Top 10 Honda Motorcycles (Best Of)

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Honda is one of the most popular motorcycle manufacturers in the world, and the company has produced several models over the years.

Some of the most popular motorcycles introduced by the company include Honda Gold Wing, Honda Rebel 500, Honda Super Cub, Honda CB750, Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin, Honda VFR750R, Honda Hawk GT NT650, Honda NR750, Honda Ruckus, and Honda CBR600F Hurricane.

While there are several other motorcycles introduced by the company, the ones listed here have garnered the most traction. Therefore, if you're interested in buying one of the top Honda motorcycles, you should learn about their specs and features.

We have created this list of the most popular Honda motorcycles to help you get familiar with the specifications of the best rides made by the company. We've tested several motorcycles and compared their features, price, and performance to provide you with the top 10 Honda motorcycles.

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Honda Gold Wing

The Honda Gold Wing is built to let you get out there and travel while also allowing you to spend that moment with a like-minded friend. With its legendary powerful six-cylinder engine, streamlined chassis for weather protection, and spacious storage, you have complete control over the ride.  

Many people consider this to be a cross between a motorcycle and a car. The design has little resemblance to previous Honda motorcycles. That is why this large motorcycle is considered one of the greatest in the industry and regarded as the undisputed king of the big tourer market.

The horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine in today's modern Gold Wing is renowned for its smoothness and power. The most recent model has an 1833 cc engine that is over 13 pounds lighter than the old versions.

The new Gold Wing is smaller and more agile than previous models, with performance that most touring motorcycles can only hope of. Aluminum cylinder sleeves with high strength help reduce weight, improve cooling capacity, and shorten the engine's length. The engine's compactness is aided by the 73mm cylinder size and compact, high-strength shaft.

A groundbreaking 7-Speed Automatic DCT is offered on the Gold Wing. This version's changes are faster and smoother than ever before, and the overdrive seventh gear is ideal for highway driving. The motorcycle's engine, intake mechanism, and four-valve layout are all said to improve fuel efficiency by 22% over the previous model.

You might think that the double-walled exhaust piping is only for show, but single-wall exhaust pipes can generate a lot of warmth on a hot day. The Gold Wing's twin-wall construction keeps things cooler and makes this motorcycle one of the greatest models made by Honda.

Honda Rebel 500

The Honda Rebel is a compact model that is one of the company's more recent products. It is an exceptional motorcycle for beginners and boasts features that will appeal to riders of all generations.

The Rebel 500 boasts black colored engine parts, and its bodywork features are stunning during the day and much more vibrant at nighttime. This ride deviates from standard motorcycle styling and the mundane boulevard droning. It all starts with a compact 471cc twin-cylinder engine that packs plenty of punch. The low weight, aesthetics, and short seat height are all ideal for beginner riders, while innovations like Honda's slip assist clutch add to the fun of riding.

The headlamp is another important component of motorcycle layout. You get the perfect combination with the Rebel. The lamp is bright and crisp, and the motorcycle's circular nacelle design, aluminum cast headlight mount, and crystal lens give it a distinguished appearance.

Honda offers a wide range of factory attachments if you want to personalize your motorcycle. You can, for instance, look at custom seat choices, a headrest, saddlebags, and a back carrier, along with a lot of other things as well.

Steel is a material that never goes out of fashion. The back fender on the Rebel seems to be either matching to the tanks or matte black. The color is beautiful, and the steel fender helps to maintain the extra and detachable passenger seat. The rear shocks are also nitrogen-filled and have a unique spring rate to add comfort to your ride.

One of the best things about the Honda Rebel 500 is that the ride is reliable and inexpensive to fix because the prices of the parts are reasonable. It's lightweight, nimble, fast, and a fun ride for a beginner who is just learning to ride. It is also easy to back up and pick up if you drop it, which will happen quite a few times when you are just starting out.

Honda released a limited-edition SE edition of the Rebel 500 ABS for 2021.  It includes factory-installed versions of some of the bestselling accessories. Their brown diamond-stitch seat, black fork boots, black top fork covers, and a black headlamp cowl are a stunning combo that takes the ride to a new level.

Honda Super Cub

The Honda Super Cub is one of the few motorcycles that has stood the test of time. Honda has sold almost 100 million units of the ride, which has been on the roads since 1958. This makes it one of the most popular motorcycles in history.

Thanks to its versatility and low cost, the Super Cub has been a workhorse in developing countries for decades. A four-stroke single-cylinder engine with a displacement varying from 49 to 124cc powers the motorcycle.

