Honda NH series
The NH series of Honda scooters was sold worldwide beginning in 1983, in 50, 80, 90, 100 and 125cc versions. All models have an air-cooled two-stroke engine with CDI ignition. All models except the Lead 50 have leading link front suspension, electric and kick start, and a fuel gauge. The Lead 50 has a traditional telescopic fork front suspension and only electric start. All models have drum brakes and CVT transmission.
 Honda Lead 125cc | |
| Manufacturer | Honda |
|---|---|
| Also called | Aero, Lead, Vision, Mascot |
| Class | Scooter |
| Engine | air-cooled, two-stroke |
| Ignition type | electric start |
| Brakes | Front drum / Rear drum |
Models
- Aero (USA, 1983–85)
- Lead (Outside USA, 1983–87)
- Vision (Outside USA, 1987–94)
- Mascot (Canada)
American regulations in 1986 required any motorcycle over 50cc to be four stroke to combat air pollution.
- Kinetic (DX, ZX, Y2K Etc..) (India, 1984–2007)
Engine sizes
- NH 50 (49cc)
- NH 80 (79cc)
- NH 90 (89cc)
- NH 100 (96cc)
- NH 125 (124cc)
- NH 150 (149cc)
There is also a more modern Lead in 100cc, 110cc and 125cc versions.
Regional variations
There were other regional variations as well as going by a different name in the USA. Most notably, the headlights were different on the early European models. The front handlebar moulding was later changed to be common across all models, allowing the same headlights to be used. Although the specific light arrangements still vary because of the regulations in different countries. Stickers, badges and mirrors are also different across regional versions.
Other manufacturers
During the 1980s, Honda invested in non-Japanese motorcycle manufacturing – most notably they bought a large percentage of French company Peugeot, which resulted in Peugeot Motocycles. Elsewhere, the Kinetic Motor Company from India, which resulted in Kinetic Honda. Both of these joint ventures saw the NH series given various degrees of cosmetic overhaul and released as a number of different models. Peugeot released the SC 50, SC 50L, SC 80L and SX 80L whilst Kinetic Honda released the EX, DX, ZX (100cc, 2-stroke), the ZX Zoom (110cc, 2-stroke) and the 4S model (113.5cc, 4-stroke).
References
- Sources
- Coggins, Frank W. (September 1984), "Slick Scooters for Two-Wheel Transport", Popular Mechanics, vol. 161 no. 9, pp. 74–75, 137–138, ISSN 0032-4558, retrieved 2010-06-23
- Davis, Ted (12 September 1987), "Honda, Yamaha have scooters, but must build market Makers concentrating on 50 cc range", Toronto Star, Toronto, Ontario, p. K.7
- Koblenz, Jay (August 1984), "Sleek scooters", Popular Science, Bonnier Corporation, vol. 225 no. 2, pp. 96–98, ISSN 0161-7370, retrieved 2010-06-23
- Shattuck, Colin; Peterson, Eric (2005), Scooters: Red Eyes, Whitewalls and Blue Smoke, Speck Press, p. 39, ISBN 0-9725776-3-7, retrieved 2010-06-23
External links
Media related to Honda NH series at Wikimedia Commons
