Topic: What's Your Opinion On The Honda 750.....

[Skiparachi]

The bike was ranked #3 for the greatest motorcycle ever built. What's your take on that information and the YouTube video?

Greatest Ever Motorcycles: # 3 - Honda CB 750 (K0)

[madmtnmotors]

Depends on who you ask. Motorcyclist magazine christened it "Motocycle of the Century"!

http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/features/122_1209_motorcycle_of_the_century_1969_honda_cb750/viewall.html

and I agree...

[DJ_AX]

Yeah but.... the only reason (at they end) they give it third place is: they say it's "boring" ...and they say that only because it works so well in comparison to the other bikes.  Doesn't rattle, or shake like other bikes at the time.
That's a lame reason.. Should be #1.

What was #1 and 2 on their list?

[Skiparachi]

Depends on who you ask. Motorcyclist magazine christened it "Motocycle of the Century"!

http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/features/122_1209_motorcycle_of_the_century_1969_honda_cb750/viewall.html

and I agree...

That's a great find!! I have to bookmark that link and I agree it's has to be the greatest motorcycle of it's time. A lot of other motorcycles were designed with the inline four engines but Honda was the first one to do it!!! So, I completely agree with that article you found. 

[Skiparachi]

Yeah but.... the only reason (at they end) they give it third place is: they say it's "boring" ...and they say that only because it works so well in comparison to the other bikes.  Doesn't rattle, or shake like other bikes at the time.
That's a lame reason.. Should be #1.

What was #1 and 2 on their list?

#2 bike was a 916 Ducati......... #1 was a Honda Cub.... LMAO!!! THAT IS JUST HILARIOUS! Let me watch this video.

[Skiparachi]

The Honda Cub won first place for being the most produced motorcycle in history..... 40,000,000 and counting

[lone*X]

Yes, the Cub is the primary transportation for a huge part of the rest of the world.  I agree on it's importance, but calling it #1 on production numbers alone is missing a lot of other criteria.   Other things that should be considered should include advances in technology (for the time), impact on the industry, and probably a lot more that I can't think of at the moment.   Bottom line is the 750 made huge advances in technology and it changed the industry.  And it wasn't boring for its day, it was christened the first super bike for a reason. 

[DJ_AX]

Here... http://world.honda.com/Cub/ they post at the bottom of the page they've reached over 60,000,000!
WOW!
Now how come I can't find 'em all over CraigsList?

[lone*X]

Try Vietnam, Thailand, India, Philippines, even South America, and most third world nations.   Americans have a penchant for power and speed that the Cub does not address.  Sales were just lacking.  Check this:
http://www.retrothing.com/2009/04/the-honda-super-cub-returns-to-the-usa.html

[754]

 Honda was at least 50 years late to the first 4 cyl mc,s dance. But they were the first successful modern version. By the time cb 750. Came out ohc technology was also a half century old..

[lrutt]

The criteria is impact on motorcycling in general. With that said, there is no doubt the cub should be 1. The duc at 2 is a bit confusing. It is a landmark bike wrt design, but not it's impact on motorcycling. the 750 should be right up there, likely 2. yes it is boring. Even to this day, some 36 years after it was made, my 750 amazes me with it's fit and function compared to all my other bikes, both old and new. It starts right off and just works. Ye's it's boring in stock form. Brakes are adequate, sound is uninspiring, comfort is ok. But as a UJM, little else can match it's capability and durability. I can see why it's at or close to the top.

[Skiparachi]

Honda was at least 50 years late to the first 4 cyl mc,s dance. But they were the first successful modern version. By the time cb 750. Came out ohc technology was also a half century old..

You got something to prove this philosophy. I would just want to read or view something about it.

Try Vietnam, Thailand, India, Philippines, even South America, and most third world nations.   Americans have a penchant for power and speed that the Cub does not address.  Sales were just lacking.  Check this:
http://www.retrothing.com/2009/04/the-honda-super-cub-returns-to-the-usa.html

Great find on that information. I was wondering the same thing.

