After the fancier status was awarded to the CB750 ohc engines with much acclaim, the Honda CB 900 F Bol d'Or DOHC four-cylinder remained in the shadows, seen as old objects of little value. However, now the situation is reversed. These Honda CB 900 F Bol d'Or motorcycles, through the calendar years, due to their unique technique and appearance, have now become prized classics. As a result, they are now highly sought after. However, it is not easy to find a well-maintained one.
The Unmatched Performance of the Honda CB 900 F Bol d'Or
Despite its vintage appearance, the 900 cc Honda CB 900 F Bol d'Or remains a powerful machine. Although it can't be compared to a modern engine, in practical terms it is more than sufficiently fast. The 900 cc DOHC block initially produced 91 hp, later increased to 95 hp. In a country where you are only allowed to drive 100 km/h during the day and 130 km/h is allowed on some stretches of the highway in the evening, a top speed of more than 200 km/h is more than enough. The Honda CB 900 F rider does not have to apologize for the acceleration either. With a pleasant power curve and a good torque curve, the four-cylinder engine is also ideal for touring.
The Consumption of the Honda CB 900 F Bol d'Or: Improvements Through The Years
Although a good model can always be further improved, the improvements in the 900 were most clearly visible in fuel consumption. The early versions of the Grote Bols were known for their greedy fuel consumption, with values between 1 in 10 and 1 in 13. But with the C and D versions, a consumption of almost 1 in 17 became possible.
The Handling of the Honda CB 900 F Bol d'Or: A Pleasant Ride
The handling of the Honda CB 900 F Bol d'Or is more than adequate. Despite the bike's serious weight, steering isn't really hindered. 'Bol d'Or', meaning 'Golden Bowl', is the prize that the winners of the 24 Hours of Le Mans take home. With this, the makers of the Bol d'Or machines wanted to indicate their sporting intentions. Still, the bike offers comfortable suspension and a slightly forward-leaning seating position, ideal for long journeys, even for a passenger.
The evolution of the Honda CB 900 F Bol d'Or
The Honda CB 900 F Bol d'Or started life in late 1978 with the 'A' type, ending with the 'D' version with black mufflers. Numerous Bol d'Ors have been imported outside the official channels, so be aware of differences between the year of manufacture and the first registration. After 1981 the 'B' types appeared with their 'reversed' Comstar spokes. The first generation Comstar wheels can have loose rivets, which is definitely something to watch out for.
All things considered, the Honda CB 900 F Bol d'Or has certainly earned its spot as an established classic. And if you want to make the point that the smaller 750cc brother might ride a little better, why not just pick a 750? And the fact that the early Bols weren't really well painted? Yes, that may have been some excessive frugality on the part of the Japanese.
Also recently Auto Motor Klassiek
In the magazine Auto Motor Klassiek there was a nice article last February. When the Honda CB900 Bol d'Or was introduced in 1979, Don Rogier (61) was already in love with the model. Yet it would be nearly forty years and many motorcycles later before he had one of his own. It's completely original. "It's the nicest bike I've ever driven." We used some photos of Don's pride for this article. By the way, they were made by editor Harry Linker.
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j'ai 3 bol d'or 900 , j'ai 62 printemps ,suis toujours sur Honda depuis 1979 .j'en ai 8
superb machine la bol d'or 900
Really a tough and reliable motorcycle. Owned for 5 years. Tighten the chain regularly, change the oil once and a little maintenance and always start and drive, that was all. Super reliable.
The Bol d'Or was a fine but heavy in weight. Fortunately, gas prices weren't as crazy high as they are now. The state grazed a little less. I do not look back with pleasure on consumption. I drove the motorcycle for years until the block started to give serious problems. Bought a Bol d'Or from a friend with a good block and bad frame. Transferred the good block to my engine. The block was very heavy. Then drove fine for a while. For a technical defect, don't remember what it was, brought to the dealer. Then received an almost new Honda Seven Fifty. What a difference. Called dealer and canceled repair. Money box reversed and Honda bought. Had a lot of driving pleasure for 10 years and never had any problems.
Strange that the 900 is so praised.
The 750 bol d'or was lighter, more economical and actually ran a bit faster than the 900…
I've had both, the f2 version with the fantastic fairing, and still look back on it fondly.
In the meantime they have become too heavy and too expensive for me.
I still had the Bol 900 FB in my younger years, now I'm 62 still driving a motorcycle, and I'm eternally sorry that I got rid of this beautiful machine.
I've had 3. But at some point, if you've ridden more modern motorcycles, this is a heavy, unwieldy dinosaur compared to something that is, say, 10 years younger. Which is still very old, but many times lighter and more controllable. Appreciate the innovation of the era they came out, the power they had and the sentiment, had a lot of fun with it. But hopelessly outdated. And wouldn't want any more.
I recently acquired a 900 bol dor of 79 in new condition
He drives great, but he does like a sip
Also on your right wrist
I have several classics but take the Honda regularly
Another model using a similar engine is the CB750 KZ, which was mainly made for the US market. I have such a rare case and then in police execution. But as the name states, only 750cc. Difficult to get to pieces.
Still under restoration, hopefully finished this summer. See photos, don't mind the Christmas wishes.
One of the most beautiful machines Honda has made.
Minoru Morioka was the designer. I personally knew and he told me that it was very difficult to convince the top vsn Honda of the red white blue inspection scheme. Kume the president of Honda Motor gave his agreement and then Morioka could continue. The blue stripe is also special, as it is a tribute to Sumiya. The rising butt at the back has also been introduced by Morioka. Beautiful.
I agree with you Jaap, I also think the Bol d'Or is beautiful! A timelessly beautiful model, for me much more beautiful than modern motorcycles.
I have a CBS 750 bol d'Or almost original, the exhaust is not original, I am waiting for them to be upgraded a bit
Great but….. somehow I'm very excited about the little brother, the CB125T.
This is because it was in the display case at a local Honda shop at the time (father & daughter Van Loon, yes… the father of motocross rider Willy van Loon), a pitch black one. I had no money then. I currently have 5 motorcycles including 2 Goldwings (1100 & 1800). But if I find a CB like that, I'll buy it... just for that typical Honda sound!
Indeed, the DOHC models have been undervalued for a long time, not only the Bol d'Ors but also the CBX Fours..while they are magnificent utility bikes.
It is a good thing that their status is finally being recognized.