1974 Honda CB750 K4
Frame no. CB750-2327138 Engine no. CB750E-2330734

Collectors' Motorcycles at the Barber Museum|5 October 2019, 12:00 CDT|Birmingham, Barber Motorsports Museum

1974 Honda CB750 K4
Frame no. CB750-2327138
Engine no. CB750E-2330734

Forty-plus years on, it is hard to imagine the impact the Honda CB750 had on the world when it was unveiled to a stunned public at the Tokyo Motorcycle Show in October 1968. True, there had been plenty of four-cylinder motorcycles before, but these had been built in relatively small numbers and aimed at the wealthy few. Here for the first time was a mass-produced four within the financial reach of the average enthusiast, and one whose specification - overhead camshaft, disc front brake, five-speed gearbox, electric starter, etc. - made the opposition look obsolete overnight. Bike magazine summed up Honda's achievement thus: 'Like BSA/Triumph's parallel twin and Ducati's desmodromic single, the Honda inline four is one of those engines which created a standard out of an ideal. The list of Honda's technical achievements is impressive but the appearance of a production four-barrel roadster at a Mr. Everyman price was probably their greatest coup.' A trend-setting design of immense significance and one of the truly great classic motorcycles, the CB750 is highly sought after today by collectors. Never restored, this CB750 K4 model can be described as in generally very good condition, its paint and seat carrying their patina well. Recently fully serviced, a new buyer should have confidence that this CB750 is ready to ride with many more miles in it yet. Just over 29,000 miles well-maintained on the odometer is no mileage at all for such a machine.

Footnotes

As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.

Additional information

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