Topic: The Honda CB750 was NOT what you think

[rotortiller]

Curious pekingduck, did you personally ride the Beringer brake? ekpent, The GT750 had poor front brakes too.

[pekingduck]

No, I didn't try that Beringer caliper. 

[MauiK3]

Re the pre production 750 in that photo
The carbs were very different, looks like a K1 cable setup, I didn’t know they did that. Awhile back I remember reading that Vic World came across a candy blue green pre bike and bought it. He didn’t restore it, he just fixed what needed attention. I think he sold it for $240k.
Crazy
I think there were about 6 pre bikes sent to the US of which only a few have been accounted for, Vic’s being one of them.

[jakec]

There used to be a youtube of the guy finding that bike and selling it. I don't see it anymore though. There is a writeup about it here though.

http://www.cb750sandcastonly.com/new/proto_2113.html

[seanbarney41]

Which master cylinder to buy then?
CB750 look or close.
If there is a new aftermarket version.

PeWe, in my experience, literally anything is better than stock from 1980's on up.  I have seen the chart published by vintage brake but there must be more to it than just getting the right piston size in relation to the caliper size, because I have flagrantly ignored that chart before and used 1990's master cylinders that had way too big pistons and it was still a huge improvement over the stock master.  I will literally buy whatever used master cylinder that fits the bars and doesn't need a rebuild from 12-15mm.  I thiink there must be something wrong with the amount of mechanical advantage built in (or not!) to the lever?   I dunno except that those stock master cylinders always require such a heavy hand on the lever with all 4 fingers!

[seanbarney41]

Also, back to original subject of this thread....I disagree with the video.  I think the cb750 WAS a groundbreaking superbike...Honda just did not enjoy that status for long, as it was quickly caught up and surpassed initially by Kawasaki, and later by everyone.  Honda really just kind of sat on the initial impact of the cb750 for wayyy to long, even dulling the point, with less performance over the 9 year run.  The F models were a step in the right direction, but not a big enough step, and proved less popular, even now. 

[Kelly E]

Also, back to original subject of this thread....I disagree with the video.  I think the cb750 WAS a groundbreaking superbike...Honda just did not enjoy that status for long, as it was quickly caught up and surpassed initially by Kawasaki, and later by everyone.  Honda really just kind of sat on the initial impact of the cb750 for wayyy to long, even dulling the point, with less performance over the 9 year run.  The F models were a step in the right direction, but not a big enough step, and proved less popular, even now.

Yep, Honda should have been working on a DOHC replacement head or a new motor as soon as Kawasaki came out with the 900 with Suzuki and Yamaha right behind them. Even today the KZ 1000 and GS 1000 are fast bikes. The CB 900F is too, and eventually we'll find out how good the CB 1100F is.

[Don R]

 They thought the gl1000 was their muscle bike but we turned them into touring bikes.

[newday777]

Also, back to original subject of this thread....I disagree with the video.  I think the cb750 WAS a groundbreaking superbike...Honda just did not enjoy that status for long, as it was quickly caught up and surpassed initially by Kawasaki, and later by everyone.  Honda really just kind of sat on the initial impact of the cb750 for wayyy to long, even dulling the point, with less performance over the 9 year run.  The F models were a step in the right direction, but not a big enough step, and proved less popular, even now.

Yep, Honda should have been working on a DOHC replacement head or a new motor as soon as Kawasaki came out with the 900 with Suzuki and Yamaha right behind them. Even today the KZ 1000 and GS 1000 are fast bikes. The CB 900F is too, and eventually we'll find out how good the CB 1100F is.

I quit going to the Honda shops when they went to the dohc.

[Kelly E]

We don't care about brand or model that much, we only care about wether we like riding it or not.

