Author Topic: 750-4 production figures  (Read 13219 times)

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Offline Rockin Roger

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750-4 production figures
« on: September 12, 2012, 04:15:00 pm »
I'm writing a piece on 750 Honda SOHC fours for Cafe Racer Magazine. I generally write about British motorcycles, so this is somewhat of a departure from the norm for me.

The article will focus on 3 aspects of the 750 model, namely history, performance mods for the street and what to look for in a used buy.

I'm setting up some 'phone interviews with notable builders (and racers) but welcome comment from list members.

To date, I haven't turned up a reliable figure for production numbers of the 750 from '69 - '78. Can anyone help with this please?

Keepin' it Cafe,
Roger Kirwin


Offline david 750f

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1976 CB 750F

Offline Grabcon

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Re: 750-4 production figures
« Reply #2 on: September 12, 2012, 05:28:06 pm »
Just for a little clarity this link that shows the production numbers were these just the US or were these global production numbers?
CB750   1974 - Gone
CB750F 1976 - Gone :(
CB550   1978 - Gone & now back
CB900F 1981 - Gone
ST1100 1991 - Gone
ST1100 2000 - Gone
VFR800 2008 - Gone
ST1300 2008 - Gone
BMW F700GS - Wife's
VFR1200X 2016 - Mine

Offline 736cc

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Re: 750-4 production figures
« Reply #3 on: September 12, 2012, 06:31:04 pm »
Global.

Offline 736cc

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Re: 750-4 production figures
« Reply #4 on: September 12, 2012, 06:34:25 pm »
Many of us had a couple at one time or another. I stopped counting around 50.



Offline madmtnmotors

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Re: 750-4 production figures
« Reply #5 on: September 12, 2012, 06:54:53 pm »
You picked a good one! Of those production numbers, seven have found their way into my garage...
TAMTF...


Wilbur



Projects:
"Evolution": http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=100352.0
"P.O. Debacle": http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,126692.msg1441661.html#msg1441661
F2/F3 O-rings: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=113672.msg1300721#msg1300721
Cam Tower Studs: https://www.mcmaster.com/#93210a017/=t19sgp
Clean up that nasty harness: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=137351.msg1549191#msg1549191
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,148188.msg1688494.html#msg1688494
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,139544.msg1579364.html#msg1579364
                                          
Charging system diagnosis: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=1012.msg8345#msg8345
Get the manuals: http://manuals.sohc4.net/cb750k/
The Dragon: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=45183.msg1571675#msg1571675
Headlight Switch: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=113986.msg1283236#msg1283236
Branden's leak free top end thread: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=107040.0
Engine Lifting Made Easy: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,58210.msg1684742.html#msg1684742
                                      http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,100352.msg1675840.html#msg1675840
Static and Dynamic Timing: http://www.hondachopper.com/garage/carb_info/timing/timing1.html
Airbox Gasket Replacement: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,114485.msg1290000.html#msg1290000
"Café" : http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,84697.msg953814.html#msg953814
PD Carb Choke Linkage: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,100352.msg1669248.html#msg1669248
                                    http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,110931.msg1248354.html#msg1248354
                                    http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,48858.msg515204.html#msg515204
Follow up on your damn posts: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,144305.msg1791605.html#msg1791605
Taiwanese Cam Chain Tensioners:  http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,155043.msg1774841.html#msg1774841
Gumtwo Seat Cover: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,164440.msg1897366.html#msg1897366
Primary Drive: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,166063.msg1919278.html#msg1919278
Tank Latch: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,165975.msg1919495.html#msg1919495
Shorten your forks: http://vintage-and-classic-honda-s.456789.n3.nabble.com/How-to-shorten-forks-td4042465.html DO NOT CUT THE SPRINGS!
Clutch How To: http://vintage-and-classic-honda-s.456789.n3.nabble.com/How-to-change-and-adjust-a-clutch-SOHC-td4040391.html
Late model K7/K8/F2/F3 front sprocket cover removal: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,178428.msg2072279.html#msg2072279
630 to 530 conversion: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,180710.msg2094423.html#msg2094423

Sent from my Tandy TRS-80!

