Honda 'CB750 Four' 1975 750cc - Bike Review
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 25 ก.พ. 2013
- Don, respected and renowned motorcycle enthusiast, reviews and road tests the iconic Honda CB750. First introduced in the early 1970's, this bike represented the start of the Japanese bike invasion which saw the demise of the British motorcycling industry. Don talks briefly about its history, then takes it out on a road test to assess its power delivery and handling.
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I owned one, a 1973...rode it for years through the rain and snow in NYC having owned it for 13 years. Bulletproof bike. No gear was the wrong gear, the bike just loved to be ridden. It was 19 years old when I got it and I reached 103/5 easily and that was a $300 unrestored bike ( I did replace the jets to get it started and running). I have two Harleys now and still pine for that bike every day. Believe me they do have soul. Great Video!!
Danke.Gute Stellungnahme.
Great video please!
I was a 10 year old boy when I saw a presentation of this bike on the pages of Tekniikan Maailma magazine.
Then a new Honda CB-750 fire appeared at a nearby gas station.
Solo out of the tubes I heard the enchanting sound of the bike.
I often stared at this device intoxicated and got to have a lot to do with these because the `` village`` bikers were moving around at the gas station where I was doing evening work and then summer work. The son of the gas station owner had a Triumph Tiger 500 in 1968.
In the 70's, Finland already had a big bike with 350 cubic meters.
The first encounter with this bold motorcycle will never be forgotten.
I bought a 1971 honda Supersport in 1984 and still ride it today .I paid $250.00 for it way back then .The man selling it said it had electrical problems ..Turns out it was just a bad alternator. .I put a $10.00 junkyard one In and that fixed the problem ..Still own that bike till this day
billjones citrus county florida
Reliable! Can't beat it.
The supersport did not come out until 1975. Unless the engine was put into the bike later. I one bought a parts bike that had a supersport engine and was in a early 70s frame k model
@@johnmeurer4780 Right on John!! I worked at a Honda shop for 2 years in 1973, and 74. Although some literature referred to all the bikes as SuperSports, from the CB 175, CB350, CB 350 FOUR, CB400 FOUR, CB450, CB500, CB500 FOUR, CB550 FOUR, to the CB750 FOUR, the bikes themselves, at least the CB750, did not carry the SuperSport badges until the 1975 model year. Amazing how many of these "experts" are so stupid, they dont even know what model, or what year bike they ride!!!!!! The bike in the picture is NOT a 1974, or 1973, or even a 1972!!!! If it is, it has a 1972, or earlier tank and trim pieces on it. I know what year and model my bike is-Imagine THAT concept!!!! Arent you glad these guys arent planning the next rocket launch to the Moon? I sure am!!!!
I was stationed in Japan at Iwakuni in 1971. I had a little cb175 to put around the mountains in. One day I was taking a nap in a hammock in a deep canyon just off the road and I heard something gorgeous Coming down the road. I sat up and this Japanese guy with flip flops on was just trolling along in no hurry at all. My first sighting of the CB750F. I always thought the 500 was prettier and bought one when I got back to the states
I still have the 250 Honda Super dream i bought in 1979 LOVE riding it still.
Personally I feel this bike changed the world of motorcycling for all of us for the better. You could no longer produce a bike that leaked ,overheated etc or the rider also needed to be a roadside mechanic. This alone sent the British bikes to their doom and Harley Davidson only survived by good luck. I've always heard the comments of " no soul" and I think that is unfair as it's true soul was in its ability to be a motorcycle that you can push the starter button and ride comfortably all day. The only other bikes that were mass produced that were even close were BMWs and they were quickly upgraded as soon as the CB750 came along. Thank you Mr Honda.
i love british bikes...but the classic with all original part function under a tripartite system
1 hour of riding
1 hour of screw driver and knuckle busting
1 hour of pushing (minimum)
thats why i consider the royal enfield interceptor, all the good old stuff without the pushing...the kawie w800 is even better but its a premium price
Good review, except Harley Davidson only survived through protective legislation.
@stanallen1072 true and having a somewhat blind to issues following. Lord knows AMF dumped really big money st the company.
Had a 1977 CB 750. Loved that bike, and did all my own mechanical work on it, unlike today. Got 135 mph out of it in a full crouch. (Once was enough). Bulletproof and fast. Last bike I had that still had a kick starter. Wish I had it today!
