HONDA CB750 (1992 - 2001) Review
Highlights
- Competent, comfortable cruiser
- Smooth, punchy engine
- Legendary Honda build quality
At a glance
| Owners' reliability rating: | |
|---|---|
| Annual servicing cost: | £220 |
| Power: | 73 bhp |
| Seat height: | Medium (31.3 in / 795 mm) |
| Weight: | Medium (474 lbs / 215 kg) |
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesThe Honda CB750 F2 is not the most exciting motorcycle to leave the Honda factory but a competent, comfortable cruising motorcycle nonetheless.
Adequate suspension, a good riding position, top brakes and a strong engine are plus points but the Honda CB750 F2 is let down by average handling and a lack of real zest. Sadly, rather boring.
There's a busy online community at the Honda Owners' Club.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineThe Honda CB750 F2 has a tallish, upright seating position, wide bars and good turning circle sound good for town work but the motorcycle is heavy and this can let it down. Motorways and highways are where the Honda CB750 F2 is most at home whilst fast, twisty lanes show up its lack of focused handling. Suspension’s ok, but not up to much of a thrashing, and the gears are a bit clunky.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityThe Honda CB750 F2's engine is taken from the Honda CBX750 and detuned, it’s a smooth, powerful engine with a lot of torque and enough top end to keep most people happy. With the motorcycle best treated as a cruiser, its strong but laid back acceleration means it’s hardly hair-raising stuff but that’s kind of the point of the Honda CB750 F2. Delivery’s super-smooth.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueWell built and well finished, the Honda CB750 F2 is a trustworthy buy. Plenty of the original 1970s Honda CB750 are still going. The suspension isn't bad but on older motorcycles it’ll definitely need some sprucing up but engine-wise, you’re looking at a long distance runner and the Honda CB750 F2 is also pretty simple to maintain.
Our Honda CB750 owners' reviews show positivity in general, with the only negative comments around the suspension's inability to keep up on some sorts of roads.
Reader Q&A - how to fix Honda CB750 neutral light
Q. The neutral light is on the blink on my 1996 Honda CB750 F2, which means I have to pull the clutch in to start. Where is the switch? I want to get this fixed.
John Watson, e-mail
A. There are two possible causes here. Either the clutch diode, which is plugged into the wiring loom near the battery and fuse box.
Or the switch for the neutral light which is on the left hand side of the bike between a blanked off filler cap and the gearbox sprocket.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentThe Honda CB750 F2's arch rival was/is the Kawasaki ZR750 Zephyr but the Honda was cheaper, sleeker, smoother, slightly more powerful and a considerably more comfortable motorcycle. The Honda CB750 F2 lacks passion, though, and verdicts of "dull" and "a bit boring" litter its reviews. For lazy, easy cruising, however, you could do a lot worse.
Equipment
The Honda CB750 F2 is equipped with clear but basic clocks, apt for the retro look, but they’re plasticky and look a bit cheap. No fuel gauge either. Loads of room for both riders and pillions: comfort’s a strong point. The mirrors work well and the CBR600-derived brakes are excellent. The Honda CB750 F2 has some handy touches including a grabrail and a centrestand.
Specs |
|
| Engine size | 747cc |
|---|---|
| Engine type | 16v inline four, 5 gears |
| Frame type | Steel double cradle |
| Fuel capacity | 20 litres |
| Seat height | 795mm |
| Bike weight | 215kg |
| Front suspension | None |
| Rear suspension | Preload and compression |
| Front brake | Twin 296mm discs |
| Rear brake | 240mm disc |
| Front tyre size | 120/70 x 17 |
| Rear tyre size | 150/70 x 17 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
|
| Average fuel consumption | 41 mpg |
|---|---|
| Annual road tax | £117 |
| Annual service cost | £220 |
| New price | - |
| Used price | - |
| Insurance group |
11 of 17 How much to insure? |
| Warranty term | Two year unlimited mileage |
Top speed & performance |
|
| Max power | 73 bhp |
|---|---|
| Max torque | 45 ft-lb |
| Top speed | 128 mph |
| 1/4 mile acceleration | 12.4 secs |
| Tank range | 181 miles |
Model history & versions
Model history
- 1992: Honda launches the CB750 F2: a 90s version of its old classic (and hugely popular) CB750s of the 1970s, which are often referred to as the first superbikes. Minor changes only until the Honda CB750 F2 was discontinued in 2001.
Other versions
None.
Owners' reviews for the HONDA CB750 (1992 - 2001)
9 owners have reviewed their HONDA CB750 (1992 - 2001) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your HONDA CB750 (1992 - 2001)
Summary of owners' reviews |
|
| Overall rating: | |
|---|---|
| Ride quality & brakes: | |
| Engine: | |
| Reliability & build quality: | |
| Value vs rivals: | |
| Equipment: | |
| Annual servicing cost: | £220 |
Year: 1999
Annual servicing cost: £400
Great overall bike able to do most of what you need with reliability and comfort. Only lacks a bit of power. Love those Original collector pipes shining at the front!
