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 1979 Harley-Davidson FXEF Fat Bob, hailing from United States, by contrast offered 1207cc of OHV V-twin Shovelhead power, delivering 62hp at 5200rpm. Tipping the scales at 262.0kg (578 lbs) with a top speed of 155km/h (96 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 | 1979 Harley-Davidson FXEF Fat Bob | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 347 cc | 1207 cc |
| Power | 34 hp | 62 hp |
| Torque | 28.0 Nm | 92.0 Nm |
| Cylinders | 4 | 2 |
| Top Speed | 155 km/h | 155 km/h |
| Quarter Mile | — | — |
| Dry Weight | 172.0 kg | 262.0 kg |
| Wet Weight | 185.0 kg | 282.0 kg |
| Seat Height | 790 mm | 700 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1375 mm | 1530 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 13.0 L | 18.0 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 1979 Harley-Davidson FXEF Fat Bob targets relaxed highway cruising and long-distance comfort. On paper, the 1979 Harley-Davidson FXEF Fat Bob's 62hp 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 1979 Harley-Davidson FXEF Fat Bob for relaxed highway cruising and long-distance comfort.
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 1979 Harley-Davidson FXEF Fat Bob
Born in 1979, the 1979 Harley-Davidson FXEF Fat Bob is a 1207cc twin-cylinder cruiser producing 62hp from Harley-Davidson.
Full 1979 Harley-Davidson FXEF Fat Bob Profile →