Honda CB 350K

As the '60s gave way to 1970, if you didn't own a CB350 Super Sport, chances are you knew someone who did. From its introduction, agile handling, amazing versatility and a strong, supremely reliable engine made the 325cc air-cooled twin America's street bike for all reasons. Drawn with clean, taut lines that marked a new visual direction for Honda, this successor to the esteemed CL77 Super Hawk was designed to suit American riders, and it did. Honda dealers sold more than a quarter-million CB350s over the model's five-year run — 67,180 of those in 1972 alone.

Nearly 20 years of engine-design experience paved the way for that success. By the end of the 1960's, Honda had produced more than 10 million four-stroke motorcycle engines and earned 18 GP Manufacturer's Championships and 16 rider's titles with 138 race wins. No one knew more about the art and science of four-stroke horsepower.

As a major evolutionary step from the 305cc Super Hawk twin, there was plenty of original thinking behind the CB350 engine's conventional exterior. The rubber-mounted 32mm constant-velocity carburetors — big news at the time — sent fuel and air through intake ports that were hourglass-shaped to produce a broad, steady flow of power.

Using proven Honda engine architecture, the single overhead camshaft engine was a marvel of civility from idle to redline. It asked for little fuel, oil or maintenance in exchange for the excitement it delivered on cue. Wound beyond 7000 rpm, the 350 packed a satisfying punch, delivering its 36 horsepower at 10,500 rpm — a wild number in 1970. No worries. Honda ingenuity, expressed in progressively wound dual-coil valve springs, helped keep everything spinning smoothly.

The chassis around that engine defined a motorcycle as adept in rush hour traffic as it was on a meandering backroad. Unlike many of its peers, the 350 was comfortable, quick and agile enough to entertain experts without intimidating novice riders.

After pitting the Super Sport against its 350cc competition, Cycle magazine may have said it best: "The Honda is tight, neat, thorough and it will feel fresher longer than the other bikes in the category. Honda never seems to miss — and they didn't miss here." In fact, the CB350 is one of the biggest hits in Honda history.