I had several Honda CBX's, and I used to sing, "First gear -- It's all right. Second gear -- Lean right. Third gear -- Speed of light. Faster...It's all right!" Wife never liked it, but she's gone and I still ride.
Remember the Honda 50 ad in 1965 ? "Two hundred miles a gallon and a rugged trail machine. And Honda prices start about two-fifteen." I don't think the Honda 50 was a rugged trail machine but it was economical and it was the dream of every fourteen year old boy seeking mobility and freedom.
I don't know what's so edgy about this! I remember listening to this song over and over again in 1969, when our Mom took us to a record store and we bought our first little turntable. I was 9 years old. We did buy "Inagadavida Baby" and then when my Mom realized that they were stoned and that they were really trying to say" In the Garden Of Eden", she wasn't very happy. Especially since my brother blared it on the stereo in the family room. I also listened to John Lennon's "Instant Karma" over and over, as well as "Dominique" by the Singing Nun and an album of French children singing.
From the likes/dislikes it appears not too many people knew of this song, although it was big in the mid 60's. One of my favs as I had a Honda 750 then.
and just the right amount of record noise at the end from the vinyl, the way so many of us heard music for so long (even those of us who weren't around when this was written!) . :)
On this day in 1965 {Feb. 3rd} the Hondells performed "Little Honda" on the ABC-TV weekly program 'Shindig!' Five months earlier on Sept. 12th, 1964 it entered Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart; eventually it peaked at #9 and spent 12 weeks on the Top 100... It was written by Brian Wilson and Mike Love; and the Beach Boys released their own version of the song, it reached #65 on the Top 100 R.I.P. Dennis Wilson {1944-1983}, Carl Wilson {1946-1998}, and Jimmy O'Neill {Shindig's host, 1940 -2013}
"It climbs hills like a Mattress cause my Honda's built really light." I know it's "Matchless" but I like to picture a bed going up a hill leaving a cloud of dust.
This was released in northern California in July or August 1964 for sure. I was working for the Forest Service clearing trails that summer and all we had at night to do out in the boondocks was listen to a transistor radio and this song was repeated played. The Honda 50 back then had a MSRP of $245 and supposedly could do 45 MPH (perhaps with a malnourished jockey).
Pete Moss I had one, yes 45 mph down hill wind at your back. I paid 15 dollars for used Honda 50 s super sport w gas tank in front of seat. Not like a girls bike. Both were fun bikes. Craig Wilson dad of m Wilson.
*Very nice, VERY early 'promo pic' of 'The Pendletons' aka 'Pendletones' aka The Beach Boys' likely taken in late '61-early '62!* __________ *David Marks is 'front & center' and all of 14-yrs. old!* *Is there anything cooler than greeting some older guy and saying to him "I know you from somewhere...did you go to school with me at 'so & so' school way back?" and him saying "No, I never went there but I've been a 'Beach Boy' since I was TWELVE so maybe that's how you know me"*
Even the beach boys are on the records picture lol. I just now heard this version and think it's better. They sound the same in a way but I like the way he swings his voice in this song when he says "it's alright, I'll lean right, hold on tight"
Proves there's more to Mercury Records as a label other than that perishing Come On Eileen, YMCA, and Band Aid. That label's been going for decades, and that record is deffo one of the better ones in the label's back catalogue along with Moody Woman by Jerry Butler, Boll Weevil song by Brook Benton (who was very much a major asset to the label for over a decade), The Auctioneer by Chuck Miller.
Im gonna wake you up early cause I'm gonna take a ride with you. We're goin' down to the Honda shop, I'll tell you what we're gonna do. Put on a ragged sweatshirt, I'll take you anywhere you want me to. [Chorus:] First gear, it's all right (Honda, Honda, go faster, faster) Second gear, I'll lean right (Honda, Honda, go faster, faster) Third gear, hang on tight (Honda, Honda, go faster, faster) Faster, it's all right. It's not a big motorcycle, Just a groovy little motorbike. It's more fun than a barrel of monkeys, That two-wheeled bike. We'll ride on out of the town To anyplace I know you like. [Chorus] It climbs the hills like a Matchless, Cause my Honda' built really light. When I go in to the turns Better hang on tight. I'd better turn on the lights So we can ride my Honda tonight. [Chorus]3X
1964.........Go, I'm gonna wake you up early 'cause I'm gonna take a ride with you We're goin' down to the Honda shop, I'll tell you what we're gonna do Put on a ragged sweatshirt, I'll take you anywhere you want me to First gear, it's all right, Honda, Honda, go faster, faster Second geear, I'll lean right, Honda, Honda, go faster, faster Third gear, hang on tight, Honda, Honda, go faster, faster Faster, it's all right It's not a big motorcycle just a groovy little motorbike It's more fun than a barrel of monkeys that two-wheeled bike We'll ride on out of the town to anyplace I know you like First gear, it's all right, Honda, Honda, go faster, faster Second geear, I'll lean right, Honda, Honda, go faster, faster Third gear, hang on tight, Honda, Honda, go faster, faster Faster, it's all right It climbs the hills like a Matchless 'cause my Honda' built really light When I go in to the turns better hang on tight I'd better turn on the lights so we can ride my Honda tonight First gear, it's all right, Honda, Honda, go faster, faster Second geear, I'll lean right, Honda, Honda, go faster, faster Third gear, hang on tight, Honda, Honda, go faster, faster Faster, it's all right.........1964
I wish the inventors would hurry up and perfect the time machine. I want to go back to 1968 and 1969. I had a Honda CL ,175 blue over black Scrambler.1 down and 4 up. Top speed 87 mph. Took a few girls riding on it. Some others were to much of a sissy for a ride.
