I have multiple CB350 and CL350s, and CL450s, the fact that they're as simple as they are to work on and just look timeless makes them as fun today as they were then. It's also a lot more fun to go fast on a slow bike than it is to never leave first gear on a fast bike.
MY first street bike was a 1971 cb 350 with high rise handlebars. I remember having to stand on the front doorstep to ride. Next bike I traded for a cb 450. Man, those were the days.
I had 3 Honda 450's. I had a 68 and 70 CB and a 71 CL (orange) Some of the best bikes and most fun I ever had. I currently own a 1970 Norton Commando 750 and wish that the Japaese would revise the design of this thing and build some of these again WITH DISC BRAKES ! (PLEASE)
Ummmm... Rose tinted spectacles aside, I recall riding a well loaded CB350K4 two up down the Shap fellside of the M6 motorway and by 90 mph the front felt 'marginal'. Scraping the ton (its BIG hill) it was scarier than an R1 is at ton 70. 🙄
I had a 1971 500 H1 Mach III that ran and had a good title. I was moving and nobody wanted it. I took it to the scrap yard and they said any other day they'd pay me but, that day was inventory day. They did let me push it off onto the pile for free. I do like and have old bikes. I do see most of them have a bad future. Either they're going right to the scrap pile because nobody's going to work on them/pay somebody to work on them or their new owners are going to start a "cafe racer project" that will never get done or get done and they're, understandably, afraid to ride it.
I want kickstart..they need to bring it back. It's definitely a big part of retro bikes. Nothing like kicking up your bike, it's a brilliant, hard to describe, but extremely satisfying thing to do. Have electric start there too..but for me I'd definitely kick it the vast majority of times 🤩
Seriously. I'd pay a little extra for a kick start. It's a great backup plan for when the battery dies, plus it can score you some cool points when you start it up in front of the pub.
@@Friscorockhead Not any more. Even the mid-sized bikes have EFI. Battery dies, no EFI. You cannot even push start a modern EFI bike with a dead battery.
@@johncasteel1780 The price of progress 🤑 Even if you had just a couple of volts remaining the fact you can't switch the bleedin lights off on the latest generation doesn't entirely help. Still, you place control in the hands of professionally handwringing maiden aunt nanny politicians and there's a kind of inevitability.
You've landed in a topic I've been thinking of for a long time. I still own my original 1970 CB 750 and everytime I get on it or pass it in the garage, I love it's styling.
I had a 1976 red Honda 750 4 cylinder only kept it for two years because I decided to upgrade to a Goldwing but I wish I still had my CB 750 four-cylinder
I totally agree on the need to offer something simple, retro or not. Also, I believe there is an incredible market for a return to simple pickup trucks, even like the Nissan PU's of the late 90's. They have gotten ridiculous.
Good thoughts. I would agree with bringing back the SL175, but also some open class "street and trail" bikes like the Honda SL350, the Suzuki TS400 etc. What do they have in common? A seat height a person 5 foot 6 can sit and touch the ground comfortably! There are a large number of people who are A. shorter and B. don't need motocross suspension since they (we) are not interested in racing.
I just posted about the sl350!! I have all 3. K0-k2. But to be honest I have one of each sl made. Including the 90 and the sl/xl250k0. It’s an addiction. May take my 350 out today as the suns out and sky’s are blue
I put over three odometer readings on my 175. Lost it in a move, it just disappeared. I still miss it, it was fun ro ride and reliable. Not perfect but...so close. Better tires and less weight is all it needed.
@@darrellcook8253 where are you from? If I told you how many bikes I actually have in total you probably need new underwear.. you near Ohio by chance? I have enough parts to build a few 175s.
@@hondaxl250k0 I'm in northern California up by Clearlake. I'm on VA disability and SS. I'd work for a chance to build another, I've been neck deep in the 175s innards and 90s, also 350s. At one time my friends brought their dead and wounded to me so I could resurrect them. They're as much fun to work on as ride.
As an owner of a 1971 and 72 CB350, it was cool to see the bike featured. Honestly the engineering Honda did on the bike is astounding for when the bike was designed and its even more impressive considering this was their low level commuter bike really. It was hardly on the cutting edge. I love the bike. I find myself wishing it was just a little more powerful, but overall it is still an impressive machine on modern roads, and I definitely think Honda should bring it back.
I own the modern iteration of the CB350 here in India. It's a single cylinder with a long stroke engine and it feels great and practical. The engine is quite boring though, but it makes a great commuter cum tourer for our conditions here.
@@Aakarsh1068 Agreed. The CB350 was an ideal commuter bike, and great for weekend outings too. It'd definitely make a superb retro bike. I could see myself owning one again if Honda decided to make a faithful reproduction.
@@emdoubleu1530 Yes it's a great little machine and a head turner too. I do miss the punch on the highways though, whenever I'm on a tour. That's my only gripe with it.
I run a couple of CB750 sohc K0s same look as the CB250 CB350. so simple, so reliable, plenty quick and one of them Ive had for 45 years! Sound so cool, top 125mph, 45 mpg. What an era for Honda 1970 but totally with you on that SL175 massive smiles per miles.
My father had a Yamaha/Honda dealership for years he has some really cool 70s Dt s RD 350 I think some hodakas a few early 60 s bikes and we a storing one of Dave Ekins 60s 250 similar to the one he first rode in baja
I have three grandkids, bought the hardback copy of you book and can’t wait to read it to them. They all love sitting on my bike, a Royal Enfield Continental GT 650, but then they also love sitting on my ZTR mower, so…
The book arrived and it is really fantastic. Who knew Bart had talent for writing as well as video creation! Its easter Sunday and the book will be an easter present for my three wonderful grandkids.
The RD 350 was almost perfect for me fun, fast inexpensive, smooth enough for long distance reliable as hell and easy to work on. As far as SL 175, make it the SL 350. a do it all motorcycle with all the attributes you relish in its little brother, Great list, I'd take all of em! Just got the INT 650 and love it, like riding in the 70's again.
Suzuki X-6 (T20). This was the first Japanese hooligan bike. 250cc 2 stroke twin, highly tuned. 6-speed transmission, big double leading shoe brake. Sized close to a moped, 51" wheelbase, under 300 lbs. Close to 100mph. I know it's impossible. but if you dig the RD-350, this is the bike that inspired it.
Thanks for another thought-provoking video Bart. It's fun to imagine and dream of the iconic bikes from the past. Good on you to mention the RD 350. Another would be the Suzuki GT 500 twin.
I live in the uk and we don’t really need large heavy bikes here given the state of the roads and the volume of traffic. I downsized from a honda ST 1300 to a CBR600F4 and it’s a much more pleasurable ride.
RIGHT ON! The GT-500 twin was one to the most marvelous machines I've ever ridden. It was fast, and it yet could pull away from a standing start in 3rd gear. Amazingly reliable and long lived with a butter-smooth 5 speed gearbox. And just darn fun to ride. It was an everyday-go-to-work tool ... or tape up the light lenses on Sunday and give everyone on the track a run for their money. In the rain it could better the pure race machines. Pure love for these bygones.
Always LOVED the SL series Hondas. It'll never happen but you know I'd run out tomorrow and buy one! Same with the two stroke twin you showed. Enjoyed your video, keep it up.
I think the SL175 is a great idea, I was going to say the XR185 but they are very similar. There is a significant gap in the market for a dualsport with a low seat height and slow speed, which is aesthetically pleasing. While there are options such as XR150, DR200, and XT250, they are unattractive and have a high seat height, making them unsuitable for slow off-road cruising. Not everyone wants to go fast, and these old dualsports are a perfect fit.
I "grew up" on my Dad's CB 750. I'd love to see one with fuel injection, ABS, with those four cylinders all lined up and ready to roar. No other bells and whistles, "ride mode" or other costly, unnecessary do-dads. Just a pure motorcycle.
