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 1974 Norton John Player Norton, hailing from United Kingdom, by contrast offered 828cc of OHV twin power, delivering 70hp at 7000rpm. Tipping the scales at 175.0kg (386 lbs) with a top speed of 215km/h (134 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 | 1974 Norton John Player Norton | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 347 cc | 828 cc |
| Power | 34 hp | 70 hp |
| Torque | 28.0 Nm | 65.0 Nm |
| Cylinders | 4 | 2 |
| Top Speed | 155 km/h | 215 km/h |
| Quarter Mile | — | — |
| Dry Weight | 172.0 kg | 175.0 kg |
| Wet Weight | 185.0 kg | 188.0 kg |
| Seat Height | 790 mm | 780 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1375 mm | 1420 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 13.0 L | 14.0 L |
| Gears | 5 -speed | 5 -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 1974 Norton John Player Norton targets outright circuit racing performance. On paper, the 1974 Norton John Player Norton's 70hp 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 1974 Norton John Player Norton for outright circuit racing performance. Parts availability is good for the 1972 Honda CB350 Four and very difficult for the 1974 Norton John Player Norton — 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 1974 Norton John Player Norton
The 1974 1974 Norton John Player Norton is a 828cc twin-cylinder racing machine that became one of Norton's most memorable motorcycles of the 1970s.
Full 1974 Norton John Player Norton Profile →