When it comes to vintage motorcycles, I’ll admit that I wish I knew a bit more about them. Over the years, I’ve seen numerous bikes left at junkyards for likely simple no-start issues, and have passed by them simply because I didn’t know what I was looking at. While plenty of motorcycles capture the basic style of a CB750, I’m sure I’ve shuffled past one or two over the years, not aware of their performance or value to collectors. This 1975 model was recently purchased out of an estate in Wisconsin and despite not having been regularly used over the years, it appears to be in very nice original condition. It’s now listed here on eBay where bidding is just over $2,400 with no reserve listed.
The CB750 is not necessarily an “epic” bike in terms of sheer speed or value, but it’s definitely an icon from the early days of sport bikes. Today, it has achieved some levels of collectible status, especially when it near-new condition or an early production model. This example is obviously neither of those things, but it’s still a desirable model in good condition with some of the basic box-checking done in terms of getting it ready for regular use. The seller notes that the bike wasn’t ridden for some time but was apparently stored indoors, which helped keep rust and rodents at bay. The gas tank is said to be in nice shape with good paint and no dents.
The seat is in particularly nice condition, with no signs of tears or hard use. The seat pan is also said to be solid. The big downside to the bike as far as the seller is concerned is that the original side covers were missing and not located on the property where the bike was stored. Replicas were added, but originals would be the way to go if you’re going to take this bike to the next level. The Planet Blue paint is believed to be original and is in nice condition overall, with the original graphics still presenting well, too. The crowd that follows these early Japanese sport bikes give big points for originality, so this Honda has a lot working in its favor in that regard.
Gauges look nice and clear, and apparently report good news since the seller notes the Honda runs well going down the road. It’s said to start instantly and idle smoothly, and shifting action is said to be good as well. The seller notes that the next owner will likely want to spend some time sorting out the front brakes, but aside from that, it’s a solid runner – even the carbs and airbox are said to be in good order. The CB750 is an icon in the vintage motorcycle world, and this one looks like an excellent option for simply driving and enjoying, or taking all the way back to a factory fresh presentation. Bidding seems awful light at the moment for what looks like a good bike.
My first motorcycle, right down to the color, but mine still had the original exhaust of 4 into 4.
I had never ridden a motorcycle when I bought it in 76, so I got the salesman to deliver it.
Late that night, on the quiet suburban street I rode it around the block in 1st gear. I opened up the throttle and experienced more power than my body and mind could handle.
I basically had to idled it home, still in 1st gear.
It took me 3 weeks of daily riding, to get it into top gear….. the rest is history.
I still ride 40 odd years later.
That’s one helluva motorcycle to learn to ride on Dickie! Mine was a 650cc 1956 Triumph Tiger 110 so I know how it was for you. Great bikes, great times, and 52 motorcycles, and 64 years later, I’m still riding them. My current bike is a 1986 Honda Rebel 450cc but I am currently negotiating to swap it for a Honda V4 750cc cruiser.
There’s nothing that says that you have to pin the throttle every time you ride. You just need to know what your limits are (you can find out what the limits of your motorcycle are from the magazines) and ride accordingly.
The CB750 changed everything in the motorcycle realm and created the concept of the Universal Japanese Motorcycle. Honda would do it again with the introduction of the Gold Wing in 1975. Created as competition for Kawasaki’s Z1, it quickly became the favorite of the touring crowd and created an industry of aftermarket fairings and touring accessories.
Great find. For once, seeing a vehicle from Wisconsin would normally make me run, with the exception of motorcycles. Wisconsin has such lousy weather, bikes seldom get ridden and are usually inside. By ’75, the 750 was getting a bit dated. Everyone flocked to the GoldWing, and the bike that wowed us just 6 years prior, was suddenly out of date. While H-D struggled, the other bikes changed fast. The CB750 went on for many years, until 2003, I was surprised to read that, but by ’75 there were much more advanced bikes. Still, for this kind of money, you can see for yourself what all the hub-bub was in 1969. The bike that changed everything. I think the reason for the 4 into 2 pipes, is the stock systems are probably non-existent. Gonna be loud, but always liked turn-outs, and still looks plenty cool. Very nice find. I’m kind of having some remorse buying the DRZ400 and is up for sale. It’s a great bike, but the back roads are too rough, and as is, it makes a lousy road bike. In retrospect, I should have gone with this, my original intention, hey,,the DRZ was right down the block at the right price. I’m not made of stone, you know.
As far as Dave’s comment, spot on, pal. I don’t know what it is, but some people go blank on fast machines, FULL THROTTLE,,,and then deal with the upcoming consequences. Moderation, like anything, is the key.
So true about Wisconsin Howard, Illinois too for that fact, lots of folks who want to ride in Chicago but then figure out the poor weather and traffic, streets and drivers make it a dubious adventure. Thusly, many were left wet in garages for us to find. If you have time check out the recent article in ‘Motorcycle Classics’ about Thumpers, and featuring my 82 Honda FT500 Ascot. If you’re ever back to Wisconsin, you can take mine for a ride. Much better handling than a multi-cylinder and light and torquey for some fun 2-lane. They give it a nice thumbs up evaluation. I’ve ridden and rehabbed 750s, and although they have many wonderful characteristics, I’m no longer interested in straight line speed or Interstate highways, just too distracting for watching the scenery. Being a 1951 model myself, off-road riding is verboten. Give me an hour or two at 40-50mph on 2 lane going thru the lakes and woods and I’m “There”…………….good times.
