The 1972 Honda CB350 Four from Japan was powered by a 347cc SOHC inline-4 producing 34hp at 9500rpm. Weighing 172.0kg (379 lbs) and with a seat height of 790mm, it was aimed at standard riders.
The 1970 Harley-Davidson XR750, hailing from United States, by contrast offered 748cc of OHV V-twin power, delivering 90hp at 8000rpm. Tipping the scales at 145.0kg (320 lbs) with a top speed of 210km/h (130 mph), it offered a distinct riding experience. 1970s bikes from the Japanese superbike revolution are increasingly sought after. Clean, original examples have seen significant value appreciation.
Specifications Comparison
| 1972 Honda CB350 Four | 1970 Harley-Davidson XR750 | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 347 cc | 748 cc |
| Power | 34 hp | 90 hp |
| Torque | 28.0 Nm | 72.0 Nm |
| Cylinders | 4 | 2 |
| Top Speed | 155 km/h | 210 km/h |
| Quarter Mile | — | — |
| Dry Weight | 172.0 kg | 145.0 kg |
| Wet Weight | 185.0 kg | 158.0 kg |
| Seat Height | 790 mm | 700 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1375 mm | 1380 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 13.0 L | 10.0 L |
| Gears | 5 -speed | 4 -speed |
The Verdict
These two machines serve fundamentally different purposes. The 1972 Honda CB350 Four is built for all-round versatility and everyday riding, while the 1970 Harley-Davidson XR750 targets outright circuit racing performance. On paper, the 1970 Harley-Davidson XR750's 90hp trumps the 1972 Honda CB350 Four's 34hp, but raw numbers don't tell the whole story in such different segments. Choose the 1972 Honda CB350 Four if you value all-round versatility and everyday riding; pick the 1970 Harley-Davidson XR750 for outright circuit racing performance. Parts availability is good for the 1972 Honda CB350 Four and very difficult for the 1970 Harley-Davidson XR750 — an important factor for any restoration project.
About the 1972 Honda CB350 Four
Honda released the 1972 Honda CB350 Four in 1972 with a 347cc SOHC inline-4 powerplant making 34hp — a definitive standard motorcycle.
Full 1972 Honda CB350 Four Profile →About the 1970 Harley-Davidson XR750
Born in 1970, the 1970 Harley-Davidson XR750 is a 748cc twin-cylinder racing machine producing 90hp from Harley-Davidson.
Full 1970 Harley-Davidson XR750 Profile →