STANDING START QUARTER MILE IN 12.6 SEC On patrol with Honda's mighty four-cylinder CB-75OP

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33933, 28 August 1975, Page 16

STANDING START QUARTER MILE IN 12.6 SEC On patrol with Honda's mighty four-cylinder CB-75OP

(By

ROD DEW

Motor - cycles manufactured specifically for use in traffic control — as distinct from ordinary roadsters equipped with sirens and twoway radios — appear to be finding increasing favour in New Zealand. With their vivid white finish, crash bars, flashing red lights and mechanical sirens, they present an impressive sight.

Thirty • seven of these special units were recently imported by Blue Wing Honda, Limited, and although most of them were destined for the North Island, three — a CB-360P. a CB-500P four and a CB-750P four — came to Christchurch. These were offered to “The Press” for road testing. Lack of available time Srecluded a detailed examjatlon of all three, but the opportunity to discover how a genuine traffic patrol machine compared with its standard counterpart was too good to turn down. As a compromise, it was decided to concentrate on the flagship of the patrol fleet, the mighty fourcylinder CB-750P. STANDARD ENGINE Contrary to what one might expect, the 736 c.c. overhead camshaft, fourcylinder engine is identical to that used in the normal CB-750 roadster. The only advantage in performance the patrol model will have over a standard machine will be a direct result of tuning and maintenance. Actually, the patrol model, when it is fully equipped with windscreen and large pannier bags as well as other special equipment, could be easily out-paced by a standard machine. However, the engine — with 67 brake horsepower on tap at 8000 r.p.m.—it still capable of sending it through a. standing quarter-mile in less than J3sec, Top speed is about 120 m-p-h. If there are a few motorcycles which can better this performance, there are even fewer cars. And it will be cars which riders of the patrol bike will be mainly concerned with. The CB-750P is a little too heavy and cumbersome for city work—it tips the scales at 5431 b, 6l!b more than the standard roadster. But it is by no means unmanageable. It is clearly

intended for patrol duty on the open road and here it comes into its own. It has rapid acceleration and the extra weight does not appear to adversely affect its handling at all.' One would expect the centre of gravity to be raised by such items as the siren, crash bars front and rear and the rear document case (complete with light). If it has been, it is impossible to detect ROAD HOLDING During the test period, the patrol Honda displayed excellent road holding and the considerable weight of the bike was no problem when changing direction at speed. The suspension gave a firm but comfortable ride, absorbing irregularities in the road surface well. The seat, although shortened to allow space for the document case, is supremely comfortable and

the riding position ideal for a 6ft rider. The one thing which I disliked about the Honda was the limited slip clutch. This is designed to prevent strain on the transmission when accelerating from a standstill. But it took a lot of getting used to and certainly did not improve the performance of the machine. The effect was rather like getting a tow from somebody who had omitted to take up the slack in the tow rope before moving off. The brakes, hydraulic disc at the front and internal expanding shoe unit at the rear, are efficient and fade free. The rev. counter on the standard Honda has been dispensed with and in its place is a large jewelled speedometer. The needle can be locked on any speed with the touch of a button on the right handlebar.

Marked on the speedometer are the speed limits for each gear: 60 kilometres an hour for first, 90 for second. 120 for third, 150 for fourth and 170 for top. The gearbox is the very smooth standard unit used on all large Hondas SIREN The mechanical siren is operated by a second lever on the left handlebar. No test of a patrol bike would be complete without trying this and the red flashing lights. A trip into the country was clearly called for and so. under the watchful eyes of on? black and white cow and a flock of sheep, the warning equipment was operated. Not surprisingly, it was all rather an antt-climax. The siren sounds rather mellow from the rider’s seat. And one cannot even see the flashing red lights. Obviously, they are intended to impress the traffic offender rather than the traffic officer. Electric and kick starters are standard equipment. Basically, the patrol machine is very similar in handling and performance to the standard model from which it is derived It is a solid, dependable and fast machine with all the equipment the most demanding of traffic officers could desire. Machines of this type are certain to be seen on New Zealand roads in increasing numbers before very long. The test mode! was prepared by Holland’s Motor-cycles, Limited.