Author Topic: 1971 K1 CB750 - Original MSRP in USA?  (Read 5057 times)

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Offline ZTatZAU

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1971 K1 CB750 - Original MSRP in USA?
« on: February 25, 2025, 03:48:00 PM »
Can anyone provide, or direct me to, Honda's official original MSRP (manufacturer's suggested retail price) for a 1971 Model K1 CB750... in the US, when new?

I'm thinking some of you may have an old dealer's price list, or perhaps some vintage (1971) Honda marketing/advertising literature?

When I was asked this question by my insurance office today, I guessed $2900 off the top of my head but later on, after giving it some thought, I'm thinking it very well could have only been half that amount; and something more like $1495.

Can I get some help on this?
Thanks!  ZT

« Last Edit: February 25, 2025, 04:28:37 PM by ZTatZAU »

Offline BenelliSEI

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Re: 1971 K1 CB750 - Original MSRP in USA?
« Reply #1 on: February 25, 2025, 04:34:41 PM »
I think you are very close on your second guess. Here in Canada $1599 pops into my head for the K1. The first 1969 models sold for $1495 in the USA. The K1 was likely about the same there. Will be interested to read the replies……
« Last Edit: February 25, 2025, 04:43:23 PM by BenelliSEI »

Offline ZTatZAU

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Re: 1971 K1 CB750 - Original MSRP in USA?
« Reply #2 on: February 25, 2025, 04:46:27 PM »
I think you are very close on your second guess. Here in Canada $1699 pops into my head. Will be interested to read the replies……
I hope so, John!  I've seen quite a few posts here with copies of vintage magazine articles; many on the CB750.  I would think such an article might show the current (back then) MSRP.  I would prefer something from Honda, but anything in print from the times would be better than our fuzzy memories.

ZT

Offline ZTatZAU

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Re: 1971 K1 CB750 - Original MSRP in USA?
« Reply #3 on: February 25, 2025, 11:43:36 PM »
FOLLOW-UP!
With a little more creative googling, I found several magazine articles that mention the $1495 MSRP including one article (bigbikereviews.com) that confirms the $1495 MSRP for all SOHC CB750s from 1969-1978.

With that said, I'd sure like to hear from anyone who might have something published by Honda to document the $1495 MSRP for a new 1971 K1 CB750 in the US market.  I will definitely appreciate any help with this!

BTW: For anyone interested, that same BBR article showed the MSRP for various year CB750 A, F, F2, C, and SC bikes.
ZT

Offline 69cb750

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Re: 1971 K1 CB750 - Original MSRP in USA?
« Reply #4 on: February 26, 2025, 04:54:21 AM »
Quote
including one article (bigbikereviews.com) that confirms the $1495 MSRP for all SOHC CB750s from 1969-1978.
Fake news, not true.

Offline 69cb750

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Offline MauiK3

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Re: 1971 K1 CB750 - Original MSRP in USA?
« Reply #6 on: February 26, 2025, 06:46:14 AM »
I think I paid $1495
1973 CB 750 K3
10/72 build Z1 Kawasaki

Offline ZTatZAU

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Re: 1971 K1 CB750 - Original MSRP in USA?
« Reply #7 on: February 26, 2025, 08:46:44 AM »
Quote
including one article (bigbikereviews.com) that confirms the $1495 MSRP for all SOHC CB750s from 1969-1978.
Fake news, not true.
Not sure what all might make you say that BBR is fake news; but I must say their pricing info sheet seems to agree with everything I've found on-line, as well as the prices mentioned in that 2009 SOHC thread you linked to...



I am still wondering about the CB750 Dream "Four" nomenclature shown in the 3rd line for 1970-1978 bikes.  I've never heard the "Dream" label used in connection with CB750s.  Did Honda ever use the term "Dream", regarding 750's?  Or is this a typo that some would refer to as "Fake news!  Not true!"?

I also noticed the Honda750Expert's webpage also stated that the 69 & 70 K0's MSRP was $1495 but were often sold above list in the $1800 - $2000 range.  This too, agreed with many of the comments here and in the thread that 69cb750 linked to.

Still hoping to find some official 1971 Honda Dealer info or advertising showing the $1495 MSRP.
ZT
« Last Edit: February 26, 2025, 08:52:30 AM by ZTatZAU »

Offline willbird

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Re: 1971 K1 CB750 - Original MSRP in USA?
« Reply #8 on: February 26, 2025, 08:50:07 AM »
Quote
including one article (bigbikereviews.com) that confirms the $1495 MSRP for all SOHC CB750s from 1969-1978.
Fake news, not true.
Not sure what all might make you say that BBR is fake news; but I must say their pricing info sheet seems to agree with everything I've found on-line, as well as the prices mentioned in that 2009 SOHC thread you linked to...



