1961 Honda Accessory Book

[Spokes]

I ran across a 1961 Honda Accessory book. Some pics with hand written prices. This book also shows thread design and various tire sizes as well.
http://www.fourwheelforum.com/album.php?albumid=74

[Ranchman]

That's great. Thanks for posting that.

[1911tex]

Wow look at the "flaglights" on page 11 and the luggage racks...kinda like those in the Far East auctions on ebay. The prices blow me away! I think gas was around .30 cents then, filling stations on all four corners of every intersection, free mugs and green stamps, and the service guys checked oil, tires, water, brake fluid and cleaned windshield and filled the tank as standard service. Oh yes, and looking forward to getting a draft notice in the mail in a couple of years. Really interesting...thanks Spokes!

[Spokes]

Now that you mentioned gas....(not to wander to far from Honda's)

[ByTheLake]

I like the chrome fender tips - for $1.75.

I see they also offered a chrome fender for the Super Cub (50cc) as an alternative to the plastic original. Mine has the plastic fender, which refuses to shine under any circumstances, but the chrome fender might look a bit out of place on that bike.

On that last page, I like the luggage rack that mounts over the regular dual saddle. Would get one of those today if it was available.

Thanks for posting, Spokes. What a great reference to what options were available. The median income for a family in the US in 1961 was $5700, so spending $475 on a Benly in those days would have been a whole month's salary for the average Joe.

[ByTheLake]

Originally Posted by Spokes

Now that you mentioned gas....(not to wander to far from Honda's)

I remember 28 cents per gallon, and my mother complaining when the price went over 30 cents. Those were the good ol' days, when a kid sat on the front arm rest, a few feet from a steel dash, safe from harm.

[1911tex]

ByTheLake: Is this the luggage rack you were mentioning:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/LAGGUAGE-RAC...d13587&vxp=mtr

P.S. I don't remember sitting on an armrest in the front seat...maybe we had the cheaper front bench seat, sans seatbelt.

[ByTheLake]

Originally Posted by 1911tex

ByTheLake: Is this the luggage rack you were mentioning:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/LAGGUAGE-RAC...d13587&vxp=mtr

P.S. I don't remember sitting on an armrest in the front seat...maybe we had the cheaper front bench seat, sans seatbelt.

Nah, that eBay rack is for the solo seat. The catalog page showed a rack that mounted above the dual saddle. This is the one:



Not the most elegant looking rack, but I like how it fits over the seat without sticking out of the rear of the bike like other racks do.

[Jetblackchemist]

Done.

[Spokes]

Ummm Jet. The Big Mac was'nt introduced until 1968 @ .49 ea. They don't cost $5.00 now.......

It was only $1.90 in 1997

Sorry, gotta call ya on that one.....I really like that sandwich and remember them well....

[ByTheLake]

Now that you've mentioned the Big mac, it's occurred to me that I've never tried a Big Mac. As a certified simpleton, I struggled to move beyond the cheeseburger. Maybe that's why I like the little Benly, and my Super Cub, so much.

For those interested in saving a souvenir copy, I stumbled across the PDF of the 1961 accessory book. Now if I can only get one of those chrome fender tips for $1.75.

[Jetblackchemist]

Done.

[Smithers]

Thanks for posting the accessory book. I sure wish I could order up some of those tires!!

[ByTheLake]

Originally Posted by Smithers

Thanks for posting the accessory book. I sure wish I could order up some of those tires!!

So many tread patterns from which to choose, too! How odd.