Honda and Sanrio Co., Ltd. have introduced the launch of the SMILE RIDER PROJECT, a brand new initiative designed to advertise the attraction of bikes and motorsports, whereas emphasizing the significance of street security. The challenge goals to interact audiences of all ages and is a continuation of the businesses’ earlier collaborations on bike designs that includes Sanrio characters.
The initiative will function SANRIO CHARACTERS × Honda Kumamoto Racing within the 2026 FIM Endurance World Championship’s Suzuka 8 Hours race. The racing bike will showcase particular livery impressed by Sanrio’s character Kuromi, and characters like Hello Kitty and Pompompurin will seem on racing gear and within the pit space. This collaboration marks the fiftieth anniversary of Honda’s Kumamoto Factory, the place the CBR1000RR-R FIREBLADE racing mannequin is developed and manufactured.
To entice extra followers to the Suzuka 8 Hours, Honda and Sanrio will supply 150 SMILE RIDER PROJECT Supporter Seats, together with unique merchandise. Additionally, a “16–23 ZERO Yen Pass” will present younger guests with a help flag to encourage participation. The Honda RACING Gallery at Suzuka Circuit Park will host an exhibition of previous collaborative autos and character-themed occasions.
In line with Honda’s world security slogan, “Safety for Everyone,” the challenge can even give attention to street security training for elementary faculty college students. In collaboration with the City of Suzuka, Honda will distribute Road Safety T-shirts that includes Sanrio characters to 1,400 first-grade college students throughout 28 colleges. A presentation ceremony is deliberate for June 24, alongside street security lessons utilizing Honda-developed academic supplies.
Through these efforts, Honda and Sanrio purpose to foster a safer visitors atmosphere and encourage a brand new technology of bike lovers, aligning with the SMILE RIDER PROJECT’s imaginative and prescient of a visitors society the place each youngsters and adults can smile.