THE HISTORY OF MUGEN

MOTORCYCLE TIME LINE

1973

MARCH
Company is established on March 26,1973.
President: Hirotoshi Honda.
Chief design & mechanic: Masao Kimura.
Advisor: Yoshio Nakamura

AUGUST
Development of the FJ1300 formula engine (code named MF318) commenced
using the Honda Civic 1.3-liter engine.

1974

APRIL
Sales started on the MF318 engine. The engine won the debut race,
highly ranked in the season's standing.

1975

FEBRUARY
Sales started on parts for Honda Civic sedan racers.

1976

MARCH
The decision to start development of motocross started.
Developed MUGEN ME125 and ME250, the motorcycles. Entered ME250
in the All Japanese Motocross race, initial entry takes 4th place.

MAY
Entered ME250 in the All Japanese Motocross race, runner-up to winner Yamaha.

SEPTEMBER
ME250 won the Japanese Grand Prix - the final round of the season -
with the rider Hideki Suzuki. Since this year, Mugen has participated
in the championship for 16 consecutive years.

1977

FEBRUARY
Sales started on Honda CR125R Engine Power-up Kits.
Sales started on Honda CR250R Engine Power-up Kits.

MARCH
Sales started on MUGEN Special Complete Motocross ME125.
Sales started on MUGEN Special Complete Motocross ME250.

APRIL
ME125 won the third round of All Japanese Motocross race.

OCTOBER
ME125 captures the Japanese Grand Prix overall winner award.

1978

JANUARY
Sales started on the ME360 Engine Kits (Honda CR250R optional kit).

MARCH
ME360 captures 4th place in the Belgium International Motocross race.

APRIL
MUGEN Special Complete ME125R captures 3rd place in the Germany 125cc World GP.

JUNE
Mugen Factory expanded to increase production, new equipment is added.

AUGUST
MUGEN Special Complete ME125R captures winning award in the Philippines GP.

1979

FEBRUARY
Production started on MUGEN Special Complete machine ME125Rz.
Production started on MUGEN Special Complete machine ME250Rz.

MAY
MUGEN ME125Rz captures 3rd place in the Netherland 125cc World GP.

JUNE
No. 2 plant expansion and new automated equipment added to increase
assembly and maintenance operation.

JULY
Sales started on Honda '79 CR125Rz Power-up Kits.

AUGUST
Established MUGEN U.S.A. CO., LTD in the State of California.

NOVEMBER
Johnny O' Mara and his new Mugen capture the 125cc Stadium Championship
at the Anaheim Supercross on November 18.
They dominate both motos from start to finish.

1980

FEBRUARY
The 1980 ME125WI, factory-prepared motocross model, made its debut.

JANUARY
Production started on the '80 MUGEN Special Water Cooled complete machine ME125WI.

FEBRUARY
Sales started on Power-up Kits for the '80 Honda CR250R.
Sales started on Water Cooled Power-up Kits for the '80 Honda CR125R.

APRIL
MUGEN ME125WI captures 2nd place in the Belgium 125cc World GP.

JULY
MUGEN ME125WI won the Finland 125cc World GP.
Johnny O' Mara won the 125cc U.S. Grand Prix of the world GP Motocross
Series in Lexington, OH on July 27.

OCTOBER
Sales started on Honda XR500 Baja Commander Power-up Kits.
Sales started on Honda XL500 Baja Commander Power-up Kits.
MUGEN ME125WI won the '80 Netherland 125cc National Championship
and Latin American Championship.

1981
ME125WII, the 1981 version of factory-prepared motocross motorcycle,
made its debut.

FEBRUARY
Production started on the '81 MUGEN Special PRO LINK complete machine ME125WII.

APRIL
Sales started on Power-up Kits for the '81 Honda CR125RB, CR250RB & CR450RB.

1982

1983

1984
First participation in Suzuka Eight-hour Endurance Race with Mugen's own
"White Bull", which was developed from the Honda CBX750.

1985

Second participation in Suzuka Eight-hour Endurance Race "White Bull II"

1986

1987
Bobby Moore's factory Mugen CR125R which features an
aluminum tank that scoops air directly into the airbox.

1988
George Jobe and Corrado Maddii campaigned ultra-trick
Mugen MER125 GP for the H.B. Honda/Gallina Team

1989

1990
Produced Mugen ME Race Kits and Mugen/Showa Suspension components for
the '90 CR125R and CR250R.

1991