The Super cub C100 was built on a pressed steel unibody chassis with a horizontal engine mounted underneath the central spine, a design that is today known as the step-through or underbone motorcycle. The Super Cub is a tough motorcycle to categorize, falling halfway between scooters and motorcycles, and it was often known as a scooterette.

The plastic fairing ran from the bottom of the handlebars to the bottom of the foot pegs, shielding the rider's legs from the breeze and debris while also concealing the engine. This layout was like a scooter's entire dome, but unlike a scooter, the engines and transmission were not attached to the back axle.

Nobody can beat Honda's engine pedigree, and despite its small size, the Super Cub was a powerhouse in terms of performance and dependability. The fuel tank was hidden beneath a flexible seat that unfolded to expose a fuel filling inlet. The 17-inch tires were steadier than a scooter's classic 10-inch wheels, especially on bad roads, and cognitively made the motorcycle more familiar, looking more like a bicycle than a small-wheel moped.

Undoubtedly, the Honda Super Cub was the right motorcycle at the correct time, and now it's returned in a brand-new form that's perfect for today's riders. Certainly, you'll like the traditional styling, but beneath that timeless chassis are a slew of innovative amenities. What made it excellent back then is still true today: it's economical, practical, and the perfect size for a wide range of riders.

The new 2021 Honda Super Cub can go up to 60 mph, according to the company, but in the real world, you will likely get close to 50 mph. The long-stroke plant has a 52.4mm bore with a 57.9mm, while the compression ratio is 9.3-to-1. The small motorcycle features a 124.9 cc engine which is coupled with a clutchless semi-automatic shifter and four-speed gearbox that delivers the same ease of operations that made the original a huge hit.

Honda CB750

The Honda CB750 is universally acknowledged as one of the best motorcycles ever produced. The CB750 had a 736cc air-cooled 4-inline engine located crosswise under the fuel tank when it was first introduced in 1969. With 68 crank horsepower, it was among the most powerful sport motorcycles present at the time.

The CB750 serves as both a suitable conclusion and a rousing start. The CB750 appeared to be the conclusion of Honda's lengthy development, considering the company's success in world championship racing with multi cylinder rides and its record for mass-producing durable, economical small-displacement single- and twin-cylinder motorcycles.

The CB750 sports a longitudinal, straight-four engine with a single overhead camshaft and front disc braking, both of which had never been seen on popular, affordable manufacturing motorcycles before. The CB750 had a significant sports performance boost over its competition, notably its British competitors, thanks to its engine and disc brakes, as well as a low initial price.

The electric starter, kill button, dual reflectors, flashing turn lights, easily handled valves, and overall speed and minimal vibration both in motion and at a stop added to the motorcycle's worth. Easy to maintain hydraulic valves were also installed in later models starting in 1991.

Moreover, Honda based their initial to mid-70s race motorcycle, the CR750, on the CB750K1 and K4 components, capitalizing on the motorcycle's reputation and technology. Honda was able to win races and rank highly in Tourist Trophies like the Isle of Man TT, which welcomed both CB750s and CR750s.

Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin

Honda has often demonstrated that it can outperform even its greatest designs. With some of the most durable and adaptable rides on the marketplace, this is undeniably true. Between all power sport vehicles, the CRF1000L Africa Twin model appears to be the finest.

This model sports a 998 cc 4-stroke parallel-twin engine and the features that many riders desire. Honda Africa Twin, which comes in two different models and is built on a modular platform, follows the True Adventure spirit and appeals to a wide range of customers. Thanks to a powerful engine and competent chassis, these adventure tour motorcycles have an assertive appearance and adequate performance.

The CRF1000L Africa Twin, which stays loyal to the true adventure idea, has a high-mount front fairing, an elevated body position, and 21- and 18-inch front and back wheels, correspondingly, which effectively show the model's pedigree.

The base model has a thin, light appearance with small lines that complement its off-road orientation. Its retractable windscreen minimizes wind jolting on the chest at incredible velocities while easing front-to-rear bodyweight transitions during intense riding in tough terrain. The gasoline tank is still 5.0 gallons, the tires and spoke rims remain tube-type, and there is no rear rack, resulting in a slim back.

Irrespective of your skill or off-road expertise, the Africa Twin encourages confidence on the ground right away. Its physical size is a refreshing change in the contemporary adventure cycle class, which is dominated by motorcycles with 1200+cc engines; the parallel-twin engine keeps it low and thin.