In 1986 Honda also had the same effect in the USA when they brought the Acura Integra over to the states! The dual overhead cam fuel injected engine with variable timing oversquare engine ( longer stroke than bore ) for torque. Silky smooth 5 speed ransmission! Torsion bars integrated in the front suspension. Versatile rear hatch. Hidden pop up headlights gave it a distinctive look!
One has to look at the Japanese cars as a blessing. It forced the American automakers to up their game with much-needed improved cars!
I had one of these, in the mid 70's, but an earlier version. They did not cause the demise of the British bike industry.... the British bike industry managed that all by themselves.... been there, too. Like Rover cars, you can't keep building junk.
Yes and junk that leaks from day 1
@THE Shut-up and eat your peas.
I don't agree. Here was a bike that started, didn't leak fluids, wasn't finicky and did everything it was designed to do. The concept that a bike didn't have to be finicky and all the rest of the trash the Brits & Harley fed us forever, killed their bikes.
Hi Jane Armstrong
Indeed the British bike management, boardrooms are to blame for the demise of the British bike industry; Lack of inward investment willingness to change, unions, self interest... Economically, a sad amphitheatre of denegration.
They saw in 56' what the Japanese were up to and again in 66 & 68; the CB 450's (68 model had 5 gear cluster and that little convenience, electric start; notably, Triumph did not fit until the mid 70's Triton)
A point the gentleman made was the in line 4 was new...! I understand there was a pre-war in line 4 Brit on the race tracks but never caught on as a commercial viability.
Unquestionably the CB 750 was the 'Event Horizon' that changed the bike industry forever.
Happy memories of your beloved ride
Regards
J
.
Crystal clear review with no waffle,makes such a refreshing change. Thank you.
I have an all original 78 cb 750 four, runs like the day it left the dealer 38 years ago. These vintage bikes are an excellent riding experience. I got it from my dad a few years ago and I'll give it to my son many years from now when it's his time. Cheers
+D Courson I couldn't agree more with you. I had a 78 as well, with a vetter fairing complete with radio and also had the saddlebags. I currently ride a VTX 1300 which is a far better machine but there is something about the old 750`s that just cant be duplicated. Perhaps it is the "first love" thing but as much as I enjoy my 1300, it will never replace my beloved 750.
I was stationed at Iwakuni, Japan in ‘71 when these became available. I and several Marines were camping out overnight near a small river in the mountains East of the base, swimming in the river and sleeping on mats near the river at night. One day we could hear something coming up the valley. The road came by where we were staying just above us in the canyon. It sounded almost like an F1 car. As it came around a corner here comes a little Japanese guy in a Hawaiian shirt, three quarter lengths shorts and sandals on a bike with four cylinders. My first sight of this bike. It was gorgeous.
When I got back to the states in November I went back to school and bought a CB5004F I thought it was much better looking, lighter and handled better.
Later I got a Kaw Z1 and made life for the boy racers with Honda’s a real bitch.
Those Z1s were real ass kickers, weren't they?!! I had several of them. Interesting how the Z1s followed Honda's lead, and made the bikes slower in later years. The early Honda Fours were much faster than the 1972 and up 750s were. If you wanted the quickest and fastest CB750s, you want the 1969-1970 CB750 K0, and/or the 1971 CB750 K1. The 1972 K2s were a good .3 to .5 seconds slower in the quarter mile, and 3-5mph slower. What was interesting was the later camshaft had less lift and duration, but carried the same part number!!!
I remember as a ten year old in '69.. my older neighbor about eighteen got a brand new one! The only guy around that had one.. I couldn't wait for that day that I could get one. Eventually got the '76 Z-1 900.
18 yr old 1969 afford one of these?...what job did he have!
@@WELLBRAN A job and a credit rating.
@@stanallen1072 my first job 1970 age 16...£7 a week
@@stanallen1072 credit? Only hire purchase with a guarantor
That's one beautiful bike. Classic 70's gold!!
Bought an '82 CB750 Custom this spring. Old but reliable, smooth, fast and still quite beautiful. Seems like it has the soul of an older fine wine to me...
Guter Vergleich
Beautifully narrated.
Very good filming also
I remember this coming out in 69 and it WAS recognised by everyone as the first superbike and it did influence other designs from then on, just look at Suzuki, Yamaha and the Kwackers that followed the principles.
