
Classic motorcycle head-to-head
Honda CB77 Super Hawk vs Yamaha DT-1
Honda CB77 Super Hawk scores 74/100 overall against Yamaha DT-1 on 78/100. On the road: 65–65. As classics: 83–90. Overall result: Yamaha DT-1.


Photo: Rainmaker47 · CC BY-SA 4.0
Yamaha DT-1
The numbers
Category-by-category result
| Category | Honda CB77 | Yamaha DT-1 | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| road | |||
| PerformanceDirect comparison of power, acceleration and usable performance across the pre-1990 classic field. | 6 | 6 | Level |
| HandlingSteering, stability, weight and real-road manners. | 7 | 8 | Yamaha DT-1 |
| BrakingDirect comparison of real stopping ability without an age allowance. | 5 | 5 | Level |
| ReliabilityEngine, electrics and general dependability when properly maintained. | 8 | 7 | Honda CB77 |
| Ease of ownershipMaintenance, parts supply and access to specialist knowledge. | 7 | 7 | Level |
| ComfortRiding position, vibration and suitability for longer journeys. | 6 | 6 | Level |
| classic | |||
| StylingDesign quality, visual presence and period appeal. | 8 | 8 | Level |
| Historical importanceInfluence on motorcycling and importance within its era. | 9 | 10 | Yamaha DT-1 |
| Collector appealLong-term desirability among classic motorcycle enthusiasts. | 8 | 9 | Yamaha DT-1 |
| CharacterSound, feel, personality and memorable riding experience. | 8 | 9 | Yamaha DT-1 |
Choose the Honda CB77 if…
you want an influential sporting Honda twin with lively performance, clean styling and major historical importance.
Choose the Yamaha DT-1 if…
you want the landmark trail motorcycle that helped establish the modern dual-purpose class.
Background
History
Honda CB77
The Honda CB77 Super Hawk was produced from 1961–1967 and used a 305cc air-cooled parallel twin. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for historic importance, styling, reliability. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Yamaha DT-1
The Yamaha DT-1 was produced from 1968–1971 and used a 246cc air-cooled two-stroke single. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for historic importance, collector appeal, character. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Interesting details
Did you know?
Honda CB77
- Its production span in this library runs from 1961 to 1967.
- The recorded engine description is: 305cc air-cooled parallel twin.
- Its strongest comparison scores are historic importance, styling, reliability.
Yamaha DT-1
- Its production span in this library runs from 1968 to 1971.
- The recorded engine description is: 246cc air-cooled two-stroke single.
- Its strongest comparison scores are historic importance, collector appeal, character.
Present-day appeal
Collector notes
Honda CB77
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Honda CB77 Super Hawk. Its library score for historic importance is 9/10. Values and desirability can vary substantially between years, specifications and restoration quality, so individual examples should be assessed on their own evidence.
Yamaha DT-1
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Yamaha DT-1. 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.
Before you buy
Buying checks
Honda CB77
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check vibration-related fasteners, primary drive condition and signs of persistent oil leakage.
- 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 DT-1
- 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 CB77
Rivals to the Yamaha DT-1
Final result
The verdict
On the road the motorcycles finish level. Yamaha DT-1 wins the classic-motorcycle comparison. Yamaha DT-1 takes the overall result after the road and classic scores are weighted equally.