Topic: CB 750 72/73 indentifying

[Hastenbrucke]

This is a question for our US enthusiasts and anywhere else for that matter.
I have a CB 750 which is from the US.
The frame and engine numbers make it a K2.
The handlebar switches are for a K3 which are different on a K3 from a K2
The original license papers from the US describe it as a 1973
The origial owners manual which came with the bike is for a K3.
As I am doing a restoration engine build etc ..I will go with K2 specs on the engine I guess and if I replace switches I guess I go with replacing what is on there and that is K3?
It seems it was K2 1972 until September and the K3 from September until June 1974?
Could a NEW bike have been sold in the US with K2 frame and K2 engine numbers with a number of K3 additions...I guess a mixture?
Was the gear shift numbers stamped on the plate on a K2  ???as well as K3
Any help from HONDA CB 750 experts in the states would be much appreciated.

I am vexed ?

[Lars]

If the frame and engine numbers are for a K2, then it is a K2. Other parts may have been replaced along the way. Paint and decals were different on the two models.
Sometimes models were not sold one year, but the next. Still a K2, but paperwork would say first time licensed 1973, but still it is a K2.

Next years models did have production month and year from September to December on the VIN plate on the steering stem.

Lars

[Stev-o]

I have a K2 and there are a couple things that make it diff from a K3.
Does it have the turn signal cancel switch on the left control?
Does it have a "unicorn" triple tree top that the gauges mount to?

I agree with Lars, if the numbers make it a K2, then it is.  It is very rare to have a forth year old bike and not had parts changed out for whatever reason.

Got pics?

[bjatwood]

Back in the day leftover models would be sold as the next year on titles and the paperwork. And, if it is a late year K2, Honda might have run out of the K2 features you described and just put the K3 switches on the bike.

[Hastenbrucke]

Stevo , pic attached

[DH]

Fork ears-k3
front rotor splash shield-k3
gauges look to be-k3
clutch safety switch wire (equipped?) -k3.......k2 numbers...interesting....

[754]

Its a transition Model..late 72 -early 73   Head is 72 style.. That colour is not common.

 Denis   old scrambler  on here has one in green ..

[ekpent]

In your picture the gas tank petcock is on the left side or clutch side, that did not start, at least in the US, until 1975---Hmmm  Maybe another clue

[spazz1984]

In your picture the gas tank petcock is on the left side or clutch side, that did not start, at least in the US, until 1975---Hmmm  Maybe another clue

And the paint is wrong for the black/gold it in the wrong location and wrong size for any I've seen in the early 70's
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[DanJ]

Back in the day leftover models would be sold as the next year on titles and the paperwork. And, if it is a late year K2, Honda might have run out of the K2 features you described and just put the K3 switches on the bike.

I have an Ossa Super Pioneer like that. Title, paperwork and ID all say 1976, the bike is clearly a 1975.

[Dream750]

American Honda (USA) didn’t sell the color, but the OP’s Planet Blue Metallic paint scheme is factory correct for a 750 K2. I can post up the part numbers/color code if anybody wants them. Here’s an excellent original owner example from forum member: Johno
 

[spazz1984]

American Honda (USA) didn’t sell the color, but the OP’s Planet Blue Metallic paint scheme is factory correct for a 750 K2. I can post up the part numbers/color code if anybody wants them. Here’s an excellent original owner example from forum member: Johno

Wow I didn't know that like said I've only seen 750 with the big black strip with the gold around it
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[Hastenbrucke]

 :)thanks everyone.
I will go with HYBRID. The tank and side covers were re painted in the US and the colour although slightly light is a factory colour from what I know.the tank is new and a K5 as the petcock is on the left side.
The Owners Manual which came with the bike is printed in1972 and is for a K3. The seller in the US reliably informed me that the bike was a one family owned bike and as its only travelled 20570 miles and the condition generally I believe that to be true.
The frame and engine numbers suggest K2 but the switches and clusters etc are standard K3. The bike was built in July 1972 so I think it is a late K2 with K3 equipment from new.
From a resto point of view I think that's what I need to do.
Thanks for all the advice ...it's really appreciated.
I just want to get another good 750 back out there as close to spec as I can.
Thanks again

[750K]

Beautiful looking bike.

[ekpent]

Go with the engine numbers if you are working on that and take the rest for what it is. If you ever dig deeper toss out a carb stamp number and we will discuss those or google up the chart. And +1 it is a very nice looking  machine.

[Stev-o]

Great looking bike.....enjoy riding it!

[Hastenbrucke]

  Thanks fellas ..yes it is a beautiful looking bike and I am lucky to have her. Thats why I want to make sure everything I do from now on is spec and as possible 100% original.

The Carby casting stamp is 657A. So 110# mains and 40# slows as standard?

[scottly]

Take a pic of the front caliper where the bracket bolts to the fork leg: the design changed somewhere between K2 and K3.
Nice bike!

[Hastenbrucke]

  This one ?? Scottly?

[scottly]

We need a pic of the inside of the leg attachment points. You will need to take it from the right side, through the spokes. In the meantime I have a pic of the two styles; I'll go look for it....
Found it: K1 on the left, K3 and later on the right.

[754]

Scott i am thinking the disc fender wont fit on the other style....or?..

[scottly]

I know nothing about the disc fenders; think I have one in a box somewhere?

[Hastenbrucke]

 :)Like this one ?

[scottly]

:)Like this one ?

Yes, but much closer. It appears to be the K3 and up mount, near as I can make out..

[Hastenbrucke]

Scottly if you click on the pic and open it you can ZOOM in ...if this is not close enough I will take another.
Thanks again 

[scottly]

Pretty sure it's the K3 and up, but I would like a closer pic, just to be certain...

[bjatwood]

Very interesting thread.....and I'll second the fact that it is a beautiful bike, maybe it's a K2.5ish....LOL

[HondaMan]

:)thanks everyone.
I will go with HYBRID. The tank and side covers were re painted in the US and the colour although slightly light is a factory colour from what I know.the tank is new and a K5 as the petcock is on the left side.
The Owners Manual which came with the bike is printed in1972 and is for a K3. The seller in the US reliably informed me that the bike was a one family owned bike and as its only travelled 20570 miles and the condition generally I believe that to be true.
The frame and engine numbers suggest K2 but the switches and clusters etc are standard K3. The bike was built in July 1972 so I think it is a late K2 with K3 equipment from new.
From a resto point of view I think that's what I need to do.
Thanks for all the advice ...it's really appreciated.
I just want to get another good 750 back out there as close to spec as I can.
Thanks again

There may be the clue: the model years (aka "K" models) ran from July through June of the next year, until the K3 came along. After that, it was judged by the K model only. Your picture shows a K3 seat and front disk setup. The K2 came in the Garnet Brown, and a very few K3 that I have heard about as well. Honda could not give that color away, in the day! It was a Valley Green laid over the Red Candy Metallic colors. I had that very color (it is still lurking under the present gold) and it became red where the tank bag wore through the green, and yellow on the sides where the sun faded the green. It didn't wear well, getting to this stage in just 3 years.