@@davidhayter8516 the CB1100 is too much displacement, too heavy, too complicated to adjust valve tappet clearance. The ? thru 2004 Nighthawk CB750 had hydraulic lifters. Just take the 2004 version and fuel inject it (add ABS if you have to for regulations).
Since you already have 3 Hondas on your list, I would like to suggest a fourth, the CX500. One of the best selling Hondas ever, and a middleweight bike with a user friendly shaft drive. In the 1970's and 80's all the japanese manufacturers had middleweight bikes with shaft drive, but that is unheard of today, where everything is chains. Not everyone loves chains however, we need the return of the middleweight shaft drive motorcycle (or belt, anything but all these chains.)
Hey Bart. I couldn't agree more. Bikes are too big and too techy these days. I'd love to see the big guys making retro 350-500 twins. There are rumours of Honda making a GB750 with the new twin engine from the Hornet - that would be nice though I'd prefer a 500. And Triumph seem to be working on Baby Bonnies but they look like they'll only be singles. And I still can't understand why Yamaha don't have a 500 twin in their line up, it's the Goldilocks machine surely. Maybe you should get a petition together to send off to them, I know they kinda listen to youtube comments but a big in-your-face petition with a million names asking for simple 350-500 twins might make something happen. I'll be the first to sign.
A GB750 if it looks like the 400 with the fairing, where do I signup, I'm like you I would prefer a 500 like Ryan and yourself I love the middle weight bikes 350 to 750 but 650 seems to be my favorite, at least right now. As for Triumph, they are not triumphs they are and I'm pretty sure they are Chinese bikes with the triumph badge just the same as the Harley HD350 and X500, if nobody minds me pointing out, China is in cahoots with a Country the is guilty of many many war crimes, Shame on Harley and Triumph. Bart if I'm wrong about the origins of the bikes please I will not be offended if you correct me.
I had two Honda 305s. One was the Scrambler and the other was the Super Hawk. My next was an Ariel Square FOUR, 1957 model with a beautiful 1000cc engine.
My mate bought a CB 550 in the late 70s. In deep deep brown. Brand spanking new. He let me ride it. To this day I remember how smooth it was. It was incredible. And gorgeous. We were all into dirt bikes, but moving on, and...yeah. One friend had a CB 500 in gold. Awesome. But this thing was next level.
I second the recommendation to have Honda bring back the CB350/450. These were great machines. Super reliable, powerful enough and easy to ride. I owned both in my youth. Wish I had kept them.
along the lines of the SL 175...a ' 71 -73 SL 350 would rock....thru the 70s..80s and 90s..thru various liter bikes and a assorted harleys... there was always a honda 350 in the garage for around town fun...fav yrs were my '71 SL 350..and the '73 CB 350.....honorable mention was the '79 yamaha 650 twin
I completely agree. For about 15 years I've been hoping for retro bikes to come back, especially Honda ones like cb750 original or cb twin with original air cooled setups.
Fantastic video. I have a few honda twins from the 70’s and they’re an absolute blast. My cb360G is my absolute favorite bike to ride, even over my newer CBR. Riding my 360 at its absolute limit is quite the thrill. Riding my cbr1000rr at its absolute limit will likely send me to heaven lol
In my most humble opinion you can't go back. Get or restore the vintage motorcycle of your choice. I restored a '50 Triumph Thunderbird first year 650. It took me five years. I miss her dearly.
I am a born again biker and when I was looking for a bike after a looong lay off I dismissed all of the modern offerings as I thought their styling grotesque. Eventually I settled on a 1999 Honda CB500 twin, light nimble, and simple with enough power and oh joy it had a centre stand! 8,000 miles later and I'm still in love, what a sweet package.
I purchased one of the first Royal Bullets when India started selling them to U.S. dealers.It really captured the nostalgia but the metal was cheap I went to strap it in my trailer from the dealer and the kickstand bent.
My first bike was a used ‘84 Honda CM450! I daw it’s twin in the back of a PowerMotors garage a few years ago. I put 10,000 miles per year on that beast when I lived in Las Vegas for 3 years around 1990. Ranged from SE Utah to San Diego, Death Valley to North Pole AZ. Should have gone to the Grand Canyon too; but I rode out there from the Midwest back in ‘21. Carb setup for altitude; had no problem with 9,000 foot passes. First day I got my permit, I left at sunset for San Diego! Still love cruising the Nevada Sierras!
Most companies don't make classic bikes because they're not cheap to make, manufacturing processes have moved on. The tech on new bikes isn't expensive to implement, it's just something the manufacturers can upsell and have a competitive feature list in the brochure. TFT displays are cheaper (to the manufacturers) than old style clocks. But I agree it would be great to see some of these iconic bikes make a return.
I started on a 73 CB 350, moved to a 71 CB 750 a year later. Bart, I understand what you're saying and agree with it. Owned many since, including Harleys. Now riding a 21 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT, and can't understand most of the electronics. The big manufacturers are missing the NEW consumer. They want simple, light, and as cheap as possible. Bring a hammer simple bike, quality built, and they'll sell zillions of them. C'mon Japan, wise up. My 19 year old collogue can't find anything under $5000. Insane! The 350 was $800 and ran like hell.
Royal Enfield owns that space now. The Interceptor and Continental GT are what we have now that is closest to an affordable standard motorcycle with classic style.
I had a 1973 CL 350 in college. It was a great little commuter bike. Light and nimble in traffic and it had enough power to ride on the interstate. I loved that bike.
Great video. As a very happy Royal Enfield owner, I couldn't agree more that smaller displacement motorcycles could and should catch on here in the US.
I agree on the Honda SL-175 , the whole line of SL's were pretty nice back in the day . My first bike was a Honda CT-70 and then I saw the SL-70 I have to admit I wanted one. At 64 I have a 71 Yamaha DT-250 and a 74 DT-125 , just can't beat the sound of the old two strokes . I realize the days of the old two strokes are gone but any of these old Enduro type bikes would be good for the younger generation and I think they would sell . The one thing I liked about the old bikes are the seats , they were padded and comfortable , nothing like the newer generation of enduro/dirt bikes . Anyways , I enjoyed the drive down memory lane .
A classic you can buy new is the Kawasaki W800, on sale since 2011, which really looks the part - air-cooled , chrome mudguards, polished engine cases, wire spoke wheels. The only others I can think of are Royal Enfield interceptor and Triumph twins including the modern Bonneville.
@@cbuzz2371 Yeah, elsewhere here I commented that if you want a rider, for the price you would pay for a repop, you could get 2, 3 or more originals. I have 4 CX500s, 3 of those need to go away and today I saw on FB Marketplace somebody giving away free a '82 CX500. It was one of those "cafe racer projects" only got as far as taking it completely apart but, said it ran great before he started work. It went pending quick but, I bet it never gets up and running again. The old bikes are out there getting scrapped everyday because nobody wants to do some work.
I would like to see something along the lines of the current Janus line up. That small displacement Indian Scout was an excellent idea. A modern retro-mod motorcycle with large skinny tires, springer front end....maybe like a rideable board track racer kind of bike, but tweeked enough to be street worthy. Some brass instead of chrome perhaps? Sh*t!! Going DEEP retro!!😂
My first motorcycle was in Las Vegas in 1988, a used ‘84 Honda CM450 6-speed chain drive that I bought for $300 and sank another $300 in for new chain, sprockets, tires, tune up, registration and insurance. Put 10,000 miles a year on that beast, riding it between San Diego, Death Valley, Pahrump, Lake Meade, Zion National Park, and SW Arizona; serviced it every 1500-2000 miles at Tom’s Bikes in Las Vegas. Stopped riding in 96 or7 due to work travel; but resumed in 2018. Saw a twin of my old 450 in the garage of a power sports garage and got sentimental. Such a great bike!
