Description
National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands
Viewing: Tues 24th March from 1pm
Auction: Wed 25th March from 9am
Location: National Motorcycle Museum, Coventry Road, Bickenhill, Solihull B92 0EJ
1969 Honda CB750 KO
First year of the legendary Honda four
Estimate
£9, 800 - £11, 800
Registration No: LWT 343H
Frame No: CBthe details below
MOT: Exempt
Authentically restored early CB750 KO
Distinctive 4 into 4 chrome exhaust system
Supplied with a VJMC dating letter and a V5C
The Honda Motor Company was founded by Soichiro Honda in 1937, initially producing piston rings for Toyota. They made their first motorcycle in 1949 and within 10 years had become the biggest motorcycle manufacturer in the world. They have gone on to produce over 400 million two-wheelers as well as millions of other power products. The legendary CB750/ 4 was first seen in late 1968 and released to the public in 1969, laying down the blueprint for the classic in-line 4 cylinder superbike. The first 7500 CB750s built had 'Sandcast' crankcases, but by mid 1969, the better quality 'Die Cast' cases were in use on the model that has become known as the KO version. The KO still featured many of the quirks of the Sandcast, such as the unstamped exhaust, black kill switch, 4 separate throttle cables and the 2 bolt rear light that distinguished it from the 1970 K1 model. To the bike enthusiast, the machine was simply light-years ahead of the British 650 parallel twins still with drum brakes, push rods and four-speed gear boxes. The SOHC four cylinder engine with electric start offered race bred technology for the masses, and motorcycling would never be the same again.
This stunning looking CB750KO is finished in the confusingly named 'Candy Blue Green' colour scheme with a broad gold stripe. Restored to a very high standard, it has been part of a small private collection of 1970s Superbikes and enjoyed by the vendor on some gentle summer runs, and when not in use, sits in his home office. It appears to have the correct parts you expect to find on the early models including the black faced clocks with a 8500 red line and the flip at the rear of the seat. It comes supplied with a VJMC dating letter, a tool kit and a current V5C, a rare chance to acquire a beautifully presented part of motorcycling history and a bike that would grace any collection.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people).
