Honda CB750

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Honda CB750
File:HONDA DREAM-CB750FOUR.jpg
1969 Honda CB750
Manufacturer Honda
Also called Honda Dream CB750 Four[1]
Production 1969–2003, 2007
Assembly Wakō, Saitama, Japan
Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan
Suzuka, Mie, Japan[2]
Successor CB900F
Class Sport bike or standard
Engine 736 cc (44.9 cu in) SOHC air-cooled straight four (1969–1978)[1]
DOHC air-cooled straight 4 (1979–2003, 2007)
Bore / stroke 61 mm × 63 mm (2.4 in × 2.5 in)[1]
Top speed 125 mph (201 km/h)
Power 51 kW (68 hp) @ 8500 rpm (1969)[3] 50 kW (67 hp) @ 8000 rpm (DIN)[1][4]
Torque 44 lbf·ft (60 N·m) @ 7000 rpm
Transmission 5-speed
Suspension Front: telescopic forks
Rear: swingarm with two spring/shock units.
Brakes Front disc / Rear drum
Tires Front: 3.25" x 19"
Rear: 4.00" x 18"
Rake, trail 94 mm (3.7 in)
Wheelbase 1,460 mm (57.3 in)
Dimensions L: 2,200 mm (85 in)
W: 890 mm (35 in)
H: 1,100 mm (44 in)
Seat height 790 mm (31 in)
Weight 218 kg (481 lb)[1] (dry)
233 kg (513 lb)[5] (wet)
Fuel capacity 19 L (4.2 imp gal; 5.0 US gal)[1]
Fuel consumption 34.3 mpg-US (6.86 L/100 km; 41.2 mpg-imp)[6]

The Honda CB750 is an air-cooled transverse in-line four cylinder engine motorcycle made by Honda over several generations for year models 1969–2003 as well as 2007 with an upright or standard riding posture. It is often called the original Universal Japanese Motorcycle (UJM).[4][7]

Though other manufacturers had marketed the transverse, overhead camshaft, inline four-cylinder engine configuration and the layout had been used in racing engines prior to World War II, Honda popularized the configuration with the CB750, and the layout subsequently became the dominant sport bike engine layout.

The CB750 is included in the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Classic Bikes;[8][9] was named in the Discovery Channel's "Greatest Motorbikes Ever;"[10] was in The Art of the Motorcycle exhibition,[11] and is in the UK National Motor Museum.[12] The Society of Automotive Engineers of Japan, Inc. rates the 1969 CB750 as one of the 240 Landmarks of Japanese Automotive Technology.[1]

The CB750 was the first motorcycle to be called a "superbike."[6][11]

History

Honda of Japan introduced the CB750 motorcycle to the US and European markets in 1969 after experiencing success with its smaller motorcycles. In the late 1960s Honda motorcycles were, overall, the world's biggest sellers. There were the C100 Cub step-through—the biggest selling motorcycle of all time—the C71, C72, C77 and CA77/8 Dreams; and the CB72/77 Super Hawks/Sports. A taste of what was ahead came with the introduction of the revolutionary CB450 DOHC twin-cylinder machine in 1966. Profits from these production bikes financed the successful racing machines of the 1960s, and lessons learned from racing were applied to the CB750. The CB750 was targeted directly at the US market after Honda officials, including founder Soichiro Honda, repeatedly met US dealers and understood the opportunity for a larger bike.

Early racing

In 1967 American Honda's service manager Bob Hansen[13][14] flew to Japan and discussed with Soichiro Honda the possibility of using Grand Prix technology in bikes prepared for American motorcycle events. American racing's governing body, the AMA, had rules that allowed racing by production machines only, and restricted overhead-valve engines to 500 cc whilst allowing the side-valve Harley Davidsons to compete with 750 cc engines.[15] Honda knew that what won on the race track today, sold in the show rooms tomorrow, and a large engine capacity road machine would have to be built to compete with the Harley Davidson and Triumph twin-cylinder machines.

