The Honda CD175 is a 174 cc (10.6 cu in) motorcycle made from 1967 to 1979 by the Honda Motor Company. Described by Honda as a "great new all-rounder, at home around town or putting the highway behind you",[1] it was the touring model in Honda's 175 cc motorcycle lineup that also included the sportier CB175 and the off-road CL175 version. The CD175 shared some components and design elements in common with other models from Honda including the early-model pressed steel backbone frame, sometimes known as "T bone".[4][5][6]

Honda CD175
1969 Honda CD175 in polychromatic blue at the Sammy Miller Museum, a UK specification machine with the unused electric starter mounting visible near to the exhaust pipes[1]
ManufacturerHonda Motor Company
Production1967–1979
SuccessorHonda Honda CD200 RoadMaster CD185T
ClassStandard
Engine174 cc (10.6 cu in) air cooled, inclined twin, centrifugal oil filter[1]
Compression ratio9:1[2]
TransmissionFour-speed manual, fully enclosed chain final drive[1]
Frame typePressed steel spine
SuspensionFront; telescopic
Rear; swingarm twin shock absorber
BrakesDrum front and rear
RelatedHonda CD125
Honda CD185T
Honda CB175
1975 Honda CD175
ManufacturerHonda Motor Company
Production1970–1979
Engine174 cc (10.6 cu in) air cooled, upright twin
Bore / stroke52 x 41 mm
Compression ratio9:1
Power17 bhp (13 kW) (claimed) at 9,000 rpm
Frame typeTubular, semi-double cradle[3]
BrakesDrum front and rear with full-width hubs in light-alloy[1]
Tyres3.00 x 17
Seat height30
Weight269 lb (122 kg) (dry)
Fuel capacity2 Imperial gallons
Oil capacity31/2 Imperial pints

It had an electric starter, except in the UK, turn signals, deeply valanced mudguards and mirrors.[1] The inclined air-cooled engine used on earlier models was an evolutionary version of the older Honda CB160 power plant and contained some of the same components including most of the castings and some internal items.

Models

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1967 models (product code 237) began at serial number CD175-1000001. Also known as the CA175, CD175A, or CD175 K0 just over 17000 of these units were built and distributed worldwide although only to commonwealth countries. Styling and appearance on these early CD models was similar to the larger CB450K0 "Black Bomber", especially the British version which received a set of low-rise handlebars (as well as no electric start and different turn signal positions).

1968 models (also product code 237) began at serial number CD175-10017136 and incorporated changes that allowed for export to the USA. These changes included a different fuel tank with larger, less pointy chrome covers and knee pads, larger more bulbous battery and tool covers, upgraded lighting and signals/switches, and a hybrid welded-tube/stamped frame. The engine remained unchanged from 1967.

1969 "K3" models (product code 302) introduced the vertical engine and all-tube frame and some smaller body work changes that continued until the end of production in 1979.

Specifications

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The CD175 had a 360° crankshaft,[7] wasted spark ignition, single carburetor, a parallel twin high revving engine, 16" wheels and a 100 mph (160 km/h) speedometer. Each connecting rod big end had roller bearings. In 1979 it was replaced by Honda CD185.

From 1967 to 1968: the machine had a 4 stroke 360 degree parallel twin; air cooled; single overhead cam (chain driven); cylinders inclined 30 degrees forward from vertical ("sloper" engine) with 9:1 compression ratio; max 17 bhp @ 10,500 rpm.[2] From 1969 to 1979 it had a similar 4 stroke engine but with vertical cylinders ("vertical" engine); max 15 bhp @ 10,000 rpm. Both engines used a single Carburetor. Electrics were 6 volt (battery ignition).

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f Motor Cycle 15 June 1967 pp.ii, inside front cover. Honda UK official advert Great new all rounder. First major all-new bike in this size/class for 15 years."Deep rich black or flamboyant polychromatic blue finish.". Accessed 25 June 2015
  2. ^ a b Motor Cycle 3 August 1967 pp.1068-1070 Honda CD175 road test. Compression ratio 9 to 1, Claimed output 17 bhp at 10,500 rpm Accessed 2 May 2015
  3. ^ Motorcycle Mechanics, June 1973, pp.68–69. Honda Range '73. CD175 Accessed 2015-06-02
  4. ^ Motorcycle Sport, UK monthly magazine, April 1969, p.127 Honda UK official advert. Honda SS50. The chassis is Honda's famous 'T' bone frame". Accessed 16 June 2015
  5. ^ Motorcycle Sport, UK monthly magazine, June 1969, p.209 Honda UK official advert. Honda 125 Super Sport. A strong T-bone frame holds the lot together, and spring and hydraulic suspension struts keep the wheels pawing the ground". Accessed 16 June 2015
  6. ^ Motorcycle Mechanics, June 1973, pp.68–69. Honda Range '73. ST70. "Pressed steel, T-bone frame with telescopic forks...." Accessed 2015-06-02
  7. ^ Motor Cycle 13 April 1967 p.468 Inexpensive Honda."The crankshaft is of the 360-degree type (both pistons are at TDC together), unlike the now-normal practice of 180-degree cranks on the CB range of sportsters". Accessed 2 May 2015