Offline GammaFlat

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Re: 750-4 production figures
« Reply #6 on: September 12, 2012, 08:27:30 pm »
Hi.. my name is John and I have a problem.  I have four (at the moment). 
K6
K7 
Suzuki GN400 - Ignition fixed!
03 KLR650 - Doesn't do anything very well but.. well.. does everything.

Offline lucky

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Re: 750-4 production figures
« Reply #7 on: September 12, 2012, 08:32:37 pm »
I'm writing a piece on 750 Honda SOHC fours for Cafe Racer Magazine. I generally write about British motorcycles, so this is somewhat of a departure from the norm for me.

The article will focus on 3 aspects of the 750 model, namely history, performance mods for the street and what to look for in a used buy.

I'm setting up some 'phone interviews with notable builders (and racers) but welcome comment from list members.

To date, I haven't turned up a reliable figure for production numbers of the 750 from '69 - '78. Can anyone help with this please?

Keepin' it Cafe,
Roger Kirwin

You better do your homework on this story.
Many experts out there.

This is like going out on stage and playing one of the most
 famous songs and not getting it right.

The US landed on the Moon. The CB750 was introduced at the same time.

Offline goldarrow

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Re: 750-4 production figures
« Reply #8 on: September 12, 2012, 11:30:15 pm »
I feel so proud to own ONE of the 35,000 750k5 8)
Life Is Full Of Challenges - And My Backyard Is Full Of SOHC4's

CB550 K0
CB750 K0, K2, K23 JDM, K45, K5
And the little ones z50r, xr50r, st90


750k5 http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=114817.0

Offline Stev-o

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Re: 750-4 production figures
« Reply #9 on: September 13, 2012, 05:55:34 am »
Hi.. my name is John and I have a problem.  I have four (at the moment). 

Nine here....but one is leaving today.
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline Magilla

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Re: 750-4 production figures
« Reply #10 on: September 13, 2012, 07:53:36 am »
I only have one.  I am always on the look for the next 550 or 750.  Just haven't come across any deals this year.
1972   Honda CB350
1972   Yamaha 500
1982   Yamaha 650
1988   Harley Sportster 883
1983   HD FXR Shovelhead
2003   HD Heritage Softail
2006   Victory Vegas Jackpot
1980   Honda CB650
1976   Honda CB750K
1982   Honda CB750
1964   Honda CA95
1982   Kawasaki 550
1974   Honda CL360
1975   Suzuki GT550
1981   Honda CB750
1981   Honda CB750
1970   Norton Commando
1972   Yamaha U7E
1970   BMW R50/5
1976   Honda CB750F

Offline 736cc

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Re: 750-4 production figures
« Reply #11 on: September 13, 2012, 10:18:26 am »
They came in nice colors, too.



Offline CycleRanger

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Re: 750-4 production figures
« Reply #12 on: September 13, 2012, 10:35:34 am »
I feel so proud to own ONE of the 35,000 750k5 8)
Yes, the second rarest model after the Sandcasts. ;D
Do you have a copy of the Honda Shop Manual or Parts List for your bike? Get one here:
https://www.honda4fun.com/materiale/documentazione-tecnica
CB750K5        '79 XL250s     CL350K3
CB750K3        '76 XS650      '76 CJ360T

Offline goldarrow

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Re: 750-4 production figures
« Reply #13 on: September 13, 2012, 11:50:34 am »
Are they? How? Or why?  Interested. What makes them second rarest after sand cast? I thought the 69, 70, and 71 were the most desirable.
Life Is Full Of Challenges - And My Backyard Is Full Of SOHC4's

CB550 K0
CB750 K0, K2, K23 JDM, K45, K5
And the little ones z50r, xr50r, st90


750k5 http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=114817.0

Offline Tugboat

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Re: 750-4 production figures
« Reply #14 on: September 13, 2012, 12:16:26 pm »
Anybody know what the numbers are for the F models?
If it's worth doing, it's worth doing twice.

Offline Bob Wessner

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Re: 750-4 production figures
« Reply #15 on: September 13, 2012, 12:26:48 pm »
Anybody know what the numbers are for the F models?

 http://www.sohc4.net/index.php/cb750kproductionnumbers/

Then hit the little blue advance button at the lower-right corner of the chart.
« Last Edit: September 13, 2012, 12:28:39 pm by Bob Wessner »
We'll all be someone else's PO some day.