A great review! The Kawasaki 900 Z-1 took the four cylinder super bike one step further.
I rode this so much in the mid seventies in college; my best friend rode one. I had a BMW R60 then and we used to swap off at times. He traveled the US on his, so reliable, so capable.
mr. hoxtonmoto, thank you for this unic and greatest report 👏 to this first Super-motorbike . 👍
Listening at your statement made me goose-pimples all over my body and the viewing of your video with this unsurpassedly sound of this four-in-four silencers give me an impact like a happiness-drug.
As i was a pupil in 1971, i took the first notice of this terrifying , addictively sound . It came up to me like an UFO from another star. Some day in that times i came out of school and saw a damaged Honda CB 750 Four standing nearby . The driver slipped out on a right-turn at a streetcrossing and was transported to the hospital. The Honda had little injurys at the right side and litte traces of blood. Up till now i can remember that crackling of the colder getting 4-cyl.-motor, that smell of warm rubber and of outcomed petrolgas, that look at the four cromed exhaust-pipes and to the big dimensioned driving chain and - last but not least- the tochometer with it's up to 220 km/h-display and this wonderful design of these instruments.
Then, in 1982 i bought me a used one with the legendary humpseat and a rickman full fairing without the other rickman customparts. It wasn't comfortable and it did not look very good for me, but i felt me however as a king.
My favorite model at that time would have been a seeley-honda , which was shown in the german "Motorrad Katalog" 1970 . . .
If regret, that i've sold this wonderful dreambike in 1986 and maybe someday i will have the money to buy me another one.
I give thanks to all the Honda CB 750 drivers and owners for keeping their machines up to date and wish you always good an accidentfree times
Fantastic photography! The production quality in this old video blows away the majority of motovloggers of today. Well done!!!!
Thank you I saw this bike for the very first time while crossing Sydney harbour Bridge in 1970, it was truly an amazing sight.
It looked massive for the time as Triumph 750 looked skinny.
And as you pointed out nothing sounded quite like it.
I'm 72 and still to this day love this bike.
Glad you enjoyed it
Excellent review. My 2003 Nighthawk was the last CB750 available here in the States. My bike is dead reliable having only changed tires, filters, and brake pads, after 11 years she's still running on her original plugs, cables, and electrics. I have never even touched the 4 carbs. This makes her exceptionally inexpensive to run. She's not a modern example of technology, but has respectable powe, pleasing sounds, an irreproachable finish, and satisfying road manners. Outstanding machine.
I like the last gen Nighthawks. They are very understated but super comfortable and quick enough. I have a '13 CB1100 that feels very similar to the Nighthawk in some ways.
I saw this this "Brighton superbike" at Elvington in Yorkshire in '69 . It would only fire on 3 cylinders in the damp conditions, so didn't impress anyone as it couldn't perform a demo run. My Enfield Continental 250 didn't miss a beat in the horrendous conditions , riding from Harrogate and back that day! Remember it so well!
Had one in 72, a beautiful machine to ride.
I have owned a lot of motorcycles over the years, but the CB750 Four is my favourite... absolutely reliable and great to ride...I wish still owned one. I currently ride a 1996 GL1500 GoldWing Aspencade.. love it as well... Honda sure has made some great bikes in their time.
Lucas wasn't called the 'prince of darkness' for nothing.
I owned 4 Honda 750 cc bikes from 1970 to 1978 and I loved them all, but I have to agree with you, compared to my 1967 Triumph 650cc Bonnevile and my 1969 850 Norton Commando, they did lose, as you said, "The Soul", of the British bikes I owned. I loved the sound of a big twin engine and the feel of the engine's vibration. They were also narrow and light and easy to handle with a design and beauty all their own. I loved them. Then came the CB-750 K with it's, reliability, no oil leaks or constant need of carburator adjustment. It was a trade-off for sure. The 4 cylinder Honda's were so smooth that they didn't have the character of the British bikes that I had come to know and love, but the reliability and power won out. I went on to own numerous 4cylinder motorcycles of different brands, but, now after riding bikes for fifty years after a 20 year break, I sought out the bike that exemplifies the early British bikes character, a BMW Boxer Twin. I loved them and they are super reliable, stay in tune, and don't leak oil. I love th "Boxer Buzz," which reminds me of my early days on my British bikes. Say what you will, but there is not, and has not ever been, another motorcycle that sounded as good or looked as sexy and beautiful as a 1967 era 650cc Triumph Bonneville.
