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Honda CB 90 Benly

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Make Model

Honda CB 90 Benly

Year

1959 - 64

Engine

Four stroke, twin cylinder SOHC 2 valve per cylinder

Capacity

124 cc / 7.6 cu-in
Bore x Stroke 44 x 41 mm
Cooling System Air cooled
Compression Ratio 8.6:1

Induction

Ignition  /  Starting

6 Volt  Magnetic flywheel /  KICK

Max Power

8,4 kW/ 11.5 hp @ 10500 rpm
Max Torque 8.9 NM @ 8200 rpm
Clutch Wet multi-plates

Transmission 

4 Speed
Final Drive Chain

Front Suspension

Leading link

Rear Suspension

Swinging arm

Front Brakes

Drum

Rear Brakes

Drum

Front Tyre

3.00-16

Rear Tyre

3.00-16

Dry Weight

242 lb

Fuel Capacity 

9 Litres

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Even though there have been some 160 different makes of Japanese motorcycles, the history of the Japanese motorcycle industry didn't really get under way until after World War II. The rise of the industry was led by Soichiro Honda, an inventor-engineer who began in 1946 by converting government surplus generator engines to power bicycles.

Smoking Like a Chimney

Honda built his own "chimney" 50cc engines (so called because they were tall and smoked a lot!) and in 1948 founded the Honda Motor Company. In 1949, Honda was the first Japanese manufacturer to make both engines and frames. Honda visited the Isle of Man TT for the first time in 1954. in 1959, its first TT, Honda won the 125cc manufacturers' award.

An Exporting Phenomenon

The Honda motorcycle quickly established its own identity with advanced features like overhead camshaft in 1955, and an electric starter 125cc in 1958. In 1955, the maker opened an overseas branch in the United States. Honda offered world markets a new type of sporty, well equipped two wheeler. By 1960, Honda was building half of Japan's 1.8 million motorcycles and exporting 45,000. That was already more than the British were exporting, and the figure would multiply six fold in two years! Built between 1959 and 1963, the CB92 was a sporty 125cc machine notable for its performance and its level of standard equipment.