Honda Gyro

The Honda Gyro is a family of small, three-wheeled, single-occupant vehicles sold primarily in Japan, and often used for delivery or express service.

These vehicles are tilting three wheelers. They combine a tricycle's stopped & low-speed stability with a leaning main-body for stability while turning at speed. They resemble a scooter with a small hinged rear pod containing the engine and two drive wheels. This particular variation was developed and patented by George Wallis of G.L.Wallis & Son in Surbiton, Surrey in 1966. It was first marketed in the failed BSA Ariel 3 of 1970, then licensed to Honda. [cite web|url=http://www.randolph-automotive.com/ttw/ttw_ariel3.htm|title=BSA Ariel 3 History|publisher=Randolph Automotive|accessdate=2008-03-03] [cite web|url=http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~pattle/nacc/arc0272.htm|title=BSA Ariel 3 History|publisher=Andrew Pattle Moped Archive|accessdate=2008-03-03] [cite web|url=http://www.wikipatents.com/gb/1146351.html|title=George Wallis patent|publisher=wikipatents.com|accessdate=2008-03-03] [cite web|url=http://www.wikipatents.com/gb/1146352.html|title=George Wallis patent|publisher=wikipatents.com|accessdate=2008-03-03]

Honda has built seven vehicles with this configuration. The first Stream was introduced in 1981, followed closely by three other personal transport versions, the Joy, Just, and Road Fox. All were short-lived, but the cargo-oriented Gyro line begun in 1982 found a ready market, with all three variants still in production in 2008. [cite web|url=http://www.honda.co.jp/pressroom/library/motor/scooter/3ter/t_index.html|title=Timeline of all tilting Hondas|publisher=Honda|accessdate=2008-03-03] [cite web|url=http://www.honda.co.jp/motor-lineup/gyro-x/|title=Gyro X product page|publisher=Honda|accessdate=2008-03-03] [cite web|url=http://www.honda.co.jp/motor-lineup/gyro_up/|title=Gyro UP product page|publisher=Honda|accessdate=2008-03-03] [cite web|url=http://www.honda.co.jp/motor-lineup/gyro-canopy/|title=Gyro Canopy product page|publisher=Honda|accessdate=2008-03-03]

It is notable that these vehicles are all powered by a 49 cc 2-stroke engine, while Honda has a long history of producing 49 cc 4-stroke mopeds and light motorbikes. It is possible these vehicles operate within a limited engine-size license class in Japan, forcing Honda to choose a 2-stroke engine to provide enough power for these relatively heavy small vehicles.

Gyro Variants

Honda Gyro X

Infobox Motorcycle
name = Honda Gyro X


aka = NJ50, BB-TD01
manufacturer = Honda Motor Company
parent_company =
production = 1982 - current
predecessor =
successor =
class =
engine = TA01E 49 cc air-cooled 2-stroke
top_speed =
power = 5.0 hp @ 6,500 rpm
torque = 0.57 kg/m @ 6,000 rpm
transmission = Continuously Variable Transmission
suspension =
brakes =
tires = 3.50-10 41J, 130/90-6 53J
rake_trail =
wheelbase = 1.205 m
length = 1.7 m
width = 0.640 m
height = 1.030 m <1.405 m>
seat_height = 0.735 m
dry_weight = 95 kg <93 kg>
wet_weight = 100 kg <98 kg>
fuel_capacity = 5.0 l
oil_capacity =
fuel_consumption = 44.6 km/l @ 30 km/h <45.5 km/l @ 30 km/h>
turning_radius = 1.7 m
climbing_ability =
related =
similar =

This first Gyro was introduced in October 1982. It has front and rear tie-down racks, small low-pressure tires combined with a limited slip differential for good performance on slick surfaces like snow and mud, and a "one push" parking brake. 135,226 were sold by May 2002. [cite web|url=http://www.honda.co.jp/news/1982/2821013.html|title=Gyro X general description|publisher=Honda|accessdate=2008-03-03] [cite web|url=http://www.honda.co.jp/news/2002/2020627b-gyro.html|title=Gyro X Sales May 2002|publisher=Honda|accessdate=2008-03-03]

It is intended as an inexpensive vehicle. Honda's suggested retail price for the basic Gyro X in 2008 is ¥252,000, making it comparable with the simple 49cc Honda Zoomer scooter at ¥236,250. [cite web|url=http://www.honda.co.jp/motor-lineup/gyro-x/price/index.html|title=Gyro X pricing 2008|publisher=Honda|accessdate=2008-03-03] [cite web|url=http://www.honda.co.jp/motor-lineup/zoomer/price/index.html|title=Zoomer pricing 2008|publisher=Honda|accessdate=2008-03-03]

