The Honda Motor Company was set up way back in 1948. What followed was the start of something truly special. Over the years, the famed Japanese motorcycle manufacturer has gone from strength to strength, creating not just mass-produced commuters that have been a global success but also some truly iconic high-performance motorcycles that are right up there with the best.

UPDATE: 2024/01/10 03:11 EST BY RAUNAK AJINKYA

That the Honda Motor Company's been creating some of the most able and rounded machines for a long while should surprise no one. And considering they aren't stopping any time soon, we have updated this list to reflect a few more of Honda's best motorcycles produced.

Their motorcycles have won awards, been genre-defining, and, as mentioned earlier, truly iconic. To be able to sustain such a level of excellence and be one of the biggest brands in the world for all these years is commendable, to say the least. Given all that, the task of picking just a few of the lot to fit under the umbrella of Honda's best is unenviable, but it's something we've had a crack at anyway. The following, then, is what we deem to be some of Honda's coolest motorcycles to date.

How we got our model selections: To compile this list, HotCars did a deep-dive into Honda's long and distinguished past. No specific criteria were enforced, but care was given to narrow the list down to motorcycles that have significantly impacted buyers, be it in terms of defining the way forward for a particular segment, incorporating game-changing tech, or even simply being a sales hit. HotCars Rating Methodology will shed some insight into our rating system.

Related
These Are The 15 Most Powerful Honda Motorcycles Ever
Turns out, the legendary Japanese manufacturer has been putting out some incredibly powerful motorcycles over the years.

13 Honda CB750

Used Price Range: $3,300-$25,000

1970 Honda CB750
Iconic Motorbike Auctions

The CB750 was Honda's '70s superbike. It may not look like it now, but it was truly revolutionary for its time, and the competition knew it. This was an attempt by the Japanese manufacturer to take on the bigger motorcycles of the time, and it was so successful that Honda couldn't make enough of them to satisfy demand. It was good-looking, powerful, ergonomic, and truly redefined the segment.

1971 Honda CB750 Specs

Displacement

736cc

Engine Type

Transverse 4-cylinder

Power

67 hp

Torque

44 lb-ft

Curb Weight

499 lbs

Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs

12 Honda CBR900RR

Used Price Range: $3,500-$7,500

1992 Honda CBR900RR Fireblade, left side view
Honda

More commonly known as the Fireblade, this is a relatively old bike since its production lasted from 1992 to 2003. It was a surprise that Honda would release a bike of this caliber.

The bike was one of three models that Honda would release during its era, but the immortal Tadao Baba prioritized this model overall. The goal was to create a practical bike serving only roads, not tracks. Its enormous engine made sure that racing wouldn't be an option for this model. The motorcycle was essentially a 1,000cc bike, with the handling of a 600cc.

1997 Honda CBR900RR Specs

Displacement

919cc

Engine Type

Transverse 4-cylinder

Power

130 hp

Torque

67.9 lb-ft

Curb Weight

450 lbs

Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs

11 Honda Super Cub

Starting MSRP: $3,899

Honda Super Cub front third quarter hd minimoto wallpaper view
Honda

Who would have thought this scooter model would have made it to this list? Absolutely no one. When Honda released the Super Cub, most people expected it to be confined to the history books after a few months.

However, the Super Cub grew to become a popular vehicle with Honda, selling over 50 million units. It was one of the cheapest yet simple and convenient vehicles.

2023 Honda Super Cub Specs

Displacement

124cc

Engine Type

Single-cylinder

Power

9.6 hp

Torque

7.6 lb-ft

Curb Weight

242.5 lbs

Specs referenced from Motorcycle Specs

Related
10 Old Honda Motorcycles You Can Buy For Cheap
Given Honda's world leadership in two-wheeler sales, it is only natural that old Honda motorcycles are equally valued.

10 Honda Rebel 300

Starting MSRP: $4,849

Red and black Japanese cruiser bike
Honda

A lightweight model of the Honda company, the Rebel is one of the company's more modern productions. This is a re-imagined Honda series, available in three models: 300cc, 500cc, and 1,100cc. It combines its lightweight features with street bike aspects, making it a suitable option for most riders. The small engine options make for some great starter bikes while keeping aspects that generational riders would also enjoy.

