The Honda CB750F Motorcycle first appeared on the Japanese market in June 1979
and was shortly the best seller in the 750 motorcycle class. Just ten years
prior to their CB750F, Honda opened the field of multi-cylinder, large-bore
bikes with the now famous four cylinder CB750. Honda had extensively tested
the multi-cylinder concept and won several Grand Prix motorcycle races, and
the CB750 was based upon these experiences. The engines worked flawlessly and
provided very smooth power with almost no vibration, and so shocked the industry,
that soon many of the famous makers also produced four cylinder large cubic
motorcycles. Honda, of course, held the number one position in sales for many
years, but then Kawasaki released their “Z” series DOHC 750 bikes,
and took over the number one position, relegating Honda to 2nd place. Honda,
however, did not take this set back for long, and continued to improve their
engines, and in 1979 released a CB 750K DOHC with four valves per cylinder,
a powerful 68hp, and completely new body styling. It was not long before Honda
was again number one! The CB750F, released in June 1979 was styled after the
very popular European Honda CB900F, which had been copied from their racing
RCB bike. This styling was new to stock motorcycles of the world. The low positioned
handle bars and rear positioned foot rests, allow a “slouched” riding
position and this style is what set the standard for the eighties.
The CB750F is powered by a 4 cylinder DOHC 748cc engine with 4 valves per cylinder,
and the 1981 version produces 70 brake horsepower. The bike has a double cradle
frame of welded steel tubing, 37mm air front forks with equalizer and 30 way
adjustable rear shocks with variable hydraulic dampening. It is equipped with
a maintenance-free transistorized pointless inductive ignition system and braking
is accomplished with a dual caliper double disc front brake and a large single
disc at the rear. A newly designed racing type front fender with spoiler has
proved to be very effective and popular among bike enthusiasts. The overall
styling of that unveiled in 1979, with the smooth flowing lines from tank to
tail light have been retained, and it is likely that this fine motorcycle will
keep the Honda Company number one for years to come.