When trying to stand up, this, coupled with the aerodynamics of the fuel tank, allows the rider to shift their weight forwards over the front tire while applying pressure to the foot pegs to improve turning and grip - a critical advantage when traversing difficult terrain.

On and off the highway, the new Africa Twin has amazing credentials. It has a lighter feel to it and is quite cost-effective. This is among the most spectacular real adventure motorcycles available and a beautiful return to the Africa Twin name.

Honda VFR750R

The VFR750R, code-named RC30 in racing trim, is another top model produced by Honda. It was a unique homologation system built to meet the street homologation regulations of the completely new World Superbike Championship, which began in 1988. Only 3000 were built and marketed between 1987 and 1990 and were designed solely by Honda Racing Corporation.

With race-inspired elements like titanium connecting rods, a solitary swing arm from a Honda durability racer, and retractable bodywork screws, Honda demonstrated what they could accomplish when cost wasn't a barrier.

Because it was built as a race motorcycle, the engine and gas tank were mounted low to lower the center of gravity to improve handling, as was the single-seat layout. The 6-speed gearbox, slipper clutch, valve system, and cylinder heads are all unique to the RC30, which, combined with the fiberglass exterior, emphasizes the vehicle's hand-built customized nature. A 748cc 16 valve V4 liquid-cooled engine powers this famous beast, which generated 76bhp in Japan but was eventually enhanced to offer 118bhp to the entire world.

The VFR750R, was virtually a race motorcycle with street bits on it, which makes it one of the finest Honda motorcycles ever manufactured. You could practically ride around on a fully road legal racing bike provided you acquired the correct HRC components.

The VFR750R RC30 is remembered as the victor of the very first two World SBK Championship campaigns and is also one of the greatest homologation specialists ever manufactured. The grizzled engine would spin up to 11,000 rpm right away, producing a noticeable linear power range.

Overall, the Honda VFR750R, often described as a Rolex among a sea of Timexes, is a dazzling superstar among Honda's voluminous collection of motorcycles and is still considered a classic to this day.

Honda Hawk GT NT650

Although naked v-twins have become more popular now, when Honda first released the Hawk NT650 in the 1980s, it was anything but common. The motorcycle may be 650cc, but considering the way the V-twin feeds power to the back wheel, it is undoubtedly easier to handle than other 600cc+ motorcycles.

This ride is meticulous in its detailing. It was more costly than the Honda CBR when it first came out, and the way the motorcycle is polished reflects this. The engine is reliable, the brakes are effective, and it's a stunning ride to see.

The Hawk is a classic example of when the totality is greater than the sum of its parts. The motorcycle does not appear to be particularly promising, with less than 40 horsepower, no fairing, a large swingarm, and a slow-revving dirt engine. Anyone who has possessed or ridden a small Hawk, on the other hand, would tell you that the motorcycle was fantastic, especially in terms of handling.

The ride is so compact that you'll believe your knees are brushing when you ride on one. The Hawk GT's centered weight, exceptionally compliant chassis, and signature style engine made it easy to ride for beginner riders while still being proficient enough for veteran racers. The motorcycle is a joy to work on and reacts well to modifications. It will last several years if you take care of it.

The engine was stolen from the Honda XRV650 Africa Twin, a smaller, higher-spec derivative of Honda Racing Corporation's 750cc motor. On the 750cc variant, the hefty, power-robbing shaft gear was removed. Honda stated it produced 56 horsepower, which was modest even by 1980s standards.

Nevertheless, the motorcycle's endurance and popularity, compared to today's rides, almost 30-years afterwards, is evidence enough that Honda produced a winning ride, perhaps a few years too early.

Honda NR750

When it was launched in 1992, the Honda NR750 was advanced in terms of innovation, appearance, and performance. Honda designers looked for ways to boost the performance of their 4-stroke engine to meet the 2-strokes used by rivals earlier on in the NR program. Because the engines were restricted to four cylinders by the regulations, Honda had to rev their engines twice as fast as their competitors to achieve equivalent power outputs.

They used oval-shaped pistons with eight valves, two connecting shafts, and two spark plugs to accomplish this. It was really a four-cylinder engine camouflaged as an eight-cylinder. These components would improve intake and burning, allowing the engine to reach speeds of more than 20,000 rpm.

