Honda 750 Four
One of the most significant machines in recent motorcycling history, the CB750 Four featured a 4-cylinder engine reminiscent of the Honda RC racers. The 750 Four had a terrific exhaust note resonating from four exhausts and, in a first for a production motorcycle, a top speed of over 200 km/h (~125mph). The incredible 750cc 4-cylinder engine featured a wealth of technology developed from sixties era GP racers.
Features included Honda’s first one-piece crankshaft, a dry sump design and a level of reliability never before seen. Like the RC racers, the CB750 was a high-rpm, high-power machine kicking out an un-heard of 67 HP at 8,000rpm. Harnessing this impressive power was an RC-type double-cradle frame and, in another breakthrough, a front disc brake.
Other components, like tires and chains, were also of especially high quality. The CB750 brought a new level of performance and sophistication to the world of motorcycles, making it an instant top seller. Truly, this was a machine that changed the history of motorcycling.
The CB750 was later followed by 500, 550, 350 and 400 Fours, which firmly established Honda’s reputation as a builder of multi-cylinder models.