Not the most nimble of bikes and the in-line four engine does not have a lot of engine braking, which means you´ll spend your brake pads quite fast, specially when riding on mountain roads.
It´s an amazingly reliable and well-built engine. Great to cruise and enjoy the scenery. If you want a sporty ride, you have to go on the higher rpm to get the full power. This is a true naked cruised from before naked bikes were just sports bikes without the fairings.
Recently did a 4500km trip in all kinds of weather and elevations and it never missed a beat.
Maintenance for me is a bit high because I have to take it to a workshop. If you have the place and ability to do the maintenance yourself it will be a very cheap bike to own.
At the time it was built, it had everything you needed. Cannot be compared to newer bikes in terms of equipment.
Buying experience: Bought it from the first owner who took great care of it. Was not the lowest mileage I saw, but was the best cared for.
Year: 2000
Annual servicing cost: £200
I had very little experience riding in my teens and 2 days riding a Rebel 300 for class. My 2000 was the 1st bike I took a test ride on when I started looking. I absolutely knew it was the one. It has plenty of power especially in the mid range. And yet it's forgiving enough to allow me to grow into. It's a great balance of sporty looking mixed with a classic vibe. I've taken it up to about 105mph but I wouldn't recommend it. You'll be holding on for dear life without a windshield! Possibly even with. Although very nimble and responsive, it's a bit heavy at very slow speeds. New tires yet the back wheel tends to spin easily at higher rpms from the start. Overall braking is OK but I have nothing to compare to. I've had mine for 2 months now and ride about 3x per week. Have only changed the spark plugs and battery. Runs purrrrfectly. Especially when it has warmed up. I'm a little disappointed that there's not a lot of customization available without going over what's reasonable for a $2000 bike unless you go the cafe racer route which I'm not. But I don't think it was made to be flashy. It's A++ in the realm of average bikes.
Nimble, responsive, super fun acceleration. Comfortable seat but at times i wish it was a little wider. Front suspension is not great. You can't expect miracles with no ABS. But when using both front and rear in proper proportion, braking is acceptable.
Whatever class this bike is in, it's gotta be at the top. The power lies in its mid range between about 3500-5000 rpms. Always fun to ride. Even at 100mph it still wanted to give a little more. Do NOT try to ride on a cold engine. Give it a good 5-7 minutes to warm up no matter what the weather is and you won't be disappointed.
Previous owner took pretty good care of it and I intend to do the same. Although I haven't had it long, I feel like this bike will not ask a single thing of you except to do your regularly scheduled maintenance. So far I've only changed the spark plugs and battery because it had been sitting for awhile before I bought it. Added some Seafoam to the 1st tank of gas and its been running exceptionally smooth ever since.
Only 2 months in so far. I did have replace the handlebars because of an accident shortly after I got it. Replacements parts in general are a bit more expensive than other bikes. Maintenance costs are fairly cheap.
There's no one thing that's spectacular about this bike. The sum of all its parts is greater. I do, however, appreciate the crash guards that came standard. Get the BEST tires that you can afford to give you the best traction possible. You may want to upgrade to some better quality turn signal lights and an LED headlight. I refuse to ride at night with the stock headlight.
Buying experience: I purchased from a private owner for $2000 in 2021. The owner wouldn't budge on his asking price and I didn't hold it against him lol. I could have re-sold for $2500 easily.
Year: 1996
Annual servicing cost: £100
Twin pipes, big 750 engine with fins, carbs - with choke, analogue instruments .... classic old skool bike.Superb build quality and minimal maintenance ... oil ! Super reliable.Mine has 60k km ... 20k with me. Used daily including in winter. Kept under an Oxford cover and occassional spray over with WD40. Thats it !But think tractor ... nothing like modern nakeds and slow for a 750. ... but so coooool !
Its not a sports bike ... its a cruiser capable of pace rather than speed. In that context, ride, handling and brakes are great.
Looks cool and is 750 ... but performance is only adequate in the modern world. Still wayyyyy better than a harley !
Despite commuting in all weather and kept outside under a cover, the condition is still excellent. Been 100% reliable in 30k km, 5 yrs of ownership.
Only needs oil changes. Tyres lasted 20k as town commuter. Replaced head bearings. All age and routine related.
Its an old skool naked with centre stand, space under seat ... comfortable perch for Mrs.
Buying experience: Bought for £1000 ... unfortunately prices are creeping up.
Year: 1998
Annual servicing cost: £200
Easy to look after and maintain yourself. A service once a year will do. Purchased in France and brought over so the only issue is that the speedometer is in KM. The wife and I go out on it all the time and does have plenty of room for both. Quick enough however because of age not the smoothest of gear changes. For a day to day or a Sunday ride I find it a great bike. The front suspension is a little soft.
