Twist Grip: Honda 750 the First Super Bike

Honda 750 picture by Chuck Schultz from Wikipedia

I remember when the 1969 Honda 750 made the scene. It was an enormous leap from the popular 350cc model. People were talking about how big it was. Could anyone really handle that much power? Four cylinders, are you kidding me? It's too fast!

Well looking back on it, its hard to believe. I've owned many bikes that would put the Honda 750 to shame in a stop light to stop light Friday night race. My Honda 900 would pop a wheelie with just a crack of the throttle, no clutch needed. That's a feat the 750 could only dream of. I drove a Hyabusa at 200 mph, well above the top end of the old 750.

Weight: 491 lbs, wheelbase: 57.3 inches

Still, there is that fascination with the Honda 750. It was the bike that set the stage for the super bikes of today. It was fast, reliable and affordable. It fulfilled the dreams of freedom for many young men. It was the first. The '69 CB750 was the first bike to sport a disc brake, a single disc on the front. It's been said that the success of the CB750 line gave Honda the capital to start there automobile division. It is a legend in motorcycle history.

So, when I saw an ad for a clean Honda 750 at a great price, I had to go see it. And of course, I had to have it.

1980 Honda 750C

The seat was like new, the paint was good, tires new, brakes were excellent, good chrome, and only 17K on the odometer. I took for a spin and then I took it home.

So what's it like? Is it as good as all the talk back in the 70's? Amazingly, it is still a good bike. Fun to ride, with plenty of power to make it a joy to run down the road. It takes more rpm to get the power, but it's there. It's a comfortable bike with a natural posture. The frame is solid and the handling is fine for everyday riding, with no surprises.

1969-1979 Honda 750's featured a kick starter. A feature I occasionally miss in the Spring after my bike has sat too long in the garage.

It's no wonder that so many of the old 750's are being restored or used as a basis for today's cafe racers. It was a great bike in '69 and it's still a fun bike today.