Honda's early marketing contains the Engrish acronym Great Your Recreation Original. [cite web|url=http://www.honda.co.jp/news/1982/2821013.html|title=Gyro X acronym|publisher=Honda|accessdate=2008-03-03]

Honda Gyro UP

Infobox Motorcycle
name = Honda Gyro UP


aka = TB50, BB-TA01
manufacturer = Honda Motor Company
parent_company =
production = 1985 - current
predecessor =
successor =
class =
engine = TA01E 49 cc air-cooled 2-stroke
top_speed =
power = 5.0 hp @ 6,500 rpm
torque = 0.57 kg/m @ 6,000 rpm
transmission = Continuously Variable Transmission
suspension =
brakes =
tires = 3.50-10 41J, 130/90-6 53J
rake_trail =
wheelbase = 1.240 m
length = 1.760 m
width = 0.685 m
height = 1.010 m
seat_height = 0.755 m
dry_weight = 105 kg
wet_weight = 110 kg
fuel_capacity =
oil_capacity =
fuel_consumption = 46.0 km/l @ 30 km/h
turning_radius = 1.8 m
climbing_ability =
related =
similar =

The Gyro UP was introduced in October 1985. It differs from the Gyro X by replacing the front and rear tie-down racks with a single heavy-duty baggage platform fixed directly to the rear engine pod, giving the appearance of a scooter pick-up truck. This platform has a rubber-mat loading area of 450 mm × 570mm that is rated for 30 kg. Honda claims it is sized for a 20 bottle beer crate, a container that is roughly similar to the plastic milk crate common in other countries. [cite web|url=http://www.honda.co.jp/news/1985/2850918.html|title=Gyro UP general description 1985|publisher=Honda|accessdate=2008-03-03] [cite web|url=http://www.honda.co.jp/news/1991/2910621.html|title=Gyro UP general description 1991|publisher=Honda|accessdate=2008-03-03] [cite web|url=http://www.honda.co.jp/news/1993/2930500.html|title=Gyro UP general description 1993|publisher=Honda|accessdate=2008-03-03] [cite web|url=http://www.honda.co.jp/news/2000/2000203a.html|title=Gyro UP general description 2000|publisher=Honda|accessdate=2008-03-03] [cite web|url=http://www.honda.co.jp/motor-lineup/gyro_up/equip/index.html|title=Gyro UP baggage platform|publisher=Honda|accessdate=2008-03-03]

The standard Gyro UP does not come with the roof-type fairing or box shown in the accompanying photograph. This fairing is an aftermarket modification by the company MRD.

Honda Gyro Canopy

Infobox Motorcycle
name = Honda Gyro Canopy


aka = TC50, BB-TA02
manufacturer = Honda Motor Company
parent_company =
production = 1990 - current
predecessor =
successor =
class =
engine = TA01E 49 cc air-cooled 2-stroke
top_speed =
power = 5.0 hp @ 6,500 rpm
torque = 0.57 kg/m @ 6,000 rpm
transmission = Continuously Variable Transmission
suspension =
brakes =
tires = 4.00-12 65J, 130/90-6 53J
rake_trail =
wheelbase = 1.410 m
length = 1.895 m
width = 0.650 m
height = 1.690 m
seat_height = 0.700 m
dry_weight = 129 kg
wet_weight = 136 kg
fuel_capacity =
oil_capacity =
fuel_consumption = 41.9 km/l @ 30 km/h
turning_radius = 2.0 m
climbing_ability =
related =
similar =

The Gyro Canopy was introduced in December 1990. It is distinguished by a roof-type fairing and a rear cargo box that is attached to the tilting main-body. The front tire and brake are also enlarged to deal with this model's increased weight and slightly higher cargo platform. The 62 l cargo box is rated for 30 kg. 62,600 Gyro Canopy were sold by May 2002. [cite web|url=http://www.honda.co.jp/news/1990/2901113.html|title=Gyro Canopy general description 1990|publisher=Honda|accessdate=2008-03-03] [cite web|url=http://www.honda.co.jp/news/1993/2930407.html|title=Gyro Canopy general description 1993|publisher=Honda|accessdate=2008-03-03] [cite web|url=http://www.honda.co.jp/news/1999/2991019b.html|title=Gyro Canopy general description 1999|publisher=Honda|accessdate=2008-03-03] [cite web|url=http://www.honda.co.jp/news/2002/2020627a-gyro.html|title=Gyro Canopy general description 2002|publisher=Honda|accessdate=2008-03-03] [cite web|url=http://www.honda.co.jp/motor-lineup/gyro-canopy/equip/index.html|title=Gyro Canopy cargo box|publisher=Honda|accessdate=2008-03-03] [cite web|url=http://www.honda.co.jp/news/2002/2020627a-gyro.html|title=Gyro Canopy sales May 2002|publisher=Honda|accessdate=2008-03-03]

