You can’t go fallacious with a Honda. But in the event you’re searching for one thing with basic character, nothing says, ‘I’m a badass with nice style’ like a classic Honda motorbike.
Ever because the legendary Japanese agency began producing bikes again in 1949, Honda has been on the forefront of two-wheeled innovation. The model is chargeable for the foundational styling of lots of the fashionable bikes that we all know and love.
But if fashionable plastics and ridiculously overpowered engines aren’t your factor, why not search for a classic Honda as an alternative?
The Difference Between Antique, Vintage, & Retro
Before we take you on an odyssey by way of our favourite classic Honda bikes, let’s outline what “vintage” truly means. This phrase can get bandied about a bit of too liberally. It all comes all the way down to interpretation, to a level. But in different industries, there are pretty strict floor guidelines regarding what can bear a “vintage” label.
We’re going to use these guidelines, and never simply to be pedantic.
An merchandise labeled “antique” by dictionary definition, and in response to customs legal guidelines for many nationwide authorities, must be at the least 100 years previous. That alone guidelines out lots of bikes.
As of at this time, there aren’t any vintage Honda bikes in existence.
“Retro,” however, is more durable to outline. Merriam-Webster has this to say regarding the phrase: “relating to, reviving, or being the styles and especially the fashions of the past: fashionably nostalgic or old-fashioned.”
With that in thoughts, one thing like Honda’s CB1100RS is what we’d name “retro.” It’s one thing fashionable designed to appear to be it was old style or from the previous.
We’re right here for classic Honda bikes, however “vintage” isn’t precisely straightforward to outline both. The phrase comes from the Anglo-French “vendange,” which is described as “grapes picked during a season.”
The fashionable English phrase can imply many issues, from describing an period, denoting a size of time, or indicating the age of one thing.
In phrases of describing classic bikes, it ought to consult with a mannequin that’s at the least 20 years previous and that’s recognizably connected to an period, like a ’70s Honda or an ’80s Suzuki. A bike described as classic ought to be of a sure age and never a contemporary illustration.
A 1971 Ducati Scrambler is classic, whereas a brand new Ducati Scrambler is retro.
What Makes a Vintage Honda Special?
Vintage Hondas are nice bikes to purchase for various causes. They are available in sensual, curvy shapes, produce a noticeably basic sound, and, most significantly, they’re fairly rattling dependable.
Even in the event you do encounter issues, there’s no scarcity of spare components, aftermarket options, and tutorial literature to beat the difficulty.
Of course, there’s additionally the truth that Honda has actually constructed tens of millions of bikes. Even their most sought-after fashions are available and for cheap costs, too.
10 Vintage Honda Motorcycles You Should Own
A great previous Honda could be precisely what you want in the event you like your bikes to really feel extra analog than digital, armed with loads of soulful character, and dressed within the charismatic finery of yesteryear. These classics even have greater than sufficient efficiency and energy to wrestle with fashionable site visitors and put a smile in your face.
Below are 10 legendary Hondas to get you began. Fire up eBay, ignore your financial institution stability, and end up one in all these classic bikes on the market.
Honda NT650 Hawk GT
The Honda Hawk is a cult bike requiring no introduction. It was first launched in 1988 and solely managed to outlive for 3 years till it was axed in 1991.
On the floor, it doesn’t have the identical romance as a late ’60s or ’70s Honda. But it has a unique model of high quality, giving it cult standing. The Hawk was reasonably priced, utilitarian, and, above all, an absolute blast to trip.
It won’t appear to be it, however the Honda NT650 Hawk GT is a blinder of a bike and makes for a preferred observe day motorbike as of late. Equipped with a rock-steady 647cc 4-stroke, V-twin engine, the Hawk might produce a claimed 58 horsepower and a tidy 31 pound-feet of peak torque on the rear wheel.
Honda additionally gave the Hawk a number of cool options together with an aluminum field body, a separate bolt-on rear subframe, and a single-sided swingarm. It turned one of many first fashionable bare road bikes to go on sale.
It is probably not the primary motorbike to spring to thoughts if you consider classic Honda bikes, however in the event you see one up on the market in good situation, don’t hesitate. You can forgive excessive mileage on these bikes, and in the event you seize one on the proper value, you’ll not remorse the acquisition.
They are not at all unique, however there’s a superb motive why riders maintain them in such excessive esteem; they’re good at no matter process you set them to.
Honda VF1000R
First launched within the States in 1985, a full yr after it made a splash in Europe, the Honda VF1000R won’t have been as quick because the Kawasaki GPZ900R or as maneuverable because the Yamaha FJ1100. But it got here with head-turning beauty, bucket a great deal of torque, and the Honda seal of approval.
This basic V4 is usually neglected by patrons looking for iconic classic Honda bikes. Admittedly, it’s not so good as its extra touring-savvy VF1000F Interceptor stablemate, however what it lacks in out-and-out energy, it makes up for in consolation.