The Japanese always rules when comes to motorbikes and this one here is truly a work of art..
he is very right, an admirable car, the engine sound is captivating.A very refined design.
I really admire this car and want to own it, but in Vietnam this is very difficult, but I will try.
I totally agree! I had one of these, a 1975 CB 750 Four, bored up to 900cc and tuned to perfection by a pro MC garage in Sweden. It went like hell, and that's why I bought it (1989). It was my first real "heavy" MC. But, as the man says, the brakes were a bit wooden (but adequate), the handling was not the best (my 1952 BSA B33 actually handled better!); but it was a beautiful bike, nice sound, great performance, and quite reliable too. Quite easy to maintain. There were some electric issues (especially in wet weather), but never any trouble with the engine or transmission (shifting could be a bit iffy, that's true). And it didn't leak oil (I often wonder how the Japs could accomplish this, and the Brits could not, at least not at the time)! I did my first long trip (14 days through most of Europe) on it, and it was great - as long as the weather stayed reasonably dry. There were some electrical issues, especially in wet weather, but I got there (Venice), and back again. Alas, the bike was stolen from me. And I do miss it very much. Now I have a 1983 BMW R100 RS, and it's the best bike I've ever ridden, wouldn't change it for anything else. But I still miss the Honda CB 750 (900) Four. Great bike!
This is how Japanese engineers are looked like from outside.
They are always behind the products and unseen, also unrecognizable.
That makes their products not containing the blood and soul but there is,
A lot of passion, effort and love their products.
You can't look at it that way. Sure they reverse engineer stuff...like the Lexus and Infinity cars which arguably have no 'soul'. But their real magic was is figuring out what the American public wanted/needed. And when they looked at the current crop of road bikes and saw leaking, finicky, hard to start bikes, they KNEW they could do better. Did they have a long pedigree of racing, no.....but they saw a need for much more reliable bikes. The rest as they say, is history. History is your best parameter of whether or not their designs succeeded. If you want to be a curmudgeon and say 'Give me those old Brit bikes any day!', that's certainly your choice.
No soul? I guess me and the old fella will disagree. I've had a dozen or more 'fours' in various sizes and guises over the years ending up with a 900c. These are incredible bikes that aren't the best in everything they do but do everything very well.
In 1974 I bought a brand new CB750 and after about 1000 miles ditched the exhaust headers for a set of 4 into 1 Hooker headers that changed the tone completely, high lift cams, bigger jets, upgraded the seat and extended the forks 8 inches that gave it a good stance with harley wheels. Then I was just as fast as the 750 Kawasaki. That blew me off the road when it was stock. I rode that bike from Miami to upstate NY. Wished I still had it. Fastest street bike in that time was a Kawasaki 900. Unbelievable speed for that time, no touching them...
When it comes to bikes and their reliability the Japanese are the best.
Thanks god for Japanese bikes and they do have a soul of a samurai 😊
i dont spit on italian and german bikes! even triumph now is pretty good...i'd never imagined that would build something reliable but in the end they did it
Yes! That last line irked me, even with the qualifier that he may be prejudiced...there’s a different perspective, but yes-that bulletproof reliability is a characteristic of a samurai warrior.
Awesome review, a respectful yet impartial view one of the most iconic motorcycles in history. I am getting one of these as a project bike and couldn't be happier with my decision. Thank you for the review, I truly enjoyed watching it.
Brilliant review, thankyou! Articulate, informative and a bloody beautiful machine to boot!!
This is such a superb appraisal. So well done.......
Lacks a soul? Well I’d take that any day as it doesn’t leak, is reliable, powerful, smooth and oh yeah even to this day the Japanese bikes rule period!!!
Yes! When a bike becomes your dependable buddy, always there for you, the soul power increases like it won't for a British twin that you are afraid to take out at night!
i had a Cb750 i put 67K on it ! i had a CB 350 before it , once i got on cb750 it felt like a powerplant! ride safe out there 👍
My CB750 is an awesome, reliable bike with soul.
I rode my friends 1970 cb750 recently. He had just rebuilt the brakes. They are the definition of "wooden". But I was thrilled, it was like riding a piece of history.
I believe the first Superbike was the Brough-Superior SS100 and then the Vincent Black Shadow.
