Honda CB750 review | MCN | Motorcyclenews.com

We got the chance to ride the world's first superbike, a Honda CB750. Does it live up to the hype?
Honda CB750 turns 50: www.motorcyclenews.com/news/h...
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Welcome to the official KZbin channel of the world’s biggest print and online motorcycle publication. All the greatest motorcycle video content from the world’s most respected motorcycling media brand. Since 1955 MCN is available weekly in both print and digital editions and 24/7 on motorcyclenews.com. ow.ly/10pe69

[@Banditmanuk]

50 years and it still looks better than the modern bike next to it. Great vid, more of these classics please.

[@mikehurley5052]

That modern one looks shocking.

[@jeeves6490]

Generational thing. Bet your late 40's or older?

[@Banditmanuk]

@@jeeves6490 Yep 55 but can still appreciate modern design although some of my friends think not as I own and love an MT10

[@jeeves6490]

@@Banditmanuk Well, 53 here, and the classic Brit style look/silhouette is my preference also. But as the owner of various types and makes over the years, I know riding it is the key, not looking at it. God knows, I'd have another Wee Strom in a heartbeat.

[@SamuelTrudeau]

@@jeeves6490 it's not a generational thing I can guarantee you. I'm 19 years old, just got my motorcycle license last year. Bought 2 CBs since then, 75' CB750K and a 77' CB750A Hondamatic. Never ever ever getting rid of them till the day I die, the sound and beauty of these motorcycles are nowhere near modern bikes. If I had to choose between a CB750 and a modern 15,000 - 30,000$~ liter bike, I would go with the CB750 all day everyday.

[@kirsteinholland7686]

Don’t you think we might have wanted to hear what the bike sounded like rather than the stupid music! Seriously!!!

[@2thePtBassTuT]

We "heard" all about this classic, but never got to hear it rumbling down the road. WTF?

[@asyrafmus]

Agreed!

[@broncoridesagain3176]

Exactly "just listen to that!" Well we would have loved to listen to it fucking moving or starting up rather than shitty shots of this bell end going 20mph to terrible music.

[@wheelie642]

My FIRST thought too!

[@mathewnewton314]

The CB750 was a pioneering motorcycle. It was and still is a stunning looking bike. MCN turn the shite music off and let’s hear the bikes..

[@elsiepuppy1123]

It’s 1971 model it’s not the sand cast model it’s a k1-k2 . The 1969 model had carbs with individual cables (instead of being linked), different shaped louvred side panels, colour matched air box, plastic speedo and rev counter, slight hump on back of passenger seat - and I think if I can remember correctly there was a chain oiler on the small chain sprocket - plus other things like the pipes were slightly different. Also this bike is on DVLA site as the year 1971. Doing it from memory as last time I had one was 1979 !!

[@20spag]

Beat me to it! The brake caliper is also a give away. A genuine sandcast in mint condition would be three times the value of this one!

[@johnmeurer4780]

Would have said the same. The chain oiler stayed to 75, last model was the k5 with it. My k5 get the rear wheel so dirty from the oiler. Need to plug it, My k8 never gets dirty.

[@Psychonaut_]

Yep, Anorak as hell, but I was squirming as he went on and on about it being sandcast. And later bikes had WAY more than a few bolts different. Mainly how they lost power and got fatter every damn year in the name of "comfort" or some such rubbish.

[@kasperkjrsgaard1447]

And don’t forget the fact that none of them were actually sandcast. It was a simple gravity casting as opposed to the later high pressure castings.

[@diinchjendin9817]

My dad have one from 1970. Its a k0 and looks different..

[@samrit123in]

The original *Universal Japanese Motorcycle.* This is where it all started. You should review more UJM’s from this era, The King Z1, The Water Buffalo GT750

[@yungothee270]

PREACH

[@KathrynLiz1]

I remember well seeing my first one in '69...... it was truly revolutionary. Sure there had been many 4 cylinder bikes before, the Ariel, Henderson and Indian, but they were crude, unrealiable, cumbersome and slow. The Honda as smooth, fast, handled OK (quite good for the day), had better brakes than most bikes of the time and was as reliable as a rock. It stood the world on its head. So good to see one still going in good order. I ride one of its children, a 1989 CBR600 which will still show a clean pair of heels to many bikes of today, both in a straight line and on the twisties. She is like like, getting on a bit now (I was born in 1942), but we both have a few miles in us yet. In fact the Honda is in better nick than I am. The engine has had only a new CCT, and the bike has had new steering head bearings, chain and sprockets. Honda build quality has always been there.

