CB Stories
Honda’s Flagship in Response to Europe’s Big Bikes
Once the Dream CB72 Super Sport (250cc) was launched in 1960, its sporty styling and high-performance engine were well received both in Japan and overseas. Driven by its popularity, Honda wasted no time to add to its model lineup the 305cc Dream CB77 (with a larger engine than the CB72), as Honda's largest displacement model at the time.
1960 Dream CB77 (305 cc) - Sold in the U.S. as the CB77 Super Hawk 305.
Sales of the CB77 also began in the U.S. in 1961. However at the time, the American market was dominated by 500 cc to 650 cc models made by European manufacturers, and although the CB77 was Honda’s largest model, its engine was only half the size of the competition. The CB77 was unable compete with the other, larger models in the U.S. market. Honda associates in North America and Europe also demanded a road sport model with a bigger engine.
Development continued based on the belief that the high-revving, high-output technology cultivated through Honda’s participation in the Road Racing World Championship since 1959 would allow it to compete with 500 cc and 650 cc production bikes even though its engine was much smaller.
In 1965, the Dream CB450 was released, equipped with an air-cooled 4-stroke DOHC 2-cylinder 450cc engine that delivered 43 PS maximum power at 8500 rpm. With a top speed of 180 km/h, it surpassed the 500 cc models of European manufacturers and achieved output performance equivalent to that of 650 cc models.
1965 Dream CB450 (close-up on engine) - Sold in the U.S. as the CB450 Super Sport.
The CB450 was exported as Honda’s flagship model, mainly to the United States, and its engine, featuring high-performance mechanisms was highly acclaimed. However, sales were sluggish.
In the vast U.S. market, demand was not reliant on maximum output or maximum speed, but for a powerful and relaxed ride with strong torque.
Honda in the U.S. proposed a road sport model with a larger engine and more power to enjoy a relaxed ride. This led to the development of the Dream CB750 FOUR.
The CB450 was fully-revamped in 1968, and was further refined in the following years. 1969 saw the launch of the Dream CB750 FOUR, which gained popularity for its easy-to-manage body size and the unique 2-cylinder engine feel. In 1974, it was succeeded by the Dream CB500T with a larger 500 cc engine, and remained a favorite of road sports fans for many years.
January 1961 - Ceremony to commemorate cumulative production of 10 million motorcycles. Soichiro Honda astride Honda’s 10 millionth motorcycle, a CB450, at the Hamamatsu Factory
Dream CB450 Evolution: Japan sales models
