The
EA-series is a water-cooled 356 cc
inline two-cylinder engine replacing the N360's air-cooled 354 cc engine. An
SOHC design with a timing belt (replacing the chain used in the N360 engine), the EA was first seen in the 1971
Honda Life. This engine was derived from the air-cooled engine in the
Honda CB450 and was adapted for water-cooled application. The displacement was reduced to be in compliance with Japanese
kei car legislation that stipulated maximum engine displacement. Bore and stroke were 67.0 x 50.6 mm. A version producing 30 PS (22 kW) at 8,000 rpm was installed in the Honda Life, while the
Honda Z and the Honda Life Touring (introduced in May 1972) received a twin-carb model with 36 PS (26 kW) at a heady 9,000 rpm