Quoting from Pete Shoemarks book........
"1976 model frame number cb750A 7000000 onwards.
1977 model frame no.cb750A 7100000 onwards and
1978 model, frame no. cb750A 7200000 onwards.
The cb750A was a radical departure from orthodox motorcycle design, being one of a very small number of machines to offer automatic transmission in place of the conventional foot change arrangement. The engine itself was generally similar to the other cb750 models, but all transmission componants were unique to the cb750A.
The conventional multi plate wet clutch was replaced by an automatic type torque converter , oil was fed to the converter from the duplex oil pump, via a regulator valve unit.
Two drive ratios were available, each comprising a pair of gears working in conjunction with two independent , hydraulically operated clutches.
A foot selector pedal allowed the rider to engage neutral, low or drive as required. these being indicated on the instrument panel by lamps marked 'neutral','1' and '2' in the case of the later models, or 'neutral' 'L' and 'D' in the case of the 76-77 version.
An interlock arrangement ensured that the machine was in neutral whenever the sidestand was in use to prevent the machines unexpected departure under the effects of automatic transmission "creep".
A parking brake, operated by a cable terminating in a knob similar to those used on choke controls, allowed the machine to be parked safely on hills or to hold the machine against its tendency to creep at junctions...
In use, the machine was. as could be expected, easy to ride, the low ratio being particularly usefull in town or in hilly country, The cb750 A found a limited market, however, and the majority of riders found it to be at odds with their concept of what a motorcycle should be.
An evaluation model was sent to the UK , but after the market had been tested with the 400cc twin automatic, it was felt that the larger model had no market on this side of the Atlantic."
I guess folks that ride bikes prefer to see a clutch lever on the left hand side of their handlebars?
The 78 model weighed in at a hefty 540LB as opposed to the K7's 508 Lb and the F1's 499LB curb weight.