[@jurgentreue1200]

My first 'big' bike was a 1972 Honda CB500/4. That was way back in 1975. I wish I would have mothballed it all those years ago and not sold it. Loved that bike and rode its wheels off.

[@davidelizabeth4933]

No sound clip when riding? C'mon, now! 😫

[@ruleofthespirit]

Could you play the music when you speak and have no music when you operate the bike?

[@user-bk6gc7sl9z]

wata ya think..its MSN

[@gm16v149]

I remember when the CB750 came out in 1969 and it literally blew everyone away it was that remarkable of a bike with the 4 pipes, 4 cylinders, disc brake, big speedo and tacho and electric start. The only bikes close were the Triumph Trident and BSA Rocket 3, and maybe the Norton Commando, quite frankly they were rubbish compared to the Honda, although they did handle better. Funny thing is, the Honda seemed a physically big bike back then, but it seems quite small-ish now. The 4 pipes sounded beefy when you did a bit of work on the baffles, better than 4 into 1s if you ask me.

[@peterbalac1915]

Great comment, doesn't everything seem smaller the older you get.I remember being at s school and some of the older lads would come on Bsa bantam's ect but some lads 3 brothers had CD Honda 175,s they were pitifully quiet but went well and no oil leaks.I remember riding my pushbike home from another village pretty straight road and on a bend at a junction ther were about 15 bikes all revving up for a drag race, Bonneville's a commando,s ect but right at the front was a gold Honda 250 ridden by a older lad who went to my school, they roared off taking the whole road up (I was on the path) the Honda stayed at the front till they were out of my view pretty impressive. The smell of Castrol R stayed with me, love the old British stuff as I'm English but I drive a jap truck, jap motorcycle's pretty much sums it up🤙

[@sleeplessaquarius]

THIS motorcycle. . . has always been my dream motorcycle ❤️

[@timc5303]

This is not a 1969 cb750. It is a later model.

[@daleandrews9356]

Funny that I had a '71 CB 350(later discontinued for a 360 cubic inch) in the mid-70's that I drove all over Houston. It was a fun little bike that never gave a speck of trouble.

[@caroltenge5147]

I own a 77 cb550F, and just sold a 78 cb750. The 550 with its lighter weight and smaller frame handled way better than the 750. Both of them cruise all day at 70 out on the highway.

[@saraw6446]

As a kid I had 1/12 scale die cast model of the CB750 in this color, it really was a kids dream bike

[@atastefortheroad4475]

The 750 is a powerful reminder of Honda's engineering prowess in bikes and later in cars and speaks volumes about Honda's approach to its global customers during this period in time. Nice video product values too!

[@michaelhart5886]

I've restored a few late 60's, early 70's Honda cb250k, 350/4 etc and although being small in capacity were simply a laugh to ride when the sun was out. They do make you feel warm and fuzzy inside

[@markjohnson8352]

I can remember the first twist of the throttle like it was yesterday - 1972.

[@caroltenge5147]

Yah, cough... Sputter....BOOM!

[@DoctorAkikoFukuwara]

This was my first bike back in Japan. Loved it so many memories of running wild thru Tokyo on it 😂 Wish I had one over here in Scotland. Currently on Harley FXDB Street Bob but changing soon to a Yamaha XV1900 - cant wait!

[@russelllocke7180]

Oh man, Back in the early 80s I owned a used 750 Super Sports. My first big road bike. Loved it, but sold it. Here in Australia, these too bring big bucks now. That classic look still does it for me. Give me a lottery win and I too would have one of these 750 Fours in the garage for those sunny Saturdays. ☕️👍🏍🇦🇺😎

[@yungothee270]

sand cast's were totally unique and it allowed honda to get the bike into production 3 weeks before kawasaki could drop a 750 four.... but the problem was that the sandcasts were not particularly good moulding units and as a result the engines in these bikes tends to be a little more delicate than the later ones.

[@johnmeurer4780]

This one is not a sandcast model. This is a k1/k2 early 1970-71 model. You can tell by the side cover and seat easily. The k0's had duck tail seat and louvered side covers

[@mallen1846]

Owned a used CB550F back in '82 loved it. Went modern with a new CBX550F1 in '83 which was brilliant, silly brake covers aside.

[@BradleyHoward]

Great video. Yes it would have been nice to have heard the CB750. I love how you said bikes haven't changed so much in 50 years!

