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