The criteria is impact on motorcycling in general. With that said, there is no doubt the cub should be 1. The duc at 2 is a bit confusing. It is a landmark bike wrt design, but not it's impact on motorcycling. the 750 should be right up there, likely 2. yes it is boring. Even to this day, some 36 years after it was made, my 750 amazes me with it's fit and function compared to all my other bikes, both old and new. It starts right off and just works. Ye's it's boring in stock form. Brakes are adequate, sound is uninspiring, comfort is ok. But as a UJM, little else can match it's capability and durability. I can see why it's at or close to the top.

Yeah exactly right IMO..... The Ducati was #2 for it's corning ability and won 13 out of 17 world renowned road races, which pushed it's production and sells to an all time high. The 750 should be #2 just like you said also......... In stock form the bike is a bike is a bit boring but with modifications but still is no doubt the best motorcycle to ride. It's nothing like a Honda 750 with a 4 in 1 exhaust with the megaphone..... The sound is just amazing and you can hear the bike a mile away. I like to think of that as a safety feature too. Not to mention a big bored 970 kit makes the bike viciously fast. My dad ran 10.30s all day with that kit in a 1/4 mile.

[Steve_K]

It was the FIRST superbike and to me that makes it #1.  I have a 86 GIXXER and really I can see where the CB750 and the early sportbikes are similar.   4 cylinders, 4 carbs and look at an early frame.  It may be aluminium, the shape of the GIXXER frames look similar.(perimeter frame)  Also the 80's bikes started to get lighter and have full fairings hiding the engines.  I like looking at 70's Honda engines, too.  Enough rant! CB750's rule!
Steve

[ekpent]

They Suck-------         Because every time I find a nice one in my area I try and buy it--- If I'm lucky           Luckily I have a good wife.

[lone*X]

Quote from: 754

  "  Honda was at least 50 years late to the first 4 cyl mc,s dance. But they were the first successful modern version. By the time cb 750. Came out ohc technology was also a half century old.."

Quote from: Skiparachi
"You got something to prove this philosophy. I would just want to read or view something about it."

Give this classic a look see:  http://www.motosolvang.com/bike_pages/1927_Henderson_Four.htm

Or this bunch:  http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/19/meadow-brook-concours-2007-vintage-four-cylinder-bikes/

And of course you can't forget the Indians:   http://www.mecum.com/auctions/lot_detail.cfm?LOT_ID=CA0811-117005

[Schnell]

The CB750 is #1, IMO.

[Skiparachi]

Quote from: 754

  "  Honda was at least 50 years late to the first 4 cyl mc,s dance. But they were the first successful modern version. By the time cb 750. Came out ohc technology was also a half century old.."

Quote from: Skiparachi
"You got something to prove this philosophy. I would just want to read or view something about it."

Give this classic a look see:  http://www.motosolvang.com/bike_pages/1927_Henderson_Four.htm

Or this bunch:  http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/19/meadow-brook-concours-2007-vintage-four-cylinder-bikes/

And of course you can't forget the Indians:   http://www.mecum.com/auctions/lot_detail.cfm?LOT_ID=CA0811-117005

Point proven thanks for the great history lesson. Didn't realize their were so many before the Honda CB750! Of course Honda perfected the technology and made the world's greatest motorcycle. Which makes it little more historical IMO. HONDA 750s ROCK!

The CB750 is #1, IMO.

I second that notion!!

[Magilla]

The Cub is number one because it changed the world.  Prior to that "regular" people did not have or ride bikes.  The Honda add campaign "you meet the nicest people on a Honda" inspired the masses to buy motorcycles.  It was cheap.  It was reliable and it was accessible. It changed the entire motorcycle industry.  It deserves to be #1.  If not for the cub there would have been no reason to build the 750.  There would not have been a market for it.  The 750 was revolutionary but it was an improvement to the world and not quite as much a industry changer.

[Killer Canary]

You're all wrong! CB550 all the way!

[Bailgang]

Look at it this way guys, even though our beloved 750 didn't make #1 it at least got recognized. I can only imagine how others that are loyal to other makes are having a hissy fit about now because their make didn't make the list at all let alone in the top 3.

