Honda Stream Was Team Red’s First Leaning Trike Design Activity

In 2024, enthusiasts may be acquainted with Honda’s innovative leaning three-wheeler, the Gyro, and its recent electrified version, the Gyro e:, featuring swappable Honda Mobile Power Pack e: units.

Contrary to popular belief, the Gyro wasn’t Honda’s first foray into the world of leaning three-wheelers. The lineage can be traced back to the original Honda Stream, introduced in 1981. While the Stream didn’t have a lengthy production run, it laid the foundation for subsequent designs like the Honda Just and, eventually, the enduringly popular Gyro and its electric counterpart, the Gyro e:, which have served as efficient delivery vehicles across multiple Asian countries for decades.

Honda’s penchant for design experimentation, particularly evident in its earlier years, is well-known among motorbike history enthusiasts. Despite the limited production of the Stream, Honda’s commitment to refining and evolving the concept into the Gyro series indicates a recognition of its unique potential.

The genesis of the leaning three-wheeler concept has ties to England, notably involving BSA and designer George Wallis. BSA’s attempt to enter the moped market led to the creation of the Ariel 3, a leaning three-wheeled scooter designed by Wallis. Though the Ariel 3 faced commercial challenges, the concept persevered, with Daihatsu briefly adopting Wallis’ design for the Hallo in the 1970s.

The turning point came when Honda embraced the idea, launching the Stream and subsequently developing the Gyro, which has maintained its popularity in niche markets for decades.

A 1984 Honda Stream, currently available on Bring a Trailer, offers enthusiasts a chance to own a piece of this unique motorcycling history. Although the Stream was never officially sold in the US, this imported model, registered in Maryland, boasts a 49cc two-stroke single-cylinder engine with only 610 kilometers (approximately 379 miles) on the odometer. The previous owner conducted routine maintenance, and a running video from late 2023 showcases the scooter’s performance.

While not a speed demon, the Honda Stream is an intriguing conversation starter, featuring a distinctive dash. Listed at no reserve on Bring a Trailer, the auction for this piece of motorcycling nostalgia concludes on January 7, 2024, at 1:15 p.m. Eastern, with the current bid standing at $1,000 at the time of writing. For more details or to bid, interested parties can check the provided link in our sources.