1972 Honda CB750, Frame no. CB750-2012148 Engine no. CB750E-2019838
1972 Honda CB750Frame no. CB750-2012148Engine no. CB750E-2019838
Soichiro Honda began motorcycle production in 1946, with a batch of Japanese army surplus engines which he built into motorcycles; he then started to produce his own engines along similar lines. Unusually, compared to later Honda practice, these first engines were two-strokes, and amazingly, for a company which also later became so associated with technical innovation, the machine was effectively a throwback, in terms of its frame layout, girder forks, and belt drive, to the machines of the early twentieth century. The model range evolved throughout the 1960s and then in 1969 they released what most consider the first 'superbike' – their ground-breaking, four-cylinder, overhead camshaft 750. This machine ran through the seventies, achieving much publicity and, although copied by others, was arguably never bettered. Titled with the model number CB750, the first fours ran from their introduction in 1969 into 1971. At that point there were some changes to the model and, after a few intermediate K0 models, the new K1 appeared with improvements to the carburetor linkages, side panels, and airbox. The side panel badges were altered, and there were other minor changes. On the following K2 models, which appeared in 1972, there were more changes; mainly to fork shrouds, silencers, and switchgear.Little is known about this machine in its former life. What we do know is that it is unrestored, is still in its original, stock specification, is very clean and shows off its patina very well, better than its mileage might suggest and has been subject to a full service.
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.
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1972 Honda CB750Frame no. CB750-2012148Engine no. CB750E-2019838
Soichiro Honda began motorcycle production in 1946, with a batch of Japanese army surplus engines which he built into motorcycles; he then started to produce his own engines along similar lines. Unusually, compared to later Honda practice, these first engines were two-strokes, and amazingly, for a company which also later became so associated with technical innovation, the machine was effectively a throwback, in terms of its frame layout, girder forks, and belt drive, to the machines of the early twentieth century. The model range evolved throughout the 1960s and then in 1969 they released what most consider the first 'superbike' – their ground-breaking, four-cylinder, overhead camshaft 750. This machine ran through the seventies, achieving much publicity and, although copied by others, was arguably never bettered. Titled with the model number CB750, the first fours ran from their introduction in 1969 into 1971. At that point there were some changes to the model and, after a few intermediate K0 models, the new K1 appeared with improvements to the carburetor linkages, side panels, and airbox. The side panel badges were altered, and there were other minor changes. On the following K2 models, which appeared in 1972, there were more changes; mainly to fork shrouds, silencers, and switchgear.Little is known about this machine in its former life. What we do know is that it is unrestored, is still in its original, stock specification, is very clean and shows off its patina very well, better than its mileage might suggest and has been subject to a full service.
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.
Estimate
Time, Location
Auction House
