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Honda CB750: The Universal Japanese Motorcycle That Changed Motorcycling

Honda’s 1969 Dream CB750 Four combined a 736 cc air-cooled four-cylinder engine with a front disc brake. Here’s its history, specifications and connection to the UJM label.
Entry538 Date Time3 min MechanicCarCody Team
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The 1969 Honda Dream CB750 Four helped reset expectations for a high-performance road motorcycle: it paired a 736 cc air-cooled four-cylinder engine with a front disc brake and brought that package to international markets. Honda displayed the prototype in October 1968, began exports to the United States and Canada in April 1969, and started Japanese sales in August. The CB750 is often described retrospectively as the archetypal Universal Japanese Motorcycle, or UJM—but that label is broader than the model itself.

What made the original Honda CB750 a landmark?

Honda developed the CB750 in response to demand for a large-displacement sports motorcycle, particularly in the United States. The company says its engineers drew on racing experience while addressing challenges in the engine, chassis, tires and drive chain; Honda’s heritage account also frames safety as part of the effort to deliver higher performance. Honda’s CB history and its retrospective development account describe that ambition from the company’s perspective.

The production motorcycle brought together an air-cooled, four-stroke, four-cylinder overhead-cam engine and a front disc brake. Honda calls it the world’s first mass-produced motorcycle equipped with a 750 cc four-stroke, four-cylinder OHC engine and a front disc brake. That is Honda’s historical claim; it should not be expanded into a broader assertion that the CB750 was the first superbike ever.

Honda’s history quotes founder Soichiro Honda recalling, in a company newsletter in January 1969, “I knew then that our bikes wouldn’t sell in foreign markets if we kept building them according to our Japanese perceptions.” The quotation helps explain the international outlook behind the project, but it comes to readers through Honda’s retrospective account rather than a contemporaneous independent test.

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#1 Best Overall
Aoshima Honda Dream CB750 Four 1969 1:12 Scale Model Kit
  • An import form Aoshima
  • Engine is made with layers
  • Rear suspension uses metal springs
  • Manufacturer's emblem is made with plated parts

When did the CB750 Four arrive?

  • October 1968: Honda displayed the CB750 Four prototype at the Tokyo Motor Show.
  • April 1969: Honda says exports to the United States and Canada began.
  • August 1969: Honda says sales began in Japan.

Honda’s model history gives this chronology. Honda News later reported that more than 400,000 CB750s were sold during the model’s nine-year life. That is Honda’s reported sales figure, published in its 2004 “Inline-Four History”, not an independently audited production total.

What are the original 1969 CB750’s key specifications?

These figures describe the original 1969 Dream CB750 Four, not every later motorcycle carrying the CB750 name.

Rank #2
Tamiya Honda CB750F Motorcycle 1:12 Plastic Model Kit
  • Tamiya branded ready-to-assemble plastic precision static model kit. It is supplied unpainted and is ideal for model makers and painters!
  • Required to complete: cement, paint and finishing supplies.
  • This plastic model assembly kit depicts the Honda CB750F, a bike which showed immense popularity as soon as it was released. The model features a detailed depiction of the engine and its cooling fins, with vinyl tubing employed to recreate various lines and cables. Modellers will also be delighted to hear that the steering column features a metal screw for durability, while synthetic rubber tyres have realistic tread patterns. Decals are included for use with 3 different bodywork colours. Realistic rubber-like tyres with accurate tread pattern. Highly detailed DOHC 4-cylinder engine. Many plated parts included for added realism.
  • Supplied in card box retail style packaging, it is an ideal model kit for the keen hobbyist to assemble and paint.
Item 1969 Dream CB750 Four
Displacement 736 cc, according to Honda’s 75 Years of Honda History.
Engine Air-cooled, four-stroke, four-cylinder OHC; Honda’s corporate history specifies SOHC and two valves.
Maximum output 67 PS at 8,000 rpm, as listed in Honda’s 1969 model history.
Front brake Disc brake.

Honda’s 1969 model page and corporate history document the configuration. The figures should not be transferred to later CB750 generations: model year, variant and equipment can differ, and the available Honda pages do not supply a complete year-by-year specification comparison.

What does “Universal Japanese Motorcycle” mean?

UJM stands for “Universal Japanese Motorcycle.” It is a retrospective shorthand for a recognizable class of Japanese standard-style motorcycles, and the CB750 is often treated as its archetype. The term describes a category and an influence, not a formal Honda model designation.