Not all riders will really feel snug on the VF1000R. It’s an actual ache to steer and turning is a exercise. If you possibly can lean it into a quick nook with out fearing to your life, you’re clearly superhuman. Cornering apart, for straight-line stability at pace, no different bikes within the VF1000R’s class might come shut.
The VF1000R was able to reaching high speeds of round 149 mph, and its beefy 998cc DOHC, liquid-cooled, 90-degree V4 engine might produce an admirable 117 horsepower at 10,000 rpm and a 63.7 pound-feet of torque at 8,000 rpm. That’s fairly spectacular contemplating it boasted an total moist weight of 610 kilos.
Yep, that makes it a full 50 kilos lighter than the Kawasaki GPZ900R. The VF1000R must go quick and go straight, which makes it nice for freeway using however not ultimate if you wish to cruise round city.
Honda CX500
Honda’s CX collection lasted from 1978 to 1983. Though it won’t have loved the longest lifespan, the CX500 continues to be very a lot alive and kicking on the trendy customized scene. It has emerged as an uncommon and sought-after donor machine for every kind of customization, and for superb motive.
On the floor, the CX500 was able to reaching high speeds of round 149 mph. It’s a water-cooled, shaft-driven, V-twin motorbike wrapped in an uncommon and unattractive body.
That’s what’s on the floor. In reality, the CX500 is extremely dependable, laughably low-maintenance, and an absolute blast to trip. And it doesn’t include the collector’s worth like old-school CBs, making the CX500 a really enticing prospect for these looking for an reasonably priced previous Honda bike.
The CX500 was powered by a 497cc water-cooled, longitudinal OHV 80-degree, V-twin engine (much like the configuration utilized by Moto Guzzi), good for 48 horsepower — except we’re speaking concerning the beastly turbo variant that reportedly elevated the ability output to a huge 82 horsepower.
Either means, the CX500 got here with various attention-grabbing options, like dual-CV carburetors to cut back emissions and a singular electrical begin system. Modular rims meant the CX500 was the primary manufacturing motorbike to sport tubeless tires.
Of course, it additionally got here with Honda’s world-famous reliability and sturdiness, in addition to an reasonably priced price ticket. As far as classic Honda bikes go, it’s an oddball, however one that may serve you effectively in any of its six present 500cc variants.
Honda XL250
Some of the very best classic Honda bikes are their off-road choices. They don’t include the identical romance stage that older street bikes do, however Honda’s off-road equipment from the golden age of enduro racing has huge collector attraction. And they’re nice enjoyable to trip, too.
The XL250 is without doubt one of the most simply recognizable Honda filth bikes. It got here with a 4-stroke 250cc engine manufactured from 1972 all the best way as much as 1987. In truth, it was the primary mass-produced 4-valve motorbike and the primary fashionable 4-stroke enduro motorbike. That helped pave the best way for the enduro wave that swept the globe after the mannequin’s introduction.
Thanks to its dual-sport nature, this street-legal filth bike turned an extremely well-liked selection for riders eager to expertise the joys of using roads with out sacrificing the exploratory nature of a filth bike.
The Honda XL250 got here with a strong 250cc 4-stroke engine that might produce 24 horses on the wheel, and 16.85 pound-feet of torque, making fairly a potent package deal for the time. The engine was tucked into an insanely slim chassis solely 12 inches at its widest level. Minus the handlebars, after all.
In whole, this filth bike weighed in at a svelte 288 kilos. Thanks to its peppy engine, streamlined chassis, and light-weight weight, it was a really enticing trip for budding enduro riders.
Unfortunately, the XL collection was dropped and changed with the less-inspiring NX fashions. Honda noticed the error of its methods and ultimately launched the XR collection, which was closely impressed by the XLs however got here with out the allure.
Honda GL1000 Gold Wing
The Honda Goldwing is without doubt one of the most recognizable bikes ever made. It’s large, brash, and swollen in each sense. But it wasn’t at all times such an chubby monster. When the unique GL1000 Gold Wing first rolled onto the scene in 1974, it was in a way more user-friendly configuration.
Unveiled on the Cologne Motorcycle Show, the Gold Wing turned the blueprint for street touring fashions, ultimately evolving into the hulking behemoths that command legions of loyal followers everywhere in the world. If you like your bikes with much less heft, then the unique first-generation GL1000 ought to be your basic Honda of selection.
The coronary heart of the legendary GL1000 is an iconic liquid-cooled flat-four SOHC 998cc engine. This particular engine boasts a gear-driven generator that contra-rotates to offset the engine’s {powerful} torque response, mated to a shaft-driven transmission.
The authentic Gold Wing got here with an electrical starter in addition to a reserve kick-start choice, courtesy of a detachable kick-start lever that may very well be saved within the bike’s dummy gasoline tank.
