Here’s an amusing oddball for you – half of an automatic Hawk that’s been grafted to…something crazy.
In 1976, Honda debuted the “Hondamatic” transmission on their popular CB750. It was designed to help bring in new riders who may have been intimidated by the requirement of using a clutch, but Honda quickly figured out that newbies may not necessarily want to start on the big 750. So two years later, the Hondamatic transmission found its way to the CB400 Hawk.
The name “Hondamatic” implies that it was an automatic transmission, though that wasn’t entirely true. Consider this to be more of a semi-auto: while there was no clutch, there were still two gears and the rider had to use a shift lever to switch between low (good up to about 50 mph) and high. The seller of this one says it’s good for about 45 mph, which makes sense considering the extra weight. He also notes that it starts but it needs the carbs cleaned as it bogs.
Find this oddball trike for sale in Orlando, Florida for $1,500 here on Facebook Marketplace.
This bike-uriousity brought to you by David N!