Highlights
- Fresh from a meticulous, concours-standard cosmetic restoration
- Presented exactly as it would have left the factory in 1976
- In superb mechanical condition
- Matching numbers
The Appeal
When a bike is named by Cycle magazine as “the most sophisticated production bike ever”, selected for inclusion in the Guggenheim Museum’s Art of the Motorcycle exhibition and ranked by the Society of Automotive Engineers of Japan as one of the 240 Landmarks of Japanese Automotive Technology, you know it must be something pretty special.
And so it is. When Honda launched its CB750 at the 1968 Tokyo Show, the motorcycling world was taken aback. Never was a motorcycle so fast (it would hit 120mph), comfortable and well-mannered, and yet still within reach of most enthusiasts. An overhead-cam transverse four-cylinder with twin carburettors was unheard of in a motorcycle at the time. In truth, it really was something of a revolution in motorcycling. Anyone who appreciates high-quality bikes must try a CB750, and you really want the best one you can find.
We very much doubt there’s anything on the market as good as this one. The vendor has made quite a name for himself as a restorer of 1970s Japanese motorcycles, with the CB750 being a particular speciality, and this one typifies the superlative standard of his work. While the vendor typically subjects his bikes to a full mechanical and cosmetic restoration, on checking this one over, he found it to be in virtually no need of mechanical work, so it has just been cosmetically restored. Knowing the standard of his workmanship, we can comfortably say that you’ll not find a better one anywhere else.
The History and Paperwork
- Imported from the USA in 2017
- Purchased by the vendor earlier in 2022
- Subsequently subjected to a full mechanical check with carburettor rebuild, and a comprehensive cosmetic restoration with many new parts
- The Honda will be sold with its current V5C; it is presently waiting for a new one from the DVLA to reflect its colour change from red to blue
The Condition
- Attractively finished in Candy Sapphire Blue, an original factory colour
- New seat and much new chrome
- Easily good enough to win concours prizes
If you’ve already come across this vendor’s restorations, a description of this one will hardly be necessary. We shall proceed, however, for the benefit of those who haven’t. It is, simply put, as beautiful a restoration as ever you are likely to see. The vendor has completed it with the same care, attention to detail and meticulous accuracy which he applies to all his bikes, and it really shows.
We would encourage you to look through the photographs and see if you can spot a single blemish. While we can never guarantee absolute perfection, we have studied the paintwork, the frame, the chrome and all the ancillaries very closely and we cannot find a single thing to criticise, but please feel free to judge for yourselves.
If it looks brand-new, that might be because a lot of it is. Freshly repainted in the lovely Candy Sapphire Blue, it also benefits from a new seat, new badges and many new chrome parts. It also has a brand-new 341 exhaust from America which came at a cost of £1800, so we think we can truly say that no expense has been spared.
The Mechanics
- In full working order after thorough check-over
- Rebuilt carburettors
- MoTed in 2017 with no advisories
It is usually customary for the vendor to restore his bikes mechanically as well as cosmetically, but after giving this bike a thorough check, including a compression test, he decided that there was no need in this instance, and we’re inclined to trust his judgment.
While the bike has not been MoTed since 2017, when it was brought into the country, the fact that it passed then with no advisories and has covered under 2,500 miles since suggests to us that it is unlikely to have any problems. As ever, we can make no guarantees, but the expert opinion of the vendor combined with what facts we have to go on certainly give us great confidence in the bike.
Probably the most significant mechanical work the bike has received from the vendor was a complete carburettor rebuild, just to be on the safe side. We are advised that in all other respects, it is in full working order, and all ready to enjoy on the road.
Summary
If you’ve ever wondered why the CB750 is widely regarded as one of the all-time greatest motorcycles, here is your opportunity to find out. Capable of a top speed of 125mph, the CB750 will eat up the road like nothing else of its day. With a front disc brake and electric starting, it’s also an easy bike to live with and use regularly, so its reputation is entirely deserved.
Presented in the very best mechanical and cosmetic condition, we truly believe this one to be the best example on the market right now. Coming from one of Britain’s best-respected motorcycle restorers, it really does have everything going for it and, whether you want it for a collection, to show, or just to use, we’re sure it won’t disappoint.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
VAT will be added to the buyer’s deposit as applicable.
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