In 1959, Honda took a significant step into the global market by establishing American Honda Motor Co. in Los Angeles. At the time, the American motorcycle scene was dominated by larger, more powerful machines. Honda’s initial offerings, the 305cc and 125cc models, struggled to capture the attention of American riders who craved speed and performance. Recognizing this demand, American Honda urged its parent company to develop a sports model that could thrive in the high-speed American market.
Simultaneously, Japan witnessed a surge in popularity for road sports bikes, primarily powered by 2-stroke engines from other manufacturers. This domestic trend, combined with the American market’s needs, set the stage for the birth of the Honda 250cc Bike that would become a legend: the Dream CB72 Super Sport.
Developed with a focus on high-revving engine technology and superior handling – honed through Honda’s racing experiences at the Mount Asama Volcano Race and the prestigious Isle of Man T.T. Races – the CB72 was engineered for performance. Honda engineers took the Dream C72 as a base and significantly boosted its 4-stroke 2-cylinder OHC engine to produce an impressive 24 horsepower at 9,000rpm. Complementing the enhanced engine was a newly designed backbone frame with a refined pipe configuration, delivering both agility and a sporty aesthetic.
Image alt text: Side view of a classic Honda CB72 Dream Super Sport motorcycle, showcasing its sporty design and iconic fuel tank.
The CB72 made its public debut at the 7th All Japan Motor Show in Tokyo in October 1960, immediately capturing public interest. Mass production commenced in November of the same year, and the Honda 250cc bike was officially released to eager markets.
Interestingly, Honda tailored the CB72 to suit different market preferences. For the American market, the CB72 engine featured a 180° crankshaft, prioritizing reduced vibration at high speeds, a crucial factor for the wide-open roads of the US. In contrast, the Japanese model was equipped with a 360° crankshaft engine, favored for its user-friendly handling and robust power delivery in the low-to-mid speed ranges, better suited for typical Japanese riding conditions.
Image alt text: Close-up of the Honda CB72’s 250cc 4-stroke 2-cylinder OHC engine, highlighting its technical innovation for its time.
The Honda CB72 quickly gained immense popularity as a high-performance supersport model. Loved by sports bike enthusiasts, it proved versatile enough for spirited sports riding and comfortable long-distance touring. In the United States, the Honda 250cc bike was marketed under the evocative name “HAWK” for the first time. Officially designated the CB72 HAWK 250, this model graced American roads from 1961 to 1966, etching its name into the annals of motorcycling history as a pivotal Honda 250cc bike that helped establish the brand in the competitive US market and beyond.
