The Further Standardization of America

The Further Standardization of America

ROUNDUP

IF THIS BIKE LOOKS FAMILIAR, WELL, that’s because you’ve seen it before. The photos show Honda’s newest bike, the 1991 750 Four, and, yes, it does bear a strong resemblance to mid-1980s Honda Nighthawk 650s. For that fact, thank yourselves, or people like you.

Market research—including “focus group” studies where ideas for new bikes were bounced off a crosssection of motorcycle enthusiasts— showed Honda that what many American riders wanted was a simple, versatile bike with a rational, upright seating position. A standard, in other words. The bike, Honda’s research indicated strongly, also had to be perceived as a good value for the money. You may remember that Cycle Worlds “What’s Wrong” survey last summer came up with essentially the same conclusions.

Listening to the people, then, Honda set a price goal for its new standard in the lowto mid-$4000 range, though some company officials confided that they think the 750 would make a better impression if it went for $3998.

To keep the price down, parts-bin technology was used, with roughly 40 percent of the bike’s components borrowed from previous or current Honda models. The engine is an aircooled inline-Four similar to the one used in the Nighthawk series, and has double-overhead camshafts and 16 hydraulically adjusted valves.

Last seen in the U.S. as a 700 in 1986, the engine has been used more recently in the Japanese-market CBX750 police bike. Further efforts to keep the bike’s cost low are apparent in the chain final drive and twin-shock rear suspension.

Honda will officially unveil the 750 Four at its 1991 new-model introduction in September, and the bike should be in showrooms soon after. So, two decades after the fourpipe CB750 burst onto the motorcycle scene, another Honda Four will join the burgeoning list of standard-style bikes available to American riders (see this issue’s “Standard Time,” page 26).

Honda’s original 750 was a smash hit of epic proportions. The company’s American division is hoping that some of that success will carry over to the new model.

—David Edwards