Related Vehicles

Honda Stream

Infobox Motorcycle
name = Honda Stream


aka = NV50, TB07
manufacturer = Honda Motor Company
parent_company =
production = 1981-1983
predecessor =
successor =
class =
engine = 49 cc air-cooled 2-stroke
top_speed =
power = 3.8 hp @ 6,500 rpm
torque = 0.46 kg-m @ 5,500 rpm
transmission = Continuously Variable Transmission
suspension =
brakes =
tires = 8-3.00-2PR
rake_trail =
wheelbase = 1.210 m
length = 1.665 m
width = 0.570 m
height = 0.970 m
seat_height = .658 m
dry_weight = 74 kg
wet_weight = 79 kg
fuel_capacity = 4 l
oil_capacity =
fuel_consumption = 74 km/l @ 30 km/h
turning_radius = 1.7 m
climbing_ability = 14.5 degrees
related =
similar =

The Stream was introduced in November 1981. It is the first of Honda's tilting three-wheelers, and has the primary features of the type. It is a scooter-like single occupant vehicle with an automatic transmission and a "one push" parking brake. It has a small hinged rear pod containing the 49 cc 2-stroke engine and two drive wheels powered through a limited slip differential.

The Stream was styled and priced as a luxury personal scooter. Honda's suggest retail price in 1981 was ¥198,000, compared to ¥114,000 for a 49cc Super Cub. Unlike the Cub, the Stream can only carry one rider and has no baggage rack. Its only cargo capacity is a small forward compartment rated for 5kg, and a glovebox rated for 2 kg. It was discontinued in 1984. [cite web|url=http://www.honda.co.jp/news/1981/2811110.html|title=Stream general description 1981|publisher=Honda|accessdate=2008-03-03] [cite web|url=http://www.honda.co.jp/news/1981/2811110.html|title=Stream pricing 1981|publisher=Honda|accessdate=2008-03-03] [cite web|url=http://www.honda.co.jp/news/1981/2811110.html|title=Super Cub pricing 1981|publisher=Honda|accessdate=2008-03-03]

Honda Joy

Infobox Motorcycle
name = Honda Joy


aka = NM50
manufacturer = Honda Motor Company
parent_company =
production = 1983-1984
predecessor =
successor =
class =
engine = 49 cc air-cooled 2-stroke
top_speed =
power = 3.7 hp @ 6,000 rpm
torque = 0.47 kg-m @ 5,000 rpm
transmission =
suspension =
brakes =
tires =
rake_trail =
wheelbase =
length =
width =
height =
seat_height =
dry_weight = 46 kg
wet_weight =
fuel_capacity =
oil_capacity =
fuel_consumption =
turning_radius =
climbing_ability =
related =
similar =

The Joy was introduced in April 1983. It was a considerably less expensive vehicle than the Stream, being priced at only ¥99,800. It a personal transport vehicle, with only a small bicycle-style front basket and an equally small rear rack. The cargo-oriented Gyro X of the same year was twice as heavy and priced at ¥189,000. The Joy was discontinued in 1984. [cite web|url=http://www.honda.co.jp/collection-hall/2r/446.html|title=Joy general description 1983|publisher=Honda|accessdate=2008-03-03] [cite web|url=http://www.honda.co.jp/news/1983/2831028.html|title=Gyro X price 1983|publisher=Honda|accessdate=2008-03-03]

Honda Just

Infobox Motorcycle
name = Honda Just


aka = NN50, A-TB09
manufacturer = Honda Motor Company
parent_company =
production = 1983
predecessor =
successor =
class =
engine = TB08E 49 cc air-cooled 2-stroke
top_speed =
power = 3.7 hp @ 6,0000 rpm
torque = 0.47 kg-m @ 5,000 rpm
transmission = 2-speed automatic transmission
suspension =
brakes =
tires = 2.75-10-2PR/3.00-8-2PR
rake_trail =
wheelbase =
length = 1.520 m
width = 0.620 m
height = 0.945 m
seat_height =
dry_weight = 53 kg
wet_weight = 57 kg
fuel_capacity = 3.2 l
oil_capacity =
fuel_consumption = 80.0 km/l @ 30 km/h
turning_radius = 1.5 m
climbing_ability = 15 degrees
related =
similar =

The Just was introduced in May 1983. It is largely the same vehicle as its Joy stablemate. It has slightly more styling, and was priced at ¥129,000. Instead of a bicycle-style front basket, it has a glove-box behind the legshield. It was discontinued before 1984. [cite web|url=http://www.honda.co.jp/news/1983/2830524.html|title=Just general description 1983|publisher=Honda|accessdate=2008-03-03]

