Great Moments in Advertising: 1987 Honda CBR600 Hurricane

Peter Tanshanomi

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The Ninja-dissing TV ad Honda used to launch its brand new 600 Hurricane in 1987 was so skillfully executed that I’ve clearly recalled it for 23 years. While going through some old VHS tapes last week, I stumbled across a copy of it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWijiasEdxc

The 30-second spot managed to do the near-impossible: comparative selling that doesn’t really doesn’t do anything to highlight the competition. This ad cleverly plays on the perception that Kawasaki’s current bike was the bike to beat, while simultaneously making it clear their new bike intended to kick Kawasaki right in the Ninja.

GO HERE to view the video if the YouTube link dies.

About

Peter Tanshanomi

Peter Tanshanomi

Tanshanomi is Japanese [単車のみ] for “motorcycle(s) only.” Though primarily tasked with creating two-wheel oriented content for Hooniverse, Pete is a lover of all sorts of motorized vehicles.

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13 responses to “Great Moments in Advertising: 1987 Honda CBR600 Hurricane”

  1. engineerd Avatar
    engineerd

    How sinister!
    I remember when the Ninja first came out. My buddies and I all drooled when we saw one go down the road by our playground.

    Reply
  2. jjd241 Avatar
    jjd241

    http://tinyurl.com/26a4cc6

    Reply
  3. From_a_Buick_6 Avatar
    From_a_Buick_6

    That picture could not be more '80s. And that's just my way of saying, "I'm jealous."

    Reply
    1. Peter Tanshanomi Avatar
      Peter Tanshanomi

      Is it my sweet 'stache, or the huge glasses?

      Reply
  4. Derek Avatar
    Derek

    Some of us are old enough to remember how ground-breaking the CB750K was.

    Reply
  5. Peter Tanshanomi Avatar
    Peter Tanshanomi

    Nope, that's the very first EX500 (NOT "500 Ninja" at the time) to land in America. Photo was taken at the 1987 dealer convention in Anaheim.

    Reply
  6. Cleary Avatar
    Cleary

    Great article. Im planning on picking up a Hayabusa this summer and this helped with my decision.

    Reply
  7. Chetwin Avatar
    Chetwin

    Im picking up my first motorcycle; is a nightster a good motorcycle for a beginner?

    Reply
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