Just bought a gorgeous candy gold CB750K2 to restore and ride occasionally. I had a CB750K7 several years ago and did a frame-up, resto-mod cafe racer. This new one is in such great condition that I will restore it to close to factory as this bike can be (which unfortunately won't be 100%).
Mildly interesting back story. This bike was purchased in Italy in 1974. Here's the thing, the frame number makes it a '72 but the engine number is a '74. I have several original documents that came with the bike including the filled-in warranty/recommended service booklet with both frame and engine numbers inked and stamped by the dealer. I suspect there was a problem with the original '71 engine and the dealer replaced it with a '74 motor with a warranty. Other docs show the bike was registered and insured in Livorno the day after it was sold.
Then it sat. In '87, the original owner shipped the bike to California and registered it as a '74 because that's what was on the bill of sale with 283 miles on it. No, that is not a typo. Then it sat some more.
The guy I bought the bike from bought it from the OP five years ago. By then, the engine had seized and he took it to a Honda dealer where they proceeded to empty his pockets of nearly $6,300 (I have receipts) completely rebuilding the motor, forks and brakes and on some parts (tires, turn signals and other stuff). Then he registered it as a '74 because by now that's what was on the title, in California.
Then the bike sat some more (guy says health problems prevented him from riding). To get it ready to sell, the guy paid $700 to have the carbs rebuilt (again) and some other work that needed to be done.
I bought the bike a month ago and registered it in Mass. with only 312 miles on it. Imagine, the guy put $7K into the bike and rode it less than 50 miles in five years.
This bike is in incredible condition not just for its, age but for any bike. It runs like new and if you step back far enough it looks close to new. The paint is excellent and nearly all the chrome bits are rust free. What little rust can be found is light surface stuff.
My plan is to take it down to the frame and clean, repaint the spots that need it, and get the engine back to looking new with polishing and fresh paint.
Okay, you want to know, how much did I pay for it? I bought it on eBay for $5,300 and shipped in cross country for $600.
This bike will look showroom when I'm done. Unfortunately, the mismatched frame and engine means it will never be correct or collectible but it will be one Awesome CB.
I will post pictures sooner than later.