Hey Gregg, yeah, I kind of found out, off road here is like rock climbing, the roads and trails are SO beat to heck. Kind of a conundrum, those 4 wheelers with 9 feet of suspension, are really what’s needed, and ironically, do the most damage. Still, the bike enabled me to get back to some of the nicest spots in the country. I probably should act my age, as well.
Acting ones age is overrated lol. I am going to be 50 in a few weeks & I prefer to act 30.
As for throttles & moderation…twist ’em if ya got ’em lol!
Honda popularized two-wheel transportation to such an extent that many people referred to ANY motorcycle as a “Honda”. Much like how my fellow Calirfornians used to call every carbonated soda a “Coke”. My first bike was a 1976 Honda 360t, not a speed demon but plenty of fun. Currently no bike because I’m in London and don’t want to die.
Sorry but I think it’s overpriced as it sits. Lots of rust and corrosion missing the very valuable stock exhaust, the dark residue at the split between the head and cylinders indicates weeping head gasket. To clean this bike up and make it truly nice would cost way more than the value of the later CB750’s now if it were a KO or K1 sure. But for example here’s a restored low mileage example https://www.ebay.com/itm/1975-Honda-CB-/283928479514?hash=item421b74c71a%3Ag%3AUggAAOSwEfJe9qXQ&nma=true&si=dS9Gtp3TBUymQ1GX8u6CK5Pyz%252Fo%253D&orig_cvip=true&nordt=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557 or a much nicer unrestored example here https://www.ebay.com/itm/1976-Honda-Honda-CB-750-Four-/224014470892?hash=item34284d8eec%3Ag%3AFAIAAOSwGu9ewgrk&nma=true&si=dS9Gtp3TBUymQ1GX8u6CK5Pyz%252Fo%253D&orig_cvip=true&nordt=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557 for far less than the cost to bring this one up to snuff.
My first road bike was 1980 Suzuki 550 GSL, I PAID 800.00 in 1983 and it had about 5k on it. Great bike, good power, and nice looking. It tended to get whiny when you throttled it up to high RPM’s, but that was typical for them. I decided to detail my bike, and that was when Armor-all had came out. I waxed the tank, polished the chrome, and Armor-all the foot pegs, grips, seat, tires, etc. I was so proud of the way it looked, I took it for a spin. First curve, my ass slid off, feet came off the foot pegs, and how I wasn’t killed was a pure miracle. Yes, I was truly that stupid.
Sad to say but it wasn’t too long ago it wasn’t hard to find bikes exactly like this being taken to the local scrap yard. I used to fool with old Japanese bikes. Three of my most memorable deals were a complete 1969 CB 750 Sandcast for $50 that later went to Japan. A 72 H2 original paint and a 1958 Triumph basket case w/the old metal milk crates. I still have those today. My Sharpei used to travel to the junk yards with me. I do miss him
Shar pei are great dogs! I miss mine too.
the real issue with this bike is the missing four into four mufflers. Those are EVERYTHING with these. Never forget when I was 16 my friend hacksawed off the mufflers on his 70 CB750 with eleven miles on it! Even then I knew he was an idiot.
As I post this a P-51 Mustang is flying over….I’m out back….markets down on lots of toys. These were nice bikes but I always preferred my Kawasaki 900’s that I had along with my triples….man those were the days !
Thanks Jeff.
Love seeing bikes on Barnfinds.
Closer to my budget and abilities…
@Howard A. You are acting your age Howard as you are only as old as you feel. I am 81 but still feel about 45 so still enjoy my road bikes. One thing concerns me though is the terrible condition of the roads as it would seem that they are as bad in US as they are here in UK. Why? We pay more than enough in road and petrol tax so I see no reason for the roads to be in such poor condition. I lived in Africa for 60 years and most of the roads were better then than they are here at the moment.
Thanks, Ken. Roads, ESPECIALLY in Colorado, are terrible. While going out on a limb here too, those road taxes are easily re-guided into other, allegedly, more important areas, like police cruisers, hair follicle testing and virus mask offenders and road repair has always taken a back seat to progress. Heck, they still have those terrible 3 lane highways here, and wonder why the roads are so dangerous. Colorado had it’s highest fatality rate last year. The dual-sport was an experiment, and a great bike, but I agree, a vintage road bike like this, would have been better, for about the same cost. These old trucker/biker bones just can’t take off road anymore.
Hi Howard. We are in the midst of a very big problem here. Our main motorways are either 3 or 4 lane with the inside lane being classed as an emergency lane for breakdowns or service vehicles only. Good plan, however, the people in the know have decided that instead of widening the motorway to create another lane to absorb the increase in vehicles, they would make the emergency lane a new motorway lane! Now there is no breakdown lane and emergency pull off areas are every one and a half miles apart! Needless to say that there have been many deaths from this stupid plan as there is nowhere to go if your vehicle comes to a stop and the traffic coming at you is doing 70 mph! We have been told to exit the vehicle and move as far as possible to the side of the road! Yeah, o.k. if you break down in the nearside line but not so good if you have to get yourself and family across 4 lanes from the outside lane! After having spent millions of pounds on putting the scheme into place there is word afoot that the whole idea might be scrapped! You couldn’t make it up hey?