The first bike I fell in love with, but never owned, was the CB450 way back when. I was riding a 305 Super Hawk. Several years later when I was active duty Air Forcei purchased a used 1970 CB750 and have loved them ever since. Now, at 73 years of age I ride either a Goldwing trike or a Harley Electra Glide. Still love the old classics.
The cb350 , my first bike was such a joy. Of course I had to go bigger and better but after doing so the one that I wish I never sold was that Honda, what a joy
Since we’re dreaming I would like someone to bring out a smaller, lighter touring bike. Maybe about 850cc’s with shaft drive and a good fairing and hard bags. I wish BMW would do this on the high end, and one of the Japanese companies at an affordable level. I think a Yamaha FJR850 or Honda ST850 would appeal to riders who don’t want to deal with a 600lb+ bike. As far as retro goes, a new/old version of the Honda Nighthawk ‘S’ would be exciting.
One of the things with that is that the more street-oriented adventure bikes have kinda taken some of the light touring market. And, a lot of the rest of that light touring market wants more of a sport tourer anyway, which often means chain drive... Honda used to sell what you want with a bit less displacement, the NT700V, but replaced it with the chain-drive NT1100 in Europe (and not at all in the US), which is basically a purely on-road version of the Africa Twin. Honda will sell you a full set of luggage for a Transalp, NC750X (if you're fine with 58 hp and a DCT), or Forza 750/X-ADV (if you're in Europe, and again, if you're fine with 58 hp and a DCT, and also it looking like a scooter, but it does get you full fairing coverage - these effectively replace the old Silver Wing), if you're fine with a chain. Looking at the other Japanese options in that rough size class... Yamaha does have the Tracer 9 (and 7 in Europe), Kawasaki has the Versys 650 (on the street-biased side of adventure), and Suzuki has the V-Strom 650 and "V"-Strom 800. Of course, all of this is chain drive, not shaft drive... ...but if we're including scooters, and willing to accept a lack of side cases and even less power, and you're in Europe, there's always the Yamaha TMAX 560, with belt drive (IIRC it's been like a decade since the TMAX has been imported to the US). And, if you're willing to accept aftermarket top and side cases, there's the Kymco AK 550i, also with belt drive (Shad sells mounts for both top and side for that model).
The SL175 looks cool, but I was waiting for the CB750. I had an 81 CB750K. Might have been an 82. I’ve owned dozens of bikes, but that was the only one that I could ride until the gas tank was screaming for a refill, without any sort of discomfort. And, it didn’t need a deep pocket to accessorize it to get this comfort level. I added a windshield, and off I went. Guess I did put a sissybar on for the comfort of my rider. The stock seat made an ez chair feel inferior. My mid 80s 1100 shadow was quite comfortable too, but I never went more than 70 miles one way on it, and it was possessed. Wanted to kill me.
I love the 70's Honda 750-4 and Kawasaki 900-4 bikes.I have owned several of both of them and they are serious motorcycles. Fast, yet not super bikes but oh so much fun to ride. I have driven an estimated 100,000 miles (maybe closer to 200k) on several of those bikes over many years. I even owned a Kawasaki 750 triple that was very fast for the day in 73.
Two bike I had when I a lot younger in the 70s Laverda Jota it handled a lot better than anything around at the time and was very very fast also the Suzuki GT750 the kettle
I own a ‘72 Honda CB350 survivor. It’s a great bike and still runs smoothly after 50 years. It’s the “Bonny” I wanted in High School. It would be nice to see the new Honda 350RS, stateside, although it’s a thumper with a more modern look. If they reintroduced a twin version; they’d really have a hit!
I would love to see more small displacement retro motos. Recently I bought a new CSC SG 250, a very retro looking nicely built Chinese single cafe racer. Yes it is under tuned, producing 16 hp, but it is light & a blast to ride. I don’t remember seeing mention of it on any of your videos, but check it out.
@@frankmarkovcijr5459 I grew up on 70-125 ccs 2 and 4 stroke bikes, mostly Japanese, my favourites were small displacements Kawasaki 2 strokes, I currently own a T120 with all the creature comforts you can think of, riding modes, abs, traction, heated grips, cruise control but it weighs 235 kgs+ . I have also owned a T100 (2007, pre 270 degree crank) and I must admit I liked the T100 better, but what I have been yearning for are small displacement, lighter, agile bikes, I think 350-400 cc is the sweet spot. Real thing IMO is a bit subjective. Thanks for your comment though.
Not relevant, but just wanted to say that I ordered your children’s book! It’s coming in the mail tomorrow and i am so excited to read it to my 3 year old son. He loves books and motorcycles (anything with wheels really). I wish you much success with book sales!
One bike I would like to see brought back is the Honda CB250RS,a fun light bike that was a joy to ride with good low down torque and excellent mid range power-I owned one in the late 80s and still wished I had it Auckland New Zealand 2023
I had a CB400 in San Francisco. I loved it! Big enough to take on the freeway but small enough to ride around town and park on the sidewalk against a building, out of the way. A simple two cylinder engine bike with mag wheels. I thought it was the perfect urban bike.
Great video Bart, I thought that your selections were pretty much spot on. I agree with bring on some small bike retros without all of the electronic gizmos that a good part of the consumers don't want/need. Hail to Royal Enfield for doing what these other companies can't seem to get done. This is exactly why within the next 8 months I will be purchasing a R.E.. Thanks for this video & have a beautiful day. Illinois, USA
A friend of the family came to visit us on his brand new CB450 Black Bomber. Before he left he offered to take me for a spin around the neighborhood. I was about 12 yrs old and that left an indelible impression on me. I got my first bike when I turned 16, a CB-77 Super Hawk 305 and that was the beginning of my motorbiking journey. At 70, I would like to see Honda bring out something with the same classic profile as the Black Bomber or the Super Hawk. Those chrome tank panels are timeless.
I had a couple of Honda CM 400’s that I enjoyed learning to ride on. They weren’t super powerful, but they had no problem on the highway and they were the perfect city bike due to their size and weight…
I would like to see the bring back of the 320 to 550 twin standard bikes. I had a CL350 Honda scrambler and a CB175. Both were great basic motorcycles. Bikes for the low experience and middle weight bikes.
I agree but I would prefer the SL-175 and SL-350. Those were bikes that were so easy to maintain yourself and could go long distances in a adventure day.
Yamaha brought back the SR500 as the SR400 a few years ago, but it didn't stay in their line-up for long. There is nostalgia for the similarly engined XT500 as well. You'd expect these models to compete with Royal Enfield/new BSA singles.
Paulketchupwitheveryting767 I have my 1979 Yamaha SR 500 sitting in my garage called it Brutus The Bastad 😂 . Once you get the knack of starting it it's a old thumper & a pleasure to ride . Idles & shakes at traffic lights. I think too many compared it to British bikes
How about the Rebel 250. I have one here in the UK. They are pretty rare here . Lovely bike to ride . Simple , low seat height , comfortable and easy to maintain . Forget all the tech . We don't need it . I have had many bikes over my long life but this is my favourite . Love the styling and at my age "83" it's just the thing to keep me rolling down the road .
I wish Honda would resurrect the CX 500 and /or 650 V-twins. It was the best bike (CX 500) I ever drove, and if Honda ever brought it back, I would buy it like a shot, even though it's been 37 years since I was on two wheels!
I would love to see Honda build a true retro of a 305 Scrambler. It could be larger displacement but with the CL77 character and style, they would sell many of them.
I am not a fan of retro bikes. I am a fan of design. Modern bikes look like brain sucking aliens. The designers and buyers seem to be 13 year olds! I We don't need retro. We need grown up bikes designed by grown ups.
