Tokyo, March 20, 1998 - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has announced the launch in Japan, on April 17, of the fully upgraded Honda Tact series of scooters. With their host of convenient features and combination of power with a smooth ride, the Tact series, which includes the Tact and Tact Stand-up models, has long proved popular with consumers of all ages. The new series has been modified to comply with the impending new Japanese motorcycle exhaust emission regulations.
When the Tact series first went on sale in September 1980 it caused a sensation in Japan, leading to a surge in the popularity of motor scooters. The Tact Fullmark, launched in January 1987, one of the first scooters in Japan to have built-in helmet storage space beneath the seat, established itself quickly to define a whole new segment within the Japanese motorcycle market.

The changes made for the new model upgrade include a restyling of the exterior, together with a number of modifications designed to comply with the new Japanese motorcycle exhaust emission and noise pollution regulations. The Honda Lead series of scooters has been similarly modified to make them more environment-friendly.

In addition to its elegantly fluid lines, the new Tact series features a convenient front-rear combination brake. The Tact Stand-up has an improved stand that makes it much easier to use.

The manufacturer's recommended retail prices of the Tact series have been kept at the same levels as the old models.

30,000 units

In common with the Lead scooter series, the Tact series features an air-cooled 2-stroke single-cylinder engine with carburetor modified to allow a lean air-fuel mixture, thereby increasing combustion efficiency and reducing the amount of pollutants generated during the combustion process. In addition, a new kind of oxidizing catalyst unit (or catalyzer) has been fitted inside the muffler. These modifications cut the amount of pollutant gases in the exhaust by a substantial degree - reducing carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxide (NOx) and hydrocarbon (HC) emissions by more than half. The Tact series complies fully with the Japanese exhaust emission regulations for new Class I motorcycles (50cc or less) due to come into force from October 1998. The changes in the internal construction of the muffler also help the Tact series comply with the Japanese noise pollution regulations for new motorcycles due to come into effect at the same time. 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 new Tact series design consists of restrained, smooth flowing lines, the whole form conveying a distinct feel of class. A long seat and a wide, flat floorboard give the rider a lot more freedom in terms of body position.

In March 1989, the Tact became the first scooter in the world to be fitted with an automatic stand. This feature makes it much easier to park without having to manhandle a heavy vehicle - a real boon for older people. In the new Stand-up model, the switch that activates the stand has been moved from being part of the main switch to a more convenient position on the side of one of the handlebar grips. If the rider tries to ride off without the stand being safely raised, the engine automatically cuts out, further enhancing safety.