1970 Honda CB750 K0 Frame no. CB750-1032851 Engine no. CB750E-1038105

1970 Honda CB750 K0Frame no. CB750-1032851Engine no. CB750E-1038105
• Authentically restored example of a true milestone motorcycle• 'Die-cast' K0 in correct Ruby Candy Red paint• Multiple award winner, including a 99.5 score in AMCA judging• Featured in magazine and website storiesIt's hard to imagine today when the Big Four Japanese motorcycle manufacturers are serious contenders in every market niche, that there was a time when Japan only made "little" bikes, almost exclusively staying south of the 500cc borderline. All that changed with the introduction of the Honda CB750 Four. At a time when every British twin had to be started by kick lever and brought to a halt with drum brakes, here was an across-the-frame four-cylinder that whirred to life with the touch of a button. Up front was a hydraulic disc brake, standard fare now but big news back then.In their 2006 look back at the bike, Motorcycle Classics put things into perspective. "In 1969, throngs of motorcyclists clamored to see and ride Honda's newest creation: the four-cylinder, single-overhead-cam Honda CB750 Four. It was unlike anything Honda had produced for the public, and frightfully similar to their race bikes, with the first mass-production inline four-cylinder engine. It was the first Superbike, and more than 35 years later it makes for a great classic ride. Today, motorcyclists and collectors alike are snatching up original and restored early-production Honda CB750 motorcycles due to their limited numbers and their place in history."The editors at Motorcyclist magazine were even more effusive about the Honda Four, in 2012 naming it as their unanimous choice for Motorcycle of the Century: "This bike changed everything," they explained. "Exotic and affordable, fast and reliable, capable and accessible, the CB750 was a magic bullet."The owner of this particular early CB750 is Don Stockett, founder of Vintage Motorcycle Rescue, a respected northern California operation that specializes in showroom restorations of 1970s Honda 350s and 750s. A previously restored Candy Ruby Red "die-cast" K0 in need of a makeover, it was purchased as his personal ride and to demonstrate the shop's capabilities. At both tasks the Honda has performed admirably, especially the latter, amassing a truly impressive show pedigree. Among the many concours trophies garnered is a First Place in the Superbike class at the 2013 Quail Motorcycle Gathering and a prestigious Winner's Circle award at the Antique Motorcycle Club of America's 2016 Dixon meet, where in judging the Honda scored 99.5 points. In the rare event the K0 didn't take home a top placing, it was usually because one of the shop's other restorations had also been entered! The bike was also the subject of a 2017 feature story in Motorcycle Classics magazine.When not serving as a rolling business card for the shop, the CB750 is used on backroad rides, where the sound wafting from the four-pipe HM300 exhaust always brings a smile. Aiding the bike's all-around usability is the fitment of a Dyna electronic ignition, coils and spark plug wires, one modern, if hidden, deviation from stock. Since these photographs of the bike were taken, a proper black-anodized front brake master cylinder has also been fitted.

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.