1975 Honda CB

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Forty one years ago in 1972, a good friend of my brother's in Des Moines by the name of Merle Shank quit smoking, dropped 30 pounds, and, on a mostly stock Honda 750 that he rode to work, shattered the 24 hour world endurance record for a single rider. This record had stood since the 1920's. At Pocono Speedway on a small tri-oval track aptly nicknamed "The Devil's Triangle," he wound the Honda out many times well over 100 MPH through the morning and into the night, stopping only for gas and tires. 24 hours later, he and the dependable Honda made their way into the annuals of motorcycle history and posted a 24 hour endurance record that still stands today. It was shortly after that, at the admiration of Merle and the nagging of my son, that I bought my first Honda. A couple years later, after Merle pronounced it as fit as his record breaking 750, I purchased the 750 you see offered for your consideration today. Make no mistake: this bike may be almost 40 years old, but it's desirability is born from the seed of record-breaking design and trouble-free dependability. The speed and durability of the CB750 set a performance war in place that is still played out by Honda and its rivals today! I will let the photos do most of the talking but would like to state that this bike is an original survivor as you see it today. It has not been overly buffed and polished, chromed, tinkered with by some unknowing individual or changed in any way. Never abused, it has always been kept in a heated garage and only driven in nice weather. Except for things needed to get it road worthy (new tires and tubes, a complete carb rebuild, tune up and tank seal (just as a precaution), and a new battery a week ago etc.) this bike bike is pretty much as original as the day I bought it. All work was professionally done. I have regularly changed the oil and brake fluids, and the brakes are at about 50%. I have never had a lick of problems with it and when I have wanted to start it I always just connected the battery, pulled up the choke and pushed the button and it fires up. As you can see, it only has about 6,800 miles on the odometer and it stops and goes as nicely as it did when it was only a few years old. All the cables and electrics work and the basic fading, sticking, shorting, seat wear, sun fading etc. you find on old bikes is all non existent due to it's low usage and this bike being stored inside all its life. It has seen more water being washed than it was ever rained on! I bought it in 1976 from the original owner with under a thousand miles on it after he failed to consult his wife about the purchase. You could jump on this bike today and drive it anywhere or it would be an excellent collector to display. It is by no means flawless but very nice and original. I did have to replace a side cover about 15 or 20 years ago when one got a crack and the pipe on right top has a thru spot on the underside smaller than a dime. You can see it in one of the photos as a reflection on the lower pipe. If you feel the spot you can feel it is very solid though. The other pipes all are solid. Except for a small nick or two or a rub mark from your leg the paint is all original and in great shape along with the chrome. No fading, dents or barely a ding. The shocks and seals are good and nothing else leaks but the shifter seal after sitting a long time will get a few drips under it. As this is an old bike there is no warranty but you wont be disappointed. It has always been adult ridden responsibly. I am just to the point I cannot move it in the garage anymore and barely rode it when I could! Besides being collectible in itself it may be nice to own a bike a standing record holder has actually ridden. My nephew is handling this auction for me but ask any questions and I will reply as soon as possible. He has ridden motorcycles over 30 years himself and he rode the bike recently and said it ran out great in town and on the interstate was still pulling nicely past 80 when he rolled off the throttle. He said he wouldn't be afraid to ride it anywhere. Winner of the auction is to arrange all shipping and pick up but we will assist as needed. Since the bike is in Iowa and is right off of Interstate 80 we are really not too far from anyone to pick it up or drive it away. It will fit in the back of a little pick up. With the new tires, tubes, battery and carb rebuild it is a very road worthy original. The low starting price simply reflects the money I have put into it in the last couple years getting it ready for the next lucky owner. As this is a no reserve auction, somebody is going to get a great deal. I know people who have spent thousands on their bikes in restoration to get one that looks and runs out as good as this one but for originality you wont find many bikes this correct. This could be your lucky chance. I also have the title from 1976 and most of the registrations from then through current. The luggage rack is an original vintage piece for your gear on the ride home and I have a repair manual from 1975 that is unused in addition to the original tool kit and owners manual. I expect payment thru paypal within 48 hours of auctions end and will turn over the title when payment is received. I took close pictures and they are pretty clear so you can see what you are getting. If you see a bike cleaner it is likely because the pictures are farther away or its been tinkered with. I always preferred original. Ask all questions before bidding. Let me know if I've missed something and I'll get back to you. God bless, good luck and happy bidding!