Few brands receive the same respect and admiration as Honda in motorbikes. Founded by Soichiro Honda, the company initially set out to create affordable transportation for a recovering nation. Little did they know that their motorcycles would soon captivate enthusiasts worldwide, setting new standards and breaking records along the way. The brand has become the world’s biggest motorcycle manufacturer since 1959. Here are some of the most iconic motorbikes created by Honda.

Honda Gold Wing GL 1000

As the first generation of the Gold Wing series, the GL 1000 is a golden name in luxury touring motorcycles. Since its launch in 1974, it has revolutionized long-distance riding with unparalleled comfort, a smooth ride, and impressive power. The following year, 13000 units were sold in the US. Its reliability and innovation made it a favorite among touring enthusiasts, earning it a legendary status that continues to this day.

Honda Africa Twin

The Honda Africa Twin is a modern adventure bike that traces back to Honda’s Paris-Dakar Rally successes in the 1980s. It’s a large dual-sport bike for adventurers who seek to explore the most challenging terrains. The first generation hit the showrooms in 1988, and this motorcycle underwent several updates and improvements to enhance its off-road capability and on-road comfort.

Honda Super Cub

Known for its simplicity, reliability, and fuel efficiency, the Honda Super Cub has become the world’s best-selling motor vehicle, with over 100 million units produced since its introduction in 1958. With its step-through design and easy handling, it’s an excellent choice for urban commuters and beginners. At the same time, its iconic styling made it a cultural icon, with people associating it with the 1960s Beach Boys’ hit, Little Honda.

Honda CBR 1000RR

Also known as the Fireblade, this high-performance sportbike has set the standard for superbikes since its debut in 2004. The Honda CBR1000RR features razor-sharp handling and a strong inline-four engine for speed enthusiasts, offering a balance of power and agility. It won the Cycle World’s International Bike of the Year Award in 2008 and the Best Sportbike of the Year Award in 2009.

Honda Rebel 500

Launched in 2017, the Honda Rebel 500 is a cruiser that mixes classic style with modern performance. Thanks to its fat tires, low riding position, and chassis, this is one of the most comfortable bikes to ride. It features a torquey parallel-twin engine and user-friendly ergonomics, making it ideal for new riders and those seeking a laid-back riding experience while maintaining a retro look that appeals to many.

Honda CBR600F Hurricane

Honda released the Hurricane in 1987, which instantly became a game-changer in the sportbike segment. Later, an upgraded, more modern model with the name CBR600F was released in 2011. It came with an aluminum alloy, four-stroke inline four-cylinder that produces 102 hp. With its fully-faired design and responsive handling, it’s a good choice for everyday riding and track performance. Today, it’s considered a good choice for entry-level riders who want a reliable and comfortable machine.

Honda Shadow

This family of cruiser-type bikes was first introduced in 1983, mainly to address the needs of the American market. The Honda Shadow is known for its smooth V-twin engine, low seat height, and comfortable riding position, appealing to riders who appreciate the traditional cruiser aesthetic combined with Honda’s reliability. Ideal for new and seasoned riders, the Shadow’s timeless design and versatility make it an enduring favorite in the cruiser segment.

Honda CBX 1000

Honda surprised the world when it first launched this motorcycle with its groundbreaking six-cylinder engine. This sportbike, produced from 1978 to 1982, is still celebrated for its impressive power, smooth delivery, and distinctive exhaust note. Targeted at performance enthusiasts and collectors, the CBX 1000’s advanced engineering and unique design set it apart from its contemporaries.

Honda CB750

In the late 1960s, motorbikes usually featured single or dual-cylinder engines. Still, Honda decided to introduce the Honda CB750 with an air-cooled, transverse, in-line-four-cylinder engine, earning it its status as a superbike. This motorcycle catered to a broad audience, from casual riders to performance seekers, and its impact on motorcycle design and technology was profound. The CB750’s blend of power, reliability, and affordability made it an instant classic, and its influence continues to be felt today.

Honda Rune

People have mixed feelings about the Rune; some consider it one of Honda’s most expensive mistakes. Honda allegedly needed more than $100,000 to manufacture each bike, but then it sold it for $27,000. However, it wanted to showcase what the company could develop. This bike had a limited production run, with only about 3000 units made, becoming a sought-after item by collectors.

Honda CB77 Super Hawk

Honda produced this 305 cc straight-twin motorcycle from 1961 until 1968. It marks a significant milestone in Honda’s history, as it used a steel-tube frame for the first time, setting a standard for modern bikes. The Super Hawk was popular among enthusiasts and racers for its reliability and versatility.

Honda NR-750

The Honda NR-750 is the endurance racer version of the Honda NR, first released in 1979. After a remarkable success in the 1960s Grand Prix racing, Honda was absent for a while and wanted to develop a four-stroke machine to compete with the dominating two-stroke ones. At the time of its release, it was one of the most expensive bikes on the market, selling for about $50,000.

Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird

To challenge the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-11 as the world’s fastest production motorcycle, Honda released the Super Blackbird in 1996 to achieve a maximum speed of 177 mph. This was the number one choice for speed enthusiasts and long-distance riders with an inline-four engine and a sleek, aerodynamic design. However, it lost its title two years later to the Suzuki Hayabusa.

Honda RC213V-S

Inspired by road racing, the Honda RC213V-S is a street-legal version of the MotoGP racing machine. It was released in 2015, and there were several differences between the models released in Japan and the US due to noise laws. Nevertheless, American motorbike lovers appreciate this machine for its exclusivity and direct lineage to MotoGP racing, making it one of the most iconic and desirable motorcycles in Honda’s history.

Honda Nighthawk 250

In 1991, Honda launched the Nighthawk 250 as a standard beginner bike. However, the concept of this motorcycle started in 1982, when the company was looking for ways to expand its customer base. It’s designed as an urban street bike, as it’s lightweight, economical, and affordable.