail and motocross machines to adventure and agricultural motorcycles, motor scooters, high-performance superbikes for the track, street and touring motorcycles, including the legendary Gold Wing, and four-wheeled side-by-side motorcycles for hard work and fun.
As with the automotive landscape, Honda continues to push boundaries and introduce new technology to motorcycles and was the first manufacturer to introduce a dual-clutch automatic transmission for its Africa Twin adventure bike, the Honda E-Clutch.
The same practical solution that makes riding easier, more enjoyable and safer – especially for less experienced riders – is now also available on the latest medium-weight sports motorcycle CBR 650R, offered as a naked Neo Sports Café Tourer or with racing-inspired bodywork.
The E-Clutch system offers the best of both worlds: drivers can use the traditional clutch lever when necessary or activate the E-Clutch and change gears using only the foot pedal, allowing them to enjoy the pleasure of driving and simply focus on the road ahead with smooth and precise gear changes.
When activated, drivers can change the speed of the E-Clutch gear changes in three settings.
The Japanese brand’s commitment to motorcycles extends beyond the machines, with its Honda Australia Rider Training (HART) centers in Victoria in New South Wales offering expert instruction and courses for beginners through to advanced riders. This year HART is celebrating its 25th anniversary Anniversary.
Honda Power Equipment
A Honda CR-V, Civic, or one of its other cars may not be the only Honda product in your garage.
The Japanese brand has an extensive catalog of powerful electrical equipment, including garden tools such as lawn mowers, trimmers, leaf blowers and chainsaws, as well as portable generators, pumps, motors and batteries.
One of the most popular electric appliances is the latest range of battery-powered lawnmowers, which are available with either a 36V or 58V electrical system.
The granddaddy of the range is the flagship 58V HRC216-BE, which costs $2,499 and features a 2.0kW brushless electric motor, two battery bays that can accommodate either 8Ah or 12Ah battery packs (providing up to 30 minutes and 45 minutes of continuous run time, respectively), and a 74-liter grass catcher. It even has low-light headlights and electric cruise control.
Honda has been named Australia’s best lawnmower brand by Choice.
Honda Marine
If you want a V8-powered Honda, you’ll need a boat.
Honda’s marine division has earned a strong reputation in Australia for reliable, fuel-efficient outboard engines and marine accessories that meet the country’s vast coastlines, recreational boating culture and commercial needs.
Best known for four-stroke outboard engines, Honda emphasizes smooth, quiet operation, low emissions and easy starting – features valued by weekend anglers, family cruisers and professional operators alike.
The flagship of its powerful range, the BF350 outboard features a 350hp (257kW) naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 engine with VTEC technology for improved fuel efficiency, while its sleek design and revised gearbox are designed to reduce drag.
Honda has also developed a unique system called BLAST that changes the air-fuel ratio and ignition timing to provide more immediate torque at low engine speeds, improving acceleration and getting the hull on plane faster.
The same technology runs through the rest of the range, with mid-range V6-powered versions offering 250hp, 225hp and 200hp, as well as four-cylinder outboards with outputs ranging from 115hp to 175hp.
Honda also has a catalog of mid-range outboard engines from 30 hp to 100 hp, as well as smaller portable outboard engines for inflatable boats, tenders and small fishing boats from 2.3 hp to 20 hp.
Honda Jet
But if you want the ultimate Honda, you have to fly.
Since its commercial debut in 2015, the HondaJet (codename HA-420) has redefined the light business aviation sector thanks to its blend of innovative technology, refined comfort and efficient performance.
Developed by Honda Aircraft Company in the United States and updated in 2018 with the Elite, the aircraft reduce cabin noise and drag through their distinctive engine mounts over the wings, contributing to superior cruise speeds and fuel efficiency compared to competitors.
Its composite fuselage and natural laminar flow wing provide increased range and improved aerodynamics, while a modern Garmin avionics suite and advanced flight controls appeal to owner operators and charter operators that value reliability and low operating costs.
The cabin offers a surprising amount of space and thoughtful amenities for a light jet, including headroom, comfortable seating for typical passenger loads of six to seven, and flexible baggage capacity, making it well suited for regional business missions and high-net-worth personal use.
Honda’s reputation for automotive quality control and attention to detail is evident in its fit, finish and customer care programs, helping to increase resale value.
In 2021, Honda Jet released information about a second variant (codename HA-480) with a larger cabin for 11 people and the longest flight range of any single-pilot business jet of 2,635 nautical miles.
The first flight is planned for later this year, with certification planned for 2028 or 2029.
So Honda is more than just a car company. The Japanese brand is a powerhouse and pioneer on land, at sea and in the air.
MORE: Explore the Honda showroom