As someone who loves all motorcycles I own a Honda monkey A Ural gear up and multiple Harley Davidson motorcycles. I would love to see more smaller retro bikes. I had both 70's cb 350 and 750 . They would bring back great memories.
I had a 360 Honda, called the CJ I think. Very reliable. And when my wife took the kids out to visit some friends in Oklahoma City, I took a few days off work and rode the 360 from Kentucky up to Chicago. I cruised at 55 to 60 and other than getting sunburned, it was fun! I moved on to small 4cylinder Suzuki bikes, and still have a couple. Some friends have their 250cc yamaha bikes from 1965. You are right, the smaller bikes are just as much fun and would be a lot more affordable. I also had a Honda 305 Dream Touring, a 250cc Tiger Cub and a 250cc BSA, and 60 years ago I started riding motorcycles on a 125cc Harley Hummer. Remember those??
I want a sport bike that looks like a late 80s GSXR 1100. The late 80s and early 90s are when sport bikes looked cool. They haven’t looked good since then.
I've owned cruisers, dirt bikes, and retros. In the 1970s I owned a Honda CL350. I rode it on freeways, dirt roads, trails and it never let me down. It was heavy and not flashy but I could work on it myself and kept it tuned and running sweet. The smaller displacement bikes now won't handle the highway like that bike did. I went for long trips on it and always enjoyed it. That is what is needed today. A bike that can handle the highway, a dirt road, and be simple enough for the owner to do simple maintenance.
This is Lee, I cut my teeth on a Honda CL 77 305 scrambler. Loved that bike.Ran really good and just had that classic style. Loved the look of that engine.
I traveled the entire United States the summer of 1970 on the Honda CB450. Was very reliable and have great memories traveling from Michigan to the west coast through the mountains while sleeping under the stars every night.
Norton was not mentioned, but that is one bike I wish would be resurrected. Norton won the Isle Of Man 94 times, a record that as far as I know remains unbroken. I almost purchased a Norton Commando in 1975 just before being stationed overseas. As it would turn out I was severely injured in Germany crossing the street as a pedestrian. By the time I recovered and came back to the states Norton had gone out of business. Norton engineered a featherbed frame, and then an iso-elastic frame. These frame designs were part of Norton’s winning at racing. I was a very good downhill skier at the time and my reflexes were used to going beyond thinking, that is, reacting to fast changing snow while flying through a turn on a mountain. I cannot forget the pleasure of testing out that Norton 850 on I-70 in Denver. The balance and the power was just amazing; it reminded me of being one with my skis. I know Triumph came back and I know Triumph and Norton always were in competition for the popularity of those who liked British bikes. I have not ridden a newer Triumph but, I have long wondered if those amazing Norton Commandos and their well balanced frames and power making superb handling response will ever return. Sigh, the memories. Oh well.
Totally agree with the "Baby Bonny" & Honda CB 350 & CB750. I started on a early used 60's Bonny and in 1971 bought a new CL 350. In my day & area the CL was in very high demand, not so much for the CB. The CL350 had a lot of power and had no issues going 70-80 mph all day long. It would do more, but I was not willing. I could do 10 mph per 1k rpm. so at 70 you were turning 7k rpm's. It redlined at 10.5 or 11k as I recollect. If the CB 750 came back I'd make a mad dash to the dealer with a deposit.
Air cooled, carbureted engines is out of the question, at least within the boundaries of the EU, due the ever tightening environmental constrains. I do hope, however, that enough motorcycle museums where iconic motorcycles are on display will survive out there so future generations get the taste of the golden days of motorcycling. What you wish is not feasible on both business and environmental grounds.
Another great,thoughtful video. Much of that 'cool factor' is in being an 'air cooled' engine design; requiring a radiator in any form compromises any design.
I am a Kawasaki Guy but I sure respect Honda. "What IF" The early CB-350 was brought back exactly the same, kick starter and all. But made to modern, Super exact tolerances? Could it compete with the Ultra Modern Kawasaki 400 Ninja at a thousand bucks less?
I have multiple CB350 and CL350s, and CL450s, the fact that they're as simple as they are to work on and just look timeless makes them as fun today as they were then. It's also a lot more fun to go fast on a slow bike than it is to never leave first gear on a fast bike.
MY first street bike was a 1971 cb 350 with high rise handlebars. I remember having to stand on the front doorstep to ride. Next bike I traded for a cb 450.
Man, those were the days.
I had 3 Honda 450's. I had a 68 and 70 CB and a 71 CL (orange) Some of the best bikes and most fun I ever had. I currently own a 1970 Norton Commando 750 and wish that the Japaese would revise the design of this thing and build some of these again WITH DISC BRAKES ! (PLEASE)
Although I sort of wished I had bought a CB450 in the '70s, it was NOT a simple bike. In fact, I doubt if Honda actually made much money on the model.
@@stancoleshill8925 You sure it was a cb 70 or a CT trail 70 ,1969 ?
Oh you must be talking about the year models. I guess.
Ummmm... Rose tinted spectacles aside, I recall riding a well loaded CB350K4 two up down the Shap fellside of the M6 motorway and by 90 mph the front felt 'marginal'. Scraping the ton (its BIG hill) it was scarier than an R1 is at ton 70. 🙄
Those 70s Japanese 2 stroke street bikes were sweeeet! Fast, well made, affordable, reliable af!
The XS2 650 in 270 degree crank.
Had a 1973 RD350 and
a 1977 RD400.. Loved them, wish I still had both of them..
I had a 1971 500 H1 Mach III that ran and had a good title. I was moving and nobody wanted it. I took it to the scrap yard and they said any other day they'd pay me but, that day was inventory day. They did let me push it off onto the pile for free.
I do like and have old bikes. I do see most of them have a bad future. Either they're going right to the scrap pile because nobody's going to work on them/pay somebody to work on them or their new owners are going to start a "cafe racer project" that will never get done or get done and they're, understandably, afraid to ride it.
Transfer-Port injection? (Cleans them up quite a bit)
I had a mint 75 RD350. It would rip your head off up to 60mph!
I want kickstart..they need to bring it back. It's definitely a big part of retro bikes. Nothing like kicking up your bike, it's a brilliant, hard to describe, but extremely satisfying thing to do. Have electric start there too..but for me I'd definitely kick it the vast majority of times 🤩
Seriously. I'd pay a little extra for a kick start. It's a great backup plan for when the battery dies, plus it can score you some cool points when you start it up in front of the pub.
@@Friscorockhead Not any more. Even the mid-sized bikes have EFI. Battery dies, no EFI. You cannot even push start a modern EFI bike with a dead battery.
@@johncasteel1780 The price of progress 🤑
Even if you had just a couple of volts remaining the fact you can't switch the bleedin lights off on the latest generation doesn't entirely help.
Still, you place control in the hands of professionally handwringing maiden aunt nanny politicians and there's a kind of inevitability.
@@babboon5764 You want to talk "professionally handwringing maiden aunt nanny politicians", think about the 85 mph speedos on cars in the '80s.
I have had a few bikes where the starter wasn't that reliable, and I can say I would not use the kikstarter if I didn't have to.
They need to bring back kick starters on all bikes
Yes, you are right.
@@flightforensics4523 kick starters are used by your leg to kick start a bike. A lotnof scooters still have kick starters on them.
@@flightforensics4523 Yes
Not with my knees
My kick start days are over,
I'm in my mid 70s and still riding.
You've landed in a topic I've been thinking of for a long time. I still own my original 1970 CB 750 and everytime I get on it or pass it in the garage, I love it's styling.
Cool. Do you still ride it?
I had a 1976 red Honda 750 4 cylinder only kept it for two years because I decided to upgrade to a Goldwing but I wish I still had my
CB 750 four-cylinder
I totally agree on the need to offer something simple, retro or not. Also, I believe there is an incredible market for a return to simple pickup trucks, even like the Nissan PU's of the late 90's. They have gotten ridiculous.
