As a cyclist, the first time I saw Shimano fishing rods took me by surprise too, although it makes (some) sense. Lightweight tubes, smooth bearings, mechanical spinning things are common in both industries. Also amuses me in the same way when I see a Suzuki outboard motor or a Honda lawnmower.
Honda started as a motorcycle. Making excellent tiny engines, it made sense to sell them as components to those who need portable combustion power. I used to work in a factory building pressure washers that used Honda.
Branching out from there in to tiny automobiles came later. It likely helped them be experts at high RPM low displacement, which ultimately won out vs what the American engine makers were doing at the time.
voxleone · · focus · HN ↗
blackpelican · · focus · HN ↗
kridsdale1 · · focus · HN ↗
Branching out from there in to tiny automobiles came later. It likely helped them be experts at high RPM low displacement, which ultimately won out vs what the American engine makers were doing at the time.