Description
20th Jul, 2024 10:00
The July 2024 Auction
1974 Honda CB750 K4
Very original example
Estimate
£2, 500 - £3, 500
Buyer's premium: 15. 00%
Lot details
Registration: Un-Reg
Frame: CBthe details below
Engine: CB750E-2370258
Odometer: 43, 836
MOT: Exempt
736cc in-line 4-cylinder SOHC
Front disc and rear drum brakes
5-speed gearbox
Electric start
Very original example
Complete bike, just needs re-commissioning
After Honda introduced the CB750 KO motorcycle, engineering immediately leapt forward a generation. The CB750 provided refinement and civility that was previously unheard of and it immediately became the standard against which all others were judged. Mass-produced in quantity it also provided technological superiority at an affordable price. The power output of the 736 cc four was a moderate 67 horsepower at 8, 000 rpm, but this was still considerably more than the 58 horsepower of the rival BSA and Triumph triples. It was also enough to provide a top speed in the region of 200 km/ h, making it one of the fastest bikes on the market. Compared to the British competition it also ran more smoothly, stopped much better, and could accelerate through a standing 400 metres in 13 seconds time after time without destroying itself. In September 1970 the considerably revised CB750 K1 replaced the CB750. Updates included a new seat, and black air cleaner box. Production increased to 77, 000 before the CB750 K2 replaced it in March 1972. It took a seasoned expert to tell the difference between the CB750K1 and K2, but visually there were chrome-plated headlight brackets and a new instrument panel with four warning lights, borrowed from the CB500. A quieter exhaust system was undoubtedly responsible for a drop in performance, but Honda was on a roll, and production still totalled 63, 500. The 1973 CB750 K3 received new fuel tank stripes, and a number of engine modifications to reduce oil consumption and noise and the suspension now included conventional five-way adjustable rear shock absorbers. Apart from colours the 1974 CB750 K4 was similar to the K3.
This particular bike has come in from the USA and looks to be very original and complete except for mirrors, and having lived in a warm climate doesn’t appear to have any corrosion. It comes with NOVA declaration and US Certificate of Title, so application for a UK V5 should be a formality. It requires a battery and fresh fluids to re-commission but would soon make a very usable and practical classic.
