Almost more motorcycle than we’d allow here at the scoop, but also very similar to the Sachs MadAss. When this baby hit my eye, I fell in love. Isn’t she charming? The image I found HERE and the whole background can be found at the Honda site HERE. I present to you just a snippet from that press release:
Tokyo, March 5, 2003 — Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has announced the release of the new Solo, a cheery, stylish, around-town leisure bike with an air-cooled, 4-stroke 50cc engine. The Solo goes on sale Friday, March 14.The Solo is the fourth model in the “N Project”* series, designed to deliver to its owners the pleasure of owning and riding a bike that serves as a fashion accessory in addition to providing convenient daily transportation.
The exterior features a simple design that emphasizes the rider’s individuality. The air-cooled 4-stroke 50cc engine, adapted from the Super Cub series, offers superb fuel economy and environmental performance. It is fitted with an auto centrifugal clutch that even novice riders can operate with ease.
In addition to the three standard colors, Matt Flat Silver Metallic, Monza Red, and Parrot Yellow, the Solo is also available in a total of 285 color combinations through the Color Order Plan, by mixing and matching tanks, frames, and seats.
* “N Project” stands for “New Project”, which is dedicated to developing products that will appeal to young people’s lifestyles. The first model, the Ape, debuted in February 2001; the second model, the Zoomer, in June 2001; and the third model, the Bite, in January 2002.
I think that secretly “N Project” stands for “Not-for-USA Project”.
1. September 2007 at 4:35 pm
If the Solo was available today (and in the USA) I would buy one. What’s wrong with Honda? They used to be the leader in small fun bikes now all they build are obnoxious cruisers and road barges.
3. September 2007 at 7:37 am
I’ll take one in Monza Red, right NOW. If I had a welder, I would have hacked something like this together out of basket-case Cubs years ago. Just imagine it with a 125cc motor!
7. September 2007 at 5:10 pm
I remember when Beeb first posted about it back then. I thought it was great. Very spartan. But basic small bikes aren’t popular with factories. I have no idea why but I think it’s a great design and other than the venerable engine choice I’d almost call it perfect. The Italjet Amcord also comes to mind when thinking of cool little motorcycles with scooter flair that never came around.
16. September 2007 at 8:13 pm
Does anyone know what countries these were sold in?
16. September 2007 at 8:28 pm
From what I can tell it was just for the Asian markets. Japan, China.
24. May 2008 at 9:16 pm
They should bring it! To everywhere! What a great bike, you can see at first glance this incredibly cool retro styling. I’ve never driven a bike before, but if this was sold tomorrow down my street, I would buy one on the spot.