Honda Motocompo Deep Dive: Easily One Of Honda’s All-Time Coolest MiniMoto Bikes 

Before Uber and lyft was popular, there was a company that rode the Motocompo to the customer, that is inebriated, put the bike in the trunk and drove the customers own car home safely. And then the service person would just ride home or to the next customer. And one less drunk driver on the road

Some fun facts. The Honda City was actually designed so that the Motocompo would fit perfectly into the back, slotting in sideways (probably on its side, as the up label mentions), and the Motocompo was designed to be used as a last mile vehicle to go from the parking lot to your office. That was the main purpose why it could easily fit inside the back of a kei car. This was made easy because in Japan, you automatically get certified to drive a scooter when you get your driver's license, so almost no extra paperwork for the Motocompo. In addition, You're Under Arrest features the two patrol officer protagonists driving a Honda Today with a Motocompo in the back, and the scooter gets used in virtually every opportunity possible. It even makes an appearance in the movie when they're fighting terrorists (Great movie and really shows how Japanese mentality is different when the entire police station and other government departments goes into catching the terrorists rather than a one-man show like how it usually is in western movies).

UP is for when you store it on its side. This is common on outboard boat engines, and means if you store it right side down - the fluids won’t leak out.

The „up“ sticker is actually very useful because when you want to load the bike into the car you need to tilt it on one side. It’s 50/50 that the side your tilting it overflows the carburetor and gas comes out. ;) Addition: so it means you need to tilt it to the right

Many year’s ago, there was a company you could call if you were too intoxicated to drive home. They would arrive at your location with a bike like this, fold it, put it in your vehicle and drive you home. I can’t remember what it was called, but it started around the same time as Uber, so it didn’t last long.

I think the UP⬆ arrow is for transporting it on its side. Check the fluid venting. Thanks for the video. 👍

I always wanted a Motocompo as a teen to get to school because of its uniqueness. Although, I think I will never able to get my hands one I am glad you guys are showing it to the world a piece of history!

The Motocompo is testimony to innovation and creativity at Honda. They have always been innovators through out the years for providing fabulous designs in Motorcycles and cars which is apparent when you see what's out in the world. When Honda came out with the Honda 50, the world went nuts. It was a hit in Europe and in the U.S. And Honda's marketing of the Honda 50 was brilliant.

I saw a lot of these in Europe, especially Greece and Italy as many college kids and young couples had these style of fold-up bikes as a commuter and grocery getter bike. I also remember seeing them with the plastic baskets used to carry groceries in and you could carry it into your apartment (aka your typical 3rd story student or young couple Flat!) and stuff it into a closet or den! Brings back some sweet memories! Honda wasn't the only manufacturer of these style of fold-up bikes but they WERE quite common in the narrow streets of many European cities! V

My man with the 100lb deadlift like it aint no thing. Well done young sir.

I worked at Honda R&D in Torrance, CA back in the 1980's. There was a room with no ceiling inside the shop that had a bunch of design and prototypes stored in it. There was a couple of the Motocompo looking full size mockups stored there. I never knew that they really sold them until years later.

"On September 14, 2023, Honda announced the Motocompacto, an all-electric successor to the Motocompo, with a release date of November 2023 and an MSRP of $995 at Honda and Acura dealerships."

The helmet holder label is referring to the slot in the cover next to it. You pass your helmet strap through it and secure it before locking the cover.

It looks like a minibike for Blade Runner. Same time frame, early 80s. It also looks like a generator.

Some things to help: The "UP" direction refers to flat storage (gas motor could flood carburetor if downed wrong) The helmet holder accommodates the helmet clip 😊but still, very cool !!

You made 235 lbs , look like nothing. Pretty cool. Great video

A electric knockoff of the Motocampo would be pretty cool. Folding bars and all. And likely could be faster and more useful.

