Description
Click here for an VINData Motorcycle History Report on this 1980 Honda CB750F. Additional photos are available here for your perusal.
Honda had already established themselves as a premier manufacturer of small bikes in the US by the mid 60s thanks to their 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. A senior engineer named Yoshiro Harada toured the US in 1967 with the intent of getting dealers to shift more CB450s, but 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.
When challenged by the Kawasaki Z1, Honda released the 750F featuring a sportier 4-into-1 exhaust, slimmer yet larger gas tank, and rear disc brake. This new exhaust system brought minor adjustments to valve timing and carburetion which increased the ponies on the Super Sport despite the 12 pound weight gain.
This example is VIN: RC042109787; Engine: RC04E2109858. The seller purchased the bike approximately two years ago from a vintage bike enthusiast in Los Angeles.
True mileage unknown. Per the seller, “36,000 on the chasis, 335 miles on rebuilt engine.”
Maintenance:
The seller states, “Top end engine rebuild, less than 500 miles on the rebuilt engine. New chain tensioners etc, valves and seats reground, and valves out of spec were replaced with new Honda OEM parts. Carbs were ultrasonic cleaned and rebuilt at the same time. Carbs rebuilt with OEM jets and the stock airbox and exhaust setup. I have receipts for all parts that I’ve bought. I’ve done all the work myself.”
Modifications:
Dual piston front brake callipers and master cylinder from a 1981 CB900F.
Oil pan and oil cooler from a 1981 CB900F.
ATK front fork brace.
Reinforced swingarm for improved rigidity.
Powder coated frame.
“Custom made rearsets mount on the OEM brackets but are moved back and up a little for a more aggressive riding position.”
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Dunlop Elite 3 tires which have aged out.
The sale includes one key.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Los Angeles, California, this Honda is offered on a clean California title with Planned Nonoperation registration (PNO). Have any CB750F stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