Hansen told Soichiro Honda that he should build a 'King of Motorcycles' and the CB750 appeared at the Tokyo Show in November, 1968[16] and was publicly launched in UK at the Brighton, England motorcycle show held at the Metropole Hotel exhibition centre during April 1969,[16][17] with an earlier press-launch at Honda's London headquarters,[16][17] the pre-production versions appearing with a high and very wide handlebar intended for the US market.[16]

The AMA Competition Committee recognised the need for more variation of racing motorcycle and changed the rules from 1970, by standardizing a full 750 cc displacement for all engines regardless of valve location or number of cylinders, enabling Triumph and BSA to field their 750 cc triples instead of the 500 cc Triumph Daytona twins.[15]

File:Honda CR750 Dick Mann 1970 Daytona kinsarvik cropped.jpg
Dick Mann's Daytona-winning CR750 on display at Le Musée Auto Moto Vélo, a transportation Museum in Châtellerault, France

The Honda factory responded by producing four works-racer CR750s, a racing version of the production CB750, ridden by UK-based Ralph Bryans, Tommy Robb and Bill Smith under the supervision of Mr Nakamura, and a fourth machine under Hansen ridden by Dick Mann. The three Japanese-prepared machines all failed during the race with Mann just holding on to win by a few seconds with a failing engine.[15]

Hansen's race team's historic victory at the March, 1970 Daytona 200 with Dick Mann riding a tall-geared CR750 to victory[2][18] preceded the June, 1970 Isle of Man TT races when two 'official' Honda CB750s were entered, again ridden by Irishman Tommy Robb partnered in the team by experienced English racer John Cooper. The machines were entered into the 750 cc Production Class, a category for road-based machines allowing a limited number of strictly-controlled modifications. They finished in eighth and ninth places.[19] Cooper was interviewed in UK monthly magazine Motorcycle Mechanics, stating both riders were unhappy with their poor-handling Hondas, and that he would not ride in the next year's race "unless the bikes have been greatly improved".[20]

In 1973, Japanese rider Morio Sumiya finished in sixth place in the Daytona 200-Mile race on a factory 750.[21]

Production and reception

Under development for a year,[22] the CB750 had a transverse, straight-four engine with a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) and a front disc brake, neither of which was previously available on a mainstream, affordable, production motorcycle. Having a four-cylinder engine and disc brake, along with the introductory price of US$1,495[23] (US$9,647 in current money), gave the CB750 a considerable sporting performance advantage over its competition, particularly its British rivals.

Cycle magazine called the CB750, "the most sophisticated production bike ever", on the bike's introduction.[23] Cycle World called it a masterpiece, highlighting Honda's painstaking durability testing, the bike's 120 mph (190 km/h) top speed, the fade-free braking, the comfortable ride, and excellent instrumentation.[22]

The CB750 was the first modern four-cylinder machine from a mainstream manufacturer,[24] and the term superbike was coined to describe it.[4][9] Adding to the bike's value were its electric starter, kill switch, dual mirrors, flashing turn signals, easily maintained valves, and overall smoothness and low vibration both underway and at a standstill. Later models, from 1991, included maintenance-free hydraulic valves.

Unable to accurately gauge demand for the new bike, Honda limited its initial investment in the production dies for the CB750 by using a technique called permanent mold casting (often erroneously referred to as sandcasting) rather than diecasting for the engines[25] – unsure of the bike's reception. The bike remained in the Honda line up for ten years, with a production total over 400,000.[26]

Models

File:CB750 production.png
Annual and cumulative production statistics, separated by SOHC (to 1978) and DOHC (1979 and later)

Note: All CB750 engines are air/oil-cooled, as opposed to liquid-cooled

SOHC[27]

