1975 Honda CB750K: A Project With Potential
Step aside, all you young speedsters – here’s a throwback that might just take you by surprise. We’re talking about a 1975 Honda CB750K, a non-running project that’s been taking a well-deserved break after its adventures in Michigan. Acquired by the current dealer back in 2019, this vintage beauty is one for the enthusiasts. It’s draped in Light Ruby Red, complete with splashes of black, gold, and white stripes – a real 70s disco diva.
A Quick Rundown of Features
Under the hood – or should I say, beneath the vintage frame – lies a 736cc SOHC inline-four, ready to pair up with a five-speed transmission. Oh, and let’s not forget the kick starter and electric starter package, or the Keihin carburetors quartet feeding the mighty engine. The exhaust system also follows the groovy theme with a four-into-four setup.
- Front disc brake, though it’s giving us the side-eye for a little TLC.
- Wire-spoke wheels, measuring 19″ front, 18″ rear, decked with Dunlop Gold Seal tires.
- Chrome-finished fenders and mirrors adding a sparkle under the sun.
- A no-reserve offer on the table with an Ohio title up for grabs.
The Story in Paint: Light Ruby Red Charm
They say classic never goes out of style, and this bike’s paint job is here to prove it. The Light Ruby Red exterior, adorned with black, gold, and white, is simply eye-catching. It’s like seeing Mazda’s bold colors in their early concept years, right here in 2023.
Interesting Fact: The Honda CB750K was one of the first motorcycles to bring a four-cylinder engine to the masses, changing the landscape of motorcycling forever.
Riding Comfort and Convenience
Sitting on the two-up seat with a partner was the cool thing back then, with a passenger grab strap for security – or extra bravado. Chrome-finished dual mirrors, a rear grab bar, folding passenger foot pegs, and both center and side stands complete the comfort and convenience offerings. The design philosophy? Make people turn heads while you ride.
A Bit of TLC Required
Now, although she’s stunning, time has not been entirely gracious. There’s corrosion playing peekaboo inside the fuel tank and foot pegs. Sadly, the left side panel wears a crack, hence a dash of your love and some restoration might just get her rolling again.
Suspension and Handling
Riding a bike is like dancing – it needs rhythm and a good partner. For this Honda CB750K, the suspension consists of traditional forks complemented by gaiters, and dual shocks attached to the swingarm. Sadly, the rear shocks are looking a little tired and need looking after.
Engineering Marvels of the ‘70s
Let’s talk performance – at the time, this bike was hot stuff with its 150 mph Nippon Denso speedometer and matching tachometer readouts. The five-digit odometer reads 6k miles, quite the underachiever for a machine of its caliber.
Trivia: Bikes like these sparked the crave for high performance, akin to today’s lust for the Porsche 911 in the automotive world.
Engine and Drivetrain
Underneath that vintage charm, you’ll find a 736cc engine equipped with a kick starter and electric starter for all your startup endeavors. Even though it shows signs of wear with blemishes on the case and no battery included, the engine still turns over. And you know what they say; it’s the heart that counts!
The drivetrain? Wrapped up with a five-speed transmission and a chain drive system. In a nutshell, this classic isn’t just a piece of history; it’s a canvas for someone to relive a bygone era or customize it into a modern day marvel.