Photo: www.mgaylard.co.uk and thanks for looking · CC BY 2.0
Honda CB750 K0
83/100 Overall
70 On the road95 As a classic
Classic motorcycle head-to-head
Honda CB750 K0 vs Yamaha RD250LC
Honda CB750 K0 scores 83/100 overall against Yamaha RD250LC on 84/100. On the road: 70–73. As classics: 95–95. Overall result: Yamaha RD250LC.
Photo: www.mgaylard.co.uk and thanks for looking · CC BY 2.0
Yamaha RD250LC
84/100 Overall
73 On the road95 As a classic
The numbers
Category-by-category result
| Category | Honda CB750 | Yamaha RD250LC | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| road | |||
| PerformanceDirect comparison of power, acceleration and usable performance across the pre-1990 classic field. | 7 | 8 | Yamaha RD250LC |
| HandlingSteering, stability, weight and real-road manners. | 6 | 9 | Yamaha RD250LC |
| BrakingDirect comparison of real stopping ability without an age allowance. | 5 | 7 | Yamaha RD250LC |
| ReliabilityEngine, electrics and general dependability when properly maintained. | 8 | 7 | Honda CB750 |
| Ease of ownershipMaintenance, parts supply and access to specialist knowledge. | 9 | 7 | Honda CB750 |
| ComfortRiding position, vibration and suitability for longer journeys. | 7 | 6 | Honda CB750 |
| classic | |||
| StylingDesign quality, visual presence and period appeal. | 9 | 9 | Level |
| Historical importanceInfluence on motorcycling and importance within its era. | 10 | 9 | Honda CB750 |
| Collector appealLong-term desirability among classic motorcycle enthusiasts. | 10 | 10 | Level |
| CharacterSound, feel, personality and memorable riding experience. | 9 | 10 | Yamaha RD250LC |
Choose the Honda CB750 if…
you want landmark engineering, strong usable performance, dependable electrics and easy classic ownership.
Choose the Yamaha RD250LC if…
you want the learner-legal member of Yamaha's legendary LC family, with sharp handling and a thrilling two-stroke powerband.
Background
History
Honda CB750
The Honda CB750 K0 was produced from 1969–1970 and used a 736cc air-cooled inline four. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for historic importance, collector appeal, styling. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Yamaha RD250LC
The Yamaha RD250LC was produced from 1980–1983 and used a 247cc liquid-cooled two-stroke parallel twin. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for collector appeal, character, styling. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Interesting details
Did you know?
Honda CB750
- Its production span in this library runs from 1969 to 1970.
- The recorded engine description is: 736cc air-cooled inline four.
- Its strongest comparison scores are historic importance, collector appeal, styling.
Yamaha RD250LC
- Its production span in this library runs from 1980 to 1983.
- The recorded engine description is: 247cc liquid-cooled two-stroke parallel twin.
- Its strongest comparison scores are collector appeal, character, styling.
Present-day appeal
Collector notes
Honda CB750
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Honda CB750 K0. Its library score for historic importance is 10/10. Values and desirability can vary substantially between years, specifications and restoration quality, so individual examples should be assessed on their own evidence.
Yamaha RD250LC
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Yamaha RD250LC. Its library score for collector appeal is 10/10. Values and desirability can vary substantially between years, specifications and restoration quality, so individual examples should be assessed on their own evidence.
Before you buy
Buying checks
Honda CB750
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check carburettor balance, charging output and exhaust condition across all cylinders.
- Inspect the frame, wheels, brakes and suspension for wear, damage or poor repairs.
- Verify that important model-specific parts have not been replaced with incorrect later components.
- Review the paperwork, ownership history and any restoration invoices before purchase.
Yamaha RD250LC
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check the oil-injection or premix arrangement, crank seals and exhaust condition carefully.
- Inspect the frame, wheels, brakes and suspension for wear, damage or poor repairs.
- Verify that important model-specific parts have not been replaced with incorrect later components.
- Review the paperwork, ownership history and any restoration invoices before purchase.
Period opposition
Historic rivals
Rivals to the Honda CB750
Rivals to the Yamaha RD250LC
Final result
The verdict
Yamaha RD250LC wins the direct on-the-road comparison. As classic motorcycles they also finish level. Yamaha RD250LC takes the overall result after the road and classic scores are weighted equally.