Between 1998 and 2012 I was “into” early CB750’s and restored/rode/bought/sold around 50 early models, including 15 of the sandcast engined 1969 models. Shipped bikes all over the world, and bought and sold exquisite rare parts daily on eBay. I usually took them completely apart down to every little nut and bolt, zinc plated all the fasteners, and was careful as to being VERY correct original based on serial numbers. I enjoyed playing with them like a kid with LEGO’s.
Took 1st Place at many big shows including twice at Mid-Ohio VMD.
It was fun until prices for rare parts got out of control; an original ducktail seat could cost $2000 (early nos exhaust sets from Japan cost $3500) when I said goodbye to that. I did ride all the bikes, including the $25,000 restorations. I was VERY particular for original paint and nice original tanks were EXTREMELY difficult to source; usually trades were the only resort. I could replicate patina and make a resto look like unrestored by mixing and matching parts. I’d have a half dozen bikes all apart and build a couple real nice bikes. I built 1 sandcast completely from new old stock parts including candy bodywork and the motor had all new parts throughout. That bike was built over 3 years and every single part was MAILED to me from individual pieces. I was afraid to start it because it never had gas in the tank, Carbon in the pipes etc. it sure sparkled.
My garage usually had 3 nice examples to ride.
I also built some cafe racers
This was my daily rider for many years; a 1969 sandcast in Candy Gold. It would go if you had a loooong straightaway an honest 120 mph!
Some were on display in my living room like this very early vin # sandcast
