
LOT 206
1970 Honda CB750 K0 Frame no. CB 750 1059606 Engine no. CB750E1060074
Sold for US$5,520 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 206
1970 Honda CB750 K0 Frame no. CB 750 1059606 Engine no. CB750E1060074
Collectors' Motorcycles at the Barber Museum|5 October 2019, 12:00 CDT|Birmingham, Barber Motorsports Museum
1970 Honda CB750 K0
Frame no. CB 750 1059606
Engine no. CB750E1060074
Frame no. CB 750 1059606
Engine no. CB750E1060074
In a single decade, Soichiro Honda's Tokyo factories had gained a worldwide reputation for the production of lightweight two-wheelers of high performance and excellent quality, moving smoothly, with hardly a hiccup, from mopeds to high- performance twins. In 1969 they announced what seemed impossible at the time, a mass-production – for Honda didn't do low-volume – overhead-camshaft, transverse 'four' for the mass-market.
The new CB750 was no ground-breaker in terms of technology since the motor was a simple single-cam, eight-valve with less than 70bhp and standard running-gear for its time. Indeed, the handling favored the straight road rather than the curves and the four, it was gleefully said, could be seen off by the best 750s from Norton or BSA. So it could – but turbine-smooth up to around 9,000 rpm, it didn't make loud noises or leak oil and the handling and braking shortcomings did not concern the majority of its riders who found it a thriller. Made in hundreds of thousands it forced the other Japanese makers to follow suit and was the kiss of death for long-established firms.
This example, from the first full year of production, had been fully rebuilt to standard, other than an upgraded rear suspension, and is finished in Honda Aqua Blue to a very high standard before the vendor bought it in 2008. Since then the Honda has had little use and will therefore need recommissioning to a greater or lesser extent.
The new CB750 was no ground-breaker in terms of technology since the motor was a simple single-cam, eight-valve with less than 70bhp and standard running-gear for its time. Indeed, the handling favored the straight road rather than the curves and the four, it was gleefully said, could be seen off by the best 750s from Norton or BSA. So it could – but turbine-smooth up to around 9,000 rpm, it didn't make loud noises or leak oil and the handling and braking shortcomings did not concern the majority of its riders who found it a thriller. Made in hundreds of thousands it forced the other Japanese makers to follow suit and was the kiss of death for long-established firms.
This example, from the first full year of production, had been fully rebuilt to standard, other than an upgraded rear suspension, and is finished in Honda Aqua Blue to a very high standard before the vendor bought it in 2008. Since then the Honda has had little use and will therefore need recommissioning to a greater or lesser extent.
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.
Saleroom notices
The title will be in transit.



Additional information
Looking for a similar item?
Our Motorcycles specialists can help you find a similar item at an auction or via a private sale.
Find your local specialistSpecialist section


Client Services (San Francisco)

Client Services (New York)
Auction Viewings
- 4 October 2019, 08:30 - 17:00 CDT
- 5 October 2019, 08:30 - 11:30 CDT
Bid now on these items
United Kingdom
Coming soon
1971 Kawasaki 500 Mach III
£3,000 - £5,000
United Kingdom
Coming soon
1926 Triumph 494cc
£4,000 - £6,000
United Kingdom
Coming soon
1934 Austin Seven 65
£4,000 - £6,000
United Kingdom
Coming soon
1936 Austin 7 Ruby,
£3,200 - £4,000
United Kingdom
Coming soon
Triumph 5T
£3,000 - £4,000
United Kingdom
Coming soon
Triumph Tiger 100
£3,000 - £4,000
United Kingdom
Coming soon
1915 Douglas 350cc 2¾hp
£4,000 - £5,000
United Kingdom
Coming soon
Triumph 6T
£3,000 - £4,000
United Kingdom
Coming soon
Triumph 6T
£3,000 - £4,000
United Kingdom
Coming soon
1921 Triumph 550cc Model H
£4,000 - £5,000
United Kingdom
Coming soon
1916 Radco 211cc
£3,400 - £4,400
United Kingdom
Coming soon
1974 Moto Guzzi 750S
£4,000 - £6,000
United Kingdom
A Michaux & Cie Velocipede, circa 1870,
£4,000 - £6,000
















