One of the motorcycle magazine writers referred to the 1969 CB750 as the first Superbike. It featured a number of features which had for the most part been used on machines earlier in motorcycle history. New though, was the hydraulically actuated disc brake, four carburetors for four cylinders and four exhaust pipes and mufflers, both side and center stands, and the first large sports motorcycle with electric starting. It's performance was outstanding, but there was more technology that had to be developed for this machine to exist. Bridgestone had to create new tires which could withstand the 125 mph top speed. A new type of brake disc puck had to be developed to allow a progressive feel from the front brake. The five speed transmission was advantageous since most competitors had only four speeds.

As with all Hondas the fit and finish were excellent, all controls had a solid feel to them and they were very durable. The machine had turns signals, parking light, tool kit, dry sump engine, and both side and center stands.

It main failings were the drive chain, which tended to break and wear out quickly, a narrow clutch engagement movement, and a tachometer which could not keep up with the engine speed. The 2nd year the redline was moved from 8500 to 8000 to keep the engine from being over revved.

All these things HELPED make this the first truly modern motorcycle. But it changed the world and bankrupted nearly all the other makers because of it's price of only $1495.

Honda had purchased the finest and most modern machinery from the USA and Europe and put the Grand Prix racing machine designers to work to develop this machine which took just about one year.

He asked the US dealers if they could sell 12,000 units. They thought he meant per year and were very exited to think this could be done. He told them he meant per month, and they exceeded this limit by three times and more.

Millions of the 750s were built. There were versions from 350cc, 400cc, 500, 550, 650, 900, 1000, 1100 and 1300 cc. In 1979 the machine got double overhead cam engines. There was also a shaft drive CBX750.

This helped create the modern motorsports industry of today and paved the way for other products such as Jetskis, ATVs, etc. due to the quality of these machines which were built to Automobile quality levels which motorcycles had never achieved before.

Today's Triumph and Harley-Davidson motorcycle factories are based on Honda production techniques and outsource many of their components to achieve the same quality levels, dependability, and cleanliness which Honda pioneered.
Motohistorian