My motorcycling career started right here in 1973 with the humble Honda CD 175.

The bike belonged to my father, whos motorcycling skills I have always marvelled at, and eventually he was persuaded to let me to try it out. We lived near private roads and so it was that I learnt to ride a motorbike. I think I rode it every sunny day through that summer. I was firmly hooked. It seemed so substantial and heavy and powerful.

This model became something of a legend for Honda and earned itself a firm reputation for reliability and longevity with commuters who wanted cheap trouble-free transport. These little bikes were capable of soaking up year upon year of neglect and punishment. In the greyest depths of winter when all other two-wheelers were in hibernation you'd always see someone going to or from their work on a tatty but trusty old "See-Dee". It's special qualities ensured that it was a long term survivor in a flooded market of small bikes aimed both at commuters and 'growing bikers' on their ascent to more exotic machinery.

Even in 1973 this would have been considered a little bit old fashioned. Certain design features were quite quaint, such as the chrome-plated side panels and rubber kneepads on the petrol tank and of course the distinctive valanced mudguards. It was however a sound design and was well constructed and did much to enforce the notion that Hondas were indestructible.

The engine was essentially similar to that of the 250s & 350s of the era, with the exception that it had a single carburettor. There was also a sportier version of this bike available at the time, the CB175, which had twin carbs and many other design differences. This design of engine unit, in various sizes, was the basic backbone of the Honda range for many years.

Sadly only one photograph of this bike has survived.
view the enlarged picture