I'm just getting into motorcycles and I'm obsessed by the way these classic Honda's look, so simple but stylish! Can someone explain to me what he means by it not having a soul? Don't get that at all
Justin,ich habe in den letzten 5Monaten eine sehr vernachlässigte Sevenfifty von 1997 zerlegt und in einen sehr guten Zustand versetzt.Dabei könnte ich ihre Seele nicht sehen.Aber ich kenne mein Bike jetzt sehr gut und weiß,sie hat eine.Und beim Fahren fühle ich's.
I had a CB 650 and my cousin had the CB 750. He kicked my rear every time we went out. Not just a little. Could not understand the small difference 100cc made the 750 a much more powerful machine. This was early 80's timeframe.
Working at a Honda shop in 1970 the CB-750 stood out, we sold over a hundred on Memorial day 1970! It made our Triumphs and BSA s look old fashioned. It made the Yamahas and Kawasakis look like junk. The Kawasaki 500 triple especially. We used to say it was the fastest bike on the road...it went through spark plugs, sprockets, chains and tires faster then any other bike in the world! Their 250-350 twins were horrible! The CB-750 was the first UJM, ( Universal Japanese Motorcycle). From then on four cylinder four strokes ruled! Honda didn't just do one model though, they re-did the entire line up. The 450 got the 750 frontend, the CB-350 and Cb-175 got the modern treatment, with real chrome and sparkling paint jobs. Even the old super 90 became the CB-100. Add to these; the CL and SL models filled the show room, and set new standards for looks, durability, power,,,,and sales!
Just bought a '75 CB 750 the other night. Will see how I like it when I pick it up in the spring...Can't wait!!!
Great Video! I was a college student in Montreal and I remember when Honda Motors Canada presented the 750-Four at the Montreal motorcycle show. When the curtain was pushed aside, we were all in "awe". I had read about it in various motorcycle magazines and Popular Mechanics but seeing was believing! It would take me three years to save the money to get a used one. I remember when the Montreal and Quebec (Surete du Quebec) ditched their Harley fleet to replaced them with police gear-equipped Hondas. They aired many commercials/warnings on TV, warning drivers that with their new motorcycles, they would catch them if they attempted to drive away (those were the Muscle Car years). I rode my Honda for nearly 100,000 miles changing points, clutch cables, mufflers (rust), and brakes. The engine/transmission were never opened but the valve cover gasket was changed once. I changed it for a Kawazaki KZ-1000 with a fairing ten years later. I am now back on Hondas. Honda changed motorcycling forever. Ciao, L
Wow!! nice!! You had a great time riding it!!
What a great review. Refreshing. Fantastic to hear it from someone who watched it evolve from the beginning too. Love to see folks who make this a life long passion. Thank you so much. I wonder what his favorite British bike are and why?
I was 11 y/o when they came out and it was the bike everyone wanted!
You wouldn't like my garage. I have an HD V-Rod that runs like a top, and a CB450 that is wearing me out as I try to keep in running. This has to be your bizarro world.
I hear your point about HD, but I can tell you that the modern, fuel injected bikes run very well. My Revolution-engined V-Rod is a very good sled. At the end of the day, it's not about brands and marketing. It's about the bikes. I really like mine.
Take care and ride safe.
CB for life.
I bought the exact same '74 bike in very good condition from an old lady who's son had left the bike to her when he went to prison. I asked her how much she wanted. Mind you ,even the mufflers chrome was without rust. She looked at me and asked "$35 usd cash" 🤑😮. I thought my hearing had gone or she was making a joke. This was in 1995-97! I loaded on my PU , took it down to my home in Downtown LA, Ca. and placed an ad on Craigslist for $1600! Never even got the bike running (it did turn over on a kick start). In less than 30min...no lie...I had $1600 cash in my hand! To this day I kick myself for letting her go so cheaply and quickly. Sure, i made a good profit but I could have gotten double had i got her runnng and cleaned her up a bit. The only thing i thought it was lacking was good front braking as those early disk brakes were lacking in stopping power.
Tja, manchmal macht man dumme Sachen.
Mines got soul by the bucket load, superb machine.
+Robotron6012 Soul? Yeah, that's something modern race replica's don'thave. They all look the same, and are built for one purpose, going fast.
A nice, well-planned, well-shot summary, from an articulate presenter. Thanks!
