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News Apr 2026
The Honda stepthru legend, Apr 6
Honda has launched a
minisite telling the story of what is the world's most
successful motorcycle – it's C-series stepthru, aka
the Cub and then Super Cub. The rather stiff-looking
lot pictured here is the early development team,
including the boss, at centre.
One of the many
nuggets is this revelation about how the original
design developed: Industrial designer Jozaburo
Kimura, who had only recently joined Honda in
November of 1956, recalled the moment when he
first heard these policies: “The Old Man
(Oyaji-san: Honda founder Soichiro Honda) said,
‘Since Japan’s roads are so bad, the engine has to
put out at least 4 horsepower.’ He also said,
‘We’ve got to make a rugged bike that can deliver
easy handling on even bad roads.’ Mr Fujisawa
added, ‘This has got to be a bike that anyone can
ride, and especially one that makes women feel
confident they can ride. So, the engine can’t be
concealed.’”
See the
site, which has some incredible resources.
Also see
our page of period ads
GP works legends for auction, Apr 4
Works GP bikes owned
and/or ridden by John Surtees and Barry Sheene are
coming up for auction in the Bonhams Spring
Stafford sale on April 25-26. See the
story
Flashback: Breakfast at Wilson's, Apr 3
It's 16-ish years ago
and we're luxuriating in the fabulous surroundings of
the Lemmings Motorcycle Club-approved holiday resort,
namely Wilson's Tintaldra Hotel. It seems to be just
the place to take a couple of old and cranky classic
motorcycles for a holiday.
Copping a nail
– Sunday shed wrap, Apr 2
The CBX Six went
into minor surgery, an experience that makes you
wonder why we don't have a live-in mechanic. More here
Riding the Millyard Kawasaki Z1 Super Six, Apr 1
Allen Millyard's legendary motorcycle
builds have entertained us for years – none more so than
the Kawasaki Z1 Super Six, built up from an early
air-cooled four platform.
(Pic by Gary Chapman courtesy Kelsey
Media)
One of the very rare people to ride one
and able to offer a thoughtful review is long-term
motorcycle writer John Nutting – also from the UK. His
conclusion? It felt surprisingly 'planted'.
See his review
here, via Substack. The feed, by the way, is well
worth subscribing to.
Millyard's YouTube playlist for the
project can be found here.
See the Kawasaki stories in our features index.
And the Honda CBX1000C
six in our shed.
Plus our Substack
feed, which can be delivered weekly
to your email.
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