Description
Click here for an VINData Motorcycle History Report on this 1971 Honda CB750. Additional photos are available here for your perusal.
Honda had already established itself as a premier manufacturer of small bikes in the US by the mid-60s thanks to stellar reliability and ease of use – the “you meet the nicest people on a Honda” slogan didn’t hurt, either. But the biggest bike they made was the 450, and that wasn’t selling as well as Honda had hoped. Accordingly, a senior engineer named Yoshiro Harada toured the US in 1967 with the intent of getting dealers to shift more CB450s. However, he soon learned that American riders were clamoring for more displacement. So he went back home and the Japanese firm started working on “the king of motorcycles.”
The following year, Honda introduced the world to the four-cylinder CB750 at the Tokyo Motor Show in October of 1968. Considered by many to be the first “superbike”, it was an absolute game-changer of a motorcycle.
Best of all, the CB750 didn’t cost an arm and a leg. Despite features like a 296mm front hydraulic disc brake, five-speed gearbox, quality lighting, electric starter, and industry-defining reliability, it was a shockingly economical bike. The CB also got a compact five-speed transmission with a wet multi-plate clutch, hydraulic fork, dual rear shocks, and a rear drum brake. Weighing in at 495 lbs, the CB750 and its tubular steel duplex frame wasn’t exactly light, but the powerful engine put down 67 hp at 8,500 rpm and was capable of reaching speeds of up to 125 mph.
The original CB750 was succeeded in 1971 with the K1 model. It was highly successful (Honda sold approximately 77,000 of them) and had several cosmetic updates as well a two-cable throttle system which made throttle action much lighter and smoother.
Manufactured October 1970, this example is VIN: CB7501061496, engine #: CB750E1061873. The seller purchased the bike five years ago from a private party in Los Angeles.
During his ownership the seller has covered approximately 50 miles. The odometer shows 18,639 miles.
Maintenance:
The seller states he recently performed a tune up on the bike.
It is riding on Shinko tires from 2014.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Oxnard, California, this Honda is offered on a clean California title with planned non-operation (PNO) registration. Have any CB750 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!