Easy ride can go quick if you want. However it is best for a Sunday cruise, taking in the summer sunshine and the wonderful views we have in the UK.
Low maintenance a bit of rust in places but with some rust buster and steel wool it soon gets rid of it. Bit of paint and it looks brand new. it is a solid bike and it hasn't let me down.
General service and maybe a few items might need replacing over the years. Like Brakes, Tiers, and bulbs.
Version: 2002 Honda Nighthawk USA
Year: 2001
Vance Hines, 120 mains, Pod filters, moto bars. 150 out back 120 up front She Screams.
fork dip. a little too much travel but progressives will take care of that.
service yourself. Sooo. cheap to run. oil
Buying experience: $800 for a cb750 that will run forever? pretty pretty pretty good.
Year: 1996
Annual servicing cost: £200
When I first bought my 20 year old CB750 with over 62,000 miles on the clock I wondered if I'd made a horrible mistake. It was horrifically dented, scratched and bone dry of oil but after some TLC it runs like a dreams and makes my commute one of the best parts of my day.
Suspension is extremely comfortable even on shoddy cracked roads and the brakes are stellar for such a heavy machine. Some people complain that the suspension isn't "sporty" enough but frankly it's not a sports bike so who gives a damn. It's great at what it does and that's what matters.
Lovely buttery torque from low revs and it can get a decent amount of power out at higher speeds but I find that at low speeds the engine gets bloody hot even for a bike without proper liquid cooling. Even with a 35kW (47hp) restrictor in for my A2 license the engine is just about as powerful as I could possibly need it to be.
Standard Honda bulletproofness. Mine's clearly received some tough love over the years yet it still starts up every day with no problem and takes me to work with a big smile on my face. No serious rust visible and I think it's easily got several years of frequent use left in it.
I picked mine up on ebay for £720 and after a decent service it runs like a dream. Absolute bargain! I know people who have payed double that for a Bandit 600 of a similar age.
Extremely basic equipment as fits with the bike's style. I would have appreciated a fuel gauge.
Engine is OK, but the bike is on the hefty side. Biggest issue I'm finding is when I'm banking over in bends, at a certain angle of lean it suddenly drops (like a stone) and the rear wheel steps out. Not sure if this is normal for the bike or the rear suspension needs attention/replacing. The tyre however looks fine. Is this just a terrible handling bike? My old 1938 Speedtwin went round bends better (with no rear suspension)!! I'm not even going to compare the handling with other bikes I've owned it's not in the same universe even though the previous bikes were older by a number of years (and 2 of them were Honda's). Engine seem's bullet proof though. Now if I could just squeeze it into a 3 1/2 Sport's frame ;-)
I do not have the F2, but it's U.S.A. counterpart, the 750 Nighthawk. First of all this bike has a cult following in the States and features as one of the best ten motorcycles ever built. I've owned mine for ten years and it has never let me down. It has done 23,000 miles and I have ridden it all over America but mostly from C.A. to Florida & back. I now ride it in England. I agree that the handling could be better and there could be more extras for the bike but otherwise it is perfect! Mine is a '95 and there are modifications that can be made to it. There sites on the computer that will tell what they are. In spite of the U.S. model only having one front disc and a drum rear does not detract from there appeal. I do not see many nice examples of the F2 over here, I wish there were more about. I have managed to find a rear grab rail,a fairing, and crash bars for mine, and am trying to find a set of panniers. To sum up! buy one if you want reliability and easy maintenance.
I've owned my CB750 F2 for around 2 months now and I can safely say it's one of the best bikes I've had. Comfy and reliable and that's after it's racked up 49000miles on the clock. It's a great bike for plodding along and when you get bored twist that grip. The only thing that limit's you really is the ground clearance and now and again the soft suspension, easy fixed with a spacer on the front forks and an oil change. Well that's my rewiew and the bike has a slipping clutch at the moment since I got it!
Honda CB750 F2 motorcycle review - Side view
Honda CB750 F2 motorcycle review - Instruments
Honda CB750 F2 motorcycle review - Side view
Honda CB750 F2 motorcycle review - Engine
Honda CB750 F2 motorcycle review - Brakes
Honda CB750 F2 motorcycle review - Riding
Honda CB750 F2 motorcycle review - Riding
Honda CB750 F2 motorcycle review - Side view
Honda CB750 F2 motorcycle review - Side view
Honda CB750 F2 motorcycle review - Side view
Honda CB750 F2 motorcycle review - Riding
Honda CB750 F2 motorcycle review - Exhaust
Honda CB750 F2 motorcycle review - Instruments
Honda CB750 F2 motorcycle review - Side view
Honda CB750 F2 motorcycle review - Side view