[PeWe]

CBX1000 not that bad despite DOHC

[Deltarider]

Newday, I feel with you. I've stopped buying cars when after decades of brave resistance, the European automakers began fitting electric windows and power steering, the latter on even the smallest cars.
The familymembers I was with yesterday in my sisters 26 year old Toyota (slings ofcourse) all  three agreed. Even my big Mercedes-Benz, model "Heckflosse" back then, did not have power steering. Never missed it. Whilst driving on an empty road I could look for something in my bag on the rear seat and always when turned back, I was still  exactly positioned the same in my lane as before. Try that with power steering. Either you will find yourself against the rail or in the shoulder.

[RAFster122s]

CBX1000 not that bad despite DOHC

Until you have to sync 6 carbs or do valve adjustment…
If it’s equipped with fairing, then their a lot of plastic that has to get removed…
But, that said…probably worth it.

If you thought finding a mechanic to deal with an old sohc4 was tough, the dohc6 is nigh impossible…at least experienced ones.
But, just like any vintage bike, best to learn the skills yourself with the support of others…

[PeWe]

CBX1000 not that bad despite DOHC

Until you have to sync 6 carbs or do valve adjustment…
If it’s equipped with fairing, then their a lot of plastic that has to get removed…
But, that said…probably worth it.

If you thought finding a mechanic to deal with an old sohc4 was tough, the dohc6 is nigh impossible…at least experienced ones.
But, just like any vintage bike, best to learn the skills yourself with the support of others…

I have a friend that repair/restore others engines and bikes. He has made a few CBX1000 engines, bikes too. Plus I know another guy that has restored some. Added turbo kit on one too.
They cost a lot. Clean carbs after long time parked, new cam chain tensioner. There is one shop , I think in Netherlands making an improved version.
My garage is too small.
A shiny candy red 1979 would be fine though.

[RAFster122s]

There is a candy red CBX on bring a trailer now…

[PeWe]

There is a candy red CBX on bring a trailer now…

Too far away for me....

[Gamma]

This is me with mine in 1986.
Also with the engine in my kitchen, replacing 4th gear for modified one with undercut dogs. This was a common fault on the early CBX1000 jumping out of 4th

[ekpent]

Like the kitchen picture ! 

[Deltarider]

Like the kitchen picture ! 

You call that a kitchen?! I'd call that a straightjacket. A tight one.

[MauiK3]

Yes, Honda sat too long, the CBX was a tour de force but a little outside the box for most motorcycle buyers. I've ridden one and it's an amazing engine, turbine smooth, I wouldn't want to own one, a little to finicky and complex.
In the end, the next Honda motor that I think was a great engine was in the Blackbird, great motor, not interested in Tupperware bikes though.

[PeWe]

Like the kitchen picture ! 

You call that a kitchen?! I'd call that a straightjacket. A tight one.

Preparing a technical beef makes it to a kitchen

[Schnell]

On my 1974 cb750 I can easily lock up the rear wheel with its drum brake. I like the anti-lock nature of the front disc brake. It's not a fault, it's a feature.

[jlh3rd]

it would be interesting to see comparisons braking performance between these '69 bikes.

I can't find any.

[Deltarider]

On my 1974 cb750 I can easily lock up the rear wheel with its drum brake. I like the anti-lock nature of the front disc brake. It's not a fault, it's a feature.

That's how I see it. Had to lock up the rear drum brake once or twice in my riding career. Can only be done with bike upright and going in a straight line though.

It's all not that difficult.
1. Stopping power of all SOHC CB Four models is well within what laws in all markets require.
2. The VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCE is specified in detail in the first page of my Owner Manual*.
3. The rest is up to me.
* Honda should have warned for a much longer stopping distance in the wet however.

[Rookster]

Beautiful CBX.  I love the rack, fairing and exhaust. 

The CB750 didn't stop development in 1969 and neither did the other manufacturers.  This is the 2nd Superbikes comparison by Cycle Magazine in 1973.  The results might be a little hard to take.

http://www.kawatriple.com/articles/1973%20Superbikes/superbikes1.htm

Scott