  • 1969 CB750 (6 June), CB750K or CB750K0 (date unknown)
  • 1970 CB750K1 (21 September)
  • 1971 CB750K2 (US 1 March)
  • 1973 CB750K3 (US-only 1 February. K2 elsewhere)
  • 1974 CB750K4 (US/Japan-only, K2 elsewhere)
  • 1975 CB750K5 (US-only, K2/K4 elsewhere), CB750FO, CB750A (Canada-only)[28] The 1975 CB750F had a more streamlined look, thanks in part to a 4-into-1 exhaust and cafe style seat with fiberglass rear. Other changes included the use of a rear disc brake and a lighter crankshaft and flywheel.
  • 1976 CB750K6, CB750F1, CB750A
  • 1977 CB750K7, CB750F2, CB750A1
  • 1978 CB750K8 (US-only), CB750F3, CB750A2

Production (rounded figures)

CB750K0 53,400
CB750K1 77,000
CB750K2 63,500
CB750K3 38,000
CB750K4 60,000
CB750K5 35,000
CB750K6 42,000
CB750K7 38,000
CB750K8 39,000
CB750F 15,000
CB750F1 44,000
CB750F2 25,000
CB750F3 18,400
CB750A 4,100
CB750A1 2,300
CB750A2 1,700[29]

DOHC

  • 1979–1982 CB750K
  • 1979 CB750K 10th Anniversary Edition (5,000 produced for US)
  • 1979–1982 CB750F
  • 1980–1982 CB750C "Custom"
  • 1982–1983 CB750SC Nighthawk
  • 1984-1985 CB750SC Nighthawk "S" in Canada
  • 1984-1986 CB700SC Nighthawk "S" in US
  • 1984–1986 CB750SC Nighthawk (Horizon in Japan)
  • 1992–1997 CB750F2
  • 1991–2003 CB750 Nighthawk
  • 2007 CB750 (Japan-only)

CB750A Hondamatic

CB750A
Also called Hondamatic
Production 1976–1978[30]
Engine 736.6 cc (44.95 cu in) inline-four, SOHC air-cooled
Bore / stroke 61.0 mm × 63.0 mm (2.40 in × 2.48 in)
Compression ratio 7.7:1
Top speed 156 km/h (97 mph)[31]
Power 35 kW (47 hp) @ 7500 rpm[30]
Torque 5.0 kg·m (49 N·m; 36 lbf·ft) @ 6000 rpm[30]
Ignition type Coil
Transmission 2-speed, w/torque converter, chain
Brakes Front: 296 mm (11.7 in) disc
Rear: 180 mm (7.1 in) drum
Tires Front: 3.5" x 19"
Rear: 4.5" x 17"
Rake, trail 28°, 110 mm (4.5 in)
Wheelbase 1,470 mm (58.0 in)
Dimensions L: 2,260 mm (89.0 in)
W: 800 mm (31.5 in)
Seat height 840 mm (33.0 in)
Weight 262 kg (578 lb) (claimed)[32] (dry)
259 kg (572 lb)[31] (wet)
Fuel capacity 18 L (4.0 imp gal; 4.8 US gal)

In 1976, Honda introduced the CB750A to the United States, with the A suffix designating "automatic," for its automatic transmission. Although the 2-speed transmission includes a torque converter typical of an automatic transmission, the transmission does not automatically change gears for the rider. Each gear is selected by a foot-controlled hydraulic valve/selector (similar in operation to a manual transmission motorcycle).[30][33] The foot selector controls the application of high pressure oil to a single clutch pack (one clutch for each gear), causing the selected clutch (and gear) to engage. The selected gear remains selected until changed by the rider, or the kickstand is lowered (which shifts the transmission to neutral).[31]

The CB750A was sold in the North American market only.[33] The name Hondamatic was shared with Honda cars of the 1970s, but the motorcycle transmission was not fully automatic. The design of the transmission is similar in concept to the transmission in Honda's N360AT,[31][34] a kei car sold in Japan from 1967 to 1972.

