IT'S PRETTY much beyond argument that Honda's CB750 was the first modern performance motorcycle. Launched in late 1968, its inline-four cylinder engine, disc brakes, electric starter and mad performance (68bhp ffs!) made everything else suddenly look a bit crap, and encouraged the other Japanese firms to bring out their versions - Kawasaki's Z1, Suzuki's GS and Yamaha's XS ranges.
And the David Silver Honda Collection Museum is holding a massive celebration of the CB750 at the end of September. Based at the museum in Suffolk, the CB750 day will see a huge gathering of CB750 fans and bikes, including some super-rare early examples. Entries received to-date include:
- From Norway, an original 1969 CB750 sandcast model of just one owner from new with over 620,000kms (385,000 miles) on the clock.
- The £161,000 CB750 pre-production model as purchased at auction this year.
- John Wyatt’s CB750A Hondamatic, a unique Japan only version!
- A very original CB750 Phil Read Replica with only 3,900 miles on the clock from new!
- A 1969 Sandcast CB750 from California with 134,000 miles. Rebuilt but not restored!
- Ex British Championship racer and Police motorcyclist Karen Wicks from Louth with her, owned from new, CB750-K2 that featured in TV series ‘Last of the Summer Wine’.
The day will also feature CB750 experts Vic World from California and John Wyatt from the UK who'll be judging the entries to the show - there'll be eight awards for the best CB750s on show in these categories:
- Earliest (lowest VIN number) CB750 – Sponsored by Bonhams Auctions
- Earliest genuine UK model CB750 – Sponsored by the VJMC
- Most original CB750
- Best presented CB750 – sponsored by Dream Machine Superpaint
- Furthest travelled (ridden!) CB750 of the day – Sponsored by Hagerty Insurance
- Highest mileage CB750 – Sponsored by Motion Works Management Ltd.
- Best CB750 special
- Judges' favourite CB750 – Sponsored by David Silver Spares Ltd.
The Celebration day takes place from 10am on Saturday September 29th at the David Silver Museum in Leiston, Suffolk, and entry is free to the Museum.
Further details and bike entry forms are available online at www.davidsilverhondacollection.co.uk or on 01728 833020
