Topic: Original MSRP of our amazing Honda CBs!

[City Boy]

Hey MPH2.Your mention of Anderson Honda reminds me of a funny story.While I was employed at Canadian Honda around 1975,Bob Williams,a Windsor dealer,took me over to see Anderson's operation.At that time,Anderson's were selling more machines than we were in all of Canada!!   Rock On

[BobbyR]

The US average wage in 1968 was 6,198.40 which made the bike a major purchase.

[72 yellow]

my bike 78 750k before tax and what not is $1995.00 in 8-9-78 at anderson sales & service in bloomfield hills, MI

Anderson's had quite the operation back in the 70's.   I purchased my 70 1/2 CB450, 75 CB550, and 78 CB750F there.  A buddy of mine and I made a salesman's day in 75.  I purchased the CB550 and when he was done with me, my buddy bought himself a CB450. 

[72 yellow]

Hey MPH2.Your mention of Anderson Honda reminds me of a funny story.While I was employed at Canadian Honda around 1975,Bob Williams,a Windsor dealer,took me over to see Anderson's operation.At that time,Anderson's were selling more machines than we were in all of Canada!!   Rock On

Just returned from a trip to the file cabinet.  When I purchased my 70 1/2 CB450 from Anderson's salesman "Big John" business card stated they sell Honda, Suzuki, Triumph, BSA, Norton and Moto Guzzi.

Prices were 70 1/2 CB450-$1102.50 out the door.
                75 CB550-$1726.50 out the door.
                78 CB750F-$2497.80 out the door.

[HondaMan]

My 1970 CB750K1 (the late model K1): $1695 plus tax & license, in Chicago - only got it at MSRP because I worked for another (competitor) Honda shop, and they feared I would "turn them in" if they sold it to me for their regular price at the time: $1850. They were so hard to get that chicago dealers were gouging people with things like $150 to $250 "down" to get on a waiting list for the next one, and that money did not go toward the purchase: I lost in that lottery twice before getting this one.

My 1971 CB750K2 (one of the very first K2, still was essentially the K1, but with different pipes and the little dashboard): $1700 (plus $150 for the Vetter fairing) out the door, tax & all: I was trading in the earlier K1 because the frame was welded crooked and Honda would not warranty it, but they would give me significant 'credit' toward the purchase of the newer one. I think they gave me $235 "credit" toward the new one, which was still selling for $1695 MSRP, but in Peoria, IL.

[754]

In spring of 75, I got brand new Hooker headers for my gold 72, for about 130.00 CAN in chrome.. I think black were 110isd..
 My Cb 359 Hooker TT pipes were around 70 bucks in 74  or so..

[1080]

In December of 1977, I got my first bank loan ( no-co signer needed ) for $2883.00 Cdn.

I still drive it today!


Photo taken in '79 or '80.

[754]

Heyyyy.. what is that in the last pic..on the right >>>>>>

 

[HondaMan]

Looks like....can it be? Oh, noooo....! 

[medic09]

Not my Honda (don't have original anything for it...), but my '76 Triumph Trident went out the door of "Tri-Onda Division of T & H Motors Inc." of Tucson in August, '76 for a grand total of $ 2132.55.

[medic09]

Heyyyy.. what is that in the last pic..on the right >>>>>>

 

Is that a Gremlin?

[bwaller]

Heyyyy.. what is that in the last pic..on the right >>>>>>

 

Is that a Gremlin?

 

[72 yellow]

Heyyyy.. what is that in the last pic..on the right >>>>>>

 

Is that a Gremlin?

 

Wife and I had a 72 Gremlin with a 304 V-8.  Wish I stll had it.
W

[1080]

Yes '74 Gremlin 304 3 speed.

[1080]

Yes I wish I had it still also. Sold it in '89, rust was getting bad. 

Home 8" woofers with Concord stereo. My setup mid 80's.

That stereo rocked!

[NH_CB550F]

Cool Thread !

I wish I'd purchased my bike new in 1975 ....but I was'nt even old enough to drive then. But I'm the third owner .  I paid ($2500.) w/ 7299 miles for my bike in August of 2007,  Its all original paint, exhaust , side covers, rust free tank etc. Everything works and with an oil & filter change, new tires, NGK Iridium plugs , UNI filter and AGM sealed battery it's a blast to ride ! But by the standards I've seen here on SOHC forums I overpaid but I feel its the best $2500. I've ever spent !

From what I understand , this CB550F SuperSport new in 1975 cost about $1800. MSRP. according to a CycleWorld review as well as some of the postings here.

But $1800. in 1975 bought you considerably more than $1800. today would. For example, I remember
A big mac cost only $.75 1975, whereas today they're around what ? $4. or about 5 times as much.

So in 2009 dollars my CB550F at $1800 in 1975 would translate to 5*$1800. or about 9 grand today or about what a new Honda CBR600 costs today @$9599.

I will have to add that this bike, even with the stock exhaust is one of the best sounding bikes !
Its almost mesmerizing to sequence through the gears with just a tad of clutch ...its really music to the ears.

What I find laughable is that for $3400. in 2009 dollars I could buy a new Honda ....250 Rebel !

No thanks, I'll keep my 1975 SOHC Honda ... They simply don't make 'em lke this any longer.

 

[72 yellow]

Yes '74 Gremlin 304 3 speed.

Ours was a 3 speed too, with a Hurst shifter with a T-handle no less.  With the short wheelbase it rode almost like a CB750 only the passenger was to your right instead of behind you.     

[754]

Here is some more,
From a buddy I used to ride with. he bought a 72 Candy Garnet brown CB 750 in 71. He also worked in a shop in 71ish to early 73.

 These are Canadian prices from the interior of BC, so they will vary from other locations.

1970 CB 750 spring 1495.00

1971 CB 750 spring 1850 .00.. he got his 1700.00 cash.

1972 CB 750..1900+

His 71 was built Dec 70.