The story goes that the Honda CB750 SOHC changed the motorcycle world forever.
At the time it featured things like a front disk brake, 5 gallon fuel tank, comfort for two riders, electric start, and most importantly an air cooled 4 cylinder engine that could push the bike and rider to speeds exceeding 100 mph.
Four are produced from 1969 to 1970 and was available in one of three colors: Candy Blue Green, Candy Gold, or Candy Ruby Red. The tank, side covers, and upper forks were of the basic color (green, gold, or red). The headlight shell was also the basic color. The bike had a 4-into-4 throttle cable system. The exhaust system was a 4-into-4. The engine was a 736cc SOHC 2-valve dry sump inline 4 cylinder linked to a 5-speed transmission and chain drive. The serial number began CB750-1000001.
Honda’s 750-four was the original superbike; the machine that redefined the limits of motorcycle performance almost overnight. Actually born in the Sixties it was unveiled at the Tokyo Show in October 1968, and released in limited numbers the following year – the CB750 dominated the early Seventies and had a huge influence on the machines that followed it. Until the arrival of the Honda, with its broad bank of aircooled cylinders and four shining mufflers, mass-produced fours simply did not exist.
The CB750’s output of 67bhp was mighty impressive at the time, though, as were the smoothness and reliability with which it was delivered. The CB was designed as an all-rounder, with a view to sales in the important American market, but was good for over 120mph despite its high, wide handlebars. Handling, however, was only adequate, with the flex-prone steel frame and harsh suspension later coming in for criticism. But in the excitement of the CB’s arrival few riders were put off by that – especially after veteran Dick Mann had proved the four’s sporting potential by winning at Daytona in 1970.
One of the most significant machines in recent motorcycling history, the CB750 Four featured a 4-cylinder engine reminiscent of the Honda RC racers. The 750 Four had a terrific exhaust note resonating from four exhausts and, in a first for a production motorcycle, a top speed of over 200 km/h (~125mph). The incredible 750cc 4-cylinder engine featured a wealth of technology developed from sixties era GP racers.
Features included Honda’s first one-piece crankshaft, a dry sump design and a level of reliability never before seen. Like the RC racers, the CB750 was a high-rpm, high-power machine kicking out an un-heard of 67 HP at 8,000rpm. Harnessing this impressive power was an RC-type double-cradle frame and, in another breakthrough, a front disc brake.
Other components, like tires and chains, were also of especially high quality. The CB750 brought a new level of performance and sophistication to the world of motorcycles, making it an instant top seller. This was a machine that changed the history of motorcycling.
Note: All CB750 engines are air/oil-cooled, as opposed to liquid-cooled
SOHC
Year and model code:
1969 CB750 (6 June), CB750K or CB750K0 (date unknown)
1970 CB750K1 (21 September)
1972 CB750K2 (US 1 March)
1973 CB750K3 (US-only 1 February. K2 elsewhere)
1974 CB750K4 (US/Japan-only, K2 elsewhere)
1975 CB750K5 (US-only, K2/K4 elsewhere), CB750FO, CB750A (Canada-only)[28] The 1975 CB750F had a more streamlined look, thanks in part to a 4-into-1 exhaust and cafe style seat with fiberglass rear. Other changes included the use of a rear disc brake and a lighter crankshaft and flywheel.
1976 CB750K6, CB750F1, CB750A
1977 CB750K7, CB750F2, CB750A1
1978 CB750K8 (US-only), CB750F3, CB750A2
