Formerly the property of James May, 'Captain Slow' of 'Top Gear' and 'The Grand Tour' fame; featured in 'Classic Bike' magazine, 1970 Honda CB750

•Very early example
•Delivered new in France
•Purchased by James May in 2013
•Present ownership since 2018

This early Honda CB750 was purchased by James May in August 2013 from marque specialist David Silver, who had sourced it from France, and was the subject of an article written by James for Classic Bike magazine (Why a Honda CB750 Will Make You Happy, October 2013 edition, copy on file).

In his article James explains the difficulties of precisely determining the model's identity:

"The true K0 was a very short-lived transition model (just 121 examples were made) between the first so-called 'sand-cast' engine bikes... and the subsequent improved K1.

"So my bike has the chunky, fluted side panels, an unpainted front caliper, and the baffling slider on the left bar that changes the function of the switchgear button from horn to flasher..."

However, this machine has several features characteristic of the improved K1 introduced late in 1970, including the pressure-die-cast engine finish, while the frame number places it in the first batch produced: too early for a K0 and too early for the French market. Further research may prove to be enlightening.

Our vendor purchased the Honda on 19th May 2018 (bill of sale on file). Also in the file is an advertisement from Motorcycles Unlimited detailing the machine's French-market features including: extra lighting cut off switch to left handlebar; rear reflector numberplate holder; right-hand light switch with parking light facility; and longer baffles in the exhaust. There are various French documents on file, including the original guarantee card with supplying dealer's stamp; a Honda France specification sheet dated June 1970; and an old French Carte Grise (1999).

Additional paperwork includes James May's 2013 application form to register an imported motor vehicle; scan of an old V5C in James May's name; David Silver's 2013 sales invoice; sundry bills for service parts; some old MoTs (last expired September 2018); and a current V5C. The machine was last taxed to the end of June 2022. Offered with key.