1981 Honda CB 750F Specifications

Naked bike • Specs last verified 13 July 2026

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1981 Honda CB 750F Overview

For 1981, Honda offers the CB 750F as a naked bike motorcycle with 748 cc on tap. The 1981 Honda CB 750F is built around an In-line four engine running DOHC valve actuation, a compression ratio of 9.0:1. Out on the road, the CB 750F delivers 57 kW @ 9000 rpm of peak power and 77,4 Nm @ 8000 rpm of torque. Flat out, it's quoted at 198.3 km/h. In everyday use, the 1981 CB 750F tips the scales at 251 kg, carries a 20-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 790 mm and spans a 1520 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 42.5 kg heavier than the average naked bike motorcycle in our database. Every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes, is covered in the full 1981 Honda CB 750F spec sheet below.

1981 CB 750F - Pros & Cons

Strengths

  • Strong power output: Peak output on the CB 750F is 57 kW @ 9000 rpm and 77,4 Nm @ 8000 rpm of torque - strong numbers for what it is.
  • Large fuel range: With a 20-litre tank, this isn't a bike you'll be stopping for fuel every hour - a real asset on longer trips.

Considerations

  • Carburetor fuelling: Carburetion is more hands-on than fuel injection - plan on periodic jetting and cleaning as part of routine ownership.
  • Chain final drive upkeep: A chain drivetrain is the most common setup in its class, but it's also the one that demands the most regular hands-on maintenance.

Wear Points & Servicing Notes

Heat management in traffic

Air cooling on the CB 750F keeps the mechanical layout simple, but heat management in slow traffic needs more attention than on a liquid-cooled bike - plan routes and gear accordingly in warmer conditions.

Carburetor maintenance

Being carbureted, the CB 750F is more sensitive to stale fuel and altitude changes than a fuel-injected bike - a carb clean and rejet restores crisp throttle response after any extended lay-up.

Valve clearance checks

Valve clearances on DOHC-equipped engines like the CB 750F's drift slowly with mileage rather than failing suddenly - sticking to the service interval keeps it a non-issue.

Brake disc and pad wear

2x 276mm discs up front provides the primary stopping power; inspect disc thickness and pad wear at each tyre change to catch scoring before it becomes a rotor replacement.

Suspension condition on used examples

Suspension duties are handled by Adjustable telehydraulic fork up front and Swinging arm fork with adjustable shocks absorbers at the rear. Weeping fork seals aren't a dealbreaker on a used bike, but they're a fair basis for negotiating price.

Final drive maintenance

Chain final drive on the CB 750F means routine lubing and tension checks are part of ownership - skip them and sprocket wear accelerates noticeably.

Handling the weight at a standstill

The CB 750F's 251 kg kerb weight is worth factoring into how you handle it at a standstill - parking-lot manoeuvres need a bit more deliberate technique than on a lighter machine.

CB 750F - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

A pre-purchase check on the 1981 Honda CB 750F should cover the same ground every time: service history, chain and sprocket condition, and any oil seepage around the casings. Start it from cold if you can - a well-kept CB 750F settles to a smooth idle within seconds.

Oil and filter changes

Oil changes are the cheapest insurance you can buy for a CB 750F's engine - keep to the manufacturer's interval rather than stretching it. Use the viscosity grade the manual specifies, not whatever's on sale.

Carburetor upkeep

A CB 750F that's sat unused is almost always a carb-cleaning job before it runs right again - float bowls and pilot jets first, since they clog before anything else.

Valve clearance service

There's no reliable seat-of-the-pants way to tell if a CB 750F's valve clearances are in spec - a light top-end tick is the only real warning sign, and by then some wear has already happened. Service records are the only proof.

