Report From Japan
REPORT FROM JAPAN
THE TWO-MINUTE TOURER
The fabulous Honda CB 750 has been fantastically well received in the U.S. and Canada. Over 5000 units have been exported to those countries since its recent introduction and 2000 units are now being assembled monthly.
The four-cylinder engine is assembled at Honda’s Saitama factory, near Tokyo, then shipped to Hamamatsu where the frame is fitted to the engine. As the engine-frame unit travels down the assembly line the ritual of attaching all the necessary parts takes place with amazing speed. The oil tank, air cleaner, rear fender, swinging arm, rear shock absorbers, rear wheel, electric equipment, front fork, fuel tank and seat are bolted on. Farther down the line, the muffler, front wheel and incidentals are added in that order. Although it takes a little more time at present, future assembly techniques should whittle construction time down to two minutes.
DESIGN AWARDS: TWO FOR SUZUKI, SEVEN FOR YAMAHA
The Japanese Ministry of International Trade and Industry has announced the winners of its annual Good Design Award. This year, there were 321 manufacturers entered, representing 2743 products, in competition for the coveted “G mark,” as it is known. The judging criteria emphasize function, originality and durability. From the ranks of two-wheeler manufacturers, honors fell on Yamaha and Suzuki for the second year in a row. Suzuki’s awards were for its M-50 and T-350 models. Last year the prize was given the company for its AS-50 and AC-90.
Yamaha was honored for the 350-cc R-3, 250-cc DS-6, 180-ccCS-2E, 125-cc AT-1, 90-cc H3D and the 50-cc FS1.
After presentation of the certificates the prize winning products were displayed in the Japanese Export Design Exhibition held in Tokyo and later in Osaka and Nagoya.
HONDA MINI-TRAIL “DAX”
Honda has released its new, jolly motorcycles, the ST 50 and ST 70. When folded, they are small enough to be carried in the trunk of a passenger car. For some unfathomable reason, the model name of the bikes is “Dax,” after the Dachshund dog. Among the Dax’s more prominent features are the detachable front fork, folding handlebar, three-speed transmission with automatic clutch, and a pressed steel T-bone type frame. With the new Dax, Honda expects to attract auto enthusiasts as well as' motorcyclists because of its light weight and portability. Monthly production will start with 15,000 units to be exported all over the world beginning in September. [O]
