Anyone ever have a 750 Hondamatic? Did they give any problems?

I currently own a CM400A and my friend had the 750A. True, they were much slower than the comparable gear drive models and the 400 is certainly down on acceleration and top speed. For someone who is more into laid back touring or has to do a lot of stop and go in town riding, the 750 is a very good bike for that. On the 750, the engine is tuned for lots more low rpm power, but at the expense of high rpm power, which is pretty much what one needs on a touring bike. The tranny is a two speed that you shift, although you don’t have to. You can put it in high and leave it there, the only expense will be more sluggish acceleration from a dead stop. The 750As were known for good gas mileage, most likely because of the de-tuned engine. In my opinion, the ’77-78 model was a much better looking bike than the 75-76 automatic. The latter had a 4 into 1 exhaust while the former had twin pipes, a bigger, better looking gas tank and the blue ones were beautiful.

About the only problem was when the stator in the alternator would fail, but that happened on all the 750s, not just the automatic. (I also had a ’70 CB750 and ’75 CB750F.) The automatics are a wonderful bike to learn to ride on and it was the entry level riders that Honda was targeting when they produced the two automatics. They knew the autos were not high performance bikes, but that’s why they produced the standard tranmission 400-450 and 750s, for those who wanted more performance. For what the autos were intended for, they are a great bike. If you want a high performance rocket, forget it because that’s not what they were intended for. I know they are an old bike, but if I had the opportunity to buy a good 750 auto, I’d jump on it even though I have “better” bikes.

Hondamatic 750

I had the 400 to ride, not the 750. I lucked into the 400 after having passed on the 750.

The two speed transmission still required shifting, but without a clutch.

The bike was heavy, and no powerhouse. Only having two gears limited performance.

The 400 was everything I had heard about the 750, only smaller.

Slower than others in it’s class. Comfortable, relatively easy to ride, and stone reliable.

I have never heard of any transmission problems in either size.

They weren’t very popular with people I know, mostly due to the performance (ie: getting up to speed quickly). They didn’t fare very well on the market.

I think they may have gotten better sales today then when they first came out.

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RE:

Anyone ever have a 750 Hondamatic? Did they give any problems?

I saw a 1977 CB750A Hondamatic for sale. Although I like the lines of the SOHC 750 engine, I know Nothing about the “Hondasmatic” transmission. I know no one makes an auto on a bike anymore except for motor scootetrs. So, were they troublesome, or just Unpopular? Is it hard to get tranny…

I have a 1976 overstock 750A purchased in 1979, one owner (me), low mileage, no accidents/spills, always kept in garage, Vetter Vindicator fairing, Corbin-Gentry bucket seat, highway bar, luggage rack, and cruise control. Needs new chain. Never had problems with it riding locally and several touring trips. Would like to find an appreciative buyer.

Hondamatic For Sale

I own a 400A, I love the bike. Im a big man and it starts out in second gear easily with even climbing a hills. Could use a taller front gear. or smaller rear gear, Low gear is just too low.

However, most of my riding is in town and with that im pleased.

It was an unpopular model, due to very low performance. Basically, it was a two-speed transmission that the rider shifted, but without the need for a clutch. The Hondamatic transmission itself was completely reliable, having previously proven itself in zillions of Honda Civics. Many of the bikes were transformed into trikes for disabled riders.

My little brother had one. Very heavy and the get up an go of a 350. I thought it was a total POS, but the I kind enjoy shifting as part of the motorcycle experience.

A novelty thats time has passed. There are much better bikes for riding. This is more of a collector bike at this time.