Offline Tugboat

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Re: 750-4 production figures
« Reply #16 on: September 13, 2012, 12:37:53 pm »
44,000 F1's?!? So why can't I find a decent tank for under $300?!? :)
If it's worth doing, it's worth doing twice.

Offline CycleRanger

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Re: 750-4 production figures
« Reply #17 on: September 13, 2012, 12:57:27 pm »
Are they? How? Or why?  Interested. What makes them second rarest after sand cast? I thought the 69, 70, and 71 were the most desirable.
Look at the production numbers.  ;)
Do you have a copy of the Honda Shop Manual or Parts List for your bike? Get one here:
https://www.honda4fun.com/materiale/documentazione-tecnica
CB750K5        '79 XL250s     CL350K3
CB750K3        '76 XS650      '76 CJ360T

Offline MCRider

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Re: 750-4 production figures
« Reply #18 on: September 13, 2012, 01:15:58 pm »
Are they? How? Or why?  Interested. What makes them second rarest after sand cast? I thought the 69, 70, and 71 were the most desirable.
You're confusing rare with desirable.   ;)
Ride Safe:
Ron
1988 NT650 HawkGT;  1978 CB400 Hawk;  1975 CB750F -Free Bird; 1968 CB77 Super Hawk -Ticker;  Phaedrus 1972 CB750K2- Build Thread
"Sometimes the light's all shining on me, other times I can barely see, lately it appears to me, what a long, strange trip its been."

Offline Stev-o

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Re: 750-4 production figures
« Reply #19 on: September 13, 2012, 03:51:23 pm »
Are they? How? Or why?  Interested. What makes them second rarest after sand cast? I thought the 69, 70, and 71 were the most desirable.
You're confusing rare with desirable.   ;)

And none are truly rare.
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline Rockin Roger

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Re: 750-4 production figures
« Reply #20 on: September 20, 2012, 09:04:21 am »
Thank you to everyone who responded to my post regarding production figures for the SOHC 750. It appears the magic number is approx. 553,400 - Incredible!
Over half a million made!

As a result of this list, I've met some very helpful list members who have come forward with information on the model.

I'd just like to throw out a few general questions before I start to write the piece:

SOHC Honda 750 ownership.  I'd appreciate some comments on:

1) Handling
2) Parts availability (anything unobtainable?)
3) Reliability
4) What would you advise a prospective owner to look for mechanically prior to 
    purchase?  (let's ignore consumables such as tires, brakes, chain etc.)

Yours Aye!
Roger Kirwin


   

Offline madmtnmotors

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Re: 750-4 production figures
« Reply #21 on: September 20, 2012, 09:34:36 am »
Well, I'll throw in my two cents. After owning/riding/researching/fixing one of these for 26 years now, my impressions are:

1) Handles okay, certainly not anywhere near many newer bikes. Handling can be improved greatly, and the items having the most impact seem to be (in no particular order):
     a) Steering stem bearings
     b) Swingarm bushings
     c) Fork springs
     d) Shocks
     e) Tires

Ken at Cycle-X has dialed 'em in pretty good. They are scraping the heads off of the alternator cover bolts in the corners!

2) ALMOST everything appears to be available new or reproduction. The few hard parts that can't be found new can often be sourced used. Consumables are very reasonable and readily obtainable. The same holds true for many performance parts too.

3) 60,000 relatively trouble-free miles so far. Original engine. I find these very easy to work on.

4) Cylinder compression and exposure to the elements. Bikes that have been outdoors many years do not want to let loose of their fasteners (broken bolts when attempting disassembly will be in your future). IF it runs then excessive mechanical noises might give clues. These bikes have some chatter/clatter that may not be a problem, but if the noise is excessive, or is accompanied by banging/knocking sounds then there may be issues.

Forum members Hondaman, TwoTired, and others are way more knowledgeable the me, and Hondaman even wrote a book on them!
« Last Edit: September 20, 2012, 11:37:07 am by madmtnmotors »
TAMTF...


