When did Honda start using disc brakes?
Honda first adopted disc brakes on motorcycles in 1969, with the CB750, and began equipping its passenger cars with front disc brakes in the early 1970s. This shift marked a turning point in braking technology for both two-wheel and four-wheel vehicles from the Japanese automaker.
Disc brakes on Honda motorcycles
The following milestones highlight Honda’s early move to disc brakes in the motorcycle world and how the technology spread across its lineup.
- 1969: Honda releases the CB750, one of the first mass‑market motorcycles to feature a front disc brake, signaling a major shift from drum brakes in the industry.
- 1970s: Disc brakes become increasingly common on Honda’s mid‑ to high‑end motorcycles, replacing front drum brakes on many models while offering improved stopping power and fade resistance.
- 1980s: Honda refines its disc‑brake systems with larger discs and more advanced calipers, expanding performance across sport and touring bikes.
The adoption of front disc brakes on Honda motorcycles helped drive broader industry shift toward safer, more durable braking under varied conditions.
Disc brakes on Honda cars
For cars, Honda’s transition from drum to disc brakes began in the early 1970s, with front discs gradually becoming standard on many models by the late 1970s. The company also integrated anti‑lock braking systems (ABS) in later decades, further enhancing braking reliability.
- Early 1970s: Honda begins offering front disc brakes on selected passenger cars, marking a departure from front drum setups on some models.
- Mid‑ to late 1970s: Front disc brakes become standard on a larger portion of Honda’s car lineup as the technology proves advantageous for braking performance.
- Late 1980s–1990s: ABS appears on more Honda models and becomes a widespread feature across the lineup, improving safety in diverse conditions.
Over time, disc brakes became the norm for Honda’s cars, with continued refinements in materials, caliper design, and electronic braking controls contributing to safer, more consistent stopping power.
Summary
Honda’s brake‑system evolution began with motorcycles in 1969, introducing front disc brakes on the CB750, and extended to cars in the early 1970s, with front discs becoming common by the late 1970s. The later addition of ABS and ongoing disc‑brake refinements solidified disc brakes as a standard feature across most Honda vehicles, a trend that continues in today’s models.