Unlike most sport bikes and naked motorcycles, the Rebel is manageable in urban areas. It is also an affordable bike for many who have ridden for years or those just starting out.

2022 Honda Rebel 300 Specs

Displacement

286cc

Engine Type

Single-cylinder

Power

25 hp

Torque

17.6 lb-ft

Curb Weight

364 lbs

Specs sourced from WebBikeWorld

9 Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird

Used Price Range: $6,000-$7,200

Grey japanese sport bike motorcycle
Leonhartsberger Via Wikimedia Commons

Unlike most of its competition, the CBR1100XX Super Blackbird had a practical and powerful design. It was the world's fastest production motorcycle in 1997, with a top speed of 178.5 mph. However, it later lost the record in 1999 to the Suzuki Hayabusa.

The Blackbird proved to be one of the most flexible motorcycles, thus fitting in the generation. It was a simple way to get to any location while riding comfortably. In addition, it could handle both modern life and track life thanks to a comfortable build that could easily handle long-distance rides.

1998 Honda CBR1100XX Super Blackbird Specs

Displacement

1,137cc

Engine Type

Transverse 4-cylinder

Power

164 hp

Torque

91.5 lb-ft

Curb Weight

559 lbs

Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs

8 Honda CRF450R

Starting MSRP: $9,699

Honda CRF 450R taking flight
Honda

The CRF is a relatively new model compared to most bikes on this list. Since its launch in 2000, the CRF series continues to offer a large range of improvements - all worth the price increment.

The CRF450R was inspired by dirt bike models, which were considered some of the best. With a four-stroke engine, it has received more updates than anyone could have considered for such a small bike. The multitude of models had riders trying to claim superiority over one another. With a starting price of $9,699, the CRF makes for one of the best dirt bikes with championship-winning performance.

2023 Honda CRF450R Specs

Displacement

449.7cc

Engine Type

Single-cylinder

Power

53 hp

Torque

35.4 lb-ft

Curb Weight

245 lbs

Specs sourced from Bikez

7 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP

Starting MSRP: $28,900

2023 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP
Honda

As far as legendary names go, the Fireblade moniker is right up there with the most iconic. What started in 1992 has indeed come a long way, and the latest iteration of the Fireblade is hardly short on explosiveness.

Sure, its $28,900 starting price might be well out of reach for most, but it hardly skimps on anything for the money. It marks the best in engineering and tech from the Japanese giant and features a 999cc engine inspired by their MotoGP division, no less.

2024 Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP Specs

Displacement

999.9cc

Engine Type

Transverse 4-cylinder

Power

215 hp

Torque

82.6 lb-ft

Curb Weight

443 lbs

Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs

Related
10 Iconic Honda Motorcycles We Would Love To Ride
The Honda CB750 defined the superbike, but there are many other iconic Hondas loved by bikers.

6 Honda NR750

Value: $100,000-$120,000

1992 Honda NR750 hd classic sport bike wallpaper
Iconic Motorbike Auctions

We're starting with an oldie but goodie. The NR750 remains one of the most revolutionary bikes ever made by Honda. It was an expensive model with a value of $60,000 each. For most people, this was an outrageous price, leading to the production of only 300 units.

The NR750 helped revolutionize the industry by adding oval-shaped pistons that allowed eight valves per cylinder. Since they were so innovative, that pushed up the price. Some may have considered it inconvenient, but they did revolutionize the motorcycle industry.

1992 Honda NR750 Specs

Displacement

747.7cc

Engine Type

V4 oval cylinder

Power

125 hp

Torque

48.6 lb-ft

Curb Weight

537.9 lbs

Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs

5 Honda RC213V-S

Value: $180,000-$250,000

Honda RC213V-S
Honda News

The 2016 model RC213V-S should be nothing to be too excited about. Thanks to its astronomical price of $184,000, it's unlikely many will buy it. The exotic model is one of the most expensive to have ever hit the market. That in itself doesn't make it one of the best, but the RC213V-S, in effect, was a MotoGP bike for the road, which says it all.

