Honda CB750: The Legend Turns 55 and Still Revs Up the Future!

 The legacy of the Honda CB750 isn't just etched in history; it’s blazoned across the annals of motorcycling with a big, bold marker. The CB750 was the motorcycle equivalent of a rock star, rolling into town and blowing everyone’s minds, leaving the competition scrambling to catch up. Its influence is still felt today, echoing through the exhaust notes of modern machines.

Let’s delve a bit deeper into the development of this iconic bike. Picture it: Honda engineers, fresh off the success of the Super Cub, were tasked with creating something that would not just compete with the British twins but annihilate them. They needed a bigger, badder machine that would appeal to the leather-clad rebels of the road.

In 1967, the blueprint for the CB750 began to take shape. Honda’s experience with multi-cylinder engines in their racing bikes, as well as small cars, meant they had the know-how to build a revolutionary engine. The air-cooled, 736cc, SOHC inline-four was both advanced and reliable, an engineering marvel that could take a beating and keep on roaring.

The first production bike with disc brakes –the CB750's most important contribution to motorcycling

But it wasn’t just about the engine. The CB750 was a complete package. Its disc brakes were a game-changer, bringing the sort of stopping power that was previously unheard of in production motorcycles. The bike’s high-speed stability, minimal vibration, and overall reliability made it a joy to ride, whether you were tearing up the highway or just cruising around town.

The CB750 made its debut at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1968, and by the following year, it was tearing up the streets in the US. The reaction was immediate and overwhelming. Riders couldn’t get enough of its combination of power, performance, and price. Honda had effectively made the superbike accessible to the masses, and the world of motorcycling would never be the same.

The First-generation CB750 is still the bike we all connect with the name

As we roll into the 80s and beyond, the landscape of motorcycling started to shift. Specialized bikes began to emerge: faired sports bikes for the speed demons, laid-back cruisers for the easy riders, and well-equipped tourers for those who liked to travel in style. But through it all, the CB750 remained a symbol of Honda’s engineering prowess and innovative spirit.

The 1980s saw the introduction of the twin-cam CB750, inspired by Honda’s endurance racing RCB1000. It packed more power and continued the legacy, even as Honda’s focus shifted to V4 engines and other technological advances. The CB750 soldiered on, eventually becoming the CB750SC, before it was finally retired in 1986. But the nameplate lived on, making a nostalgic comeback in the form of the CB750 F2 in 1992.

Even as late as 2007, the CB750 was still being produced, a testament to its enduring appeal. The bike’s classic design and unbeatable performance made it a favorite among enthusiasts, and it wasn’t just about nostalgia. The CB1100, launched in 2010, was a modern homage to the original CB750, blending retro styling with contemporary technology. It showed that even in an era of cutting-edge innovation, there was still room for a nod to the past.

Hondamatic CB750A was an unusual step to take, but Honda believed it was the future

And now, as rumors swirl about a new air-cooled four-cylinder Honda, it’s clear that the spirit of the CB750 is still very much alive. This new bike could be the perfect way to celebrate the legacy of the CB750, bringing the story full circle and introducing a new generation to the magic of Honda’s original superbike.

The big development for the end of the 70s was a twin-cam engine

In conclusion, the CB750 didn’t just change the game; it rewrote the rules. It was a bike that brought superbike performance to the masses, setting a new standard for what a motorcycle could be. As we look back on fifty years of the CB750, we celebrate not just a bike, but a legend, a cultural icon that continues to inspire riders and engineers alike. Here’s to the Honda CB750, the bike that started it all, and to the future of motorcycling that it continues to shape.

Even as late as 2007 Honda was still making a CB750