Good thoughts. I would agree with bringing back the SL175, but also some open class "street and trail" bikes like the Honda SL350, the Suzuki TS400 etc. What do they have in common? A seat height a person 5 foot 6 can sit and touch the ground comfortably! There are a large number of people who are A. shorter and B. don't need motocross suspension since they (we) are not interested in racing.
I just posted about the sl350!! I have all 3. K0-k2. But to be honest I have one of each sl made. Including the 90 and the sl/xl250k0. It’s an addiction. May take my 350 out today as the suns out and sky’s are blue
I put over three odometer readings on my 175. Lost it in a move, it just disappeared. I still miss it, it was fun ro ride and reliable. Not perfect but...so close. Better tires and less weight is all it needed.
@@hondaxl250k0 You lucky basard! Have a fun ride and enjoy them as much as time allows you.
@@darrellcook8253 where are you from? If I told you how many bikes I actually have in total you probably need new underwear.. you near Ohio by chance? I have enough parts to build a few 175s.
@@hondaxl250k0 I'm in northern California up by Clearlake. I'm on VA disability and SS. I'd work for a chance to build another, I've been neck deep in the 175s innards and 90s, also 350s. At one time my friends brought their dead and wounded to me so I could resurrect them. They're as much fun to work on as ride.
As an owner of a 1971 and 72 CB350, it was cool to see the bike featured. Honestly the engineering Honda did on the bike is astounding for when the bike was designed and its even more impressive considering this was their low level commuter bike really. It was hardly on the cutting edge. I love the bike. I find myself wishing it was just a little more powerful, but overall it is still an impressive machine on modern roads, and I definitely think Honda should bring it back.
The Honda CB350 was the first 'big' bike I owned after graduating High School in 1972. It was a sweet, smooth ride I'll always remember fondly.
I own the modern iteration of the CB350 here in India. It's a single cylinder with a long stroke engine and it feels great and practical. The engine is quite boring though, but it makes a great commuter cum tourer for our conditions here.
@@Aakarsh1068 Agreed. The CB350 was an ideal commuter bike, and great for weekend outings too. It'd definitely make a superb retro bike. I could see myself owning one again if Honda decided to make a faithful reproduction.
@@Aakarsh1068 to bad it's not a twin👍
@@emdoubleu1530 Yes it's a great little machine and a head turner too. I do miss the punch on the highways though, whenever I'm on a tour. That's my only gripe with it.
I run a couple of CB750 sohc K0s same look as the CB250 CB350. so simple, so reliable, plenty quick and one of them Ive had for 45 years! Sound so cool, top 125mph, 45 mpg. What an era for Honda 1970 but totally with you on that SL175 massive smiles per miles.
Forget the SL-175 & go with the SL-350. One of the best looking bikes ever.
Add the CL-450 to the list. Great exhaust note.
I had a 1971 SL350. I bet they outsold the 175 2 to 1.
I agree with the CB750 idea. I will always miss my 1973 CB750 and would scoop one up out of nostalgia in a heartbeat. The streetbike of my youth.
check out the cb1100ex
Better have 5-10g for one in great original condition
If you guys want to get my children's motorcycle book check it out here: amzn.to/42RCXft
My father had a Yamaha/Honda dealership for years he has some really cool 70s Dt s RD 350 I think some hodakas a few early 60 s bikes and we a storing one of Dave Ekins 60s 250 similar to the one he first rode in baja
Nice job Bart but my kids are grown up now, you're 20 years too late for me!
@@stevechapman7 Dang I knew I should have written this 20 years ago...
My dad had a 1975 Yamaha DT250 that he would take me on and got me hooked. Would love to see them make something like that!
My dad still has a handful of Yamaha dts.250s and 360s in California
Dt 175 was my first bike very similar
Definitely agree on the Honda CB 360 and 450. Grew up on the CB 360 twin. Loved it.
I have three grandkids, bought the hardback copy of you book and can’t wait to read it to them. They all love sitting on my bike, a Royal Enfield Continental GT 650, but then they also love sitting on my ZTR mower, so…
The book arrived and it is really fantastic. Who knew Bart had talent for writing as well as video creation! Its easter Sunday and the book will be an easter present for my three wonderful grandkids.
The RD 350 was almost perfect for me fun, fast inexpensive, smooth enough for long distance reliable as hell and easy to work on. As far as SL 175, make it the SL 350. a do it all motorcycle with all the attributes you relish in its little brother, Great list, I'd take all of em! Just got the INT 650 and love it, like riding in the 70's again.
Suzuki X-6 (T20). This was the first Japanese hooligan bike. 250cc 2 stroke twin, highly tuned. 6-speed transmission, big double leading shoe brake. Sized close to a moped, 51" wheelbase, under 300 lbs. Close to 100mph. I know it's impossible. but if you dig the RD-350, this is the bike that inspired it.
I have 5 motorcycles and the oldest one currently is my X-6 Scrambler. It still looks new and is also the most ridden in my garage.
Thanks for another thought-provoking video Bart. It's fun to imagine and dream of the iconic bikes from the past. Good on you to mention the RD 350. Another would be the Suzuki GT 500 twin.
Had a '75 T500 (drum brakes), fairly quick motor, but it went around corners like a bamboo koala.
I live in the uk and we don’t really need large heavy bikes here given the state of the roads and the volume of traffic. I downsized from a honda ST 1300 to a CBR600F4 and it’s a much more pleasurable ride.
RIGHT ON! The GT-500 twin was one to the most marvelous machines I've ever ridden. It was fast, and it yet could pull away from a standing start in 3rd gear. Amazingly reliable and long lived with a butter-smooth 5 speed gearbox. And just darn fun to ride. It was an everyday-go-to-work tool ... or tape up the light lenses on Sunday and give everyone on the track a run for their money. In the rain it could better the pure race machines. Pure love for these bygones.
Always LOVED the SL series Hondas. It'll never happen but you know I'd run out tomorrow and buy one! Same with the two stroke twin you showed. Enjoyed your video, keep it up.
I think the SL175 is a great idea, I was going to say the XR185 but they are very similar. There is a significant gap in the market for a dualsport with a low seat height and slow speed, which is aesthetically pleasing. While there are options such as XR150, DR200, and XT250, they are unattractive and have a high seat height, making them unsuitable for slow off-road cruising. Not everyone wants to go fast, and these old dualsports are a perfect fit.
I "grew up" on my Dad's CB 750. I'd love to see one with fuel injection, ABS, with those four cylinders all lined up and ready to roar. No other bells and whistles, "ride mode" or other costly, unnecessary do-dads. Just a pure motorcycle.
…and the CB1100 is…what?
@@davidhayter8516 the CB1100 is too much displacement, too heavy, too complicated to adjust valve tappet clearance. The ? thru 2004 Nighthawk CB750 had hydraulic lifters. Just take the 2004 version and fuel inject it (add ABS if you have to for regulations).
Since you already have 3 Hondas on your list, I would like to suggest a fourth, the CX500. One of the best selling Hondas ever, and a middleweight bike with a user friendly shaft drive. In the 1970's and 80's all the japanese manufacturers had middleweight bikes with shaft drive, but that is unheard of today, where everything is chains. Not everyone loves chains however, we need the return of the middleweight shaft drive motorcycle (or belt, anything but all these chains.)
You beat me to it - Yes Honda CX500 / CX650, Honda Deauville 700.. ;)
Hey Bart. I couldn't agree more. Bikes are too big and too techy these days. I'd love to see the big guys making retro 350-500 twins. There are rumours of Honda making a GB750 with the new twin engine from the Hornet - that would be nice though I'd prefer a 500. And Triumph seem to be working on Baby Bonnies but they look like they'll only be singles. And I still can't understand why Yamaha don't have a 500 twin in their line up, it's the Goldilocks machine surely. Maybe you should get a petition together to send off to them, I know they kinda listen to youtube comments but a big in-your-face petition with a million names asking for simple 350-500 twins might make something happen. I'll be the first to sign.
