HONDA The Power of Dreams

The Dream CB500 FOUR launched in 1971, was highly acclaimed for its high-performance 4-stroke 4-cylinder engine among other features, and together with the Dream CB750 FOUR, led to the expansion of the large road sports motorcycle fan base.

Meanwhile, competition among manufacturers in the 350 cc mid-size class was intensifying, as other companies launched ambitious models. In 1971, Honda took measures to enhance its lineup by adding the Dream CB350 Senior, based on the 4-stroke, 2-cylinder Dream CB350 Export, with a 350 cc class-first front disc brake.

For riders, the 350 cc class was an important step to the 500 cc and 750 cc classes.

For this reason, Honda decided to release a 4-cylinder model in the 350 cc class, leading to the Dream CB350 FOUR’s release in June 1972.

The newly designed air-cooled, 4-stroke, inline 4-cylinder OHC engine had easy-to-handle output characteristics in the low and mid ranges. The Dream CB350 FOUR, weighing 184 kg, 12 kg lighter than the CB500 FOUR, was a touring machine designed for superior handling.

The Dream CB350 FOUR’s styling was gentle and quiet.

Although the Dream CB350 FOUR was promoted as a touring model with easy-to-handle engine characteristics (compared to large 4-cylinder models), sales did not go according to plan.

Compared to the CB350 SENIOR in the same class, its maximum output was 34 PS (2 PS higher), and weighed 184 kg (16 kg heavier). The new model was not well received, as it did not offer the light and powerful mid-size class riding feel.

The newly designed compact chassis and smooth-feeling 4-cylinder engine could not take full advantage of the characteristics of the 350 cc displacement.

Although the Dream CB350 FOUR was only on the market for two years, it spawned the Dream CB400 FOUR, launched in 1974.