"in your face really " great statement !
A great machine!! I've watched a good few motorcycle reviews by this gentleman and his opinions are without a doubt THE most balanced and unbiased of all.
All you get are the plain facts with the occasional well observed praise or criticism.
A purely and very professional objective assessment of the bikes, which is exactly as it should be, (and at the risk of sounding offensive, but certainly not meaning to be) I don't need or wish to know about the person him' or herself.
How very unlike the processions of catalogue model reviewers of today, who's obvious 21st century narcissism appears to come way before any machine they're supposed to be reviewing!
The CB's are my favourite bikes of all time. currently have a beat up '83. I'm looking at the new CB 1100. To me, it is the perfect motorcycle.
Did you ever get a CB1100? I have a '13 model and I love it. The '14+ models have the 6spd box which I assume is better and a few other improvements.
Excellent - your Scott Flying Squirrel and 1969 Honda CB750 reviews: articulate commentary and concise description of both are fantastic!!
Will now go and look for your reviews of two of MY former bikes: the Suzuki GT750 "Flying Kettle"; and the Honda 1047cc straight six CBX. THANKS!!!
Could only second note about soul - in my opinion, too, - Honda quite often is excellently engineered and reliable, but in the process, can have that zest of soul missed. Thanks for great review - thing really looks good, though.
Thank you for the excellent reply Blind Freddy.
I've just finished turning a '76 CB750 into a cafe racer and have been amazed by what a nice bike it is to ride - I normally ride a Fireblade and an XT .... handles nicely, the engine is super smooth and pulls well....the brakes are obviously archaic but otherwise it's tremendous - next I'm going to work on the performance. It is very stable at the ton.
A wonderful video! Thanks a lot, Don!
The first Honda I ever owned was a 305 Dream and I've had 8 Hondas since and still own one today, Its a 2002 VTX 1800 another nice Bike.
I love this ol chap's channel.
I had a '77...wish to hell I had it back! GREAT machine!
You sir is a impressive reviewer. And I love the beautiful Honda so much. Thank you for the excellent video.
Since my fathers passing in '15, I now am in posession of his old '71 750four in metalic orange. Sadly he left it sit outside for decades after the motor locked up. The tank got a reprieve for some reason. She sits awaiting a future resto after the VW herd...maybe sooner ;-).
Great video,thank you.I had a 1980 CB 750 custom which I loved,and it never let me down.I do have a love for the old Triumphs and Norton’s though.I don’t think there is,or has been a bike made that sounds as good,or is as much fun to experience as an old British motorcycle.
Very nice, well done, review Sir, thank you!
Best bike ever built & still is
The bike's soul is provided by the rider's inclination towards it.
I learned to ride on a 1972 CB750; great bike & lot's of fun;)
Yes - it was a bike that was so easy to ride that it was good for beginners.
I rebuilt one for a friend - the motor was beautifully made and
was easy to work on. It didn't take long to give it new pistons & rings etc.
Great review. Well done and fair.
i want this bike.....
5 years later, I still want this bike.....
I love these bikes. I own a Nighthawk 750 and its a great bike.
Thanks for posting: well presented and well balanced review.
Great review, great bike!
I just discovered this channel and I'm greatly enjoying the reviews I've seen thus far, of the Brough, Vincent, Ducati 250 and this iconic Honda CB750. I am always intrigued with the notion of "soul" as applied to motorcycles and wonder whether it's anything other than projecting something into the bike by a particular viewer. It is a term that generally seems to be applied to bikes with fewer than 4 cylinders, leading me to think that the more distinct firing of one or two cylinders affects the human heart more than the higher-frequency sounds of four cylinder bikes. Some mechanical eccentricity as well as a bit of oil leakage seems to add to the "soul" that some find in motorcycles.
I guess that the CB750 is the two wheel equivalent of a limousine, it will deliver it's rider to their destination in effortless comfort with no dramas along the way with just the sound of oiled mechanisms purring away under the fuel tank & a muted thrum from the quartet of pipes it has traded soul for utter civilised dependability.
A few months before the CB750 came along probably the first Japanese bike with soul was announced the 500cc Kawasaki Mach lll two stroke triple, a gas guzzling, slathering purple eyed monster that wanted to bite it's owner at every opportunity & many wear the scars to prove it.
John R Have you not heard of the Gold Wing? Now that is the nearest you'll ever get to a 2 wheeled limousine.