1981 Honda CB 750F - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 1981 Honda CB 750F have?
The 1981 Honda CB 750F uses an In-line four engine with 748 cc of displacement. It is air cooled.
What is the top speed of the 1981 Honda CB 750F?
The 1981 Honda CB 750F has a factory-quoted top speed of 198.3 km/h. Real-world speeds vary depending on rider weight, conditions and state of tune.
How much does the 1981 Honda CB 750F weigh?
The 1981 Honda CB 750F weighs 251 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much power does the 1981 Honda CB 750F make?
The 1981 Honda CB 750F produces 57 kW @ 9000 rpm of power and 77,4 Nm @ 8000 rpm of torque. These are peak figures.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 1981 Honda CB 750F?
The 1981 Honda CB 750F has a 20-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 333-400 km between stops.
Is the 1981 Honda CB 750F suitable for shorter riders?
The 1981 Honda CB 750F has a seat height of 790 mm. This is a moderate seat height that suits a wide range of rider heights.
What brakes does the 1981 Honda CB 750F have?
The 1981 Honda CB 750F uses 2x 276mm discs at the front and Single 297mm disc at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 1981 Honda CB 750F use?
The 1981 Honda CB 750F runs 3.50 H19 front and 4.50 H17 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.
What gearbox does the 1981 Honda CB 750F have?
The 1981 Honda CB 750F is fitted with a 5 Speed transmission.

Honda CB 750F Spec Evolution

The Honda CB 750F was produced across 4 model years (1980-1983). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.

Specification 1980 1981 1982 1983
Wet Weight 253.0 kg / 557.8 lbs 251 kg / 553.3 lbs 253.0 kg / 557.8 lbs 253.0 kg / 557.8 lbs
Engine Type In-line four In-line four In-line four In-line four, four-stroke
Top Speed 203.0 km/h / 126.1 mph 198.3 km/h / 123.2 MPH 203.0 km/h / 126.1 mph 203.0 km/h / 126.1 mph
Fuel Capacity 20.00 litres / 5.28 gallons 20 Litres / 5.2 US gal 20.00 litres / 5.28 gallons 20.00 litres / 5.28 gallons
Brakes - Front Dual disc 2x 276mm discs Dual disc Dual disc
Brakes - Rear Single disc Single 297mm disc Single disc Single disc
Tyres - Front 3.25-19 3.50 H19 3.25-19 3.25-19
Tyres - Rear 4.00-18 4.50 H17 4.00-18 4.00-18

Key Specifications

Engine

In-line four

Power

57 kW / 77 hp @ 9000 rpm

Torque

77,4 Nm / 57.0 lb-ft @ 8000 rpm

Top Speed

198.3 km/h / 123.2 MPH

Weight

251 kg / 553.3 lbs

Fuel Capacity

20 Litres / 5.2 US gal

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Full 1981 Honda CB 750F Specifications

Year 1981
Make Model Honda CB 750F
Seat Height 790 mm / 31.1 in
Wheelbase 1520 mm / 59.8 in
Ground Clearance 140 mm / 5.5 in
Dry Weight 230 kg / 507 lbs
Fuel Capacity 20 Litres / 5.2 US gal
Wet Weight 251 kg / 553.3 lbs
Top Speed 198.3 km/h / 123.2 MPH
Max Power 57 kW / 77 hp @ 9000 rpm
Max Torque 77,4 Nm / 57.0 lb-ft @ 8000 rpm
Standing Start ¼ Mile 12.4 sec / 172 km/h
Engine Type In-line four
Fuel Control DOHC
Stroke 4
Displacement 748 cc / 45.6 cub in.
Engine Detail Four stroke, transverse four cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder
Bore x Stroke 62 x 62 mm
Compression Ratio 9.0:1
Cooling System Air cooled
Fuel Consumption 37.8 mpg
Fuel Induction 4x 32mm keihin carburetors
Ignition CDI
Valve System 4
Final Drive Chain
Gearbox 5-speed
Transmission / Drive 5 Speed
Suspension - Front Adjustable telehydraulic fork.
Suspension - Rear Swinging arm fork with adjustable shocks absorbers.
Trail 115 mm / 4.5 in
Brakes - Front 2x 276mm discs
Brakes - Rear Single 297mm disc
Garbled data, check manually Electric
Tyres - Front 3.50 H19
Tyres - Rear 4.50 H17

Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis. Spot an error? Let us know.

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