Description
Please note: The import documents state this bike is a 1985 however based on the VIN the seller thinks it may be early 90s and in Japan no year is listed on paperwork for bikes under 250cc. Iconic is unable to determine the exact year of this bike and will therefore go off of the import paperwork dates.
Introduced in 1982, GYRO is actually an acronym, which stands for “Great Your Recreation Original”. Well, the translation’s not great, but you get the idea. The initial designs were for utility-based uses – so options included rear racks, canopies, and plenty of storage.
In 1984, Honda mixed it up with the release of a variant called the Road Fox. Most of the utility disappeared, and instead you got exposed frames and a chopper-ish rake. It only sold for two years – and this was the sole variant that was officially exported to the US. In America, Big Red marketed it as the Gyro S.
The Gyro featured a parking brake which prevents it from falling over when parked, and even a limited slip differential. The short importation period and poor sales have made the Gyro a collectible scooter – perfect for someone looking for something quirky and fun. It only weighs 140 pounds, and it was capable of 30 miles per hour thanks to the 4 horsepower engine. In addition, the Gyro was capable of 160 mpg, which is why it saw so much success as a tiny utility vehicle in Japan.
In the U.S. the little runners were only (officially) sold from ’84 to ’86 (Canada got it in only ’84). These three-wheelers allow the body to lean up to 40 degrees compared to the rear axle. This allows for stability when cornering at speed, without losing a scooter’s traditional low-speed stability.
This example is VIN: TA011620302. The seller purchased the scooter two years ago at an auction in Japan and states, “The Gyro is another bike that does not make any sense financially as something to build and sell, I just did them for fun as part of my Parc Ferme Moto Art project. There are only 5 of these that I made, one went to a friend, two are for sale at Iconic and I am keeping the last two. I made 3 Rothmans, one NSR replica, and one Respol (also at Iconic). These were mostly fully pulled apart, every bit of the bodywork was cleaned, repaired if need be and then painted to mimic the classic 90s NSR style Rothmans liveries. A lot of hardware was also re-zinced at this time, new or nearly new tires were fitted and I had the seat specially reupholstered, the engines are stock but since they are two strokes they have some decent power to them, unlike the 50cc four strokes that Honda switched to in the later 90s. While not exactly rare the TA-01 two stroke models command a premium in Japan now due to their scarcity and better performance over the 4-stroke counterpart. A lot of detail was put into these, not just a simple sticker kit or rattle can paint job, they will make you the star at your next track day as you cruise around the paddock or will fit in any motorcycle collection large or small. I won’t be making any more of these.”
During his ownership, the seller has covered approximately 15 miles. The odometer shows 7,664 kilometers (4,762 miles).
Maintenance:
Per the seller, “In January 2025, carburetor pulled apart and cleaned, new OEM NGK spark plug, new OEM Honda air filter, fresh gas, battery is about 1 year old. All lights work, starts, runs and stops as it should. Just had service and running well before being loaded to L.A. Two stroke tank is only about a 1/3rd filled, fuel tank has some light rust inside. Auto choke is sometimes a little finicky during warm up, but if left to idle and warm up for a minute it is ok.”
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection. Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: OK LIGHT RUST
Trans Oil Level: GOOD
Trans Oil Quality: GOOD
2T Oil Level: 1/4 FULL
Coolant Level: GOOD
Coolant Quality: GOOD
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: GOOD
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: GOOD LESS THAN 1.5% H2O
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: GOOD
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: GOOD LESS THAN 1.5% H2O
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: GOOD
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: GOOD LESS THAN 1.5% H2O
Final Drive Condition: GOOD
Headlight High Beam: N/A
Headlight Low Beam: GOOD
Passing Light: N/A
Parking Light: N/A
Turn Signals: PASS
Tail Light: PASS
Brake Light (Front Switch): PASS
Brake Light (Rear Switch): PASS
Plate Light: OK FRONT BRAKE SWITCH NOT WORKING
Horn: PASS
Kill Switch: N/A
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: 75
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: 40 / 40
Forks: OK
Shock/s: OK
Tire Date Code Front: 1311
Tire Date Code Rear: 1822 / 2022
Tire % Remaining Front: 60
Tire % Remaining Rear: 100 / 100
Tire Press. Front: 22
Tire Press. Rear: 16 / 16
Battery Standing Voltage: 12.43
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 16 / 16
Running Condition: RUNS
Test Ride Completed: N/A
Test Ride Distance: N/A
Notes:
FUEL TANK LIGHT RUST
FUEL CAP LIGHT OXIDATION
NEED TO TOP OFF 2T OIL
FRONT BRAKE SWITCH INOP
FRONT TIRE AGED 5 YEARS OR MORE
Recommended Repair:
Top off 2t oil
Diagnose front brake switch inop
Replace front tire
Modifications:
Rothmans paint scheme.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Deestone and Dunlop K234 tires with date codes of 1311, 1822, and 2822.
The sale includes one key.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
“Possibly some minor blemished, but freshly painted for the most part. Underside has some small areas of light rust on frame, and normal wear for its age.”
Currently located in Santa Monica, California, this Honda is offered on a Bill of Sale only with import paperwork. Have any Gyro stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