The song is only two minutes long because they're singing about a three speed. If it was a five speed they would've had to come up with a couple more lines.
I think you're thinking of Surf City, which he co-wrote with Jan Berry (of Jan and Dean fame). He also co-wrote this song (with Mike Love...so who knows if it just consisted of Mike Love saying "Hey, we should say "hang on tight" for 3rd gear!"). The Beach Boys did release it, but the Hondells version was the "known" version.
hapsblog I honestly didn't know until I heard them on Pandora just now, I always thought it was just the beach boys after my grandfather played his old cassettes in his truck with me
+hapsblog Yes but Brian and Mike wrote it. There was a story I read somewhere that said that after Brian and the Boys cut the Track and sang the vocals he was going to release it as a single but decided against it. He then proceeded to give it to the Hondells. After he heard it outside the studio door he said that it was better. Brian did release it eventually but as part of an EP called Four By The Beach Boys. Oh and the Beach Boy's version has the Beach Boys playing on it as well as a couple of the members of the wrecking crew. The Hondells version is all the Wrecking Crew only.
the song was written by Brian Wilson, and Mike Love, and performed by the Beach Boys in 1964, however, it didn't sell well, so they gave it to The Hondells in 1965. They got a top ten hit out of it.
Ha. "Climbs the hills like a Matchless".... Not likely. The CA100 Cub was not really a fast or well-handling bike. I have one and while fun and stylish, it is certainly not a fast motorscoot. Love the Hondells. Have the LP on my turntable in the garage. All the songs are about bikes!
No... Gary Usher, who is singing lead - was a surf/car songwriter who knew the Beach Boys, Jan and Dean and was part of the West Coast sound back then. facebook.com/manfromyesterday
I had several Honda CBX's, and I used to sing, "First gear -- It's all right. Second gear -- Lean right. Third gear -- Speed of light. Faster...It's all right!" Wife never liked it, but she's gone and I still ride.
Love love love love this song! All of the 1960's car songs are awesome!
Little Honda was about a motorcycle
Play this song the next time you're stuck in snow and rocking back and forth to break free. It will free you every time.
The Hondells is the original group that made this song I grew up in the 70's listening to this song, one of my favorite songs.
it was written by love/wilson appeared on beach boys album: all summer long--the hondells then released this cover...
Grew up listening to this in my teens...now I'm 49...great music!!!
It really is alright!
It's all right!! Miss those years. The Best music and times!!
Remember the Honda 50 ad in 1965 ? "Two hundred miles a gallon and a rugged trail machine. And Honda prices start about two-fifteen." I don't think the Honda 50 was a rugged trail machine but it was economical and it was the dream of every fourteen year old boy seeking mobility and freedom.
I don't know what's so edgy about this! I remember listening to this song over and over again in 1969, when our Mom took us to a record store and we bought our first little turntable. I was 9 years old. We did buy "Inagadavida Baby" and then when my Mom realized that they were stoned and that they were really trying to say" In the Garden Of Eden", she wasn't very happy. Especially since my brother blared it on the stereo in the family room. I also listened to John Lennon's "Instant Karma" over and over, as well as "Dominique" by the Singing Nun and an album of French children singing.
When I hear this, I'm riding my 1984 Honda Nighthawk 450...Was an awesome bike....
From the likes/dislikes it appears not too many people knew of this song, although it was big in the mid 60's. One of my favs as I had a Honda 750 then.
and just the right amount of record noise at the end from the vinyl, the way so many of us heard music for so long (even those of us who weren't around when this was written!) . :)
All thumbs up for this great motorcycle song !!!
