The Honda Motra

Is it just me, or does the idea of going hang gliding equipped with only a rugged little bike like the Honda Motra seem strangely appealing? Produced just between the years of 1982-1983, the cool little tough roader was amazingly ahead of its time.

The fact that Honda resurrected the form in 2004 with the PS250 Zoomer is testament to the designers' forward thinking. Shame that the Motra only came with a 50 or a 70 cc engine, and none were officially exported. Taking a cue from off road cars of the time, the three speed gearbox was equipped with a second, low ratiostage, so true backcountry action could be achieved.

If Jackie Chan was to go camping in an oil crisis, this would be his ride of choice. You wouldn't want to play American football with them, however.