The Honda NR750, a motorcycle based on these groundbreaking concepts, was released publicly in 1992. It was a sophisticated technological declaration, using the same oval piston, 32 valve design as the NR superbike. Aside from its iconic circular piston engine, the NR750 had a variety of avant-garde design features.

The lights had a small, dual-set design that was both fashionable and practical. This gave the NR750 a thorough look that hinted at its incredible capability; in the ensuing years, numerous sport motorcycles used a similar setup.

For a sleek aesthetic, the exhaust was channeled right beneath the seat. A single-sided swingarm revealed one side of the back wheel, which was not only stylish but also reminiscent of Honda Street motorcycles such as the RC30.

The engine whirrs and purrs as it starts up, the beautifully tuned pieces creating a technical symphony. The pitch rises as the rider speeds, ripping into the high registers of the tachometer and appearing to rev well past the top speed.

As the speed rises, the ride becomes truer and more reliable, devouring the track like a full-fledged race bike might. When you see the model's incredible performance, you can tell how much effort Honda engineers put into the NR program over the years.

Honda Ruckus

The Honda Ruckus is a naked, town scooter for people searching for a straightforward journey, from college students to grocery shoppers. To begin with the 49cc engine, you simply have to press the electronic start button and flex your wrist. There's no need to change the clutch with this vehicle's automatic gearbox!

Its tubular frame and simplicity make it an ideal playground for bespoke builders. The Ruckus doesn't claim to be a mini-sport motorcycle, it doesn't dress up in racing replica paint to make it appear as if it's connected to other motorcycles or anything, and most crucially, it doesn't make any claims it can't seem to keep. That's one of the things we enjoy about this small mover.

The Honda Ruckus looks ready for everything thanks to its stripped-down appearance, fatty-fat tires, and dual headlamps. However, please remember that this is a 49cc engine. The Ruckus gets reasonable gas mileage, but it won't climb up hills quickly and won't keep up with cars unless you adhere to quiet routes.

The Ruckus comes with a simple instrument panel that includes an analogue speedometer, tachometer, and high beam, coolant temperature, and low fuel indicator lights. There is no gasoline gauge, but there is a 1.3-gallon tank beneath the floorboards. With a 0.3-gallon backup, the low-fuel light illuminates. The seat height is 29 inches, and while seat height on a scooter isn't as important as it is on a motorcycle, 29 inches is sufficient for almost everyone.

The ride lacks storage capacity, but there are plenty of locations to harness whatever you need to carry safely, or you can buy aftermarket boards to cover the space beneath the seat. The Ruckus has a lockable helmet strap under the seat to protect your helmet, so you don't have to hold it when you move away from your motorcycle.

The chassis of the Ruckus is made from a cast-aluminum front frame and a steel subframe in the rear to hold the solo seat. Front forks with tube-and-slider construction provide roughly two inches of movement to absorb road shock. The back mono-shock is 2.6 inches long and springs from the swing-mount engine unit to sustain the Honda Ruckus at the back subframe.

Honda CBR600F Hurricane

Many people still view the Honda Hurricane to be the ideal all-around motorcycle. Pearl Crystal White with Fighting Red or Black with Monza Red were the two-color schemes available for the 1987 CBR. The exhaust pipe was 4-into-one, and the rims were crimson. The engine was also a 598cc DOHC 16-valve liquid-cooled inline-four mated to a 6-speed gearbox.

The 600 Hurricane, which debuted with its bigger sibling, the CBR1000F, was a breakthrough. The Hurricane's aerodynamic, comprehensive bodywork revealed the reason for this.  For reasons other than aerodynamics, Honda designers encased the Hurricane's engine and frame in full coverage, interconnecting bodywork. The engine and structural components beneath the Hurricane's sleek plastic shell appeared unpolished, even industrial. Instead of spending development money on hardware enhancements, it was focused on parts that would revolutionize sport motorcycle capability.

While the Hurricane's box-section steel structure may have appeared basic, the 54 6-inch wheelbase and sporty 26.0-degree rake gave a beautiful blend of acceleration and strength. It had the best disc brakes in the industry, and at 450.0 pounds damp, it was 20.0 lbs. lighter than its closest competitor.

The engine was liquid-cooled, double four-cylinder. The Hurricane's engine topped out at 12,000 rpm and produced 85 hp, making it the first 600cc sport motorcycle to run a quarter-mile in under 11 seconds. All in all, no other sports motorcycle could rival the Hurricane's superbly balanced, approachable blend of power and performance at any cost, let alone the inexpensive price tag that it comes with.