On this day in 1965 {Feb. 3rd} the Hondells performed "Little Honda" on the ABC-TV weekly program 'Shindig!'
Five months earlier on Sept. 12th, 1964 it entered Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart; eventually it peaked at #9 and spent 12 weeks on the Top 100...
It was written by Brian Wilson and Mike Love; and the Beach Boys released their own version of the song, it reached #65 on the Top 100
R.I.P. Dennis Wilson {1944-1983}, Carl Wilson {1946-1998}, and Jimmy O'Neill {Shindig's host, 1940 -2013}
"It climbs hills like a Mattress cause my Honda's built really light."
I know it's "Matchless" but I like to picture a bed going up a hill leaving a cloud of dust.
+TralfazConstruction lol
Thanx a lot. Now everytime I hear this song I'm going to hear mattress.
I always thought the same lol
It would have to be an air mattress because conventional mattresses are too heavy for hill climbing.
@@noneovyerbusiness4909 Noted. A waterbed would be out of the question.
This was released in northern California in July or August 1964 for sure. I was working for the Forest Service clearing trails that summer and all we had at night to do out in the boondocks was listen to a transistor radio and this song was repeated played. The Honda 50 back then had a MSRP of $245 and supposedly could do 45 MPH (perhaps with a malnourished jockey).
Pete Moss I had one, yes 45 mph down hill wind at your back. I paid 15 dollars for used Honda 50 s super sport w gas tank in front of seat. Not like a girls bike. Both were fun bikes. Craig Wilson dad of m Wilson.
I had a 1960's Honda 50 and a Honda 60. I really wish that I still had them.
*Very nice, VERY early 'promo pic' of 'The Pendletons' aka 'Pendletones' aka The Beach Boys' likely taken in late '61-early '62!*
__________
*David Marks is 'front & center' and all of 14-yrs. old!*
*Is there anything cooler than greeting some older guy and saying to him "I know you from somewhere...did you go to school with me at 'so & so' school way back?" and him saying "No, I never went there but I've been a 'Beach Boy' since I was TWELVE so maybe that's how you know me"*
Thanks for the only instance of this in STEREO on CZcams!
Even the beach boys are on the records picture lol. I just now heard this version and think it's better. They sound the same in a way but I like the way he swings his voice in this song when he says "it's alright, I'll lean right, hold on tight"
It's lean right ...( From the original version)
Honda Civic 1999. I'm driving it. 150,000 miles. RUNS GREAT!!!! : D
Glad I found this
in my top 100 tunes ever
Proves there's more to Mercury Records as a label other than that perishing Come On Eileen, YMCA, and Band Aid. That label's been going for decades, and that record is deffo one of the better ones in the label's back catalogue along with Moody Woman by Jerry Butler, Boll Weevil song by Brook Benton (who was very much a major asset to the label for over a decade), The Auctioneer by Chuck Miller.
I'm a bike rider I love this song so much ❤️ it's alright 🦋
Yo I heard this song in Ollie's this morning! this was the version, I can't believe more than one group sang this. lol the way he says gear though...
This makes me miss my old super cub
Best song
first heard this song fort dix in AIT than going to jump school
the lead vocalist is Chuck Girard who eventually formed the christian rock band "Love Song"
No, it's not Chuck Girard on this one. He joined after this song. Gary Usher sings lead here.
Thank you for uploading this!
Im gonna wake you up early cause I'm gonna take a ride with you.
We're goin' down to the Honda shop, I'll tell you what we're gonna do.
Put on a ragged sweatshirt, I'll take you anywhere you want me to.
[Chorus:]
First gear, it's all right (Honda, Honda, go faster, faster)
Second gear, I'll lean right (Honda, Honda, go faster, faster)
Third gear, hang on tight (Honda, Honda, go faster, faster)
Faster, it's all right.
It's not a big motorcycle,
Just a groovy little motorbike.
It's more fun than a barrel of monkeys,
That two-wheeled bike.
We'll ride on out of the town
To anyplace I know you like.
[Chorus]
It climbs the hills like a Matchless,
Cause my Honda' built really light.
When I go in to the turns
Better hang on tight.
I'd better turn on the lights
So we can ride my Honda tonight.
[Chorus]3X
Oops. I forgot about the word motorbike in the song. Yet this song is still awesome and love it to this very day!
