THEVARIENTSANDDECENDENTS-TeamRC17.docVIP

THE VARIENTS AND DECENDENTS CBX750 (RC17) CBX750 HORIZON (RC18) CBX750P POLICE (RC18X) CB750SC NIGHTHAWK S (RC18/ 20) CB700SC NIGHTHAWK S (RC20) CB750 Nighthawk (RC38)— CB750 (RC42): by Gregory Schmitz- waxmaster@ January 30, 2004. Honda can be incredibly fouled up in their use of their “public” model designations. As a result, using the example set by the famous “Team RC17” in Australia, I have gone to using the FRAME designation for the machines. As frame ID is not recycled for use again by Honda, you can be sure exactly what machine is being discussed by using that. The same machine in different countries can have a different model designation, and still be virtually identical. Also, it is incredibly difficult to get details on machines not made in the US. Perhaps the only way would be to get the manuals and microfiche, and go over part by part. Lacking good published details, many are open questions. Minor camshaft and timing differences could make substantial performance differences and not be evident. Note A: The original/early Hondas actually used the same model/frame designation, so a CB750 was a CB750 model and frame wise. No so with latter models, where the names were re-used willy nilly,. Note B: In all the versions, the engine also used a similar numbering system, though not always in line with the frame. RC18 frame machines had RC17Exxxx engine, an RC17 Frame machine, had an RC17Exxxx engine, despite the fact that the RC18 was shaft drive, and the RC17 was chain drive, go figure. The Beginning: In 1984, Honda released two major different motorcycles in the 750CC class, one a chain driven, mono shock suspension, the other a shaft driven conventional dual rear shock. Frames were totally different. They shared the basic engine, electronics and front suspension, but RC17 machines got a more adjustable suspension. Within the two types, were a number of variations. Five years after terminating production of all those mode