1954

Honda's first scooter! 

A very elaborate and advanced design with a first in electric-start plus adjustable windscreen and an advanced fibre-reinforced plastic body. 

The first model featured a 189cc 4-cycle engine producing 7bhp

In the same year a revised model was introduced with a 220cc 4-cycle engine producing 9bhp.

It is understood that further KB and KC models were also produced with various enhancements to cure a number of service issues.

The Juno K series featured a motorcycle style handlebar clutch lever which was not popular at the time with scooter riders.

Sadly, the Juno K-type suffered many technical problems and warranty claims, costing the company dearly.

The Juno K-type was later described by Honda as a ‘splendid failure’!

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1961

Honda tried again in 1961 with the Juno M80 & M85. The M80 came first as a 124cc model then the 169cc M85. Both models featured hydraulic engine valve tappets and a hydraulic stepless transmission system which originated in Italy!

Again, the Juno was disappointing and only lasted one-year. Many technical features however were used in later models. 

An example of the Juno M85 was imported to the UK in the 1960s by Lucas Ind. to study the transmission. This example is now on display in The David Silver Honda Collection museum.      

Price at introduction:

 ¥169,000 Yen (1961, Japan only)

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