I recall reading an article in the 1980s in Car and Driver. In Japan, nothing they released here in the United States but over there they had a little subcompact called the Honda City and you could park it on the outskirts of Tokyo and then open up the rear hatch and pull out one of these little scooters. I remember seeing them demonstrate how easily it fit into the compartment in the little Honda City and how easily it popped out and handlebars appeared.

A 3D printed electric bicycle version could give the moto-compo a new life by today’s standards, would be awesomely Retro looking.

Another example of why the 80’s was the greatest decade.

Put the helmet d-ring in the helmet holder slot and lock the cover on the bike. It will hold the helmet.

Everyone is just going to ignore how strong this young man is? Okay.

Dude you said it "we adore this Motocompo" ...and that we concur and emplore. Thanks that was fun.

THANK YOU for mentioning the cost in the Beginning of the Video! Bravo. I can't stand other video that don't even mention this important detail.

I wonder if the “UP” indicates that it can be safely laid on its side without a leak if you place that side up… to fit it into a trunk?

In a way it's good that the motocompo is soo expensive for what it is, as that means the whoever wishes to spend that much on it, is likely a true fan and someone who really appreciates what it is and where it came from, if it got in the wrong hands, I can see bigger bore engine swaps lighting upgrades etc etc..

When I was a kid I rode an old Motobecane moped. 50cc 2-stroke and it topped out at around 45 mph. This was when the Honda Sprees were just coming out and they were the hottest thing to have...the other kids would be kinda mad that my old moped that was bigger and heavier could outrun them on the same size engine.

I Had a Copy of a Honda Dax. It did have electric start. And you always got plenty of smiles. When I was out on a ride with it.

You put your helmet buckle in the helmet holder slit and use the panel key hole to lock and unlock it obviously

I bet I could squeeze 25 mph out of it with a mile high tuneup on that little 2 banger! Also, the gas tanks can rust away into Swiss cheese. That has been an issue with these with time. Always fun on the giggle side!

Are you ok sir? The up clearly indicates that that side needs to be faced up while transporting the vehicle resting on its side so you don’t spill gasoline all over your car or truck hence the glass symbol to indicate it can spill 😅🤦‍♂️

One of the best reviews of anything that I've seen. Bravo.

Very cool that doctor acknowledged and supportive of your observations

I just love the idea of it being so compact that you can take it any where. Toss it in the back of your car no problem, take it in to your office no problem. That idea is just so cool!

Good day to you! I am a grandpa rider on HONDA Cross Cub CC110 from Japan. Enjoying camping ,touring and upload video. Your Moto video is so nice! Awesome! Full supported ! Have a nice day my friend!

I would be interested if someone every makes a electric motorcycle with similar highlights to either of these. Either extremely ride-able but lightweight like the monkey, or extreme form factor but still usable like the Motocompo. I see stuff like the alien rides thing and have to imagine its possible with enough talent behind it

The "UP" direction is for when it's sitting on it's side so the gas won't leak out.

Thank you for your sharing your fantastic motor bike! It’s great! 🎉I believe that you must enjoy to drive it very much ❤

I believe that "UP" sign means when you lay it down flat on it's side, it is showing you which side of the two should be pointing up. Probably has to do with gasoline or oil not leaking out.

Nice review, crazy how detailed new generations are in some field but they doesn't know what "the wine glass" means.

That puppy is in great condition! I've been wanting to get my hands on a Motocompo for a couple decades now. Someday...

There are a lot of custom motocompo bikes out there, even a few scratch built . It would be nice to see a carb upgrade 👍

It was weird recognizing Colorado sky before even seeing the flat irons lol

Very cool. The only thing I thought was wonky was the folding handlebars. I was expecting them to be one piece, that just lays back and down against the top of the bike, but when I saw that they loosened individually and just flopped all around when loosened, it was like, Yikes.

Wow your in Lafayette awesome! live here in Lakewood and have a pretty sweet Honda shadow spirit vt1100. Really cool mini bike to just cruise around and have fun guys nice buy... ride safe ✌️

Thanks for this video!!!!

