Description
Additional photos are available here for your perusal.
Nowadays, you can hop on a Bird or a Lime for your “last mile” transport needs. But Honda had a different idea for Japan in the early 80s. At the time, the company was selling a subcompact car called the City. But in a densely-packed city like Tokyo, it was difficult for even the drivers of tiny cars to find parking near their desired destination. Honda’s solution was the Motocompo, a scooter that was designed to fold up so that you could store it in the City’s trunk. Ride into town, park your car, and then get your scooter out for mobility among the masses!
Paul d’Orleans (of The Vintagent fame) has saved a old City ad that briefly features the adorable Motocompo:
The motor is a 49cc 2-stroke that was good for a blistering top speed of about 19 miles per hour (30 km/h). The slow speed just makes it easier for everyone to check you out. Wet weight is a pound short of 100, and the handlebars/seat would fold up almost flush with the bodywork for easier storage in the City’s trunk.
As the ‘compo was only offered for three years and only in Japan, they’re hard to find in the homeland, let alone here in the USA. 53,369 were built between 1981 and 1983. Riding one is an odd experience, but if you crave attention it’ll be hard to beat this.
This example is VIN: AB121031598. It came to Iconic as an import from Japan.
There is no odometer, true mileage is unknown.
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us rebuild and clean the carb, flush the fuel tank, and detail the bike.
Yonni did the work, he notes the following in his condition report:
Tire Years – Front/ Rear: 2016
Tire Life – Front/ Rear: 100%
Tire Pressure – Front: 25PSI; Rear:
20PSI
Brake Life – Front: 80%; Rear: 80%
Engine Oil – Level: Ok; Quality: Ok
2 Stroke Oil Tank – Ok; 1/4 Full
Drive Chain: Ok
Low Beam: Ok
Turn Signals: Ok
Tail Light: Ok
Brake Light: Ok
Plate Light: Ok
Killswitch: Ok
Horn: Ok
Battery: 7.2V RC car battery, modified to work by a previous owner. (OEM Motocompo batteries are difficult to find)
Please note: the speedometer is not working properly.
Modifications:
Steering stabilizer.
Mud flaps.
Orange paint.
Painted wheels.
Wrapped forks.
Kick stand.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Please note: There is orange peel present throughout the bodywork. It appears to have been re-touched/re-painted in some areas. The OEM wheels are black, these have been painted as well.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on IRC MB52 tires with date codes of 3616 and 3616.
The sale includes one key.
Currently located at our facility in Santa Monica, California (please make an appointment for an inspection), this Honda is offered on a Bill of Sale only. Have any Motocompo stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
