Description
27th Oct, 2024 10:00
The October 2024 Auction
1973 Honda CB750 K3
Very original example
Estimate
£2, 250 - £2, 750
Buyer's premium: 15. 00%
Lot details
Registration: Un-Reg
Frame: CBthe details below
Odometer: 23, 456
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 recommissioning
After Honda introduced the CB750 K0 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 736cc 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.
This particular bike has come in from the USA and looks to be very original, and having lived in a warm climate doesn’t appear to have any corrosion. It comes with NOVA declaration so application for a UK V5 should be a formality. As you will see, it has had custom paintwork so would make an ideal project bike. It requires a battery and the carbs seem to leak a bit of fuel after running so probably require fully servicing. It would require fresh fluids to recommission but would soon make a very usable and practical classic.