Honda encourages this bike to be used for races and not average urban riding. Even though it's among the most powerful bikes in the world, many have yet to see that in action. It is an incredibly rare bike that consumers will be lucky to ever see out on the track or in the streets.

2015 Honda RC213V-S Specs

Displacement

999cc

Engine Type

V4

Power

215 horsepower (with kit)

Torque

87 lb-ft (with kit)

Curb Weight

353 lbs (with kit, dry)

Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs

4 Honda CBX 1000

Used Price Range: $30,000-$35,000

1980 Honda CBX 1000 Super Sport side profile view
Bring a Trailer

The CBX 1000 was Honda's answer to the question, "How many cylinders do you dare to put in one of your motorcycles?" The 6-cylinder engine was a way to showcase its engineering prowess to the world, and it managed to do just that.

As you'd expect, the CBX 1000 was reportedly extraordinarily smooth on the move, not to mention quick as well. Ultimately, it wasn't a massive commercial success, but in Honda's eyes, it accomplished what it intended for.

1978 Honda CBX 1000 Specs

Displacement

1,047cc

Engine Type

Transverse 6-cylinder

Power

105 hp

Torque

52.2 lb-ft

Curb Weight

599.9 lbs

Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs

Related
5 Honda Motorcycles We'd Love To Ride (5 We Steer Clear Of)
Honda is known for making high-quality motorcycles, but sometimes that translates into slightly boring bikes.

3 Honda Gold Wing

Starting MSRP: $24,700

2024 Honda Goldwing on the road side profile view
Honda

The Gold Wing is a middle ground between a motorcycle and a car to many. The design does not resemble other Honda bikes. That makes this big bike one of the best in the market. It's an unsurpassed member of the big tourer segment and one of the most surprising feats of engineering.

With its 1,833cc six-cylinder engine, it can take riders anywhere in comfort. With an eye-watering starting price of $24,700, the Gold Wing allows you to explore what's over the horizon and probably a little beyond that, too. For the price, you get to enjoy its refined bodywork with weather protection, ample luggage space, and a choice of two transmissions, manual or DCT.

2023 Honda Gold Wing Specs

Displacement

1,833cc

Engine Type

Boxer 6-cylinder

Power

124.7 hp

Torque

125.3 lb-ft

Curb Weight

848.7 lbs (MT); 859.8 lbs (DCT with airbag)

Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs

2 Honda CBR600F Hurricane

Used Price Range: $6,700-$10,000

1989 Honda CBR600F Hurricane side profile view
Mecum Auctions

Who wouldn't want a motorcycle that was good for anything and everything? That was the Honda Hurricane, produced from 1987 to 1990 - the only one of its generation to fulfill all the aspects any rider would ever want. No matter the year of manufacture, the Hurricane remains one of the best bikes from Honda.

It has good mileage and reliability and offers simple maneuvering. Furthermore, with all those aspects that impressed common riders, the Hurricane was also reliable on the track - winning multiple awards and titles. This machine was the best of its time and could still be today.

1989 Honda CBR600F Hurricane Specs

Displacement

598cc

Engine Type

Transverse 4-cylinder

Power

85 hp

Torque

44 lb-ft

Curb Weight

439 lbs

Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs

1 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin

Starting MSRP: $14,499

Japanese adventure bike riding offroad
Honda

Honda has proven time and again that it can surpass its best designs. That is undoubtedly a fact, having some of the most reliable and versatile bikes on the market. The CRF1000L Africa Twin model proves itself to be the best Honda Powersport vehicle among all others. The model uses a 1084cc twin-cylinder engine and has the specs others wish to have.

With lengthy travel suspensions, adjustable riding, and a choice of transmission, it is no wonder it is arguably Honda's best-ever bike. The modern aspect of the bike doesn't mean it is the most pricey either, retailing for only $14,499.

2018 Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin Specs

Displacement

1,084cc

Engine Type

Parallel-twin

Power

100.5 hp

Torque

77.4 lb-ft

Curb Weight

511.5 lbs (MT); 533.5 lbs (DCT)

Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs


Source for features: Honda

Source for technical specifications: Motorcycle Specs, Webbikeworld

Source for used prices: Cycle Trader