1964.........Go, I'm gonna wake you up early 'cause I'm gonna take a ride with you
We're goin' down to the Honda shop, I'll tell you what we're gonna do
Put on a ragged sweatshirt, I'll take you anywhere you want me to
First gear, it's all right, Honda, Honda, go faster, faster
Second geear, I'll lean right, Honda, Honda, go faster, faster
Third gear, hang on tight, Honda, Honda, go faster, faster
Faster, it's all right
It's not a big motorcycle just a groovy little motorbike
It's more fun than a barrel of monkeys that two-wheeled bike
We'll ride on out of the town to anyplace I know you like
First gear, it's all right, Honda, Honda, go faster, faster
Second geear, I'll lean right, Honda, Honda, go faster, faster
Third gear, hang on tight, Honda, Honda, go faster, faster
Faster, it's all right
It climbs the hills like a Matchless 'cause my Honda' built really light
When I go in to the turns better hang on tight
I'd better turn on the lights so we can ride my Honda tonight
First gear, it's all right, Honda, Honda, go faster, faster
Second geear, I'll lean right, Honda, Honda, go faster, faster
Third gear, hang on tight, Honda, Honda, go faster, faster
Faster, it's all right.........1964
They don't say Go! at the beginning of this version.
I love this Beach Boys but I love this version better
A fine song, unfortunately rarely heard these days.
~ Cool bit of history, better on the original 7" single, best by the fuzzy-tone version with the Beach Boys ~ Cheers, DAVEDJ ~
lets hear if for the wrecking crew
I wish the inventors would hurry up and perfect the time machine. I want to go back to 1968 and 1969. I had a Honda CL ,175 blue over black Scrambler.1 down and 4 up. Top speed 87 mph. Took a few girls riding on it. Some others were to much of a sissy for a ride.
1964 music!!
If you like this better than The Beach Boys version then you probably think turds are chocolate.
Hondas have 10 gears now.
The song is only two minutes long because they're singing about a three speed. If it was a five speed they would've had to come up with a couple more lines.
It's alright
The Beach Boys did a cover of this song.
The original is still the best.
This is the Hondells… but that picture is The Beach Boys 😉
But the picture is of the Beach Boys...
Honda Super Cub
Didn't Brian Wilson write this and give it away? And got hell from either his old man or his record company.
I think you're thinking of Surf City, which he co-wrote with Jan Berry (of Jan and Dean fame). He also co-wrote this song (with Mike Love...so who knows if it just consisted of Mike Love saying "Hey, we should say "hang on tight" for 3rd gear!").
The Beach Boys did release it, but the Hondells version was the "known" version.
hapsblog I honestly didn't know until I heard them on Pandora just now, I always thought it was just the beach boys after my grandfather played his old cassettes in his truck with me
+hapsblog Yes but Brian and Mike wrote it. There was a story I read somewhere that said that after Brian and the Boys cut the Track and sang the vocals he was going to release it as a single but decided against it. He then proceeded to give it to the Hondells. After he heard it outside the studio door he said that it was better. Brian did release it eventually but as part of an EP called Four By The Beach Boys. Oh and the Beach Boy's version has the Beach Boys playing on it as well as a couple of the members of the wrecking crew. The Hondells version is all the Wrecking Crew only.
I always thought this was the Beach Boys?
+sammy1995 They did a version as well. As much as I love the Beach Boys both are very good that I can't pick a favorite.
Yes originally
Two of the Beach Boys wrote the song.
the song was written by Brian Wilson, and Mike Love, and performed by the Beach Boys in 1964, however, it didn't sell well, so they gave it to The Hondells in 1965. They got a top ten hit out of it.
JamieinMN yeah. Brian Wilson and Mike Love wrote it originally for the Beach Boys.
I always thought it was the beach boys.
Why are the Beach Boys in the image? The original is theirs but this version is not
The backboard or the main highway
You do realize, I hope, that your picture shows the Beach Boys, not the Hondells.
It sounds like there's a southern twang in the vocals, but the band was from California?
Ha. "Climbs the hills like a Matchless".... Not likely. The CA100 Cub was not really a fast or well-handling bike. I have one and while fun and stylish, it is certainly not a fast motorscoot. Love the Hondells. Have the LP on my turntable in the garage. All the songs are about bikes!
@spacepatrolman we're just sayin' it's the wrong picture...
Were the Hondells ,the beach boys under a assumed name?
No... Gary Usher, who is singing lead - was a surf/car songwriter who knew the Beach Boys, Jan and Dean and was part of the West Coast sound back then. facebook.com/manfromyesterday
@@MrTechHistory Thanks for the info.... They sounded like the beach boys
that picture is the Beach Boys, not the Hondells
1 dislike?....Who's the new-bee?.
Time passes but now we’ve got a whole group of new-bees. Political correctness? I call ‘em no-brainees.
Honda Civic '86 ? :3
His vocals are a pretty good copy of the original.
The 45 original is at normal speed. This sounds slower and out of tune
Wow a carbon copy, I guess Brian and mike got royalties tho.
Beach boys RIP off !
I feel cheated !