[@grahamx8623]

This is a top video. Nicely presented and put together and Jordan is very natural. Oh, and the bikes nice too. More like this please MCN

[@doughale1555]

I owned one, I had roll bars and a fairing on it. I did 125 mph down 280 for 15 miles. Another day while doing about 45, a guy ran a red light and it tore the front end off his car. The fairing was powderized, the roll bars crushed into the cylinders - totaled it and the car. I watched it from above - jumped up off the bike just before it hit. Tore up all my riding clothes but I walked away, just real sore the next few days.

[@paulwren1722]

Could we hear the bike instead of crap music

[@StevieSmith77]

A neighbour of mine had a 4 with open pipes. We could hear him leave home at 6am every morning and track his progress all the way to Kellingley pit. yep, hes just at the level crossing now, going over harkers bridge...

[@michaelruatfelaralte84]

Lol

[@benpar8120]

I have the same bike, but mines a 1972, its currently being restored .. .😊

[@jiffjiffernson7292]

Oh, same but different. I got it. :)

[@HotRodTypewriter]

Well done video. Back when bikes were made for the masses and not the margins.

[@CentralArkansasHomesteadandOff]

I have a 1975 CB750. Almost identical to the 69. At some point some one pulled the baffles out of the factory pipes. Sounds awesome, and it will fly. 115 out of a 44 year old motorcycle is quite impressive for it being in completely stock form

[@danilocapellan1316]

Great video, thanks I enjoyed it. 👍🏼

[@johnmeurer4780]

Have a 75 and a 78 sohc cb750k. Greatest bike ever made, such a joy to ride

[@mikehurley5052]

I had a 1976 model that i bought in 79, great bike.

[@omarmang]

My first 750 was less than $1100 Super reliable and sounded great

[@badgersworldofmotorsports511]

The CB 750!! Has timeless looks!! Still a beautiful bike , and fun to ride!!

[@78jota]

Great vid, as expressed, more of this please. PS, hope you eventually switched the ignition off :-)

[@ThePoppycat42]

Not a 69 sand cast but a later model, never mind MCN

[@christianguitard3932]

I was 19 in 1974 and bought my new CB750 K6. Sadly Honda did somthing to the camshaft and it would not go faster than 100mph. It was every biker dream bike...but I was disappointed...In 1979, I bought my...CBX!!!!! And that was something else...the best!!!!!

[@jamesslick4790]

In the States, CB750s are nearly as common as Zippo lighters, Just about every rider I know had one (or HAS one!). I currently have a 1978 CB750K. It is truly THE BIKE! For "Boomers" and "Gen. Xers" it's the FIRST image that pops in your head when someone says "Honda motorcycle".

[@Spgonahan]

Very nice! That is my favorite stock paint for those.

[@mujtabakamal]

Thanks for this amazing upload...

[@benpar8120]

I'm restoring mine back to it's original condition. Just need x4 Exhaust pipes and it's done...

[@michaelhayward7572]

The Moto Guzzi v twin as we know it today, pre dated this Honda by a couple of years, was the FIRST production motorcycle to be designed with ONLY electric start with NO back up kick start.

[@yungothee270]

they did it first but honda popularized it.... guzzi has always been a niche market. its either that or they make bikes for police services and others like that.

[@jeeves6490]

But the Honda started reliably. Minor thing, but relatively important.

[@yungothee270]

@@jeeves6490 nahhh guzzis are rock solid and dead reliable too.... the diff between the two is that the guzzi costs twice as much.

[@jeeves6490]

@@yungothee270 Not in 1970 they weren't, sorting a Guzzi took a while and involved arcane incantations in a darkened shed and required the fanaticism and dedication only available to those with that fetish. Eventually they would be 'sorted' and be reliable, Italian style. Which is kinda like Harley 'fast', viewed through the the tint of love. I've always wanted a 'Cali.

[@yungothee270]

@@jeeves6490 so youre saying youve never had one from the period?

[@sen795]

i like this episode:)) can you please make more of these antique bike videos???

[@juliusmass1131]

Great video! I'm currently interested in buying the old model but I'm 6.2 and I just wanted to ask how tall you are

[@kruseamplification4242]

The old bikes look way better ! So amazing

[@josefrancis9873]

What an awesome bike. Thanks for this.

[@JimmySlacksack]

I like the way it sits on the tarmac, composed self contained balanced...by comparison the modern thing next to it looks daft.

[@decab8292]

“Just listen to that!” Well I would have liked to, but you played junk music over the sweet tunes of the bike...

[@MStrange88]

This is not a 69. It’s not a K0. Come on MCN

[@bahnm3]

What a shame.

