New Japanese Honda four

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32701, 2 September 1971, Page 11

New Japanese Honda four

One of the most exciting new models to appear on the road in recent months is the Japanese Honda CBSOO, a machine powered by an overhead camshaft, fourcylinder four-stroke engine. It is in some ways a scaled down version of Honda’s very successful C 8750 four-cylinder roadster, the most powerful production machine in the world. And because of its greater manoeuvrability the smaller machine promises to be even more popular.

For a 500 c.c. motorcycle, it is very compact and weighs 4071 b, some 701 b lighter than its big brother. It is 2in shorter dhd its seat is lin lower than the C 8750. The price in New Zealand is also

considerably less $1599 compared with $1999 for the bigger machine.

The manufacturers claim a maximum speed of 116 miles an hour and power output of 50 brake horsepower—impressive figures for a 498 c.c. engine. Peak power is developed at 9000 revolutions per minute. but for normal use adequate performance can be obtained by changing up. at about 8000 revolutions per minute.

One of the features of the new machine is. its wide power band. This gives it the feel of a tourer but, in the opinion of the English magazine, “Motor Cycle,” it is the most > raceworthy of all production Hondas. Steering, road-holding and general: handling are outstanding. Around town, fuel consumption should be about 50 miles to the gallon. The power unit is a transverse in-line four-cylinder engine with a single overhead camshaft driven by a

roller-less chain from the middle of the crankshaft. The cylinders and heads are light alloy. Lubrication is by wet sump. Power is transmitted to the rear Wheel via a fivespeed gearbox. Ignition is by a 12 volt battery and coils. Charging is by alternator.' An electric starter is fitted as standard. Braking is understood to be first class. At the front a lOJin disc brake, hydraulically operated, is fitted. A 7in single leading shoe drum unit, rod operated, is at the rear.

The wheelbase is 55(in, the seat height 30|in and the ground clearance (unladen) 6Sin. The CBSOO can cover the standing quarter-mile in 13.2 sec. The top speeds in each gear (at 9000 r.p.m.) are: First, 44 miles an hour; second, 64 miles an hour; third, 82 miles an hour; fourth, 102 miles an hour: fifth, 114 miles an hour. These machines are expected to be appearing on New Zealand roads in some numbers in the next month or two.