Honda introduced the CB750 motorcycle to the US and European markets in 1969 after experiencing success with its smaller motorcycles. In the late 1960s Honda motorcycles were the world's biggest sellers.
Following several meetings between US retailers and Honda officials (including founder Soichiro Honda), the opportunity to market a larger bike was quickly realised. Accordingly, the CB750 was targeted directly at the US market.
In development for just a year, the CB750 had a transverse, straight-four engine with a single overhead camshaft and a front disc brake, neither of which was previously available on a mainstream, affordable, production motorcycle.
That four-pot engine and front disc brake, coupled to a 1969 launch price of $1,495, gave the CB750 a considerable sporting performance advantage over its competition, particularly its British rivals.
‘Cycle Magazine’ called the CB750 "the most sophisticated production bike ever" and Cycle World called it “a masterpiece”, highlighting Honda's painstaking durability testing, the bike's 120 mph top speed, the fade-free braking, the comfortable ride and excellent instrumentation.
The CB750 was the first modern four-cylinder machine from a mainstream manufacturer and the term superbike was coined to describe it. Adding to the bike's value were its electric starter, kill switch, dual mirrors, flashing turn signals, easily maintained valves and overall smoothness and low vibration both under way and at a standstill.
The bike remained in the Honda line up for ten years, with a production total over 400,000 units. The CB750 K3 variant from 1973 as offered here, sold 38,000 units.
SCW 441L was imported from the United States in 2013 and received its first UK registration in November 2025. An MoT conducted in March 2014 records the mileage at 40,102.
In 2015 the Honda underwent a full chassis-up rebuild. Its first post-restoration MoT was conducted in October 2016, which recorded the mileage at 864 miles, due to both instrument dials being replaced with two near-new units during the rebuild.
The current keeper acquired the bike earlier this year and has offered it up for sale as he hasn’t the time to appreciate it and hopes the new keeper will enjoy the bike as much as he had intended to.
Aside from the V5C, there is very little paperwork available for this bike and especially none originating from the UK-based rebuild as it was apparently performed by a company and the paperwork was retained for tax purposes.
There is a current MoT certificate valid September, 2022. The mileage at that MoT was recorded at 4,041 – just two miles less than it is currently.
In the CB750 K3, we have a fine example of one of the rarest bikes available in the UK today. It has been ridden a tad over 3,000 miles since its rebuild. It is presented in the original ‘Flame Sunrise Orange’ (Honda didn’t have paint colour codes until the 1980s).
Overall, the bike presents in truly stunning condition with a new seat and all brightwork shines as it should and did nearly fifty years ago.
Firing up the Honda at the photo location, the bike started first time and settled into a sonorous four-pot burble. It is evident that much has been invested in restoring this 1970’s biking icon – and maintaining it in its current remarkable condition. The current owner says the bike runs just as the Honda engineers intended.
Many motorcycle aficionados say that the Honda CB750 is quite easily one of the top 10 most important motorcycle models of the 20th century.
Because you’re here, you’re likely to be in the market for a Honda CB750. You also have a few big choices to make when selecting your CB750, do you want an original ’69 model, a pre-78 SOHC model as the K3 offered here or a post-78 DOHC?
No matter which variation you choose, you’re going to be buying one of the most iconic motorcycles ever made. Obviously, you’ll need to occasionally roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty from time to time, but that’s half the reason we all ride motorcycles in the first place.
G’won, because you’re here, pop on a cheeky bid…you know you want to!
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As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
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1973 Honda CB750 K3
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