Motorcycle production resumes at vast Honda Kumamoto Plant
The Kumamoto earthquake measured 6.8 on the Magnitude Scale and forced the closure of one of Honda’s biggest factories.
Motorcycle production has now resumed at the Honda Kumamoto plant, following an M6.8 earthquake that resulted in the loss of 39 lives.
The quake, which happened on July 28, 2026, lasted just 16 seconds, with the plant closing as a result. It’s not clear whether any damage to the plant or manufacturing equipment was found, or if the closure was simply to check that the systems were safe to continue being used.
A press release, issued by Honda Japan on August 20, reads:
“Now that the factory is nearing completion, Honda will resume finished vehicle production from Monday, the 24th. Going forward, we will continue to prioritize the safety of our employees and work in cooperation with all relevant parties to ensure a stable supply of our products.”
The Kumamoto plant is one of Honda’s flagship two-wheeler facilities, and as such builds some of its most important models. Bikes that roll off the production line there include the CBR600RR, Gold Wing, X-ADV, Super Cub and GB350.
Kumamoto was Honda’s fourth domestic production facility, and remains its largest on home soil. Established in 1976, the site employs between 2,000 and 3,000 staff, according to Webike Japan.
Aside from Honda’s two-wheeled facilities, the quake also hit its four-wheeled production plants. The Saitama Plant, Suzuka Plant, and the Honda Auto Body Co., Ltd. (located in Yokkaichi City, Mie Prefecture), have all now resumed operations.
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Simon (AKA Toad) has been working within the motorcycle industry for more than twelve years, and a member of the motorcyclist family since birth. Growing up around British-built single and twins, it was inevitable that a life on two wheels was on the cards, from a very early age!