The actual gasoline tank was positioned underneath the seat to assist enhance the bike’s heart of gravity. After all, it was a heavy lump weighing in dry at 584 kilos.
Despite the burden, the 80 horsepower and 63 pound-feet of torque had been successful. Honda offered over 13,000 models within the U.S. in its debut yr, making it one of the profitable classic Honda bikes ever made.
Honda Sport 90
This previous Honda goes by a number of names: the Super 90, S90, or Sport 90. It’s an immediately recognizable basic that first appeared in 1964 and was produced till 1969, although bigger engine fashions and various variants continued being manufactured till lengthy after.
The S90 was the quickest mannequin in Honda’s 90cc line-up, making it a far superior sporty various to the CT90, CL90, CD90, and the basic C90, regardless of that all of them shared the identical engine.
Though the engine could be the identical, the using fashion and total form had been remarkably completely different. The S90 was constructed for pace, not like the remainder of the 90cc vary.
The engine is a 90cc air-cooled SOHC unit with a handbook 4-speed transmission that may be operated with a clutch, not like the semi-automatic C90 derivatives.
According to Honda, the S90 has a claimed high pace of 64 mph, although it’s questionable if anybody ever achieved that with a inventory 8-horsepower S90.
Even so, the S90 was quicker than the remainder, because of its light-weight body design. It featured a pressed metal one-piece body as an alternative of a traditional tubular metal association. Coupled with slim handlebars and a slim profile — together with the small however potent engine — you’ve received a recipe for achievement.
The S90 is one in all many related sport variants that Honda produced, however it’s arguably one of the well-known.
Honda CMX250 Rebel
The Honda Rebel may need loved a much-needed replace, however for the overwhelming majority of its life, the common-or-garden Rebel remained largely unchanged. The authentic CMX250 arrived on the scene again in 1985 and was an apparent game-changer from day one.
Using big-cruiser styling however powered by a laid-back and non-aggressive 250cc engine, Honda used the Rebel to draw a wholly new technology of riders onto two wheels.
America’s youth noticed the attraction of a powerful-looking, cost-effective entry-level motorbike that didn’t include intimidating efficiency specs or any alienating jargon and subculture. In essence, the trendy beginner-friendly motorbike was born. And nothing has ever actually changed it since.
So what made it so particular? Apart from its apparent cruiser-inspired aesthetic, the Rebel CMX250 packed a bulletproof 234cc air-cooled, parallel-twin engine. It produced a decent 16 horsepower and 12 pound-feet of torque.
That roughly interprets to a fundamental, no-nonsense motorbike that may hit a high pace of 70 mph in the event you actually push it. And you’re in all probability not going to die within the course of.
The engine was mated to a user-friendly 5-speed transmission which was easy and simple to function. That made it ultimate for learners. It’s nonetheless an MSF learner bike of selection.
Though it’s not a method icon, the Rebel is small, sturdy, dependable, and enjoyable sufficient. And as an integral a part of Honda’s line-up, it’s a basic whether or not you class it as one or not.
Honda CR125M Elsinore
The early ’70s introduced a complete new self-discipline to the world of motorcycling: motocross. Trail using, enduro racing, off-roading… You title it; it was taking place.
Motorcycles had developed into greater than a easy mode of transport and had been quick turning into leisure automobiles. And because of films like “On Any Sunday,” everybody wished in on the motion.
Honda wished to hitch the get together too. Unfortunately, the very best motocross bikes of the day had been small-displacement 2-stroke machines, and Honda had no expertise in engineering two-stroke motors. However, they put their heads down and labored on a 2-stroke of their very own.
The outcome was a 250cc that was ultimately scaled down, refined, and unleashed on the American public. The 1974 CR125M Elsinore had arrived.
The new 125cc model had a bore and stroke of 56mm x 50mm and got here with a cool two-ring aluminum piston etched ever so barely to retain oil. The engine instances had been comprised of magnesium alloy which helped preserve the general weight down.
The Elsinore’s body was additionally comprised of chrome moly tubing for additional weight financial savings, and the physique was plastic.
When all was mentioned and executed, the Elsinore might produce a peak energy output of just below 17 horsepower and hit speeds as much as 60 mph. It was quick, {powerful}, and extremely maneuverable because of the Showa suspension system’s distinctive journey.
And guess what? Small scramblers are again in style, making the Elsinore one of the sought-after classic Honda bikes at this time.
Honda CB750
The world’s first superbike needed to make this record. For many, this isn’t simply one of the essential classic Honda bikes; it’s one of the essential bikes ever. The CB750 arrived in 1969 after Honda guessed {that a} large-capacity motorbike modeled on their already profitable CB450 unit could be successful.
There had been loads of causes for the world to be excited concerning the CB750. It would develop into the primary commercially obtainable, fashionable 4-cylinder motorbike from a serious producer.