[Bailgang]

You're all wrong! CB550 all the way!

+1 

[Skiparachi]

Look at it this way guys, even though our beloved 750 didn't make #1 it at least got recognized. I can only imagine how others that are loyal to other makes are having a hissy fit about now because their make didn't make the list at all let alone in the top 3.

Totally agree with this statement!! Hell, no other motorcycle brand bet the Y2K motorcycle with the jet turbine engine other than Honda & Ducati. LOL, I guess that's why the other companies are trying to make all the advancements they can to the newer bikes and still won't be able to catch the Honda Cb750!!! YES!

[Skiparachi]

You're all wrong! CB550 all the way!

Tell that to a CB750!!   LOL! 

[Rookster]

First Superbike?
     The Triumph/BSA Triples were released in 1968

Fastest 1/4 mile bikes of 1970 (all in the 12s):
     Norton Commando
     Triumph Trident
     Kawasaki MachIII

AMA #1 Plate holders:
     1969 HD Mert Lawill
     1970 Triumph Gene Romero
     1971  BSA Dick Mann
     1972 HD MArk Brelsford
     1973-1975 Yamaha Kenny Roberts

Production Runs of Landmark Motorcycles:
     Triumph Bonneville 1959 - 1983
     HD Sportster 1957 - present
     CB750K 1969 - 1978

The CB750 wasn't light years ahead of its contemporaries.  It wasn't the fastest or quickest.  It did not handle like the British twins and triples or the Ducati twins.  It never won any major race championships.  As late as the mid 90s, the CB750K was not viewed as a classic or vintage other than the sandcasts (only becuase of their rarity).  Cycle World (or more correctly David Edwards and Mitch Boem) helped to bring about the CB750 revival when they ran the articles West by CB750 (1993) and A Bike to Remember (1994).  They also helped to retell the story of the 1970 Daytona win by Dick Mann.  Vintage things became cool and the sheer number of CB750s still in one piece made it a neo classic.  Should it be on the list of top ten bikes of all time?  Sure.  Number 1?  Nope.  It belongs behind the Cub, Sportster, Bonneville and tied with the Z1.  Just my opinion.

Scott

[Skiparachi]

First Superbike?
     The Triumph/BSA Triples were released in 1968

Fastest 1/4 mile bikes of 1970 (all in the 12s):
     Norton Commando
     Triumph Trident
     Kawasaki MachIII

AMA #1 Plate holders:
     1969 HD Mert Lawill
     1970 Triumph Gene Romero
     1971  BSA Dick Mann
     1972 HD MArk Brelsford
     1973-1975 Yamaha Kenny Roberts

Production Runs of Landmark Motorcycles:
     Triumph Bonneville 1959 - 1983
     HD Sportster 1957 - present
     CB750K 1969 - 1978

The CB750 wasn't light years ahead of its contemporaries.  It wasn't the fastest or quickest.  It did not handle like the British twins and triples or the Ducati twins.  It never won any major race championships.  As late as the mid 90s, the CB750K was not viewed as a classic or vintage other than the sandcasts (only becuase of their rarity).  Cycle World (or more correctly David Edwards and Mitch Boem) helped to bring about the CB750 revival when they ran the articles West by CB750 (1993) and A Bike to Remember (1994).  They also helped to retell the story of the 1970 Daytona win by Dick Mann.  Vintage things became cool and the sheer number of CB750s still in one piece made it a neo classic.  Should it be on the list of top ten bikes of all time?  Sure.  Number 1?  Nope.  It belongs behind the Cub, Sportster, Bonneville and tied with the Z1.  Just my opinion.

Scott

Just read up on the first superbike theory of yours and I don't see where it was indicated the 1st superbike. Though in the same article I read that 4 weeks later after the release of the Triumph, the CB750 came. Triumph wasn't happy with their own product after Honda's release and sales declined. Plus the Triumph is not a inline 4 motorcycle. Most of all of the superbikes in the world now are inline fours, so tell me where did you get this information from because I wanna read what you read.