Unveiled at the 1968 Tokyo Motor Show and released for 1969, Honda’s CB750 is widely credited as the world’s first superbike. It was the first production motorcycle to pair a transverse, overhead-cam four cylinder engine with modern features such as an electric starter, a front disc brake, and a five speed transmission. Producing roughly 67 horsepower from its 736cc engine and capable of over 120 mph, the CB750 brought unprecedented performance to the masses at a surprisingly accessible price.
While its specifications set new benchmarks, the CB750 was more than just a spec sheet marvel. Period reviews praised its smooth and flexible power delivery, robust construction, and Honda’s trademark reliability. It excelled on open highways, where its ability to cruise effortlessly at speed set it apart from earlier performance machines. Riders noted that the CB750 was equally capable of strong acceleration, recording quarter mile times in the low 12 second range, yet it was also comfortable enough for touring duties.
The CB750’s combination of power, refinement, and affordability fundamentally changed expectations for motorcycles, forcing every major manufacturer to respond. Its influence was so profound that many enthusiasts mark its debut as the beginning of the superbike era. Today, early examples remain highly collectible, valued not only for their historical importance but also for their iconic and timeless good looks.
The seller states “I bought this bike new in August of 1970, two months after being discharged from the U.S. Marine Corps following 28 months in Vietnam. I was excited to return to civilian life and full of plans, with a long motorcycle trip at the top of the list. But one by one, those plans faded. Friends had moved on, and I felt increasingly out of place. Vietnam veterans weren’t looked upon kindly, and I struggled to reconnect or fit in.
The more alienated I felt, the closer I became to my CB750. It was my constant, my one true companion. In 150,000 miles it never did me wrong. Never more than a torn jacket or skinned knee. I rode it through eleven western states, Canada, and Mexico, across frozen Montana nights and scorching desert roads. No matter where I was or what shape I was in, that bike always got me home.
After seventeen years, it needed a full rebuild and I decided to buy a new bike instead. I parked the new one beside the 750, and the next morning there was a puddle of oil on the garage floor. The first drop it had ever leaked. It felt like I’d broken its heart. That bike was never just a machine to me; it was a loyal friend who carried me when nothing else could, and a bond I’ve never felt with any other object since”
This example is VIN: CB7501039660.
The odometer currently shows 39,296 miles. The seller states he put over 100,000 miles on this bike from new, it is True Mileage Unknown.
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection, our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: Ok – DIY Caswell liner.
Engine Oil Level: Ok
Engine Oil Quality: AGE UNKNOWN
2T Oil Level: N/A
Coolant Level: N/A, Air Cooled
Coolant Quality: N/A
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: Ok, <1.5% Moisture
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A, Drum
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A, Cable
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Final Drive Condition: Ok, OLD/DIRTY
Headlight High Beam: Ok
Headlight Low Beam: Ok
Passing Light: N/A
Parking Light: Ok
Turn Signals: Ok
Tail Light: Ok
Brake Light (Front Switch): Ok
Brake Light (Rear Switch): Ok
Plate Light: Ok
Horn: Ok
Kill Switch: UNKNOWN
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: 90%
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: Drum
Forks: Ok
Shock/s: Ok
Tire Date Code Front: 35/13
Tire Date Code Rear: 28/13
Tire % Remaining Front: +30%
Tire % Remaining Rear: +40%
Tire Press. Front: 30 PSI
Tire Press. Rear: 32 PSI
Battery Standing Voltage: 12.44V
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: UNKNOWN
Running Condition: running, poor idle.
Test Ride Completed: None taken
Test Ride Distance: N/A
Tires Installed:
-Front: 3.50R
-Rear: 4.00-18
Notes:
-Fuel tank has DIY liner installed
-Front brake is dragging, difficult to push
-Bike starts, struggles to hold idle.
-Carb airbox boots are installed incorrectly
RECOMMENDED REPAIRS:
-Carbs
-Engine oil + filter
-Front brake service/fluid
-Tires/tubes
Modifications:
The bike appears to have a Dynatek Ignition system installed, based on the stock ignition system being present along with an empty Dynatek Ignition box. This has not been verified.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Dunlop Gold Seal K70 tires which have aged out with date codes of 2813 and 3513.
The sale includes one key and many extras including parts and tools.
Spare parts.
Moto Chain-Mate chain cleaning tool.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Panorama City, California, (please make an appointment for an inspection) this Honda is offered on a clean California title with registration that expired in April 2025. Registration renewal for California through April 2026 is currently $152.
Have any CB750 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