Honda Road Fox

Infobox Motorcycle
name = Honda Road Fox


aka = TG50, A-TB10
manufacturer = Honda Motor Company
parent_company =
production = 1984
predecessor =
successor =
class =
engine = TB08E 49 cc air-cooled 2-stroke
top_speed =
power = 4.0 hp @ 6,000 rpm
torque = 0.49 kg-m @ 5,500 rpm
transmission = 2-speed automatic transmission
suspension =
brakes =
tires = 3.00-8-2PR/4.50-6-2PR
rake_trail =
wheelbase =
length = 1.595 m
width = 0.605 m
height = 0.915 m
seat_height =
dry_weight = 59 kg
wet_weight = 63 kg
fuel_capacity = 3.7 l
oil_capacity =
fuel_consumption = 72 km/l @ 30 km/h
turning_radius =
climbing_ability =
related =
similar =

The Road Fox was introduced in July 1984. It is a stylistic departure in the series. The scooter-style plastic body panels are dispensed with, and instead the Road Fox has an exposed tube framework with rakish angles suggesting a beach-buggy/chopper look. It has motorcycle-style foot-pegs and no racks. It was discontinued before 1985 [cite web|url=http://www.honda.co.jp/news/1984/2840712.html|title=Road Fox general description 1983|publisher=Honda|accessdate=2008-03-03]

References

* Honda Gyro X infobox specifications from this Honda page on 2008-03-01:
** [http://www.honda.co.jp/motor-lineup/gyro-x/spec/index.html http://www.honda.co.jp/motor-lineup/gyro-x/spec/index.html]
* Honda Gyro UP infobox specifications from this Honda page on 2008-03-01:
** [http://www.honda.co.jp/motor-lineup/gyro_up/spec/index.html http://www.honda.co.jp/motor-lineup/gyro_up/spec/index.html]
* Honda Gyro Canopy infobox specifications from this Honda page on 2008-03-01:
** [http://www.honda.co.jp/motor-lineup/gyro-canopy/spec/index.html http://www.honda.co.jp/motor-lineup/gyro-canopy/spec/index.html]
* Honda Stream infobox specifications from this Honda page on 2008-03-01:
** [http://www.honda.co.jp/factbook/motor/STREAM/19811110/008.html http://www.honda.co.jp/factbook/motor/STREAM/19811110/008.html]
* Honda Joy infobox specifications from this Honda page on 2008-03-01:
** [http://www.honda.co.jp/collection-hall/2r/446.html http://www.honda.co.jp/collection-hall/2r/446.html]
* Honda Just infobox specifications from this Honda page on 2008-03-01:
** [http://www.honda.co.jp/news/1983/2830524.html http://www.honda.co.jp/news/1983/2830524.html]
* Honda Road Fox infobox specifications from this Honda page on 2008-03-01:
** [http://www.honda.co.jp/news/1984/2840712.html http://www.honda.co.jp/news/1984/2840712.html]

External links

* [http://www.maxmatic.com/ttw_hondagyro.htm List of Gyro models]
* [http://www.honda.co.jp/motor-lineup/gyro-canopy/ Gyro Canopy page at honda.co.jp]
* [http://www.honda.co.jp/motor-lineup/gyro_up/ Gyro UP page at honda.co.jp]
* [http://www.honda.co.jp/motor-lineup/gyro-x/ Gyro X page at honda.co.jp]
* [http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ja&u=http://www.honda.co.jp/motor-lineup/gyro-canopy/index.html&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dhonda%2Bgyro%2Bcanopy%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D%26sa%3DG Gyro Canopy information page] from Honda site, translated via Google
* [http://www.honda.co.jp/MotionGallery/10/index.html Road Fox Video at honda.co.jp]
* [http://www.miltontrainworks.com/Misc/Japan/AnnaMillers/images/12_onTheStreetWhereYouLive.jpgCanopy] (at left) in context, street scene, Tokyo Hiroo district.
* [http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=honda+gyro+&m=text Flickr photo results] for 'Honda Gyro'
* [http://my.reset.jp/~inu/ProductsDataBase/Products/HONDA/STREAM/STREAM.htm Honda Stream] brochure at [http://my.reset.jp/~inu/ProductsDataBase/index2.htm Product Design Data Base]
* [http://my.reset.jp/~inu/ProductsDataBase/Products/HONDA/Roadfox/Roadfox.htm Honda Roadfox] brochure at [http://my.reset.jp/~inu/ProductsDataBase/index2.htm Product Design Data Base]