A GB750 if it looks like the 400 with the fairing, where do I signup, I'm like you I would prefer a 500 like Ryan and yourself I love the middle weight bikes 350 to 750 but 650 seems to be my favorite, at least right now. As for Triumph, they are not triumphs they are and I'm pretty sure they are Chinese bikes with the triumph badge just the same as the Harley HD350 and X500, if nobody minds me pointing out, China is in cahoots with a Country the is guilty of many many war crimes, Shame on Harley and Triumph. Bart if I'm wrong about the origins of the bikes please I will not be offended if you correct me.
@@karlsquire8148You're wrong on Triumph, they are their own designs and manufactured in Thailand and Taiwan. High quality but not cheap!
Yamaha xs 650 or Yamaha xt500?
@@karlsquire8148 Some Triumphs are currently made in Thailand and the supposed Baby Bonnies will be made in India with Bajaj motors.
@@mattdog1982 I have an XT600. Would love a 500 or 650 twin street bike like the TX or XS.
I think a small and light dirt bike would be amazing too. In fact, two words sum up the whole thing for me. Simple , light. Good one.
YAMAHA XS-650 needs a comeback!
I had two Honda 305s. One was the Scrambler and the other was the Super Hawk. My next was an Ariel Square FOUR, 1957 model with a beautiful 1000cc engine.
My mate bought a CB 550 in the late 70s. In deep deep brown. Brand spanking new. He let me ride it. To this day I remember how smooth it was. It was incredible. And gorgeous. We were all into dirt bikes, but moving on, and...yeah. One friend had a CB 500 in gold. Awesome. But this thing was next level.
A piece of heaven. That 550's on my next restoration list.
I second the recommendation to have Honda bring back the CB350/450. These were great machines. Super reliable, powerful enough and easy to ride. I owned both in my youth. Wish I had kept them.
honda cb350 is available in the market its completley new
along the lines of the SL 175...a ' 71 -73 SL 350 would rock....thru the 70s..80s and 90s..thru various liter bikes and a assorted harleys... there was always a honda 350 in the garage for around town fun...fav yrs were my '71 SL 350..and the '73 CB 350.....honorable mention was the '79 yamaha 650 twin
I completely agree. For about 15 years I've been hoping for retro bikes to come back, especially Honda ones like cb750 original or cb twin with original air cooled setups.
totally agree that we need more small, simple bikes on the north american market.
Fantastic video. I have a few honda twins from the 70’s and they’re an absolute blast. My cb360G is my absolute favorite bike to ride, even over my newer CBR. Riding my 360 at its absolute limit is quite the thrill. Riding my cbr1000rr at its absolute limit will likely send me to heaven lol
Honda CX 500! I loved those when I was a teen.
In my most humble opinion you can't go back. Get or restore the vintage motorcycle of your choice. I restored a '50 Triumph Thunderbird first year 650. It took me five years. I miss her dearly.
I am a born again biker and when I was looking for a bike after a looong lay off I dismissed all of the modern offerings as I thought their styling grotesque. Eventually I settled on a 1999 Honda CB500 twin, light nimble, and simple with enough power and oh joy it had a centre stand! 8,000 miles later and I'm still in love, what a sweet package.
I purchased one of the first Royal Bullets when India started selling them to U.S. dealers.It really captured the nostalgia but the metal was cheap I went to strap it in my trailer from the dealer and the kickstand bent.
I found that China also makes tools and more out of peanut butter well metal that's soft as !
My first bike was a used ‘84 Honda CM450! I daw it’s twin in the back of a PowerMotors garage a few years ago. I put 10,000 miles per year on that beast when I lived in Las Vegas for 3 years around 1990. Ranged from SE Utah to San Diego, Death Valley to North Pole AZ. Should have gone to the Grand Canyon too; but I rode out there from the Midwest back in ‘21. Carb setup for altitude; had no problem with 9,000 foot passes. First day I got my permit, I left at sunset for San Diego! Still love cruising the Nevada Sierras!
Most companies don't make classic bikes because they're not cheap to make, manufacturing processes have moved on.
The tech on new bikes isn't expensive to implement, it's just something the manufacturers can upsell and have a competitive feature list in the brochure. TFT displays are cheaper (to the manufacturers) than old style clocks.
But I agree it would be great to see some of these iconic bikes make a return.
1983-85 Honda Nighthawk 650 is what I’m looking for. Shaft drive, whisper quiet. Room for a passenger.
I started on a 73 CB 350, moved to a 71 CB 750 a year later. Bart, I understand what you're saying and agree with it. Owned many since, including Harleys. Now riding a 21 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT, and can't understand most of the electronics. The big manufacturers are missing the NEW consumer. They want simple, light, and as cheap as possible. Bring a hammer simple bike, quality built, and they'll sell zillions of them. C'mon Japan, wise up. My 19 year old collogue can't find anything under $5000. Insane! The 350 was $800 and ran like hell.
Royal Enfield owns that space now. The Interceptor and Continental GT are what we have now that is closest to an affordable standard motorcycle with classic style.
In high school, I rode a 1969 CB350. What a bike. In '75. A 350 was a big bike.
My heart throb was the XL350. I would love to see that come back.
Honda 350 (4 stroke), was a nice motorcycle. My brother and I both owned one. I traded mine for a Kawasaki, 1975 900 Z1. Things got exciting quick.
I had a 1973 CL 350 in college. It was a great little commuter bike. Light and nimble in traffic and it had enough power to ride on the interstate. I loved that bike.
I'd like to see the original Ducati Monster return and those Ducati singles of the late 60s/early 70s are beautiful.
Great video. As a very happy Royal Enfield owner, I couldn't agree more that smaller displacement motorcycles could and should catch on here in the US.
I grew up on and loved all those cool 70s Honda's...cb 350s sl 350s..cb 500 fours and of course the cb 750....Maybe I just need a time machine.
I agree on the Honda SL-175 , the whole line of SL's were pretty nice back in the day . My first bike was a Honda CT-70 and then I saw the SL-70 I have to admit I wanted one. At 64 I have a 71 Yamaha DT-250 and a 74 DT-125 , just can't beat the sound of the old two strokes . I realize the days of the old two strokes are gone but any of these old Enduro type bikes would be good for the younger generation and I think they would sell . The one thing I liked about the old bikes are the seats , they were padded and comfortable , nothing like the newer generation of enduro/dirt bikes . Anyways , I enjoyed the drive down memory lane .
A classic you can buy new is the Kawasaki W800, on sale since 2011, which really looks the part - air-cooled , chrome mudguards, polished engine cases, wire spoke wheels. The only others I can think of are Royal Enfield interceptor and Triumph twins including the modern Bonneville.
Yes on the W800 and the W650 before that. They sure didn't sell though did they?
@@jerrym3261 I guess that's why only a few manufacturers make modern classics. Plus they're competing against all the existing 2nd hand ones
@@cbuzz2371 Yeah, elsewhere here I commented that if you want a rider, for the price you would pay for a repop, you could get 2, 3 or more originals. I have 4 CX500s, 3 of those need to go away and today I saw on FB Marketplace somebody giving away free a '82 CX500. It was one of those "cafe racer projects" only got as far as taking it completely apart but, said it ran great before he started work. It went pending quick but, I bet it never gets up and running again. The old bikes are out there getting scrapped everyday because nobody wants to do some work.
