WHAT IS IT?
That’s an interesting question as this isn’t just a normal motorcycle. The Motocompo was a Japanese market solution to a specific problem. It wasn’t sold by Honda as a standalone product but was actually an add-on accessory for some of their subcompact cars. The scooter folds down into a rectangular shape made to fit in the trunk of a tiny car. It’s essentially a dinghy for a car driven to a city, parked further out from where one needs to go, then removed from the trunk, unfolded, and ridden to and fro. It’s small, at 99 lbs with fuel and fluids and has a 50cc engine. These were never sold new in North America but as we’ve seen with increased interest in Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) cars and trucks, could be a huge hit at a local cars and coffee or would look amazing on the back of a Kei truck.
WHY THIS MOTORCYCLE HAS BEST ONE ON THE PLANET CHOPS
The Motocompo was manufactured for only three model years and wasn’t quite the sales success Honda anticipated. Though a total production of over 53,000 certainly doesn’t seem like a market failure, these are quite rare to see and certainly rare in North America. The eBay seller claims this motorcycle runs well, is Honda original, and “runs perfect.” Indeed, the bodywork appears intact and complete with original decals and no damage. The seat material is the only obvious non-original item. How funny is it that the warning labels on a vehicle only sold in Japan are all in English? There may be some others of these out there for sale, but as we’ve said before, find another.
The Motocompo was a Japanese market solution to a specific problem.
View the listing on eBay Motors here:Â https://www.ebay.com/itm/388218373106
View an original Honda City ad showing the scooter here:Â https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jq6JL1lhLIw
What an amazing accessory for your 1980s Honda car. Want to be the Raddest at RadWood? This is a good start.
There is just enough pitting on some painted surfaces to suggest this hasnt been restored, at least recently. There appears to be one sticker missing on the right painted bodywork. The cracks in the tire sidewalls make them for display only and not safe for riding, although I would suspect a blowout at the speeds this scooter is capable of would not be life threatening. Perhaps one of the most original examples around. Until someone puts the time and $ into a full restoration of Motocompo this a near the top of the list. Know of a better one? Post it here!
These things are so much better than the new Moto Compactos Honda’s bestowed upon us today. Just check out those baby shocks up front! This one isn’t exactly perfect but well-loved might translate to excellence. I feel like there’s a better one out there but I love it anyway.
I missed this by a few days or else it would be in my garage right now! It would look great next to my Honda Express and Chrysler Sno-Runner. I’m definitely keeping my eyes open for one of these and set up some eBay and Facebook alerts.