Is Honda Going Old School? Rumors of CB750 Re-Issue Abound!
Tuesday July 24, 2007
Britain's Motorcycle News has reported that Honda might build reproductions of its revolutionary CB750, and according to MCN, a prototype should be shown at October's Tokyo Motor Show.
Especially since Ducati and Triumph have blazed the path by selling more than a few nostalgic repros, it seems a CB750 redux would draw even more motorcyclists back to the simplicity of elemental, air-cooled bikes.
I don't know about you, but I certainly think a new CB750 would make a great antidote to hypermodern bikes you can't see through.
Comments
I live in Japan and there is already a CB750 on the market here. Not sure if it’s available on the other side of the pond? Here is a link. http://www.honda.co.jp/motor-lineup/cb750/
Retro/Standard bikes are pretty common here and I think all the major makers have a few in their stables.
I don’t believe we have that model here, but I think Honda’s considering building one exactly like the 1960s version, down to the fenders, mirrors, etc!
Have you seen Road Rider magazine in Japan? I have a copy of the Feb ‘07 issue… looks like the Japanese love 1980s-era superbikes.
Basem
No, I haven’t seen the magazine. Still working on the language. But, yes, they are big on the retro superbikes here.
I have a 92 and LOVE IT. I’d really like to see how they’d fine tune the Nighthawk.
Funny, a lot of Honda riders make fun of Harleys about being so old and antiquated. Then Honda turns around and makes this, I guess trying to copy the Harley sound just isnt enough.
The one now available in Japan looks to be a reproduction of a late ’70s or early ’80s CB7500F Super Sport, not a ‘69-’76 CB750K. I hope they bring out a beautiful retro of the K bikes complete with chrome fenders, wire wheels and headlight ears and buckets painted to match the tank and side covers. If they bring one out in Candy Gold, I’ll buy it!
I think Honda is on the right track to offer a bike based after the old CB750. A lot of old school bikers, including myself are drawn to these kind of bikes. However, Honda will need to do a better job of marketing this bike than Kawasaki did their W650 (2000 – 2001) in the states and possibly better educate the dealers as well. I kinda know what I’m talking about because as a proud owner of a beautiful W650, I find that very few dealers or service people know about my bike. Kawasaki had a real winner with their W650, but the lack of marketing and dealer education in the states killed it over here prematurely. I just hope Honda doesn’t make the same mistake with this CB750 resurrection.
Great news about this for us that use to ride these bikes. Plus with all the interest in younger (and older riders) making bobbers and riding these bikes “as is” it would be great seeing them in mass again….
btw, does anyone know how to find out if they would be redoing the early 80’s Nighthawk 700 SC? That was a bike i loved when i had it and still looking for another one. If you do, just email me. Thks.
I think the time is right for such a bike. Not only are there a lot of guys like me who grew up on such machines, but with the economy and gas prices going a little crazy, the need for standards is prime. Bring back something very close to the original, with chrome fenders (not plastic chrome) and I’ll be at the dealer tomorrow ordering one. Make mine red.
I just sold my CB750. I like my new old school Triumph Bonneville, but my heart still belongs to the CB750. Maybe I can get another in a few years.
From the rumors I’ve been hearing old school naked bikes are experiencing a comeback. I can’t wait!
Wow! How great! Finally a sensible response to all those Harley clones.
How ’bout that! An air cooled bike with a chain drive! What’ll they think of next? The only thing better would be a revival of the 1975 (more or less) Suzuki GS750 which was similar to the Honda 750 but a little better. However the management at Suzuki don’t have the brains to figure out where the trends are going. Way to go, Honda!
I have 2 cb750’s one is a 70 and one is a 78. The 70 is a basket case I just bought, and the 78 is a every day rider and cruiser. I have owned the bike 12 years and have only replaced the top end gaskets. Other than standard maint. includeing tires.
I put close to 8000 miles a year on her, and she just keeps on goin.
If Honda makes a repro, I will have to get one for my collection. Great idea
Well All Right! News about the reintroduction of one of the “Baddest” motorcycles of all time is sweet news to me! I can remember as a “dirty faced kid” going to the Honda shop in midtown Manhattan and dreaming about the “Big Fours”, blue, red or gold! That is Certainly Good News! Way to go,
Honda! I ended up getting a CB 350,
small budget!
So will it be carb’d or EFI? Now if they came out with a repop of a large displacement twin – maybe scale up the old 450 to, say, 600-ish – I’d really be jazzed! Maybe a Scrambler, while I’m making a wishlist?
If Honda build a Nighthawk I’ll buy one and leave my ‘95 (stored in the bedroom) to my grandson when I’m gone
Martin of Monterey
Back in the day, I rode the CB750K. Nice engine, lousey suspension and tires. Bridgestone is a premier tire company and I certianly can’t fault the product. However there is a reason we called them, “stones”. The CB750K is a wonderful straight line bike. Approach anything other than the gentelest of curve and your riding experience turns to terror – quickly!
The CB750F is the one to build. Superb all around street bike, and it loves curves. Throw in a cdi with fuel injection, a set of Ohlins suspenders above a pair of 17″ sticky tires and go hunting squids on replie bikes.
There was not a 750 at the Tokyo Motor Shot. The rumor was wrong. Here is a link to the bikes that were at the Tokyo Motor Show:
http://www.tokyo-motorshow.com/show/2007/eng/public/gallery/photo/50_040_Honda/index001.html
Hi Hope,
This blog entry was posted over three months before the Tokyo show. Check out our virtual tour of the show here:
http://motorcycles.about.com/b/2007/10/31/honda-adds-more-bikes-to-tokyo-motor-show-display.htm
Thanks,
Basem