Wilbur



Projects:
"Evolution": http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=100352.0
"P.O. Debacle": http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,126692.msg1441661.html#msg1441661
F2/F3 O-rings: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=113672.msg1300721#msg1300721
Cam Tower Studs: https://www.mcmaster.com/#93210a017/=t19sgp
Clean up that nasty harness: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=137351.msg1549191#msg1549191
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,148188.msg1688494.html#msg1688494
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,139544.msg1579364.html#msg1579364
                                          
Charging system diagnosis: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=1012.msg8345#msg8345
Get the manuals: http://manuals.sohc4.net/cb750k/
The Dragon: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=45183.msg1571675#msg1571675
Headlight Switch: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=113986.msg1283236#msg1283236
Branden's leak free top end thread: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=107040.0
Engine Lifting Made Easy: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,58210.msg1684742.html#msg1684742
                                      http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,100352.msg1675840.html#msg1675840
Static and Dynamic Timing: http://www.hondachopper.com/garage/carb_info/timing/timing1.html
Airbox Gasket Replacement: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,114485.msg1290000.html#msg1290000
"Café" : http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,84697.msg953814.html#msg953814
PD Carb Choke Linkage: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,100352.msg1669248.html#msg1669248
                                    http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,110931.msg1248354.html#msg1248354
                                    http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,48858.msg515204.html#msg515204
Follow up on your damn posts: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,144305.msg1791605.html#msg1791605
Taiwanese Cam Chain Tensioners:  http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,155043.msg1774841.html#msg1774841
Gumtwo Seat Cover: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,164440.msg1897366.html#msg1897366
Primary Drive: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,166063.msg1919278.html#msg1919278
Tank Latch: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,165975.msg1919495.html#msg1919495
Shorten your forks: http://vintage-and-classic-honda-s.456789.n3.nabble.com/How-to-shorten-forks-td4042465.html DO NOT CUT THE SPRINGS!
Clutch How To: http://vintage-and-classic-honda-s.456789.n3.nabble.com/How-to-change-and-adjust-a-clutch-SOHC-td4040391.html
Late model K7/K8/F2/F3 front sprocket cover removal: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,178428.msg2072279.html#msg2072279
630 to 530 conversion: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,180710.msg2094423.html#msg2094423

Sent from my Tandy TRS-80!

Offline DJ_AX

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Re: 750-4 production figures
« Reply #22 on: September 20, 2012, 10:04:00 am »
...
1) Handling
2) Parts availability (anything unobtainable?)
3) Reliability
4) What would you advise a prospective owner to look for mechanically prior to 
    purchase?  (let's ignore consumables such as tires, brakes, chain etc.)
...

1) Handling
Well enough for rush hour traffic. No problem scraping the pegs If I wanna push it... but I'm not out to race anybody.
2) Parts avail...
My goodness I've been able to easily find even those parts they say are hard to get. Often times from more than one source and sometimes just plain ridiculously cheap!
It used to be hard to find good replacement side covers... but now you can get great aftermarket ones. I've heard the top triple trees are getting harder to find. (missed spacer/washer causes clamps to crack)
3)Reliability
 Once everything is tuned... rock solid. I'd confidently and happily go on thousand mile + solo trips.
4) What would you advise a prospective owner to look for mechanically prior to  purchase...
Most of these bikes have been through many owners by now... I'd check the fundamentals... straight frame / forks? Triple tree (as mentioned above) and engine turnover / compression.
Everything else is in easy fix!

Cheers,

~ Vincent . . . '75 CB750 K5 . . . '97 BMW r1100rt . . . had; '75 CB550 K1 (sold) . . .  '73 CB350G (gifted) HELL YEAH!
Disclaimer: I could be wrong. :)

Offline HonderCB

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Re: 750-4 production figures
« Reply #23 on: September 20, 2012, 11:27:44 am »
736cc, if your goal in posting those pictures were to give people on this board a stiffy, you have thoroughly succeeded at your quest!
-Scott, just a F'er from Illinois-

77' CB750F
81' CB650C - SOLD

Offline HonderCB

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Re: 750-4 production figures
« Reply #24 on: September 20, 2012, 11:30:50 am »
I feel so proud to own ONE of the 35,000 750k5 8)
Yes, the second rarest model after the Sandcasts. ;D

Actually, the 750A2 is the rarest, followed by the 750A1 and then the 750A.  Next came the sandcast, then the 750K5 ;)
-Scott, just a F'er from Illinois-

77' CB750F
81' CB650C - SOLD