Welcome back! Honda Motorcycle Homecoming Kumamoto 2025

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November 20, 2025

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Welcome back! Honda Motorcycle Homecoming Kumamoto 2025

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Honda Motorcycle Homecoming Kumamoto 2025" (hereinafter referred to as "Homecoming Kumamoto"), an annual festival where motorcycle enthusiasts from all over Japan gathered at Honda Motor Corporation's Kumamoto Plant, where Honda motorcycles are produced, was held on October 5, 2025 (Sunday). The event was filled with 2,299 motorcycles and 4,779 visitors, and the venue was filled with excitement and smiles. It was a special day for Honda fans to visit the "hometown" of their beloved cars and enjoy a wide variety of exciting content. It was such a special day. Otsu-cho, Kumamoto Prefecture, where the Kumamoto Plant is located, will host the "BIKE LOVE FORUM" (BLF) in 2026 to consider the future of motorcycles, and the town is also a place where motorcycle fever is growing even stronger. We will bring you a report on the event as well as a voice full of love for motorcycles in Otsu Town.

Table of Contents

1 The main venue is the newly established "Honda KUMAMOTO WELCOME PARK
2 Legendary rider Freddie Spencer makes an appearance
3 Developers and ambassadors share their passion for the CB1000F
4 Demonstration of CB1000F production process
5 A must-see for fans! Factory tour of Kumamoto Works
6 The program is packed with endless contents to see!
7 All the way to Kumamoto! Impressions from visitors
8 From Mr. Kaneda, Mayor of Otsu Town, the host town
9 Director of Kumamoto Plant to Riders
10 Spending time with friends in his hometown

The main venue is the newly established "Honda KUMAMOTO WELCOME PARK

(The plaza in front of the "Honda KUMAMOTO WELCOME PARK" (the building in the back right) where the main stage for "Homecoming Kumamoto" was set up)

The last time "Homecoming Kumamoto" was held in 2024 was abruptly cancelled due to a thunderstorm warning issued as a result of a typhoon approach. The event was held for the first time in two years. On the day of the event, it rained until around 8:00 a.m., but by the time visitors arrived, the weather had gradually improved and the parking lot was filled with over 2,000 motorcycles. The venue for this year's event was the Honda KUMAMOTO WELCOME PARK, a facility that opened this March on the south side of the Kumamoto Plant's main gate. The facility was built as a welfare facility for employees, but it is also open to the general public, displaying motorcycles and general-purpose products that Honda has created through its past challenges. The main stage for "Homecoming Kumamoto" was set up in front of this facility.

Legendary rider Freddie Spencer makes an appearance

Freddie Spencer riding the "NSR500" that he drove himself during his active career. The racer on the left is the "RS250RW."

The most popular content at "Homecoming Kumamoto" was an exhibition and event related to the CB1000F, a popular large road sport model, and a presentation by Freddie Spencer, a legendary road racing rider who competed in the World Championship (WGP) during the 1980s and 1990s. Mr. Spencer, who competed in the WGP as a Honda works rider from 1982, made his mark on Honda's history by winning the GP500 and GP250 double championships in 1985. He is now a member of Honda's history. Since Mr. Spencer will appear at "Homecoming Kumamoto," his racers "NSR500" and "RS250RW," which were on display at the "Honda Collection Hall" in Mobility Resort Motegi (Motegi, Tochigi Prefecture) when he won the double championship, were brought all the way to Kumamoto.

Mr. Spencer test riding the CB1000F at the HSR Kyushu Circuit Course

Talk show on the main stage

On the day before "Homecoming Kumamoto," Spencer test rode the CB1000F at the HSR Kyushu circuit adjacent to Kumamoto Manufacturing. During the talk show on the main stage, he shared his impressions of the CB1000F in a light-hearted manner.

Of all the people here, I think I've come the furthest," he said. I'm from Texas in the United States.

As for the CB1000F, I found it to be a wonderful bike that combines the retro feel of the 1980s with modern technology. It has an excellent balance of "oneness with the machine," "agility," and "stability," and it has great power. I wish I could drive it in the U.S.!"

Engine start-up of the CB750F Daytona Racer

On this day, the legendary CB750F Daytona Racer, the machine that won the 1982 "Daytona 100 Mile Race*" was started. After winning the race, the machine was owned by rider Mr. Spencer, but was restored at the Honda Collection Hall and displayed for many years. It was brought out from the hall for the first time for this year's "Homecoming Kumamoto. *The Daytona 100 Mile Race is a road racing event held at the Daytona International Speedway, a circuit in Florida, USA, with a race distance of approximately 160 km

Spencer reminisces about his racing days while looking at the CB750F Daytona Racer

The tremendous sound of the CB750F Daytona Racer echoed through the venue as the engine started up. As he reminisced about the race, Mr. Spencer shared his memories of that time.

Yes, yes, this wild blast is the best. It's like a muscle car from the 1960s and 70s.

The strong point of this racer is the engine, which has peak power at 9,000 to 10,000 rpm*1 and produces about 150 PS*2. Since it was mounted on a street bike chassis, the engine seemed to be on a rampage. The front wheel is 16 inches, so it moves very quickly. It was like taming a tiger, and I just trusted myself and took on the race.

