Motorcycle Safety Rules from Honda… Circa 1962

This rare find shows just how far Honda translations have come. These translations come from a 1962 Honda Motorcycle manual, translated in Japan, for the American motorcyclist. Brace yourselves.

1. At the rise of the hand by Policeman, stop rapidly. Do not pass him by or otherwise disrespect him.
2. When a passenger of the foot, hooves in sight, tootle the horn trumpet melodiously at first. If he still obstacles your passage, tootel him with vigor and express by word of mouth, warning Hi, Hi.
3. Beware of the wandering horse that he shall not take fright as you pass him. Do not explode the exhaust box at him. Goo smoothingly by.
4. Give big space to the festive dog that makes sport in roadway. Avoid entanglement of dog with wheel spokes.
5. Go soothingly on the grease mud, as there lurks the skid demon. Press the brake foot as you roll around the corners, and save the collapse and tie up.

Now, is this real? Is this fake? Who knows. All I know is “Go soothingly on the grease mud, as there lurks the skid demon” is my new “Ride safe” farewell to riders. Think it’ll catch on? Maybe not.

COMMENTS: Is this real? Is this fake? Let me know in the comments section!