Incredible job guys just magnificent

You probably don't use that pictogram in the US, but the funny glass of wine is used as an official pictogram in many countries meaning "handle with care"- breakable...

Thank you Kase, and nice to see Alex in front of the camera. Good review, but I do not see either carrying my 50yo 300# behind

I'm interested to see the motocompo compared to some of these upcoming foldable production bikes like the Felo M-One and Icoma Tatamel. Those are both electric, but they seem to be targeting the same people the Motocompo did.

The helmet locks work by putting the D-ring through the slot before locking the top. The lock pins go through the D-ring and then into the locking hole.

Fold-up bikes were made by a LOT of manufacturers in Spain, Italy, Turkey and Germany and were exported everywhere in Europe and Asia where mostly students and young couples who did not want or could not afford a full size moped bought them by the truckloads. You could also store them in your flat (aka small apartment) and you had a perfect small and agile back-alley commuter bike. The range is like 20 to 40 km (12 to 24 miles) depending on the model and type of engine on these, so you don't get to go very far BUT for most users that sort of range is JUST FINE! Honda made this one mostly for the Japanese market but I saw versions of these in MANY Greek and Italian city centres ESPECIALLY where students and young couples just starting-out would live and work! V

80s Honda scooters are so cool. I have a rundown 86 Elite, and it also has fancy looking plastic body over all of the components, all of which are broken on mine.

I'm pretty sure the "up" label is for when you store it on it's side, you make the arrow point up to prevent fuel/oil issues.

that part at 4.05 is there for universal packaging that sign mean "this way up" I'm guessing its there because it has a carburate and lying it on its side would mess with the gravity fuel tank but also the oil in the engine and the fact that they can send it anywhere and instantly know that this product needs to stay upright, also the glass symbol means fragile so the two signs are keep upright and fragile or handle with care

Such a coo video, thanks.

I had an 85 CB125S. Rode that for 19 years.. they are a great ebbing size

Cool seeing Natsumi's bike in action

If you did a little work on the carburetor and the exhaust you could probably get this thing to move a lot faster with more power and at least be able to get up to about 40 something. Of course I would keep the original parts to put it back to stock if you ever want to sell it.

the "untouchable" bumper sticker had me dying

the MotoCompo was featured in the manga and anime: You're Under Arrest. Some of the coolest scenes featured it as a police vehicle.

This vehicle really makes sense for japan, with it being just an acessory to a larger vehicle. Motorized transport in both the tight city and rural roads, all in one purchase.

@ 4:00 UP is to show you if you lay it on its side to keep that side up.. that way gas doesnt spill etc.. (the "Untouchable" sticker on the back is sweet ;P)

Pretty sure the helmet holder is referring to the slot in that panel. It looks like you could slip the d ring from a helmet into the slot, and the pin that locks the panel down would slot through it, locking the helmet to the motocompo

I sure wish they'd make those again! Would be awesome to throw a pair in the camper.

Ufff Cool ! Thanks for information 🙏🏼😎

$3,700 for any Motocompo is a steal.

coolest thing i've seen all day

I paid $3150 for a new, 0 miles, Ninja 400 at the dealer (out the door was still below retail).

The up decal is showing you what direction to lay it on its side so the fuel doesn't leak out into your car.

I am in love with the Honda's classics

Motocompos WERE sold in the US. Just not many of them. 3:55 -- Think about this. You just rode it a few miles, now you're folding it to stow it somewhere . . .it's a really really really bad idea to reach down and try to lift it by the exhaust. The steps are labeled so that someone who has never ridden one before knows that there IS a step, and where it is. The "UP" sticker is for when you lay it on the side, putting it in a car trunk -- this keeps fuel from draining into the air cleaner, and is also probably why the kick started is on the left side. The wine glass means FRAGILE. The helmet holder is for putting a strap through to (wait for it) HOLD a HELMET. You know, like if you were a Japanese salaryman (the target market), who rides it between train station and home, and doesn't want to drag a helmet around all day. It was a refinement on the original Z50A concept (target market: recreation and utility), made "businesslike." This was the same idea behind the Segway -- an alternative to walking for someone in a suit, that wouldn't take up much space when stored. And, like the Segway, a great idea that didn't catch on, for social reasons ("Monkeycompo").