The CB750F Daytona Racer has become a signature (symbol) and has been loved by Honda fans for a long time, and I am happy that the design has been adopted for the CB1000F.

*1: rpm refers to the number of revolutions of the crankshaft of an engine in one minute *2: PS stands for the German word Pferdestarke, which refers to horsepower

In between talk shows, Spencer was available for photos and autographs with fans

Developers and ambassadors share their passion for the CB1000F

The CB1000F talk by motor journalist Mr. Maruyama (second from left) and the developers (three on the right) was very exciting

On the main stage, the three developers of the CB1000F and the official ambassador of the CB1000F, racing rider / motor The talk show by three developers of the CB1000F and racing rider/motor journalist Hiroshi Maruyama, who is an official ambassador of the CB1000F, attracted a large crowd here as well. The high expectations for the new model were palpable. Mr. Junichi Sakamoto, GM of the Large FUN Category, Motorcycle Business Management Department, Motorcycle & Power Products Division, Honda Motor Company, who led the development of the CB1000F, talked about the concept of the CB1000F.

He said, "We were particular about the goal of keeping the vehicle weight under 215 kg so that customers who have stepped up from a mid-size bike can immediately get on with it. We also sought to improve the footing and lightness of the clutch lever. At the same time, we also sought to create a voluminous feel that says, "You're riding a liter bike.

The CB1000F racer that Mr. Maruyama rode in the "Iron Horse" event race held at HSR Kyushu was on display at the entrance of the "Honda KUMAMOTO WELCOME PARK."

Mr. Maruyama, who once rode a CB on the circuit, said that the feeling and He shared his impressions of riding the CB1000F with us.

When I was competing in event races such as "Taste of Freelance" (now "Taste of Tsukuba") with the BIG-1 (the name of "CB1000 SUPER FOUR"), my impression was that successive generations of CBs are far less difficult to make into racers. Although its axis as a motorcycle is the street, it only needs a few hands to be applied when driving it on a circuit. But the more aggressive you are, the more at one with the machine you become, and it's just a fun bike to ride.

A CB1000F that can be straddled was on display in the main hall, and crowds of people were always present

Demonstration of CB1000F production process

The development department of Kumamoto Works' large models also demonstrated the process of making sketches of the CB1000F and clay modeling. Visitors watched the demonstration with serious eyes, as it was a rare and precious opportunity for them to see the process.

Designer's process of making a sketch of the CB1000F

Demonstration of clay modeling, in which clay is placed on the skeleton to create a life-size model in order to grasp the shape in 3D during the design study phase of the bike

A must-see for fans! Factory tour of Kumamoto Works

The most "homecoming"-like experience program at this event was a factory tour of Honda's Kumamoto Plant. The tour is so popular that the number of reservations for advance reservations quickly fills up, as visitors can see motorcycles that are gradually taking shape up close, and also see exhibits with explanations by Honda employees. There was a long line of people waiting to cancel their reservations at the reception desk on the day of the event.

The program was truly appropriate for homecoming, with a tour of the finished car assembly line at Kumamoto Manufacturing. There was also a hands-on corner with power tools, and participants enjoyed the factory tour with a twinkle in their eyes

The program is packed with endless contents to see!

Electric Motorcycle Experience Test Ride

Honda's CUV e: and EM1 e: production EVs were available for the "Electric Motorcycle Test Ride" event. Those who actually test rode the bikes said they were easy to drive and were surprised at how quiet they were.

GOLD WING 50th Anniversary Exhibit

The Gold Wing celebrated its 50th anniversary since its debut in 1975. At this event, a corner was set up in the "Honda KUMAMOTO WELCOME PARK" where the first Gold Wing and other past models were displayed.

Exhibit commemorating the 500 millionth motorcycle produced worldwide

In May 2025, Honda's motorcycle production will surpass 500 million units worldwide, and a ceremony was held at its fourth plant in Gujarat, India, to commemorate this milestone. At "Homecoming Kumamoto," representative models produced by Honda up to 500 million units were displayed, and a commemorative movie was shown.

Honda Service!" for your car.

Visitors showed great interest in the corner named "Honda Service! corner, which introduces services to help you enjoy a long life with your car. The exhibit provided useful information on maintenance, introduced the activities of service technicians (mechanics) working around the world, and displayed the latest owner's manuals and other service materials.

Otsu Tourist Association also exhibited at the booth.

At the booth of the Higo Otsu Tourist Association in Otsu Town, the host town of the event, the "Karaimo Cub," which won a prize in an idea contest between Otsu Town and Kumamoto Manufacturing, was on display and attracted the attention of visitors. This unique idea was born from the idea of putting "Karaimo" (sweet potatoes), a specialty of Otsu-machi, into a specially designed silencer part and driving for about 30 minutes to make baked potatoes from the waste heat. With the BLF scheduled to be held next year in 2026, the motorcycle fever in Otsu-cho is increasing. When you visit Kumamoto Works, be sure to enjoy sightseeing in Otsu Town as well!