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Rank #3
Tamiya 300014066 Honda CB 750F Vehicle 14066 CB750F Custom Tuned (Ltd Edition) 1:12 Motorbike Model Kit, Multicoloured, Mittel
  • 1/12 Honda CB750F Tunned No.66, Importado de Japón., Skala 1:12
  • Długość modelu 183 mm, Maßstab 1:12
  • Länge des Modells 183 mm
  • Tamiya 300014066 Honda CB 750F Custom Tuned Motorradmodell Bausatz 1:12
  • Inhalt: 1 Stück, La longitud es de 183 mm modelo

A secondary account attributes the phrase’s coinage to Cycle magazine in the mid-1970s, but that attribution is not established by a primary source here. It is safest to say that the CB750 is often associated with the UJM idea, rather than presenting the origin of the term as settled fact.

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How should you identify parts for a CB750 Four?

Honda maintains a Dream CB750FOUR Heritage Parts resource and directs inquiries to an authorized motorcycle dealer. The page confirms a model-specific heritage-parts category; it does not establish that a particular part is currently in stock or that it fits every CB750.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
Aoshima Honda Dream CB750 Four 1969 1:12 Scale Model Kit
Aoshima Honda Dream CB750 Four 1969 1:12 Scale Model Kit
An import form Aoshima; Engine is made with layers; Rear suspension uses metal springs; Manufacturer's emblem is made with plated parts
$50.45
Bestseller No. 2
Tamiya Honda CB750F Motorcycle 1:12 Plastic Model Kit
Tamiya Honda CB750F Motorcycle 1:12 Plastic Model Kit
Required to complete: cement, paint and finishing supplies.
$33.99
Bestseller No. 3
Tamiya 300014066 Honda CB 750F Vehicle 14066 CB750F Custom Tuned (Ltd Edition) 1:12 Motorbike Model Kit, Multicoloured, Mittel
Tamiya 300014066 Honda CB 750F Vehicle 14066 CB750F Custom Tuned (Ltd Edition) 1:12 Motorbike Model Kit, Multicoloured, Mittel
1/12 Honda CB750F Tunned No.66, Importado de Japón., Skala 1:12; Długość modelu 183 mm, Maßstab 1:12
$41.00
Bestseller No. 5
Honda CB750 (Haynes Great Bikes)
Honda CB750 (Haynes Great Bikes)
Used Book in Good Condition
$610.24
Best Value
Honda CB750 (Haynes Great Bikes)
  • Used Book in Good Condition
Rank #4
Risopen 1:9 Motorcycle Model Collectible Compatible for Honda CBR 1000RR
  • 1. Compatible for HONDA CBR1000RR Prototype This 1:9 motorcycle model is inspired by the Compatible for HONDA CBR1000RR, a legendary superbike known for its powerful performance and aggressive racing style. The model faithfully reproduces the iconic sportbike appearance, making it a great collectible motorcycle model for enthusiasts who appreciate classic racing machines.
  • 2. No Assembly Required Finished Model This diecast motorcycle model comes fully assembled and ready for display. No tools or installation are required. Simply take it out of the box and enjoy the detailed motorcycle model. It is suitable for collectors, motorcycle fans, and anyone who enjoys miniature vehicle models.
  • 3. Metal Die Cast Material The motorcycle model is made with a metal diecast body combined with durable plastic parts. The structure is solid and well crafted, with clear details that highlight the sporty design of the original bike. The smooth paint finish and fine workmanship make the model look realistic and attractive.
  • 4. 1:9 Scale Display Motorcycle Model Designed in a 1:9 scale, this mini motorcycle model is a great size for desk decoration, office display, or model collections. The detailed structure and realistic appearance make it an eye catching display piece for shelves, showcases, or motorcycle collections.
  • 5. Great Gift for Motorcycle Fans This finished motorcycle model is a thoughtful gift for adult collectors, motorcycle enthusiasts, or model lovers. It is suitable for birthdays, holidays, or special occasions. A great collectible motorcycle model that can add character to any model collection.
  1. Identify the motorcycle’s exact model year and variant or model code.
  2. Match the part to that identity using model-specific documentation.
  3. Confirm fitment and current availability with the seller or an authorized Honda motorcycle dealer before ordering.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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