[@jiffjiffernson7292]

Bizarre is my take. It means the entire story - premise is a scam: Honda didn't lend them a bike. Whose judgment was it to do this and 2nd to assume this audience would not notice? Credibility killer- wrong; and for what gain none i.e. a privileged sand cast at 30 ft (none)? Anyone part of this needs a talking to and an discussion of the business consequence re: credibility.

[@fyorbane]

@@jiffjiffernson7292 This is unfortunately the way MCN has gone in recent years. The paper [which I always used to buy] is now usually full of mistakes and errors. They don't even performance test bikes anymore. They just ride them around a public road circuit and that's it. No back to back timed acceleration/roll-on tests etc. No dyno testing either. Shameful for what they charge for the paper nowadays.

[@zbirtaiway2611]

agree. apparently a K1

[@digger8180]

Cracking bike, thanks.

[@Tank1]

that sound is like THE SOUND

[@mickbrown8249]

Had 750 K2 Blue/gold 76'Capetown S.A. uprated bits Boyer Branson ignition fab brit tyres tt100 Dunlop front Avon roadrunner rear ... 4into1lived & loved at 17 until 19+ coming back2 Europe...great days:) lack of investment was reason for return..

[@chrislangstaff]

That bike sounds perfect, wow.

[@alanbstard4]

stunning. Reliable even today

[@CPUspeed]

The 12 people who disliked this are under 50

[@karanreddyquake]

This is one of the beautiful motorcycles ever. Not sure why Honda doesn't produce any modern classics anymore !!

[@betaz1000]

Gopi reddy Karunakar reddy cb1100rs

[@Xerdoz]

I'll take the old one, thank you. Atleast the horn button is not enormous and in the wrong place.

[@NVK85]

This was very interesting :)

[@peterhatfield5632]

Um, Steve McQueen was a Triumph fan boy, and never owned a CB 750.

[@RichardsModellingAdventures]

I test road the new Bike in this video, the CB1000. it was too fast and modern for me. I then tried the CB1100 EX and took it home :) It's as near as you can get to the old CB750 in a new bike IMHO

[@alistairshaw3206]

Only a quick listen to the engine, we needed more! Instead of buying a Japanese 750, I bought a new Triumph T140 in 1979, great handling, great brakes, but broke down every week without fail! They had a six month warranty then! The kill switch was aptly named, it vibrated off during an overtake, the Lucas electrical system was crap. I've had Japanese bikes ever since, including my present project, a 1973 Honda CB360.

[@DuoMotovlog]

Both are very beautiful motorcycles✌️

[@russpaxman3660]

The BSA rocket and Triumph trident were contemporaries of the CB750 and pre dating them all was the Vincent.

[@floatingscrib]

Was the video hit with some music copyright infringement to cause the riding montage to be silent?

[@Billyg215]

LOVE that bike.

[@z90012]

Where did you film this

[@petervautier7084]

I had a CB750 f2 when I was seventeen, bought for 100 quid. Had rotten silencers and weighed a ton. It was too heavy for my light body at that age so I sold it. I agree though, the music killed your video plus the way you filmed it made the whole thing look very tame. My experience was more like “aaaaaah! Bloody ‘ell!!” as my head missed a tree by inches trying to get the thing to corner at speed.

[@MrLagnil]

Did you forget this? and double overhead camshafts 1967 MV Agusta 600 Four Engine: 592cc air-cooled DOHC inline four, Brakes: Dual 8.5in (216mm) mechanically actuated discs front

[@WalkerKlondyke]

Fun Fact: The only maintenance done on that bike for 50yrs is a couple of oil changes and a new battery last summer.

[@JoJoRoeland]

Where is this filmed?

[@lalandini]

wow the history is amazing

[@asyrafmus]

That bloody music!

[@cabovermike]

My 1st memory of the cb750 was riding out of town late at night on my honda cd175 and i saw lights comming up behind me and in a flash on this dark twisty road a cb750 comes blasting past, and all i saw was his headlight on full beam illuminating the hedges trees and road ahead ,. As i aproached a level crossing the gates were shut and the cb750 was stopped, i pulls along side and i,m in love, it turns out its a mate of my brother that owns it, anyway a few weeks later i get home at night on my cd175 and the cb750 is parked with the keys in it outside , my brother and his mate had gone out in his e type jag, so i seize the opportunity to ride the cb750, naughty i know but whats a 16 y/o supposed to do ? i only went down the long drive to our house and i was smitten , i had to have one, it took 5 years and i bought a new N reg k2 and only had it for a year and sold it to buy a race bike, wind the clock forward 25+ years and i bought another k2 on an N reg and ive still got it and its 52 y/o and i,m 69 y/o,.theres something magical about the cb750 ,iconic classic .Sad end to the story is that my brother was a pillion on back of mates cb750 and one night they crashed , my brother had no helmet on and miraculously escaped with loads of abraisons and his mate broke his femur and the bike was totalled , it could have been alot worse, the rise and fall of one honda cb750.

