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 an 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: AB121045240. The seller acquired the bike through a Japanese auction.
There is no odometer; true mileage is unknown.
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had our service department replace the engine oil, the air filters, and the spark plugs. As the battery was believed to be original, the seller also had our service department replace it to verify the scooter’s running condition.
Our service department notes the following in their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: OK
Tire Year Front/ Rear:092/082
Tire % Front/ Rear: 90/90
Tire Press Front/ Rear:30/30
Brake % Front/ Rear:90+ (DRUM)/90+ (DRUM)
Front hydraulic fluid: OK
Rear Hydraulic Fluid: OK
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid: OK
Oil: OK
Coolant: N/A
Low Beam: OK
High Beam: OK
Turn: OK
Tail Light:OK
Brake Light: OK
Plate Light: OK
Kill: OK
Horn: OK
Fork: OK
Shock/s: OK
Battery Standing Voltage: 6.2
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 6.5
Notes:
• TEST RIDE OK , UNIT OPERATES AS DESIGNED
• TIRES OLD ( LIKELY ORIGINAL)
• LOOKS TO BE VERY LOW MILEAGE
RECOMMEND:
○ TIRES + TUBES
Modifications:
This Motocompo appears to be stock.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Bridgestone Molas tires that have aged out. We believe that they are original; however, we cannot confirm.
The sale includes two keys.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
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. Please note that as an import, this bike lacks certain compliance and emissions stickers that the state of California would require to transfer a title. Have any Motocompo stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
