Topic: Confused about CB750 model designations

[ekpent]

  This 'true horsepower' chart shows the early CB750 at around 48-50 real horsepower which is probably around the 'real' average of these bikes,maybe a little higher in the 50's. Those published figures back then by the factory were on the optimistic side or taken off the crankshaft I think. There are a few guys with some dyno runs around here and am sure Hondaman or Mriek could clue us in well on actual stock hp numbers and some more data after a little modification.  http://www.factorypro.com/dyno/true1.html
  Here is a dyno thread with those worthless pesky photobucket blank pictures thrown in for fun    http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=83748.0

[CycleRanger]

Steve-o that Sept. date is probably the date Honda announced the availability of the K1, not the actual start of production so considering lag time your July production date is probably in line with Haycock's numbers.

What he saw was K0 Super Sport. Not widely used though.

Here's a K0 Super Sport. 

[kmb69]

The 1975 CB750 K0 Super Sport ran from 1/75 to 4/7/1975. CB750F-1000002 to CB750F-10015054.

I thought the Super Sport was the same thing as the F model.  (?) And is there such a thing as a K0 Super Sport?

Official parts manual calls it a F. The 76 was F1, the 77 was F2, and the 78 was F3 according to the last parts manuals. Jerry bought his new in 1975. Maybe his owners manual could substantiate his claim. I will look through my shop/parts manual collection tomorrow to see if I can find anything.

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

Don't think I have anything in print. My HC43212 P8175 Honda 1st edition parts manual dated 1975 states CB750F and CB750F-76 on the cover. I just remember working with the parts kid at Apex Sports here in Colorado Springs when he said he couldn't find a 1975 CB750F on his computer/microfiche. I've been here for 18 years so I can't say for sure when this was. Many moons ago. I told him I had one and knew what I was talking about. He turned his screen around for me and showed me the 1975 K0 Super Sport designation when I told him I could help him.

[scottly]

In the early '80s I was working with a fellow from Japan, who was helping Beta test his company's newest system, dubbed "Kai" (rhymes with eye). When I asked him what Kai meant, he thought for a couple of seconds, trying to think of the English word, and responded "new.. improved." I believe that the K is short for kai, and refers to a version or upgrade. It's just coincidence that the 750 K numbers coincide with the year model, unlike some other Hondas.

[seanbarney41]

Jerry, when has a kid at the parts counter at a dealership ever known jack #$%*?

[PeWe]

Europe got K0, K1, K2, K6 and K7. No K3, K4, K5, K8, F3, maybe no F0 either.
F bikes... I have only seen and heard about F1 and F2.
I have a K2 titled 1975 which look more as a US K1. The cases I use for the build is K2 engine and has marks to have used the single row ball bearing on the final shaft. Case can use the later double row ball bearing which it will get. Different shaft though.
My K2 will get the old style grab bars, later got one bar that goes all the way around the rear part of seat, fastened as the 2 single bars, shock upper bolt and rear fender/blinker bolt.
 
Most K6 here has title year 1977 as mine despite it was built Q3 -76 and got registration October 1976.

Important to see and know the differences of the engine internals. K6 has different clutch, outer fiber plate has wider tabs. Clutch basket look different and is fastened to the shaft thru primary hub with a clip and different spline washer. Later engines got deeper clutch hub and a double riveted metal disc.  The clutch cover is different to handle the thicker package. I think that the only CB750 in Europe with that clutch is F2. Clutch fibers same as the K6 though.

The USA bikes got different rear lamp K2 and blinkers K5 according to CMSNL charts.

European K2, K6 bikes have the old blinkers and rear lamp as K1. This need the old type of rear fender. I found a NOS rear fender to my K6...bought as K1 with correct holes for rear lamp. My K6 had a mudflap fastened with 5 screws in rear fender. I have not seen those fenders as spare. K1 that fit has only 1 hole. I found some NOS mudflaps in  France last year.

Hondaman has described the differences of timing, cams, carbs and hp. First CB750 had 67hp on crank, later 63hp.  Some guys have written about 50 on rear wheel.  F2 got over 70, maybe 73 hp on crank.
CMSNL spare part charts show some details but not correct rear fender stuff for my euro K6, it has US styke with big lamp and 3 additional holes on fender for the support of lamp.  https://www.cmsnl.com/honda-cb750four_model14344/

There are more details to be aware of

[kmb69]

In the early '80s I was working with a fellow from Japan, who was helping Beta test his company's newest system, dubbed "Kai" (rhymes with eye). When I asked him what Kai meant, he thought for a couple of seconds, trying to think of the English word, and responded "new.. improved." I believe that the K is short for kai, and refers to a version or upgrade. It's just coincidence that the 750 K numbers coincide with the year model, unlike some other Hondas.

I agree. I bought a new CB450 K2 in 1969.

[Don R]

 I think the waters get muddy because American Honda would issue new titles for leftover bikes. My cb500K2 was sold as a k3 in 1973. The dealer assured me it was the latest model and not last years leftover. He was being less than accurate. Later Honda sent me a check for $37 due to a class action lawsuit from New York state.
 That was settled in 75 and Honda went into production of 76 models early to prove a point. That's why there are fewer 75 models and a lot more 76's.
 

[kmb69]

I think the waters get muddy because American Honda would issue new titles for leftover bikes.
.....

Close, but not exactly. Prior to the class action lawsuit, American Honda issued a MSO - Manufacturers Statement of Origin WITHOUT a year model assigned. The states in which they were sold, converted the MSO's into titles. The titles then showed the model year as the year they were titled. Subsequent to the class action lawsuit, American Honda was forced to issue their MSO's with a year model and the states then titled them to match the year model on the MSO.