The CB750A uses the same engine as the CB750, but detuned with lower 7.7:1 compression and smaller carburetors producing a lower output, 35.0 kW (47.0 hp). The same oil is used for the engine and transmission, and the engine was changed to a wet sump instead of dry sump type. A lockout safety device prevents the transmission from moving out of neutral if the side stand is down. There is no tachometer but the instruments include a fuel gauge and gear indicator. For 1977 the gearing was revised, and the exhaust changed to a four-into-two with a silencer on either side. Due to slow sales the model was discontinued in 1978,[30] though Honda did later introduce smaller Hondamatic motorcycles (namely the CB400A, CM400A,[35] and CM450A).[36] Cycle World tested the 1976 CB750A's top speed at 156 km/h (97 mph), with a 0 to 60 mph (0 to 97 km/h) time of 10.0 seconds and a standing Lua error in Module:Convert at line 452: attempt to index field 'titles' (a nil value). time of 15.90 seconds at 138.95 km/h (86.34 mph).[31] Braking from 60 to 0 mph (97 to 0 km/h) was 39 m (129 ft).[31]

Nighthawk 750

File:1992HondaNighthawk750-2.jpg
1992 Honda Nighthawk 750

From 1982 through 2003, with the exception of several years, Honda produced a CB750 known as the Nighthawk 750. Early models were designated the CB750SC Nighthawk while later models were simply known as the Nighthawk 750.[37][38] The Nighthawk 750SC had a 4-stroke engine with a 5-speed manual transmission, chain drive and has front disc and rear drum brakes.

2007 CB750

File:Honda CB750 Special 2007TMS.jpg
2007 Honda CB750 Special

In 2007 Honda Japan announced the sale of a new CB750 very similar to the models sold in the 1970s. Announced as the CB750 Special Edition that was in the silver colors of the CB50 AMA racer of the 1970s and the CB750, it was offered in three color schemes reminiscent of CB750s previously sold. As of August 2007, these bikes were intended only for release in Japan.[39]

Specifications

Model Engine displacement Fuel system Cam Valves per cylinder Power Torque Weight Drive
1969 CB750 Four[40][41] 736 cc (44.9 cu in)[41] 4 carburetors[41] SOHC[41] 2 67 bhp (50 kW) @ 8000 rpm[11][41][42] 59.8 N·m (44.1 lbf·ft) @ 7000 rpm[41] 218 kg (481 lb) (dry)[41] 5-Speed, Constant Mesh, Gearbox, Final Drive Chain[41]
1976–1978 CB750A[32] 736 cc (44.9 cu in) 4 carburetors SOHC 2 35 kW (47 hp) @ 7500 rpm[30] 5.0 kg (11.0 lb) @ 6000 rpm[30] 262 kg (578 lb) (claimed dry)[32]
259 kg (572 lb) (wet) [31]		 2-speed w/torque converter, chain[30]
1978 CB750K[43] 748 cc (45.6 cu in) 4 carburetors DOHC 4 59 kW (79 hp) @ 9000 rpm 5.9 kg (13 lb) @ 7000 rpm 231 kg (509 lb) (dry)[citation needed] 5-Speed, Constant Mesh, Gearbox, Final Drive Chain
1979–1980 CB750F (RC04)[44] 748 cc (45.6 cu in) 4 carburetors[44] DOHC[44] 4 59 kW (79 hp) @ 9000 rpm[44] 5.9 kg (13 lb) @ 8000 rpm[44] 228 kg (503 lb) Dry[44] 5-Speed, Constant Mesh, Gearbox, Final Drive Chain[44]
1980–1982 CB750C Custom[45] 748 cc (45.6 cu in) 4 carburetors[45] DOHC[45] 4 59 kW (79 hp) @ 9000 rpm[45] 5.9 kg (13 lb) @ 7000 rpm[45] 236 kg (520 lb) dry
[45] ~252 kg (556 lb) wet[45]		 5-Speed, Constant Mesh, Gearbox, Final Drive Chain[45]
1981 CB750F 748 cc (45.6 cu in) 4 carburetors DOHC 4 59 kW (79 hp)[citation needed] 243 kg (536 lb)[citation needed] Chain
1982–1983 CB750SC (Nighthawk) 749 cc (45.7 cu in) 4 carburetors DOHC 4 49.64 kW (66.57 hp) @ 9000 rpm[citation needed] 41.54 lbf·ft (56.32 N·m) @ 7500 rpm[citation needed] 260.1 kg (573.5 lb) wet[citation needed] 5-Speed, Chain[46][47] See also Honda CB700SC
1991–1993, 1995–2003 CB750 (Nighthawk) 747 cc (45.6 cu in) 4 Keihin 34 mm Constant Vacuum carburetors DOHC 4 56 kW (75 hp) @ 8500 rpm[citation needed] 64 N·m (47 lbf·ft) @ 7500 rpm[citation needed] 210 kg (463 lb)[citation needed] Chain
2007 CB750 747 cc (45.6 cu in) VENAC[clarification needed] DOHC 4 55 kW (74 hp) @ 8500 rpm[48] 64 N·m (47 lbf·ft) @ 7500 rpm[48] 240 kg (520 lb)[48] Chain

