The most popular motorcycle of the 1970s

The Honda CB750 is widely regarded as the most popular motorcycle of the 1970s—especially in the large-displacement, enthusiast market—thanks to its groundbreaking performance, reliability, and mass-market affordability. While Honda’s Super Cub likely outsold every other model globally in sheer unit volume during the decade, the CB750 became the iconic machine that defined 1970s motorcycling in major markets and is frequently cited by historians and the press as the era’s standout bike.

The model that defined the decade

Launched for 1969 and hitting full stride in the early 1970s, the Honda CB750 “Four” reset expectations for what a street motorcycle could be. With an across-the-frame four-cylinder engine, an electric starter, and a front disc brake—features rare or expensive at the time—it delivered performance and civility at a price many riders could afford. Dealers in North America, Europe, and beyond rode a wave of demand through the first half of the decade, cementing the CB750 as the benchmark for the new “superbike” category.

Why the CB750 dominated the 1970s

Several factors converged to make the CB750 a sales and cultural phenomenon. The list below outlines the most important ingredients in its success and how they resonated with riders and the industry.

• Breakthrough specification: A smooth, SOHC, 736 cc inline-four with around 67 hp and a top speed near 120 mph, paired with a front disc brake and electric start.
• Affordability at scale: Priced around $1,495 in the U.S. at launch, it brought big-bike performance to a broad audience.
• Reliability and ease of ownership: Honda’s production quality and parts support set new standards, reducing the intimidation factor of high performance.
• Global dealer network: Robust distribution in North America, Europe, and Asia ensured availability and strong after-sales support.
• Cultural timing: Arriving as baby boomers sought speed and sophistication, the CB750 matched the moment better than any rival.

Together, these attributes created a motorcycle that sold in the hundreds of thousands through the 1970s and became the default choice for riders seeking a fast, dependable, and modern machine.

Quick specs snapshot (period models)

The CB750’s spec sheet read like a wish list for riders of the time. Here are the headline figures enthusiasts rallied around during the 1970s.

• Engine: 736 cc, air-cooled, SOHC inline-four
• Output: Approximately 67 hp (manufacturer claim)
• Brakes: Front hydraulic disc (a mass-production first), rear drum (early models)
• Transmission: 5-speed
• Notable features: Electric start, dependable electrics, smooth power delivery

Beyond numbers, the CB750’s refinement—smoothness, braking confidence, and road manners—helped it appeal to both seasoned riders and newcomers stepping up to larger bikes.

The 1970s market context

The decade saw the “Japanese Big Four” (Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha, Suzuki) reshaping motorcycling with reliable, high-performance machines produced at scale. Economic headwinds such as the oil crisis made efficiency and value paramount. In this environment, Japanese multis—especially Honda’s CB series—surged, while European and American makers faced stiff competition in price, performance, and dealer reach.

Key rivals that pushed the CB750

The CB750 didn’t go unchallenged. Competitors launched their own headline-grabbing models, forcing rapid innovation and cementing the era’s superbike arms race.

• Kawasaki Z1 (1972): A 903 cc four that upped the ante on power and top speed, becoming a performance legend.
• Suzuki GT750 “Water Buffalo” (1971): A liquid-cooled, two-stroke triple noted for smoothness and touring capability.
• Yamaha XS650 (1968–1970s): A charismatic parallel twin that became a cult favorite for its character and versatility.
• European icons: Ducati’s 750SS and BMW’s R-series added prestige and touring prowess to the mix.

These bikes sharpened the competitive landscape, but none matched the CB750’s blend of mass-market price, broad appeal, and global volume in the big-bike class.

What about the Honda Super Cub?

By raw unit sales, Honda’s Super Cub family—introduced in 1958 and produced by the tens of millions—likely remained the world’s best-selling motorcycle line throughout the 1970s, especially across Asia and developing markets. However, when riders, historians, and the industry refer to the “most popular motorcycle of the 1970s” in the context of mainstream enthusiast machines and the superbike boom, the Honda CB750 is the model most often singled out as the decade’s defining and best-selling large-displacement motorcycle.

Legacy and recognition

The CB750 is frequently credited as the first modern “superbike” and remains a fixture in museums, collections, and anniversary retrospectives. Its early “sandcast” K0 variants are particularly prized by collectors. More than half a century later, the template it set—multi-cylinder power, strong brakes, reliability, and attainable pricing—still underpins how riders and manufacturers think about all-around road bikes.

Summary

The Honda CB750 stands as the most popular and defining motorcycle of the 1970s in the large-displacement market, blending breakthrough engineering with affordability and reliability. While the Super Cub likely led in total global units across the decade, the CB750 became the symbol of the era’s performance revolution and the benchmark against which rivals measured themselves.

What was the fastest 70s motorcycle?

1972 Kawasaki H2 Mach IV 750 motorcycle. Quickest Production Motorcycle of the Early 70s. Outstanding straight-line performance.

What was the most popular motorcycle in the 70s?

1. Honda CB750. One of the most popular and influential motorcycles of all time – not just the 70s – the Honda CB750 was introduced in 1969 and quickly became the best-selling motorcycle in the world.

What was the most popular motorcycle in the 80s?

Memory Lane: Greatest Motorcycles of the 1980s

1. Kawasaki Ninja: Maverick’s Motorcycle.
2. Yamaha V-Max: The OG Muscle Bike.
3. Suzuki GSX-R750: The Race Bike That Went Rogue.
4. Suzuki Katana: Back to the Future.
5. The R80 G/S: The Unsung Hero.

What motorcycle is called the widowmaker?

The Kawasaki H2 750, also known as the Mach 4, is famously called the “Widowmaker” due to its ferocious power output for its time and poorly handling chassis, which combined to make it difficult for riders to control, often resulting in crashes or injuries. This 1970s two-stroke, three-cylinder motorcycle had an aggressive power band that could easily lift the front wheel and was challenging to keep under control, leading to its notorious nickname and a strong reputation among enthusiasts.
 
Why the Kawasaki H2 750 earned the nickname “Widowmaker”:

• Unbridled Power: The H2’s powerful two-stroke engine produced over 75 horsepower, making it one of the fastest bikes of the 1970s, but the power was excessive for its chassis. 
• Ill-Handling Chassis: The motorcycle’s frame and suspension technology lagged behind its incredible engine, making it prone to speed wobbles and poor handling in turns, especially when the engine’s torque kicked in. 
• Aggressive Power Delivery: The engine’s power band was very potent, especially at lower RPMs, which could easily throw a rider off the back of the bike or cause unexpected wheelies if they weren’t skilled and careful. 
• Poor Braking and Suspension: The brakes, particularly the early drum brakes, were often described as merely adequate, and the suspension could “pogo” under hard use, further contributing to the difficulty of controlling the bike.