The CB1100 is supposed to be the CB750Four modern version…but they have just stopped making that too. I have one. It’s a lot of fun
I would like to see something along the lines of the current Janus line up. That small displacement Indian Scout was an excellent idea. A modern retro-mod motorcycle with large skinny tires, springer front end....maybe like a rideable board track racer kind of bike, but tweeked enough to be street worthy. Some brass instead of chrome perhaps? Sh*t!! Going DEEP retro!!😂
I love this!
My first motorcycle was in Las Vegas in 1988, a used ‘84 Honda CM450 6-speed chain drive that I bought for $300 and sank another $300 in for new chain, sprockets, tires, tune up, registration and insurance. Put 10,000 miles a year on that beast, riding it between San Diego, Death Valley, Pahrump, Lake Meade, Zion National Park, and SW Arizona; serviced it every 1500-2000 miles at Tom’s Bikes in Las Vegas. Stopped riding in 96 or7 due to work travel; but resumed in 2018. Saw a twin of my old 450 in the garage of a power sports garage and got sentimental. Such a great bike!
Bart, great venture. I will definitely buy the book. Always a delight to watch your channel, Thank you and Kudos to you 🎉
Hey thanks!!
The first bike I fell in love with, but never owned, was the CB450 way back when. I was riding a 305 Super Hawk. Several years later when I was active duty Air Forcei purchased a used 1970 CB750 and have loved them ever since. Now, at 73 years of age I ride either a Goldwing trike or a Harley Electra Glide. Still love the old classics.
The cb350 , my first bike was such a joy. Of course I had to go bigger and better but after doing so the one that I wish I never sold was that Honda, what a joy
I had a cl360 that I rode literally all over Texas for years. Wish I still had it!
One dear to my heart is a Honda. Hawk CB77 305 cc Super Sports..
Since we’re dreaming I would like someone to bring out a smaller, lighter touring bike. Maybe about 850cc’s with shaft drive and a good fairing and hard bags. I wish BMW would do this on the high end, and one of the Japanese companies at an affordable level. I think a Yamaha FJR850 or Honda ST850 would appeal to riders who don’t want to deal with a 600lb+ bike. As far as retro goes, a new/old version of the Honda Nighthawk ‘S’ would be exciting.
One of the things with that is that the more street-oriented adventure bikes have kinda taken some of the light touring market. And, a lot of the rest of that light touring market wants more of a sport tourer anyway, which often means chain drive...
Honda used to sell what you want with a bit less displacement, the NT700V, but replaced it with the chain-drive NT1100 in Europe (and not at all in the US), which is basically a purely on-road version of the Africa Twin. Honda will sell you a full set of luggage for a Transalp, NC750X (if you're fine with 58 hp and a DCT), or Forza 750/X-ADV (if you're in Europe, and again, if you're fine with 58 hp and a DCT, and also it looking like a scooter, but it does get you full fairing coverage - these effectively replace the old Silver Wing), if you're fine with a chain.
Looking at the other Japanese options in that rough size class... Yamaha does have the Tracer 9 (and 7 in Europe), Kawasaki has the Versys 650 (on the street-biased side of adventure), and Suzuki has the V-Strom 650 and "V"-Strom 800.
Of course, all of this is chain drive, not shaft drive...
...but if we're including scooters, and willing to accept a lack of side cases and even less power, and you're in Europe, there's always the Yamaha TMAX 560, with belt drive (IIRC it's been like a decade since the TMAX has been imported to the US). And, if you're willing to accept aftermarket top and side cases, there's the Kymco AK 550i, also with belt drive (Shad sells mounts for both top and side for that model).
XS 650/750 twin would rock my boat
The SL175 looks cool, but I was waiting for the CB750. I had an 81 CB750K. Might have been an 82. I’ve owned dozens of bikes, but that was the only one that I could ride until the gas tank was screaming for a refill, without any sort of discomfort. And, it didn’t need a deep pocket to accessorize it to get this comfort level. I added a windshield, and off I went. Guess I did put a sissybar on for the comfort of my rider. The stock seat made an ez chair feel inferior. My mid 80s 1100 shadow was quite comfortable too, but I never went more than 70 miles one way on it, and it was possessed. Wanted to kill me.
I love the 70's Honda 750-4 and Kawasaki 900-4 bikes.I have owned several of both of them and they are serious motorcycles. Fast, yet not super bikes but oh so much fun to ride. I have driven an estimated 100,000 miles (maybe closer to 200k) on several of those bikes over many years. I even owned a Kawasaki 750 triple that was very fast for the day in 73.
Two bike I had when I a lot younger in the 70s Laverda Jota it handled a lot better than anything around at the time and was very very fast also the Suzuki GT750 the kettle
I own a ‘72 Honda CB350 survivor. It’s a great bike and still runs smoothly after 50 years. It’s the “Bonny” I wanted in High School. It would be nice to see the new Honda 350RS, stateside, although it’s a thumper with a more modern look. If they reintroduced a twin version; they’d really have a hit!
I would love to see more small displacement retro motos. Recently I bought a new CSC SG 250, a very retro looking nicely built Chinese single cafe racer. Yes it is under tuned, producing 16 hp, but it is light & a blast to ride. I don’t remember seeing mention of it on any of your videos, but check it out.
Nice list. I learned on a 1970 SL100. A new SL would really be cool.
Triumph 350 twin, and keep the weight below 120 kgs
By the real thing. Don't waste your money.
It's hard to make a 250 single weigh below 120 kg these days.
@@PrimoStracciatella or as close to it as possible.
@@frankmarkovcijr5459 I grew up on 70-125 ccs 2 and 4 stroke bikes, mostly Japanese, my favourites were small displacements Kawasaki 2 strokes, I currently own a T120 with all the creature comforts you can think of, riding modes, abs, traction, heated grips, cruise control but it weighs 235 kgs+ . I have also owned a T100 (2007, pre 270 degree crank) and I must admit I liked the T100 better, but what I have been yearning for are small displacement, lighter, agile bikes, I think 350-400 cc is the sweet spot. Real thing IMO is a bit subjective. Thanks for your comment though.
@@biker1581 That raises the price. KTM would be able to do it, but they're expensive. Even Honda and RE 350 singles weigh 180+ kg.
Cb750. We do have the CB1100
As for off road a bike styled on the XL250 early 70s. Just put 300 motor they have now, job done 😊
There is Janus Motorcycles, old school bike style with modern components. Very pricy but hand made and custom built.
Came here to say this. If you want a retro bike, nothing is more retro than Janus.
Made with cheap Chinese engines!!!!!
@@albertwolf731 Halcyon 450 engine is from SWM, Milan. Italy. The Halcyon 250 is sourced from China.
Not relevant, but just wanted to say that I ordered your children’s book! It’s coming in the mail tomorrow and i am so excited to read it to my 3 year old son. He loves books and motorcycles (anything with wheels really). I wish you much success with book sales!
I hope you guys love it!
I would love to see someone like Kawasaki bring back a retro 750 H2, triple two-stroke. That was so much fun to ride!
It wouldn't even need to be 750.
I'd be happy with a KH400
One bike I would like to see brought back is the Honda CB250RS,a fun light bike that was a joy to ride with good low down torque and excellent mid range power-I owned one in the late 80s and still wished I had it Auckland New Zealand 2023
Still own mine 83 red rsd still on original exhausts ...42 thou miles ... My baby ...
Seconded. I had two back in the early 80s (one new, one I bought as a wreck for 50quid and repaired and used as a despatch bike). Bring it back Honda!
I would agree on the Honda CB 450, I rode one in the 70's for many thousands of miles all over the western US. It was a great bike.
I'd like to see the Hodaka Wombat make a comeback. Simplicity, performance, and reliability.
Two stroke? The EPA would kill it.
Or road toad , super rat ? Cool Hodakas
I had a CB400 in San Francisco. I loved it! Big enough to take on the freeway but small enough to ride around town and park on the sidewalk against a building, out of the way. A simple two cylinder engine bike with mag wheels. I thought it was the perfect urban bike.
