Honda CB 750 Four – An immediate success with 750cc and neverending power

If manufacturers are wrong this usually spells financial disaster, with the Honda CB 750 Four the opposite is the case. When the Japanese manufacturer launched the model on the market in 1969, it was meant to be a niche product for a small group of enthusiasts.

The resounding success of the Honda CB 750 therefore came as a complete surprise to the Honda management.

Why build the HONDA CB 750 FOUR?

Honda’s focus in the 1960’s was very much on the export market. Over half of the models produced left Japan. In general, the Honda machines sold very well and were mostly appreciated by their riders. The American market however, was not only looking for good acceleration and a sensible overall package, motorcycles should also have a large engine capacity with more torque to save annoying downshifts when cruising.

HONDA CB 750 FOUR – NEW START AT FULL THROTTLE

So in 1968 Honda hired 20 engineers and designers around project manager Yoshirou Harada and engine designer Masaru Shirakura. The team should create a brand new bike with US market demands in mind. The pre-production model Dream CB 750 Four was presented at the Tokyo Motor Show in October. Three months later, in January 1969, the production model was introduced at a dealer meeting in Las Vegas and the CB 750 Four proved to be tailor-made for the US market.

HONDA CB 750 FOUR – WITH PERFORMANCE CLEARLY AHEAD

Honda started the project with modest expectations, but the data sheet for the CB 750 Four doesn’t read modest at all and startled competitors like BMW, Norton and Triumph. The transversely installed air-cooled four-cylinder in-line engine with overhead camshaft not only generated 67 hp and a torque of 60 Nm, but also visually the drive unit exuded power and sportiness. Especially in connection with the shiny 4-in-4 exhaust system, the CB made a very strong and attractive appearance. With this, Honda managed to get numerous drivers excited about the Japanese manufacturer for the first time.

HONDA CB 750 FOUR – A LONG SUCCESS STORY

The fact that the Honda CB 750 Four remained in production for almost ten years, and is a popular classic until this very day, is also due to its high degree of reliability. Although the chassis had significant weaknesses, especially in the first series, the engine proved to be extremely robust. This also means well-preserved models can still be found and are in demand today. The Honda CB 750 Four was not only very popular in its basic form, but it was also a grateful basis for conversions of all kinds. That’s why  truly original machines may be harder to find making them even more coveted as milestones of a new era of motorcycle construction at Honda.

Text Paolo Ollig

Author: Paolo Ollig

As editor-in-chief Paolo regularly writes about all the big and small stories related to classic cars and motorbikes. Classic dreams: Lamborghini Countach and Mercedes-Benz 300 SL. View all posts by Paolo Ollig →