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A Honda Express Deluxe NC50 Brochure

Honda NC50 Express Brochure, Page 1

I was browsing eBay for parts for my Honda Express recently, and I happened across this brochure for the UK market Honda Express Deluxe. The brochure is dated from approximately 1981, and I thought it might be a nice item to have.

Honda NC50 Express Brochure, Page 2

The brochure is brief, four pages in total including the front and rear covers.

From the brochure it seems clear that the target audience for this machine was firmly female. It shows the scooter exclusively being used by women who appear to be running errands in urban areas, buying groceries and meeting other Express riding friends.

Honda NC50 Express Brochure, Page 3

It's certainly laying it on thick, with the text also referring to the bike as a "runabout", and being "as simple as riding a bicycle". This is to be expected though, Honda were very clear that the design brief for this scooter was a vehicle for urban ladies, with light weight and ease of use being primary design goals.

Honda's own history of the vehicle (known as the "Pal" in Japan) notes that it was intended to expand demand to lady riders, with a target weight of just two bicycles for launch in 1976. The target market proved to be extremely successful for Honda, the Pal/Express and it's various NC50 variants sold 1.74 million units before it was retired from sales in 1983.

Honda NC50 Express Brochure, Page 4

This brochure shows the UK market "Express Deluxe" version which was new for 1981 in this country, featuring a revised frame that curved to allow the fitment of a new leg shield which improved comfort and weather protection.

This variant was known as the Honda Palfrey in Japan, part of the "Pal" lineup that also included the Paladin, Pal Holiday and Roadpal. These were all essentially the same bike with the same NC50 model number, but featuring different frame layouts to appeal to the widest range of customers. Worldwide they were generally sold under the Express badge, with different markets getting some but not always all variants.

You can download a higher quality copy of the brochure in PDF form by clicking here.