The Honda NH series of scooters was sold worldwide from 1983 in 50, 80, 90, 100 and 125 cc versions, and the Lead is its best-known model. All models have an air-cooled two-stroke engine with CDI ignition and a CVT transmission.
Honda Lead at a glance
| Maker | Honda |
|---|---|
| Series | NH |
| Sold since | 1983 |
| Engine sizes | 49, 79, 89, 96, 124 and 149 cc |
| Engine type | air-cooled two-stroke with CDI |
| Transmission | CVT |
| Brakes | drum |
| Lead 50 front end | telescopic fork, electric start only |
| Other models | leading link front suspension, electric and kick start |
| US name | Aero (1983–1985) |
| Other names | Vision (1987–1994), Mascot in Canada |
| Modern Lead | 100, 110 and 125 cc versions |
Based on one source, the English Wikipedia article on the NH series.
History of the Honda Lead
One platform, many names
The NH series was sold worldwide from 1983. In the United States the model was called the Aero from 1983 to 1985; outside America it was the Lead from 1983 to 1987 and the Vision from 1987 to 1994, and in Canada it was the Mascot. American regulations in 1986 required any motorcycle over 50 cc to be four-stroke to combat air pollution.
Technical details
All models except the Lead 50 have leading-link front suspension, electric and kick starting and a fuel gauge. The Lead 50 uses a traditional telescopic fork and has only electric start. All models have drum brakes and CVT transmission. Engine sizes run from the 49 cc NH 50 to the 149 cc NH 150, with 79, 89, 96 and 124 cc versions between them.
Regional differences
There were regional variations as well as different names: early European models had different headlights, and the front handlebar moulding later became common across all versions so that the same lights could be used, though light arrangements still vary with national regulations. Stickers, badges and mirrors also differ between markets.
Modern Lead and the Indian Dio
Honda later sold a more modern Lead in 100, 110 and 125 cc versions. The NH family also led to the Indian Dio, a 110 cc four-stroke built by Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India since 2001 and exported to eleven countries.
Design and features
- Two-stroke NH engines: 49 to 149 cc with CDI ignition.
- CVT and drum brakes: simple specification across the range.
- Lead 50 difference: telescopic fork and electric start only.
- Many market names: Aero, Vision and Mascot.
Honda Lead versions
- Lead (1983–1987): the name outside the US.
- Aero (US, 1983–1985): the American version.
- Vision (1987–1994): the later export name.
- Mascot: the Canadian name.
- Modern Lead: 100, 110 and 125 cc four-stroke models.
The Lead belongs to Honda’s small-scooter history with the Dio and the CHF50. More Hondas are in the Honda collection.
Sources
- Honda NH series, English Wikipedia: models, engines, names, regional differences
