The Page of Unique or Specialty Honda's:
Photo Gallery Page I:
The motorcycles on the next two pages are not necessarily in order by year:
Honda has developed numerous special and unique bikes through the years. Honda often innovates rather than copies other manufacturers (however, they do copy as well). They have been at the front of many innovative developments. With the CB750, they started the super bike development. With the Gold Wing (1975) they made water cooling more common. They started using disc brakes in the late 1960's, have been at the front of "automatic transmission" development, have led in numerous engine design innovations, started the sport bike category (VFR and/or Hurricane), made the single sided swing arm common, and presented many other innovations which have impacted the sport.
The CR71 below is an early example of Honda's attempt at developing a motorcycle design. The CA dream was a utility tourer, the CE71 Sport (pictured on the C70-CL77 page) moved clearly in the "sport" direction, the CB series which followed was the big success that propelled Honda into becoming a world manufacturer.
After checking out this section, go to: www.markbayersvintagehondaII.9f.com
Above is the CR71 (250cc) of 1959. An estimated 40 were made. It was the predessor to the CB72 Hawk!
Above is the "in line six" CBX of 1979. It didn't quite have the impact of the 1969 CB750, but was a bike which inspired more super bike development. From information which I have read, there is only one original "sandcast" CBX in actual existance. That bike might be the most collectable Honda in existance!
Below is the GB500 single, modeled after the British singles of the 1950's and early 1960's:
Honda had a GB250 and a GB400 for non US markets. It is such an inspiring machine which both looks back and forward at the same time. They are very collectable and can be worth more money now than when new. They never sold well in the US because of their price. They were only avalable in the US market for 1989 and 1990.
1990 VFR750F (RC30) sport bike:
The RC30 was a race bike in street disguise. Rare then, rare now. It was truly a special bike which is very collectable! I do remember seeing them in the dealer showrooms. From what I understand, they were detuned to around 97 horse power. They were a refined, classy, and impressive looking motorcycle. Certainly fast, but not earth shakers!
Pictured is the first of the NSR (oval piston) racers:
From 1979 through 2001, Honda developed the NSR "oval piston" engines. It was used in bikes ranging from 250cc to 500cc. This bike in 1979 produced 115 horse power, which was at the top of it's class. The engines were exotic, powerful and reliable, but could never be used on street bikes because of their complexity and manufacturing cost.
Below is the RCV211 race bike:
The RCV211 was a bike which proved itself competitive the first year it was raced. It dominated nearly every track in which it competed. The V-5 engine of 990cc produced around 200 horse power and could be tuned to over 240 horse power. When a Cycle World tester was allowed to ride one, he exclaimed that he was able to do "power wheelies" at 150 mph. The capabilities of the bike required additional tire development to get the optimum performance out of the machine. It had been timed at well over 200mph on some tracks while racing. Truly a monster of a machine!
The 1967 CB450D Scrambler, 4 speed:
The "D" Scrambler was a half year model only. Most, but not all, were kit bikes put on 450 Black Bombers. There were probably less than 75 factory "D" Scramblers. with fewer than 100 known to exist, they are rare and collectable. The 1968 CL Scramblers had a 5 speed transmission and many engine updates.
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