The CB got here with extra fashionable options than the general public was used to together with an electrical begin, flashing flip alerts, superior brakes, and extra. And it carried out much better than anybody might have dreamed, trouncing any competitors from Europe.
The engine was a fearsome 736cc air-cooled inline-4 producing 68 horses at 8,500 rpm, 44 pound-feet at 7,000 rpm, and will hit high speeds of 125 mph. The specs had been mind-blowing.
But the key to the CB750’s success got here all the way down to its user-friendliness. It wasn’t laborious to trip, all the things labored, and it was snug.
Of course, it additionally seemed exceptionally good and was comparatively reasonably priced. Many think about the CB750 to be one of many best bikes ever made and a high quality instance of what a classic Honda ought to be.
Normally, that will be sufficient to catapult it into the primary slot. But there’s one other Honda on the market that has by no means gone out of style and by no means didn’t impress us.
Honda Super Cub
The best motorbike platform ever made is definitely the Honda Super Cub. Manufactured with displacements starting from the unique 49cc to the extra superior 125cc, the Honda Super Cub is chargeable for extra riders getting on two wheels than every other motorbike on the earth. It’s the best-selling motorbike of all time.
Many historians liken the little Cub to the Ford Model T, Volkswagen Beetle, or Jeep, calling it an icon of the twentieth century and a design landmark. And they’re appropriate. The little Honda Super Cub is nothing wanting distinctive.
As far as classic Honda bikes go, that is the one you need in your storage. It appears to be like cool and is at all times modern. In a nuclear/zombie apocalypse, that is essentially the most dependable and indestructible mode of transport at your disposal.
The authentic Super Cub rolled onto the scene in 1958. It got here outfitted with an air-cooled, 4-stroke, single-cylinder 49cc engine producing 4.5 horsepower at 9,500 rpm and sufficient torque to hold a water buffalo. It reached speeds as much as 43 mph — in the event you’re going downhill with the wind behind you.
You might kickstart the Cub with out placing in a lot effort. Changing gear was a clutchless affair, with a semi-automatic 3-speed gearbox, making it so easy to trip it actually took the “terror out of motorcycling.”
The Super Cub spawned greater than six variants. All instructed, greater than 100 million had been produced. And positive, for a lot of, the lowly Cub isn’t motorcycle-y sufficient to get high honors. But in our opinion, this little bike turned extra folks on to 2 wheels than every other.
It won’t have the standing of a motorcycle made by the Harley-Davidson Motor Company or the feisty continental nature of an previous Ducati, however there’s little doubt the Honda Cub is without doubt one of the most essential Honda bikes ever made.
Enjoy These Vintage Honda Motorcycles for Years To Come
Plenty of different fashions might have made this record. What concerning the plucky Honda Dream? Or the celebrated Africa Twin? Or even the lesser celebrated cafe racer-inspired GB500? There are a great deal of choices that may very well be counted as the very best classic or basic fashions. These 10 are our favorites.
If you buy one, relaxation assured they aren’t going to exit of favor.
FAQ
Where do I purchase a classic Honda motorbike?
Buying classic bikes of any model generally is a battle. Sometimes, you want luck. The finest locations to seek for previous bikes are on-line utilizing websites like eBay or Craigslist or searching round previous scrap yards.
One of the very best methods to seek out undervalued basic bikes is to ask round domestically. There are loads of previous classics tucked away in barns, hidden away in garages, and forgotten about by their homeowners. Ask round and preserve your ears open. You would possibly strike gold.
Where do I purchase classic Honda motorbike components?
The finest assets for sourcing classic motorbike components will be discovered on-line. There’s no scarcity of high quality on-line shops with large catalogs of components for classics. However, in the event you desire to go old fashioned, there are many classic salvage yards specializing in older bikes. We advocate purchasing on-line for the very best outcomes.
How do I estimate the worth of a classic Honda motorbike?
Start by looking for the related mannequin and mannequin yr utilizing assets just like the Kelley Blue Book and the NADA Guides web sites. These assets are wonderful beginning factors. But relating to classic fashions they’ll solely provide a suggestion for classic motorbike costs.
Classic bikes have a number of components that may have an effect on their precise worth, from their situation to the variety of authentic components nonetheless intact. Start with the above guides, and transfer on to area of interest boards to get a greater thought of what one thing is value and the way a lot you have to be paying.
What ought to I pay for a classic Honda motorbike?
The value will range significantly relying on the situation, the variety of authentic components, and the way complete the paperwork is. For instance, an authentic Honda Benly could also be marketed for a low sale value, however it could be a Honda Benly restoration that solely runs because of the usage of modified or aftermarket components.
When it comes to purchasing classic bikes of any make, do your analysis. Find out what they’re value and determine how a lot you’re keen to pay.
