Page 112 - Motorcycle Trader (February 2020)
P. 112
Under the
hammer
1969 HONDA Sold
$25,000
CB750-FOUR KO SHANNONS
The model designation said it designing four-cylinder race
all – ‘KO’, a knockout. Honda had engines, and it only took a year
been successfully selling small- to produce the SOHC air-cooled
capacity motorcycles in the US engine for the new model.
for many years, but the dealers The CB750 was met with
wanted a bigger and sportier amazement, and lairy colour
model to add to the range. The schemes of blue-green, gold
company responded with the and ruby red stood out. The
twin-cylinder CB450, but it had engine was broad, and the
limited success. four chrome-plated mufflers
During a US visit in 1967, demanded attention.
Honda’s Yoshiro Harada Apart from its looks, the bike
stressed the CB450’s superior also came standard with a list
performance claiming it of unparalleled features at that
was better than Norton and time. These included a five- move 1500 units a year but than 400,000 were produced.
Triumph’s 600cc models. speed transmission; a hydraulic that was rapidly changed The CB750K is included in the
However, the retailers wanted front disc brake; electric start; to the monthly figure then Japanese Society of Automotive
more cubes. Honda took notice dual mirrors; indicators and doubled again to keep up with Engineers’ Landmarks
and assembled a team to work easily maintained valves. In one orders. The model, with many of Japanese Automotive
on a large-capacity motorcycle. fell swoop, Honda had redefined refinements along the way, was Technology.
The company had developed what a motorcycle should be. in Honda’s range for 10 years Sold at the Sydney Spring
a great deal of expertise The factory had expected to and over that period more Classic.
110 MOTORCYCLE TRADER
