Honda marks 500 million bikes built

Honda has just rolled out its 500 millionth motorcycle, marking a major global milestone in the company’s long journey that started back in 1949 with the Dream D-Type. It’s been 76 years since that humble beginning, and the numbers tell the story: half a billion motorcycles built, sold, and ridden around the world.

The announcement was made with a commemorative event held at Honda’s plant in Vitthalapur, India. It’s a celebration of quantity and a nod to how far Honda has come, both geographically and technologically.

Honda’s two-wheeled journey began shortly after World War II. Founded in 1948, the company launched its first motorcycle model a year later. By 1963, it had started producing motorcycles in Belgium — its first overseas factory. From there, it quickly expanded into Asia, Latin America, and Africa, with the Philippines joining Honda’s production map in 1973.

Milestones came faster as the years went on. Honda hit the 100 million mark in 1997, doubled that by 2008, and reached 300 million in 2014. Even the slowdown during the pandemic didn’t keep the brand down for long, by 2019, it had already reached 400 million units. Just six years later, the 500 millionth bike was completed.

While Honda is still known for its gas-powered models, 2024 marked what the company called the “first year of global expansion” for its electric two-wheelers. It’s a sign of where the industry, and Honda, is heading. But even with the shift to electric, the company is sticking to one of its core philosophies: build where the demand is. Currently, Honda produces motorcycles in 23 countries through 37 factories, with an annual capacity of more than 20 million units.

The lineup is just as varied. From everyday scooters to big bikes for weekend rides, and now EVs, Honda’s goal is to make motorcycles that suit as many riders as possible, wherever they are.

Honda President Toshihiro Mibe called the milestone a tribute to the company’s roots. “For Honda, motorcycle business is our founder’s business, and will continue to be the company’s core business,” he said, thanking customers and partners who made the 500 million milestone possible.

He emphasized that Honda plans to keep innovating — not just to stay in the game, but to bring more joy and freedom of movement to people worldwide. That means better bikes, smarter production, and a greener future.

For the Philippines, which has long been a motorcycle-heavy country due to traffic and commuting challenges, Honda’s story resonates deeply. From the ever-reliable Wave and TMX models to newer electric alternatives in the pipeline, the brand’s influence on Filipino daily life is hard to ignore.

And with 500 million units under its belt, Honda shows no signs of hitting the brakes.