I am still wondering about the CB750 Dream "Four" nomenclature shown in the 3rd line for 1970-1978 bikes.  I've never heard the "Dream" label used in connection with CB750s.  Did Honda ever use the term "Dream", regarding 750's?  Or is this a typo that some would refer to as "Fake news!  Not true!"?

I also noticed the Honda750Expert's webpage also stated that the 60 & 70 K0's MSRP was $1495 but were often sold above list in the $1800 - $2000 range.  This too, agreed with many of the comments here and in the thread that 69cb750 linked to.

Still hoping to find some official 1971 Honda Dealer info or advertising showing the $1495 MSRP.
ZT

Hmm what is a "1969 Honda CB750K Diecast" that they show in the list ?

Offline Rookster

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Re: 1971 K1 CB750 - Original MSRP in USA?
« Reply #9 on: February 26, 2025, 08:56:26 AM »
Here is a page from the March 1971 issue of Cycle Guide that shows the price of $1600.



Scott
« Last Edit: February 26, 2025, 01:19:58 PM by Rookster »

Offline ZTatZAU

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Re: 1971 K1 CB750 - Original MSRP in USA?
« Reply #10 on: February 26, 2025, 08:57:48 AM »
Quote:  "Hmm what is a "1969 Honda CB750K Diecast" that they show in the list ?"

I would think they are referring to the later K0's that followed the early sandcast 750s.
ZT
« Last Edit: February 26, 2025, 09:02:03 AM by ZTatZAU »

Offline ZTatZAU

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Re: 1971 K1 CB750 - Original MSRP in USA?
« Reply #11 on: February 26, 2025, 09:08:04 AM »
Here is a page from the March 1971 issue of Cycle Guide that shows the price of $1600.



Scott
Thanks Scott!

Offline 69cb750

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Re: 1971 K1 CB750 - Original MSRP in USA?
« Reply #12 on: February 26, 2025, 09:23:52 AM »
Quote
Not sure what all might make you say that BBR is fake news;
The information bbr posted is not true.
The msrp was $1495 in 69 and 70, in 1971 prices increased to $1595, prices increased more in following years.
Some dealers sold at msrp, some dealers sold over msrp, a few dealers sold under msrp.

Quote
Did Honda ever use the term "Dream"
Yes, Honda Dream CB750 Four was used in Japan, not used in usa.

Quote
Hmm what is a "1969 Honda CB750K Diecast" that they show in the list?
Honda made 18,000 bikes in 1969, 7400 sandcast, 10,600 diecast, the switch was made in September, a few more sandcast bikes were made in November 1969.


Offline ZTatZAU

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Re: 1971 K1 CB750 - Original MSRP in USA?
« Reply #13 on: February 26, 2025, 09:35:17 AM »
...
The information bbr posted is not true.
The msrp was $1495 in 69 and 70, in 1971 prices increased to $1595, prices increased more in following years.
Some dealers sold at msrp, some dealers sold over msrp, a few dealers sold under msrp.
...
Thanks for the follow-up, 69cb750!

Do you have any documentation to support the $1595 MSRP for the 1971 CB750's?

Interesting about the Dream 750 terminology in Japan.  I do remember the smaller 305/350 (?) Honda Dream.
ZT

Offline 69cb750

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Re: 1971 K1 CB750 - Original MSRP in USA?
« Reply #14 on: February 26, 2025, 10:35:32 AM »
Quote
Do you have any documentation to support the $1595 MSRP for the 1971 CB750's?
A protype CB750 was displayed at the Toyko motor chow in November 1968.
Three protypes were displayed in Vegas in January 1969.
Everyone wanted to know what it would cost, dealers and buyers, that is why Honda released the msrp.
Everyone was shocked how cheap and affordable it was, lines started forming at Honda dealers.
After that msrp was in dealer letters, not advertisements.
Honda increased the price $100 in 1971 and dealers did the same.

Offline Don R

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Re: 1971 K1 CB750 - Original MSRP in USA?
« Reply #15 on: February 26, 2025, 10:47:58 AM »
 I always wondered if there should be a nomenclature for the bikes between sandcast and 26,144 that didn't have the front center head bolt, chain case protector, sprocket cover, and smoother shift drum, etc. I always thought these were the diecast bikes but that term technically includes all of the rest of them. Early diecast?
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Offline ZTatZAU

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Re: 1971 K1 CB750 - Original MSRP in USA?
« Reply #16 on: February 26, 2025, 10:50:59 AM »
Quote
Do you have any documentation to support the $1595 MSRP for the 1971 CB750's?
A protype CB750 was displayed at the Toyko motor chow in November 1968.
Three protypes were displayed in Vegas in January 1969.
Everyone wanted to know what it would cost, dealers and buyers, that is why Honda released the msrp.
Everyone was shocked how cheap and affordable it was, lines started forming at Honda dealers.
After that msrp was in dealer letters, not advertisements.
Honda increased the price $100 in 1971 and dealers did the same.
Thanks 69cb750!
I appreciate your replies.
ZT