Tokyo, January 26, 1998 - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has announced the launch of the fully upgraded series of Lead scooters, which will go on sale in Japan on February 25 (50cc Honda Lead) and March 10 (Honda Lead 100). The 50cc Honda Lead and its big brother the Lead 100 have both proved popular due to their elegant styling and high quality look, particularly with men. The changes include a variety of modifications designed to make the bike comply with new Japanese motorcycle exhaust emission regulations. These scooters are the first two-wheeled vehicles in Japan to meet these new standards.
The series' last full makeover was back in March 1988. In the latest upgrade, the series' styling has been made uniform, and the old Lead 90 has been fitted with a new 2-stroke engine with 10cc more displacement to become the Lead 100.

Both bikes feature air-cooled 2-stroke single-cylinder engines that deliver plenty of power at low revs. The modifications allow the carburetor settings to be altered for a leaner air-fuel mixture, which reduces the amount of pollutants generated during the combustion process. A new kind of oxidizing catalyst unit (or catalyzer) has also been fitted inside the muffler. These modifications reduce the amount of pollutant gases in the exhaust by a substantial degree - reducing both carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by half, and hydrocarbon (HC) emissions by more than two-thirds.

The modifications made to the muffler also enable the Lead 50 to comply with the new Japanese motorcycle noise pollution regulations due to be enforced in October 1998. The Lead series also features an innovative combined brake system that connects the front and rear brake systems, enhancing safety.

Prices for the new Lead scooters are unchanged from the old models, except that the Lead 100 is 7,000 yen more expensive than the old Lead 90 model.

40,000 units

Both bikes feature a new kind of oxidizing catalyst unit (or catalyzer) fitted inside the muffler. Made out of stainless steel with a platinum and rhodium coating, the unit is highly effective at purifying the exhaust gas stream, as well as being highly durable and compact.

The Lead complies fully with Japanese exhaust emission regulations for new Class I motorcycles (50cc or less) due to come into force from October 1998. The Lead 100 complies fully with similar regulations for new Class II motorcycles (50cc ~ 125cc) due to come into force in October 1999. Furthermore, after the engine has warmed up, the new modifications reduce emissions of white smoke, compared to current Honda models, by more than 90%, (values are taken from Honda-conducted light permeation tests on Honda products).

The Lead 100's engine has been improved by inserting an airtight intake chamber between the carburetor and the reed valve. By boosting throttle linearity in the mid-speed series, it increases mid-series power.

The design concept for the exterior styling mixes solidity with comfort - the perfect balance for a scooter designed for adults. As well as a long, comfortable seat and a wide floorboard, the new frame is about 20% more rigid than previous models. Comfort is further enhanced by the addition of telescopic front suspension.