All the way to Kumamoto! Impressions from visitors

As many as 2,299 motorcycles gathered for "Homecoming Kumamoto. The variety of vehicles was so great that the parking lot looked like an exhibition hall. We asked visitors what they thought of the event.

Takashi Sugawara / 48 / Shizuoka Prefecture / Honda "CB1000R"

This was my first time to participate in "Homecoming Kumamoto," and I came with a total of 10 friends who also ride the CB1000R. We were thrilled to be able to come to Kumamoto Works.

I have been interested in the CB1000R since the SC60 (the first model of the CB1000R), and when I learned that the second generation model, the SC80, had a single round headlight, I immediately ordered this Limited Edition. I use it for everything from city riding to long tours. I also put a top case and pannier cases on it and it has served me well in all situations."

Hiroshi Maejima / 64 / Kumamoto / Honda "CB1300 SUPER BOL D'OR"

I have participated in every Homecoming Kumamoto because it is close to my home. I used to ride a supersport, but since I switched to my current CB1300 SUPER BOL D'OR, my wife is now happy to ride tandem with me.

I have been a big fan of Mr. Freddie Spencer since I was young when I started riding motorcycles, and I have been using his replica helmet for a long time. This time, not only did we get to meet Mr. Spencer in person, but we also had him and his wife sign our helmets together, so it was a very satisfying day."

From Mr. Kaneda, Mayor of Otsu Town, the host town

Mayor of Otsu Town, Kumamoto Prefecture
Hideki Kaneda

Mr. Kaneda, Mayor of Otsu-cho, where Kumamoto Works is located, told us about the future plans of Otsu-cho and his enthusiasm for the BLF.

It has been 49 years since Honda first established a business presence in Otsu Town. At that time, the town's population had declined from its peak of about 22,000 to about 18,000, but after the decision to invite the Kumamoto Plant to the town, the population has recovered V-shaped and is now about 36,500. Otsu-cho has literally grown up together with Honda, from its support for local festivals to its close relationship with the "Honda Kumamoto Hardball Baseball Club," a baseball team that makes Otsu-cho its home.

The number of riders visiting Otsu Town is increasing every year, and the town people have a good impression of the town because of the good manners of the people. The town has a close relationship with motorcycles as it is connected to the route to Aso, a sacred place for touring, and many of the town's residents are Honda-related, so motorcycles riding around the town are an everyday sight.

We are working together with the BLF Executive Committee, the Kumamoto Prefectural Government, and Honda to make next year's BLF a great success. We would like to make the BLF even more substantial in terms of both duration and content, not only on the day of the event, but also by developing pre-events and related events.

Director of Kumamoto Plant to Riders

Executive Officer, Motorcycle & Power Products Division, Motorcycle & Power Products Development & Production Management Department, Motorcycle & Power Products Division, Honda Motor Co.
Director, Kumamoto Plant, Motorcycle & Power Products Division, Motorcycle & Power Products Business Headquarters, Honda Motor Co.
Masaki Shimazoe

Mr. Shimazoe, General Manager of Kumamoto Plant, where "Homecoming Kumamoto" was held, gave a message to the riders who visited the event.

Next year will mark the 50th anniversary of Kumamoto Manufacturing and Otsu-cho, and the relationship between Kumamoto Manufacturing and Otsu-cho is deeper than the length of the years. The "Honda Autumn Festival" held at the end of September every year (November 22 in 2025) attracts more than 10,000 visitors each time. The event is held at the end of September every year. We would like to deepen our relationship with Otsu Town in various ways.

I decided to start "Homecoming Kumamoto" because I wanted to recreate the "homecoming culture" that I experienced when I worked for American Honda in the US. Someday, I would like to realize the parade run that takes place in the streets of the U.S., right here in Otsu-cho.

Honda Kumamoto Welcome Park" is open on a permanent basis. This year, we held a public viewing of the "Coca-Cola" Suzuka 8 Hours Endurance Road Race, the 46th edition of the 2025 FIM World Endurance Championship (hereinafter referred to as the "Suzuka 8 Hours") at the facility, and our employees and other visitors from Otsu-machi enjoyed the power of the Suzuka 8 Hours on a large screen. The public viewing of the 46th Suzuka 8-Hours (hereinafter referred to as the "Suzuka 8-Hours") was held. We hope you will stop by on your way to the race, and of course, please come and visit us, as there will be content that can be enjoyed by children as well.

Spending time with friends in his hometown

At "Homecoming Kumamoto," where riders were warmly welcomed by Kumamoto Manufacturing and the town of Otsu, the smiles on the faces of the visitors were constant. The town itself must have created a friendly atmosphere due to its deep connection with Aso, a sacred place for riders, such as Yamanami Highway and Milk Road. When we talked to visitors from the Kanto region, we found that they had taken long-distance ferries or had crossed Shikoku by land before landing in Kyushu, and everyone was enjoying the journey to Kumamoto. It is quite a distance to Kumamoto from the eastern side of Japan, but we hope you will join us next year for "Homecoming Kumamoto," combining a triumphant return to your hometown with touring around the Aso area. [image]Welcome back! Honda Motorcycle Homecoming Kumamoto 2025 (24)

Information provided by [ MOTO INFO ].

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