1971 Honda CB750 K1
Frame no. CB750-1119805

The Autoworld Autumn Sale|6 September 2020, 14:00 CEST|Brussels

1971 Honda CB750 K1
Frame no. CB750-1119805

•One of the all-time great classic motorcycles
•Restored in 2010
•52,383 kilometres recorded

Footnotes

"Seldom has a road-test model attracted such a wide interest and appreciative comments from bystanders. That it justified the praise goes without saying. No manufacturer has come nearer than Honda to producing an ideal roadster." - Motor Cycle.

Fifty-plus years on, it is hard to imagine the impact the Honda CB750 had on the motorcycling world when it was unveiled to a stunned public at the Tokyo 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 by collectors.

Offered here is a fine example of the K1 model, introduced in 1971, which featured a larger fuel tank and a new oil tank, side panels and dual seat together with various cosmetic changes. Mechanically, the most significant advances were the adoption of a simplified and more efficient throttle operating system; stiffer rear suspension springs; and the provision of an oiler for the rear chain.

Restored in 2010, this CB750 currently displays a total of 52,383 kilometres on the odometer and is described by the vendor as excellent throughout. The machine is offered with a Belgian Carte Grise.

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