Man this is so cool. In the 90s my dad bought an old Honda Z-50 and restored it for me to ride. Back then it was just an old bike, these days they're $$$ lol

These were made to fit into the trunk of a Honda Today or Honda City. Natsumi Tsujimoto rides one in “You’re Under Arrest!” stowed in the back of their souped up Honda Today mini patrol car.

The helmet holder is the little hole near the text, where you are supposed to thread your helmet strap. Under the locking cover there is a pin or hook that you can hook your helmet strap to and lock the cover back on the bike. This way your helmet will be locked to the holder while you park your bike.

Man i would love to find one of those to put in the rv!!! Perfect campsite cruiser

The Helmet Holder is probable to "HUG" the cover piece with the helmet buckles through that area. This way the Helmet can stay put when you secure the cover part (lid) to the bike.

I like that you could put it in your hatchback. And use in a neighborhood or campsite.

I feel like in a crowded city like NY Tokyo Bangkok not so much LA but cities with insane foot and vehicle traffic that thing is dope af park your car somewhere cheaper and safer then ride your little bike around town to party it up I totally see where they were going and who their market was and I cannot deny it's awesomeness

Neat. The Motocompo is similar to the Brits WW2 folding Paratroop motorcycle, or at least the post war civil version (called the Corgi in Britain and Indian Papoose in the U.S.).

My first motorcycle was a Honda 50 and it was great as an intown commuter with a top speed of 30 (IIRC)

The reason for the sticker indicating which side is up is for when you put it in the trunk of your car. You see this thing has gas in it and a carburetor and if the up sticker is pointing down the fuel will leak out of it into your trunk.

Honda needs to bring this back in electric version. This one? Deserve a place in museum.

Great video. I'd never heard of the Moto Compo. Here in UK Monkey is getting very popular. I have both Monkey and Dax. Both start on the button and never cut out. Never heard of this issue. Have you modfied?

“You got a little window there with some Japanese on it…” 😂😂😂

This mini bike was an option on 1983 Honda City , about the same as Honda Fit .

Saw Tsujimoto Natsumi with one of this. I thought it was cool idea to have mini portable vehicle to get around the area. Now I have the e moped.

Seems like the motocompo is the collectors item you buy for a somewhat reasonable price, play with it for a couple years, then sell it and get most of your money back. I would hate to see them get locked away and never used.

Just today saw article Honda made a suitcase size e-scooter .

GREAT INFOMERCIAL !!

I love that little red one

I had aa 1980 Honda Twin Star 180cc Cruiser 4 speed. I lived on the Big Island and went absolutely everywhere!

not sure if you guys already saw it, but there's a newer motocompo that folds up like a lage suitcase. also, for that red old school motocompo, you guys should get the honda car that was designed for it. That would explain all the stuff you guys were wondering about in regard to the design.

That thing would be cool if it had a little pop out handle in the front so you could wheel it around similar to the suitcases with wheels

The premixer is brilliant!

Is it possible that the "up" arrow and wine glass at 4:07 are on there so when you lay it in your car, oil and gas don't leak?

You said it (a pit bike) it is fn awesome just to get around on and it's 49cc so it doesn't need registered in most States the kids could use it just to ride around and have fun with their friends. The fact I could probably put it in the trunk of my car and scooter about by the beach plus it's retro 💯 has my vote.

Dat "helmet Holder" (HH) has 2 slots through which you can slide the helmet straps into, to hold your helmet fastened to your bike.

My S23 Ultra with Bixby in the camera app could translate some of that at 3:41 . The angle is not straight enough so some of the text didn't translate. Basically it said to drain the gas if in storage, and one line on the sticker near the lock said not to drive too fast on rough roads.

I had the honda city with one in the boot loved the thing