Marusho Motor Co., Ltd. (丸正自動車製造株式会社, marushō jidōsha seizō kabushiki gaisha^?) was a company that manufactured motorcycles from 1948 to 1967. The company's Lilac model motorcycle garnered attention when it was recognized as one of the 180 best pieces of engineering in Japan (日本の自動車技術180選).

History

Tadashi Itō started Marusho in Hamamatsu, Japan, in 1948 after studying business management with Soichiro Honda. The company produced shaft driven models like the Lilac, and showcased its technical prowess to the world in the Mount Asama Volcano Race, competing well against the likes of Honda, Yamaha, and Suzuki. Company founder Tadashi Itō died in 2005 at the age of 92.

Marusho Lilac V-twin

Marusho Lilac flat-twin

 Lilac motorcycles

• Dragon (350cc)
• Lancer (350cc)
• AQ (125cc)
• UY (250cc)
• BR (175cc)
• PV (125cc)
• LS (250cc)
• ML 1950 150cc 2.43 kW/4000rpm
• LB 1952 150cc
• KD 1952 150cc
• LS38 Lilac.Lancer.MkV 1959 250cc 14.92 kW/8000rpm
• DP90 New.Baby.Lilac 1958 90cc 2.94 kW/5000rpm
• LS18 MkII 1960 250cc 13.1 kW/6800rpm
• C130 1964 125cc 10.9 kW/11000rpm
• JF Baby.Lilac 1953 90cc 2.4 kW/5500rpm
• Lilac.R92 Marusho.ST 1964 500cc 26.2 kW/6300rpm
• Lilac.R92 Marusho.magnum.Electra 1966 500cc 27.9 kW/7000rpm
• Lilac.CF40 1960 125cc 7.72 kW/8000rpm
• Lilac.Lance.SW 1955 400cc 8.82 kW/4800rpm
• Lilac.Lance.SY 1955 250cc 6.25 kW/4700rpm