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  3. ↑ Honda CB750 – It Really Changed Everything, by Paul Crowe - "The Kneeslider" on 5/1/2008.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  5. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  7. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  8. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  10. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "TAM" defined multiple times with different content
  12. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  13. ↑ Girdler, Alan. Bob Hansen, 1919–2013 A long and rewarding life. Cycle World
  14. ↑ Bob Hansen at the Motorcycle Hall of Fame
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 Mann and machine, Motorcyclist online Retrieved 13 June 2015
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 16.3 Motorcycle Sport, UK monthly magazine, April 1969, pp. Cover, 121, 132–133. Honda's 750-4 arrives. "The wide, sweeping handlebars on the machines shown at Brighton are fitted in the US market, but before deciding on whether or not these will be the ones for this country some discussion will take place between Honda UK and dealers and prospective owners". Accessed 15 June 2015
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 Motorcycle Mechanics, May 1969, Showtime - 6-page-special. pp. Cover, 38–39, Honda's Four. "MM takes a close look at the new 4-pot Honda 750". Accessed 15 June 2015
  18. ↑ Original Honda CB750 by John Wyatt - Bay View Books Ltd 1998
  19. ↑ Isle of Man TT Races official site 1970 Production 750cc Results Retrieved 13 June 2015
  20. ↑ Motorcycle Mechanics, December 1970, pp.36-37 John Cooper interview by Charles Deane (editor). Accessed 13 June 2015
  21. ↑ Honda WorldWide, Honda Motor Co., Ltd official site Retrieved 20 June 2015
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  24. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  25. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  26. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  27. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  28. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  29. ↑ Classic Bike Glamorous and Glorious by Mick Duckworth June 2004 issue
  30. ↑ 30.0 30.1 30.2 30.3 30.4 30.5 30.6 30.7 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  31. ↑ 31.0 31.1 31.2 31.3 31.4 31.5 31.6 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  32. ↑ 32.0 32.1 32.2 Honda Press 1977, Honda EARA.
  33. ↑ 33.0 33.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  34. ↑ The Hondamatic Transmission, The Innovative Automatic Transmission: A Breakthrough in Original Thinking, 1968
  35. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  36. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  37. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  38. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  39. ↑ Honda Japan website
  40. ↑ Honda Press 18 July 1969, Honda Dream 18 July 1969 CB750 FOUR.
  41. ↑ 41.0 41.1 41.2 41.3 41.4 41.5 41.6 41.7 Honda Dream CB750 Four History, The First Motorcycle to Offer Disc Brakes.
  42. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  43. ↑ Honda Press Dec 1978, 1978 Honda CB750K.
  44. ↑ 44.0 44.1 44.2 44.3 44.4 44.5 44.6 Honda Press June 1979, 1979 Honda CB750F Released June 23, 1979.
  45. ↑ 45.0 45.1 45.2 45.3 45.4 45.5 45.6 45.7 Honda Press May 20, 1980, 1980 Honda CB750C, CB750K, CB750F Press Release.
  46. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  47. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  48. ↑ 48.0 48.1 48.2 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.

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