An interesting mini-documentary about Honda's history in the Isle of Man TT. The video should auto play all 4 parts. Otherwise, here's part 2, part 3 and part 4.
The story has it that after much research and development, Honda failed terribly at their first attempt in the Isle of Man TT. But came back 2 years later and dominated the top 5 ranks in their second punt.
Additional to the enjoyable history lesson, the video shares a glimpse into the mind of the charismatic Honda Founder, Soichiro Honda. He's a self-made man. A truly intriguing character. In 1980, the People magazine called him the Japanese Henry Ford.
Part 2 has a great quote about Honda's founder, who always see's a shiny side to failure, "When you fail, you learn how not to fail."
The Isle of Man TT is a nostalgic and alluring thing. It's amazing that once (or twice) a year, riders are actually racing on suburban streets, not to mention on an island virtually dedicated to motorcycle racing AND the whole ritual has been going on for over 100 years.
Most rider's in TT are in fact privateers (Read, Richard Branson on a bike - Loaded with with a team of mechanics and loads of parts) Most that are interviewed admit 'it's not about the winning, it's all about the riding'. If what's said is true, it would mean Honda truly captured the essence of riding in building their race winning machines.
The story has it that after much research and development, Honda failed terribly at their first attempt in the Isle of Man TT. But came back 2 years later and dominated the top 5 ranks in their second punt.
Additional to the enjoyable history lesson, the video shares a glimpse into the mind of the charismatic Honda Founder, Soichiro Honda. He's a self-made man. A truly intriguing character. In 1980, the People magazine called him the Japanese Henry Ford.
Part 2 has a great quote about Honda's founder, who always see's a shiny side to failure, "When you fail, you learn how not to fail."
The Isle of Man TT is a nostalgic and alluring thing. It's amazing that once (or twice) a year, riders are actually racing on suburban streets, not to mention on an island virtually dedicated to motorcycle racing AND the whole ritual has been going on for over 100 years.
Most rider's in TT are in fact privateers (Read, Richard Branson on a bike - Loaded with with a team of mechanics and loads of parts) Most that are interviewed admit 'it's not about the winning, it's all about the riding'. If what's said is true, it would mean Honda truly captured the essence of riding in building their race winning machines.
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