64 bhp, 735 cc four-cylinder engine.

Honda made its way in the motorcycle business from a tiny 98-cc D type commuter in 1950 to world domination in GP racing in only 25 years. But the landmark design in this path is probably the 1969 Honda 750-cc four-cylinder, which in large part rang the death knell of the British motorcycle industry. With electric start, disc front brake, 112 mph top speed and bulletproof reliability, the Honda 750 rewrote people’s expectations. While the early sand-cast case engines attract the most collector interest, all 750 fours through 1978 are perhaps the best way to get into vintage motorcycling, and good examples are getting harder to find.

This 1974 example is in particularly nice original condition, with only 18,712 kms showing on the odometer from new. Finished in the traditional metallic bronze colour with chrome-plated mudguards, this example features the optional Koni shock absorbers and twin front brake discs. The paint and brightwork are in fine order, and an original owners manual is supplied with the motorcycle.