1974 Honda-Motorcycle Background Info
The 1974 Honda-Motorcycle Vibe
Welcome to 1974, the year the CB750 was the undisputed king of the concrete and the Elsinore was kicking up dust in every backyard in America. This was the era of high-revving engines and chrome that could blind a man from a mile away. Honda wasn't just building bikes; they were building an empire of color. While the rest of the automotive world was drowning in "Harvest Gold" and "Avocado Green," Honda stayed bold. We've focused our collection on the true survivors of the era, like the timeless Black and the legendary Hawaiian Blue Metallic-a color so vibrant it practically defines the mid-70s custom look.
Paint Health Check
Now, listen close, because 1974 falls squarely into the Single Stage Era. Back then, they didn't believe in hiding the pigment behind layers of plastic protection. You've got raw color sitting right on the surface, which gives it that deep, soul-satisfying glow when it's fresh. BUT, because there's no clear coat shield, your biggest enemy is "The Chalky Death"-also known as oxidation. If your Hawaiian Blue looks more like a dusty sky or your Black is turning a milky grey, that's the paint literally gasping for air. These old-school enamels are tough, but they are porous; they'll soak up sun and road grime until they turn into a chalky mess.
Restoration Tip
If you're looking to bring back that showroom shine, remember the golden rule of the seventies: It needs wax or it dies. Once you've prepped the surface and laid down your fresh solvent-based color, you cannot walk away and call it a day. You need to seal those pores. Give the paint a few weeks to fully outgas, then hit it with a high-quality carnauba wax or a period-correct sealant. If you leave a single-stage finish naked to the elements, the sun will start eating your pigment before the next riding season. Keep it greasy, keep it sealed, and that Hawaiian Blue will stay deep enough to swim in.