I was thinking of what was available in 1969 the word limousine.certainly applies to the Wing.
In its day they said: "iron fist in a velvet glove" - I've owned both the Honda CB750 K2 and the recent Retro CB1100. The K2 has a more characterful engine than the CB1100 Retro. This issue is I think of the engine feel is its "neutrality". Compared to say the new Triumph 1200 Speed Twin which has a lovely sweet rhythmic pulse that communicates the engine's power in a pleasing harmonious way. Both the Honda IL4 750 & 1100 don't have the second counter-balancer. In the CB750 it only has some mild buzz at certain rpms but it very smooth at highway speeds in top gear, as with its smaller moving masses and power. While the CB1100 Retro has "mild" nerve jangling engine buzz at highway speeds which killed it for me and why i let it go. The CB1100 also didn't have that lovely melded honey exhaust note the CB750 produced. Btw the CB1300 was much smoother and did have the 2nd counter-balancers.
I dont care what anyone says. This bike is a masterpiece.
Yours looks like it just came off the factory line, gorgeous, hard to find them any more that haven't been chopped up.
I had a really nice one back in the eighties.I got it off this so called Hell's Angel.had some great fun on it.Crazy days.
A beautiful classic.
Thank you for the excellent honest review, I am building a scale model of the Honda 750 engine for my small engine repair class.
I sure liked these old bikes.
Beautiful Video! Great Classic Bike!
Love the round tail light in the back, those were on the 60’s CB77’s, 350’s and 450’s. Never liked any of the brick or boxed ones. Suits the bike well. Fabulous riding and explanation. Now back to my 750
project!
Well said. This gentleman is a fine motorcycle historian.
i love this bike sir,nice job!
Right on!
You are correct sir. As much as I love British bikes, Honda made all the other bike manufacturers, make better bikes. And I thank them for that. I wouldn't trade my 2008 Triumph America for any of them. Great video....
I remember when it came out it was the first bike to cost £1 per cc and I must say it still looks nice today
I agree with all you said. I had Brit. bikes and they all were rubbish , my last a R.E. Constellation was in for repairs more often than out ! Then I got a new Honda 750 f2 never had one thing wrong with it, marvellous .
Excellent presentation
Thank you for this great Video. This motorbike was my dream, when I was a young boy. Greetings from Berlin!
Thanks Hermann, much appreciated
The 500 and 750cc Honda Four set the bench-mark for bikes built from then on. It was actually a 'revolution' in motorcycle standards,design and quality. (and the rest just had to play catch-up.)
Love this bike in this color, and especially the motor.
Yes, indeed the Honda CB 750 was introduced in 1969, but the bike shown here is not a 1969 model. It is a facelifted version from 1971 or 1972. But all the same, the CB 750 is a lovely bike. And is have a soul, a BIG one!
Good program. I had that very bike back in 1976, same color.
Classic
Everyone has thier groove. I remember, love and appreciate the Honds CB’s of this era, and would love to own one, but nothing makes me stare at and wanna ride like a Triumph Bonneville.
i have had several of these machines over the last forty plus years A's, F's and K's and Don is right about lack of soul. they are like riding a washing machine on spin cycle however a great motorcycle. they can never match the characteristics of a nice Norton Commando no matter how you modify them.
I have never understood the term 'Soul' when it comes to comparing motorcycles and cars. Does it have to sound gruff and need to have more vibrations??
+kalyansapsd1 soul means unreliable in this context. Old Fiats have lots of soul. Cheap used tires on Craigslist have tons of soul lol
@@cbh148 Lol
Can't wait to add one to my collection
I had 1 in the early 80's. GREAT handling bike. Mine had extended forks which made it sit back some. I use to drag the back foot pegs rounding corners. She'd wheelie pretty good too.
Unfortunately, I totaled it... :(
it was a beautiful bike for its time and the Norton commando.
I started my motorcycle "career" with 1976 Honda CB125, which shared many properties of its big brother(s). Lack of soul is something I really can't blame for these bikes - It was really interesting to take the bike apart and see in details and design choices what was running through the heads who made the design and manufactured the bikes.
Brakes on the other hand - they might not have soul because they didn't have much anything else. Cable operated single piston disk brake in the front. I would have replaced that with older drum brake any day, because the disk was terribly bad in all aspects that brake can be bad.