319,712 Sold. 319,712 Lives Changed Forever
When looking back on the history of American motorcycling, few bikes have captured the spirit of freedom and simplicity like the Honda CB350. Packed with charisma and charm, the CB350 landed at just the right time—when having fun on a reliable, well-made motorcycle didn’t have to cost a fortune. What made the CB350 so special wasn’t just the ride itself, but the promise of Honda’s unmatched reliability. It wasn’t the fastest machine on the road, but nobody cared. That was the magic of the CB350.
We’re excited to take you through the story of this truly unique motorcycle—one that rightfully deserves its place in the history books as the great-grandfather of the modern superbike. Sound like a stretch? Stick with us:
The Origin Story
To understand the CB350, you have to go back to Honda’s roots. What is now the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturer started in 1946 as the Honda Technical Research Institute—just 12 people working in a small shed, repurposing surplus generator motors for bicycles in postwar Japan. Soichiro Honda, ever the innovator, quickly pivoted to designing and building engines from scratch, launching Honda Motor Co., Ltd. in 1949.
That same year, Honda introduced its first motorcycle: the D-Type, nicknamed the "Dream." It featured what would become classic motorcycle components—telescopic front forks, a double-cradle frame, and a teardrop-shaped fuel tank. The frame was pressed steel, which was both easier to manufacture and remarkably durable. Power came from a 98cc two-stroke single-cylinder engine, with the engine acting as a stressed member of the frame.
The D-Type had its quirks (notably, a problematic clutch), but it paved the way for the revolutionary Type E—the first production motorcycle in the world to use a four-stroke engine. That 148cc four-stroke single was compact, powerful, and smooth—a technological leap in the early 1950s when two-strokes dominated.
By the mid-1960s, Honda was refining its four-stroke technology and transitioning to twin-cylinder designs. The CB77 “Super Hawk” emerged as one of the first true sportbikes, combining reliability, performance, and a sophisticated engineering approach. Produced from 1961 to 1967, it laid the groundwork for the CB350—and ultimately, every high-performance Honda to follow.
Twin-Cylinder Evolution
The CB350 was, in essence, a natural evolution of the Super Hawk. It kept the concept of using the engine as a stressed frame member but added a tubular cradle for greater stiffness and improved handling. The bike was lighter, nimbler, and more responsive. A shorter wheelbase and upgraded front drum brake gave the CB350 agility on twisty roads, while variants like the scrambler (CL350) added off-road potential with high-mounted exhausts and larger tires.
Though Honda was already making waves with four-cylinder models like the CB750, the CB350’s parallel twin design struck a perfect balance of simplicity, power, and cost. It was durable, easy to maintain, and fun to ride. The secret to its performance? High revs and light weight.
With a 325cc OHC (overhead cam) twin fed by twin Keihin carburetors, the CB350 produced 33–36 horsepower at a sky-high 9,500 RPM. Paired with a 5-speed transmission and weighing just 346 pounds, the bike could cover a quarter-mile in 14.3 seconds and reach over 100 MPH—all for under $1,000.
It was a sensation. From 1968 to 1973, Honda sold over 319,000 CB350s in the U.S. alone. With up to 70 MPG fuel economy, low maintenance costs, and superb reliability, it was the perfect ride for a generation reeling from the oil crisis and moving away from gas-guzzling muscle cars. The CB350 just made sense.
Where Is It Now?
Today, the Honda CB350 is one of the most accessible and rewarding vintage bikes you can find. Its reputation for reliability, coupled with the sheer number produced, makes it a top choice for vintage racers, restoration enthusiasts, and custom builders alike.
Parts are plentiful, and the CB350’s straightforward engineering makes it easy to work on. Whether you’re building a café racer, a scrambler, or a full-on restomod, the CB350 offers a rock-solid platform. Its engine is capable of handling mild performance upgrades, and many racers still compete with them in AHRMA vintage racing series across the U.S.
A New American Classic
When it comes to impact, few motorcycles have left a mark quite like the Honda CB350. More than just a machine, it ignited a movement—bringing the dream of two-wheeled freedom within reach of an entire generation. Affordable, approachable, and endlessly fun, the CB350 showed that a motorcycle didn’t need to be the fastest or the biggest to be unforgettable. With its punchy 325cc parallel twin, bulletproof 4-stroke reliability, and timeless styling, it offered a perfect blend of character and capability.
Today, its legacy lives on not only as a beloved classic but as a foundational piece of motorcycle history. Whether you're restoring one to its showroom glory, racing it in vintage circuits, or building a modern restomod, the CB350 remains a rewarding platform. Light, lively, and loaded with charm, it still turns heads and wins hearts—proving that some legends never fade.