When did Honda make electric start?
Honda began equipping its motorcycles with electric starters in the late 1970s, and electric-start models became common across Honda's lineup by the mid-1980s.
In this article, we explore when Honda first started using electric starting methods, how the technology evolved across Honda's motorcycles, why the change happened, and which model families led the transition. The phrase “electric start” here refers to a starter motor that eliminates the need for a manual kick start on most models.
Timeline of adoption
Key milestones show how Honda moved from occasional electric starters to broad standard equipment across its motorcycle range.
- Late 1970s: Electric starting begins appearing on select Honda motorcycles, typically high-end or larger-displacement models.
- Early 1980s: More Honda models adopt electric start, expanding beyond touring bikes to sport and dirt-bike lines.
- Mid-1980s: Electric start becomes standard on a large majority of new Honda road motorcycles; improvements in starter motors and electrical systems improve reliability.
- Late 1980s onward: The electric-start setup is integrated across most of Honda's mainstream motorcycle lineup, with ongoing refinements.
These milestones reflect a gradual shift in engineering priorities—prioritizing rider ease, reliability, and cold-start performance as urban usage increased and model ranges grew.
Model-family patterns and notable outcomes
While specific model-by-model documentation can vary by market and year, the broad pattern is clear: Honda moved from occasional electric starts to widespread standardization across its motorcycles, with particular emphasis in touring, sport-touring, and larger-displacement categories.
Context for cars and other vehicles
In automobiles, electric starting has been standard for many decades, with Honda's cars adopting reliable electric starters early in the industry’s history. The motorcycle sector followed later, with the pace accelerating in the 1980s as emissions and performance requirements shaped engineering choices.
Summary
Honda's adoption of electric start technologies marks a notable shift in rider accessibility and reliability. From limited early experiments in the late 1970s to widespread standardization across models by the mid-1980s, the move mirrors broader trends in motorcycle design towards convenience and ease of use.
Does a 2018 Honda CRF250R have an electric start?
The small-bore CRF received a plethora of changes including a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC), electric-start-equipped engine with two entirely separate exhaust systems, a new frame, Showa 49mm spring fork, and new bodywork.
What was Honda's first electric vehicle?
Honda EV Plus
In 1997, Honda introduced the Honda EV Plus, the first full-fledged Honda EV model with a vehicle body designed exclusively for the model. In the development of this model, Honda continued to pursue the M/M concept, a universal approach to Honda car design.
Is Honda phasing out gas cars?
Honda says it will stop selling gasoline-powered cars by 2040, while also striving for carbon neutrality for all of its products and internal operations.
What year did the Honda CRF go to electric start?
2018
The CRF-R lineup lacks any extra accessories such as lights, however the CRF450R had an option for an electric starter in 2017, and the CRF250R and CRF450R have come standard with electric start since 2018.
