Most observers point to the Honda CB750 as the best Honda motorcycle ever made, due to its historic market impact and lasting influence on the global motorcycle industry.
To understand the question fully, we must weigh different definitions of "best": a motorcycle’s street performance, racing pedigree, touring capability, and the legacy it leaves for future machines. Honda’s history spans iconic road bikes, championship-winning race machines, and versatile tourers, so the answer depends on which criterion you prioritize. Below, we examine several categories where Honda has delivered standout machines and why they matter.
The case for the CB750 as the foundational milestone
What made it possible
Below are the core reasons why the CB750 is frequently cited as Honda’s defining motorcycle for the street rider audience.
- First mass-produced inline-four motorcycle in 1969, delivering smooth, usable power and reliability.
- Combination of performance and everyday practicality helped shift consumer expectations for motorcycles.
- Set a new industry standard that prompted competition to advance disc brakes, multi-cylinder engines, and overall refinement.
- Laid the groundwork for Honda’s enduring emphasis on engineering quality and accessible performance.
In summary, the CB750’s market impact and engineering philosophy created a template that shaped Honda’s approach for decades and remains a touchstone in evaluating the brand’s best work.
Honda’s racing giants: machines that defined the sport
Why racing matters in defining “the best”
Racing machines embody Honda’s highest engineering ambitions and often inform production models for years to come. The following motorcycles illustrate Honda’s peak performance in competition.
- NSR500 (1980s): A legendary two-stroke Grand Prix weapon that dominated the era, showcasing radical race-engineering and horsepower.
- RC211V (2002–2006): A landmark MotoGP bike with a powerful V5 990cc configuration that secured multiple championships and reshaped modern grand-prix design.
- RC213V (since 2012): The current pinnacle in MotoGP, delivering cutting-edge race technology and sustained success at the highest level.
- RC213V-S (road-legal version): A limited production bridge bringing MotoGP DNA to street riders, highlighting Honda’s racing heritage in a purchasable form.
Collectively, these race machines illustrate Honda’s long-standing commitment to pushing what’s technically possible, with innovations that ripple back into road-going models.
Iconic road and touring machines that shape Honda’s public image
The road that connects engineering to everyday riding
Beyond outright speed, Honda’s best-known road machines have defined the brand’s identity for everyday riders and long-distance travelers alike.
- CB750 family and successors: The original game-changer evolved into a broad family that influenced multiple generations of street bikes.
- Gold Wing (from 1975 onward): The defining luxury touring motorcycle, renowned for comfort, stability, and long-range capability.
- RC30 and related VFR-derived models: The fusion of high-revving performance with street usability, appreciated by enthusiasts who wanted race-bred handling on public roads.
These production bikes demonstrate Honda’s strength in delivering machines that people actually ride daily, while still carrying the brand’s racing and engineering heritage.
Modern performance and versatility
The contemporary lineup as a measure of current excellence
In recent years, Honda has shown breadth across sport, adventure, and practical riding, with several standout models that push the envelope in their respective segments.
- Fireblade series (CBR1000RR and SP variants): High-performance liter-class sportbikes with advanced electronics, refined handling, and track-proven capability.
- Africa Twin and other adventure bikes: Versatile, capable machines for on- and off-road exploration, reflecting Honda’s commitment to travel-ready performance.
- Entry-level bikes like the CB500 family: Accessibility and reliability continue to anchor Honda’s reputation for rider-friendly machines.
Together, these modern models show Honda’s ability to balance speed, durability, and practicality, ensuring relevance across rider demographics and use cases.
What makes a motorcycle the "best" for Honda?
Ultimately, the best Honda depends on what you value most: historical influence, race success, everyday usability, or engineering innovation. For many, the CB750 remains the most influential street bike and a symbol of Honda’s breakthrough moment. For others, the RC213V represents peak racing engineering, while the Gold Wing stands as the pinnacle of touring luxury. Honda’s legacy contains superbikes, touring legends, and championship machines alike, each the best in its own right within its category.
Summary
There is no single definitive answer to “the best Honda motorcycle ever made.” The CB750’s market-shaping impact makes it the most frequently cited overall candidate, but Honda’s racing machines—NSR500, RC211V, RC213V—and iconic road-touring machines like the Gold Wing and RC30 demonstrate excellence in distinct niches. The best Honda motorcycle depends on whether you prioritize street performance, racing pedigree, touring comfort, or engineering innovation. Across categories, Honda’s history offers landmark machines that continue to influence motorcycling to this day.