[@amv1422]

The best bike and the best noice… too young in the seventies. I just bought the z950 rs 🎉

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

I enjoyed that review. What make/brand is your helmet, please?

[@singhangad]

Bloody good.

[@Junk65]

I owned a 1976 cb750. It was heavy, noisy, slow. It looked great with a 4 into 4 exhaust. Mine had a 4 into 1 Kerker. It sounded great. No interest in ever owning one again. The vfr was way better.

[@lexyoung1693]

I waited for the Z1,glad I did but I liked the honda

[@ianjames3078]

Damn it, thought they were bringing out a proper retro

[@WrathOfVaz]

Ian James CB1100EX/ RS

[@user-bk6gc7sl9z]

why the europe.why not in blighty.theres loads of these to test in uk

[@s3sco2002]

There is no sound at some point in the video

[@robertdebono2810]

The handling is too heavy as the hi centre of gravity pull as hell to the ground as you corner in slow speed . Reduce the ground clearance and increase wheel base make it more friendly enjoyable like Z9 success. or their own CB550 under estimated sports class behind the shadow of the CB750. What these bikes sheer in common is the unique sound of the 8 valve cylinder head with a 4 in 1 racing exhaust system.

[@davidw9036]

This is NOT a 69 model, it's probably a 71. It has the wrong throttle linkage, wrong seat etc etc etc. It's even clearly shown as J reg. Get the facts right guys.

[@siraff4461]

Pretty much every "fact" in this vid isn't.

[@daveco1270]

Even I knew that wasn't a 69 and I don't know that much about vintage motorcycles. This guy doesn't know what bike he's riding.

[@milessmith589]

Took the music out and didn't put the bike sound back in - if I was Honda I'd review giving MCN the time of day let alone bikes 🤗

[@juliangreaves5684]

Enjoyed the video. Far from the first electric start though (CB77 etc.)

[@jonathans6179]

yup, early 60's Honda CB77 has electric start

[@gremmann]

What happened to the sound at 3:13?

[@vyrnmn]

I have a feeling it has been muted for music copywrite

[@anirudhanrajesh8210]

What's the bike's name red

[@oilinmyblood3906]

I'm pretty sure that CB750 is either a 1971 or 1972 model year, it is not a 1969 sandcast model, there are too many things about that 750 that do not add up to a sandcast, Im 99% sure it is a 71 or a 72 model but nonetheless beautiful and still very valuable

[@binnydinney9739]

Actually, the BMW R75/5 was the first mass produced bike to have electric start.

[@steveevans424]

I had 3 , one was an automatic.

[@k13ehr]

It was far from the first production 4 cylinder bike, Britain and America did them way back, search your archives please.

[@everythinggaming7938]

is it weird that I am 28 and I want one of these

[@BlockHead805]

Had two of them! Greedy in my youth.

[@rokhedjo]

Not a K0

[@rokhedjo]

I’m not hating, just don’t understand why misrepresent the year, it’s still a cool bike.

[@20spag]

@@rokhedjo True. MCN people should know better.

[@terrywalfordalford7661]

I bought a 1977 honda 750 new rolled it out of showroom, it was dependable and would beat my brothers harley of the line and 1/4 mile but on the Highway he would blow past me like i was standing Still and his was just a sporster

[@ronperrott4867]

Sorry, that is NOT a sandcast model (1969) it's actually a 1972 K2 model..

[@TriumphTune]

The Honda CB450 had electric start in 65. C'mon man...

[@jurgentreue1200]

I'd have a Black Bomber any day.

[@cerealtiller]

And the Honda 50cc Cub had an electric starter in '62.........the 125 Benly and the 250cc CB72/77 . As well

[@protectorh9167]

And honda c71/c76 already in 1959

[@zookster4701]

Those are not the proper side covers for a 69 sandcast . That is a later model , bht I still love it .

[@hepvet40]

I must of had 50 759 hondas 69 was the Fastest Hot Cam

[@PLAYINGAROUND]

It didn't kill off Royal Enfield, It was defunct, just about, by 1967, with just a few Interceptor's being made in the shadow factory up to 1970.

[@jiffjiffernson7292]

Notable. Otherwise history becomes like the stories ladies tell one another at social events (each selecting they want to hear) and/or somehow agreeing on s/t that never happened.