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Difference between revisions of "Honda CB77"
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In 1959 Honda revealed its global ambitions, setting up the American Honda Motor Company and entering its first [[Tourist Trophy]]. In order to take over the New World and Old Europe, Honda devised a strategy based on customer psychology. No bikes seemingly designed exclusively for "experts" or juvenile delinquents: instead, Honda produced bikes that were popular and easy to use, thanks to built-in electric starters. Honda became the world's No.1 producer in 1960, building half of the Japanese industry's total output of 1,800,000 [[motorcycles]] and exporting over 45,000. Five years later the latter figure was multiplied tenfold! | In 1959 Honda revealed its global ambitions, setting up the American Honda Motor Company and entering its first [[Tourist Trophy]]. In order to take over the New World and Old Europe, Honda devised a strategy based on customer psychology. No bikes seemingly designed exclusively for "experts" or juvenile delinquents: instead, Honda produced bikes that were popular and easy to use, thanks to built-in electric starters. Honda became the world's No.1 producer in 1960, building half of the Japanese industry's total output of 1,800,000 [[motorcycles]] and exporting over 45,000. Five years later the latter figure was multiplied tenfold! | ||
==A New Breed of Sports Bike== | ==A New Breed of Sports Bike== | ||
Honda launched its top-of-the-line sports bike, the [[Honda CB72|250cc CB 72]], in 1959; its brother the 305cc CB77 "Super Hawk", appeared in 1961. The Super Hawk was Honda's first real commercial success, it would overshadow the finest European | Honda launched its top-of-the-line sports bike, the [[Honda CB72|250cc CB 72]], in 1959; its brother the 305cc CB77 "Super Hawk", appeared in 1961. The Super Hawk was Honda's first real commercial success, it would overshadow the finest European [[marque]]s right up to its replacement by the [[Honda CB350K|CB350K]] in 1968. Its flowing lines contrasted with the [[marque]]'s angular touring models and the CB 72 and 77 incorporated many innovations, like electric starters, four-bearing crankshafts (English bikes had two bearings!) and engines that ran at an unprecedented 9000rpm. With low slung handlebars, they were designed to be raced. | ||
Rated at a conservative 30bhp the bike was capable of 0-60 times of 5.3 sec. and quarter mile times in 13.23@96mph. The top speed was an unheard of 126mph. Thus, the superhawk was one of the most potent bikes of the 60's. With open exhaust, stronger cams along with the 350 kit and larger carb's, many of these bikes ran deep into the low 12 high 11 second range at nearly 118mph. | Rated at a conservative 30bhp the bike was capable of 0-60 times of 5.3 sec. and quarter mile times in 13.23@96mph. The top speed was an unheard of 126mph. Thus, the superhawk was one of the most potent bikes of the 60's. With open exhaust, stronger cams along with the 350 kit and larger carb's, many of these bikes ran deep into the low 12 high 11 second range at nearly 118mph. | ||