Thirty-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 today by collectors. The Honda CB750 made its UK debut at the Brighton Show in April 1969 and this example, registered on 26th February 1970, is from the very first batch imported into this country. Still in the hands of its original owner, who purchased it on 12th January 1970 (receipt available), the machine was in regular use until 1993 and has enjoyed the occasional outing since. ‘OBH 916H’ incorporates a number of minor modifications including a CB450 handlebar, Koni rear suspension units and the later dual seat, rocker-arm carburettors and throttle twistgrip introduced on the K0/K1 models. Recent work carried out has included a service/oil change, carburettor balance and the fitting of new mirrors and exhaust heat shields. Exceptionally well preserved, the machine has covered a mere 55,000-or-so miles from new and represents a rare opportunity to acquire an original example of this iconic motorcycle. It is offered with original owner’s manual, factory parts manual, current road fund licence, MoT to June 2008, Swansea V5 document and a quantity of new and used spares to include a rear mudguard and assorted gaskets.
Thirty-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 today by collectors. The Honda CB750 made its UK debut at the Brighton Show in April 1969 and this example, registered on 26th February 1970, is from the very first batch imported into this country. Still in the hands of its original owner, who purchased it on 12th January 1970 (receipt available), the machine was in regular use until 1993 and has enjoyed the occasional outing since. ‘OBH 916H’ incorporates a number of minor modifications including a CB450 handlebar, Koni rear suspension units and the later dual seat, rocker-arm carburettors and throttle twistgrip introduced on the K0/K1 models. Recent work carried out has included a service/oil change, carburettor balance and the fitting of new mirrors and exhaust heat shields. Exceptionally well preserved, the machine has covered a mere 55,000-or-so miles from new and represents a rare opportunity to acquire an original example of this iconic motorcycle. It is offered with original owner’s manual, factory parts manual, current road fund licence, MoT to June 2008, Swansea V5 document and a quantity of new and used spares to include a rear mudguard and assorted gaskets.
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