Great video Bart, I thought that your selections were pretty much spot on. I agree with bring on some small bike retros without all of the electronic gizmos that a good part of the consumers don't want/need. Hail to Royal Enfield for doing what these other companies can't seem to get done. This is exactly why within the next 8 months I will be purchasing a R.E.. Thanks for this video & have a beautiful day. Illinois, USA
A friend of the family came to visit us on his brand new CB450 Black Bomber. Before he left he offered to take me for a spin around the neighborhood. I was about 12 yrs old and that left an indelible impression on me. I got my first bike when I turned 16, a CB-77 Super Hawk 305 and that was the beginning of my motorbiking journey. At 70, I would like to see Honda bring out something with the same classic profile as the Black Bomber or the Super Hawk. Those chrome tank panels are timeless.
A liquid cooled 400 twin gives plenty of speed. You could wrap any number of vintages skins around it.
I had a couple of Honda CM 400’s that I enjoyed learning to ride on. They weren’t super powerful, but they had no problem on the highway and they were the perfect city bike due to their size and weight…
I would like to see the bring back of the 320 to 550 twin standard bikes. I had a CL350 Honda scrambler and a CB175. Both were great basic motorcycles. Bikes for the low experience and middle weight bikes.
I agree but I would prefer the SL-175 and SL-350. Those were bikes that were so easy to maintain yourself and could go long distances in a adventure day.
Yamaha brought back the SR500 as the SR400 a few years ago, but it didn't stay in their line-up for long. There is nostalgia for the similarly engined XT500 as well. You'd expect these models to compete with Royal Enfield/new BSA singles.
The sr400 was kept in production till 2023. Longest running production of any bike ever. Mostly for the Asian market. Glad I kept my sr500.
Paulketchupwitheveryting767 I have my 1979 Yamaha SR 500 sitting in my garage called it Brutus The Bastad 😂 . Once you get the knack of starting it it's a old thumper & a pleasure to ride . Idles & shakes at traffic lights. I think too many compared it to British bikes
How about the Rebel 250. I have one here in the UK. They are pretty rare here . Lovely bike to ride . Simple , low seat height , comfortable and easy to maintain . Forget all the tech . We don't need it . I have had many bikes over my long life but this is my favourite . Love the styling and at my age "83" it's just the thing to keep me rolling down the road .
I wish Honda would resurrect the CX 500 and /or 650 V-twins. It was the best bike (CX 500) I ever drove, and if Honda ever brought it back, I would buy it like a shot, even though it's been 37 years since I was on two wheels!
I have 4 CX500s, 2 of them Plastic Maggots. 3 of them are going to go soon and I know I'm not going to get much for them.
Such good ideas - my faves: Rd350 and Cb750
I would love to see Honda build a true retro of a 305 Scrambler. It could be larger displacement but with the CL77 character and style, they would sell many of them.
MY FIRST BIKE WAS A 305 Scrambler
WHAT A TURD
POS OF SHIT
SECOND BIKE A RD350. WHAT A DIFFERENCE !
I asked for a retro Honda 250 Scrambler.
P
Okay
I agree,mabye a 500,650 version.
Would love to see some of these bikes made. Thanks.
I am not a fan of retro bikes. I am a fan of design. Modern bikes look like brain sucking aliens. The designers and buyers seem to be 13 year olds! I
We don't need retro. We need grown up bikes designed by grown ups.
Had a CB 350 when I was in the Army at Oahu. Must have ridden it around the island 100 times. First vehicle I ever owned. A great bike!
I want Yamaha SR400 to be launched in India
Honda highness 350 is a sweet bike available in Indian market from 2 years to compete with REs.
As someone who loves all motorcycles I own a Honda monkey
A Ural gear up and multiple Harley Davidson motorcycles. I would love to see more smaller retro bikes.
I had both 70's cb 350 and 750 .
They would bring back great memories.
I had a 360 Honda, called the CJ I think. Very reliable. And when my wife took the kids out to visit some friends in Oklahoma City, I took a few days off work and rode the 360 from Kentucky up to Chicago. I cruised at 55 to 60 and other than getting sunburned, it was fun! I moved on to small 4cylinder Suzuki bikes, and still have a couple. Some friends have their 250cc yamaha bikes from 1965. You are right, the smaller bikes are just as much fun and would be a lot more affordable. I also had a Honda 305 Dream Touring, a 250cc Tiger Cub and a 250cc BSA, and 60 years ago I started riding motorcycles on a 125cc Harley Hummer. Remember those??
I want a sport bike that looks like a late 80s GSXR 1100. The late 80s and early 90s are when sport bikes looked cool. They haven’t looked good since then.
I've owned cruisers, dirt bikes, and retros. In the 1970s I owned a Honda CL350. I rode it on freeways, dirt roads, trails and it never let me down. It was heavy and not flashy but I could work on it myself and kept it tuned and running sweet. The smaller displacement bikes now won't handle the highway like that bike did. I went for long trips on it and always enjoyed it. That is what is needed today. A bike that can handle the highway, a dirt road, and be simple enough for the owner to do simple maintenance.
This is Lee, I cut my teeth on a Honda CL 77 305 scrambler. Loved that bike.Ran really good and just had that classic style. Loved the look of that engine.
I traveled the entire United States the summer of 1970 on the Honda CB450. Was very reliable and have great memories traveling from Michigan to the west coast through the mountains while sleeping under the stars every night.
Completely agree on the Scout! Having a hand shift would be a fun touch on a modern bike too.
Norton was not mentioned, but that is one bike I wish would be resurrected. Norton won the Isle Of Man 94 times, a record that as far as I know remains unbroken. I almost purchased a Norton Commando in 1975 just before being stationed overseas. As it would turn out I was severely injured in Germany crossing the street as a pedestrian. By the time I recovered and came back to the states Norton had gone out of business. Norton engineered a featherbed frame, and then an iso-elastic frame. These frame designs were part of Norton’s winning at racing. I was a very good downhill skier at the time and my reflexes were used to going beyond thinking, that is, reacting to fast changing snow while flying through a turn on a mountain. I cannot forget the pleasure of testing out that Norton 850 on I-70 in Denver. The balance and the power was just amazing; it reminded me of being one with my skis. I know Triumph came back and I know Triumph and Norton always were in competition for the popularity of those who liked British bikes. I have not ridden a newer Triumph but, I have long wondered if those amazing Norton Commandos and their well balanced frames and power making superb handling response will ever return. Sigh, the memories. Oh well.
Totally agree with the "Baby Bonny" & Honda CB 350 & CB750. I started on a early used 60's Bonny and in 1971 bought a new CL 350. In my day & area the CL was in very high demand, not so much for the CB. The CL350 had a lot of power and had no issues going 70-80 mph all day long. It would do more, but I was not willing. I could do 10 mph per 1k rpm. so at 70 you were turning 7k rpm's. It redlined at 10.5 or 11k as I recollect. If the CB 750 came back I'd make a mad dash to the dealer with a deposit.
Air cooled, carbureted engines is out of the question, at least within the boundaries of the EU, due the ever tightening environmental constrains. I do hope, however, that enough motorcycle museums where iconic motorcycles are on display will survive out there so future generations get the taste of the golden days of motorcycling. What you wish is not feasible on both business and environmental grounds.
Another great,thoughtful video. Much of that 'cool factor' is in being an 'air cooled' engine design; requiring a radiator in any form compromises any design.
I am a Kawasaki Guy but I sure respect Honda. "What IF"
The early CB-350 was brought back exactly the same, kick starter and all. But made to modern, Super exact tolerances?
Could it compete with the Ultra Modern Kawasaki 400 Ninja at a thousand bucks less?