Introduction

The above photo – namely Dick Mann winning the 1970 Daytona 200 on a Works Honda 750, will serve as an introduction to Bob Hansen. Being clear – this article is not about the race winning motorcycle shown in this period photo, but another Hansen, built years later as a far more personal effort. As a first hand witness I can confidently tell the story of this very special Honda racer – at least since being in the possession of So Cal tuner Bill Ross. Through normal research I’d read of Hansen’s Daytona heroics with his rider Mann, then through an incredible career that included stops at Kawasaki and Laverda. More than an acquaintance, Bill’s close friendship with Bob Hansen grew to include his family, from whom the bike was purchased after his passing. Carefully preserved since then, there isn’t anyone better to write out the bike’s details, history and backstory then Ross, who has made the Honda available for purchase at Mecum Las Vegas, South Point Hotel, Saturday, January 31st. –Nolan Woodbury

AMA Legend and former Honda National Service Manager/Race Manager Bob Hansen built a very special Honda 750 race bike at his home shop in Fallbrook, California in the late 1990`s. He was in his late 70`s and owned the bike until passing on February 17th, 2013 at 93 years of age. I purchased the Honda racer in April of 2013 from Bob’s daughters and have owned it since. Bob and I became friends after I bought a couple of Yamaha SR500s in 2010, and I’d seen this CR750 in his shop several times. Justifiably proud of this machine, Bob was also building a road-going AJS 7R housed in a one-off C&J chassis, with major emphasis on lightness. We had conversations about many of his bikes, and Bob was interested to hear about my land speed racing experiences on Moto Guzzi. I’d never imagined that one day I would become the Honda’s caretaker.

Road racer and Honda employee Kent `Rocky` Rockwell, now passed, once told So Cal performance enthusiast Steve Lang that this engine `Had all the good stuff in it.’ He had major involvement and contributions with the build, working on this project hand in hand with Bob. Rocky was an accomplished road racer and builder, eventually moving on to restorations of WW II Warbirds. I’ve never started the engine, or attempted to, nor has it been apart for inspection. It has been on static display under my watch and has not been modified, changed or altered in any way. Recently, the leaking front tire and tube were replaced along with rebuilding of the master cylinder, and new Spiegler brake lines for proper working front brakes. Other than that, I have refrained from disturbing or molesting the bike, leaving it untouched and original from Bob Hansen’s ownership. Another insider, Stuart Wilson told me the tuned engine (#750E 2011059; 1972 K2) has many racing modifications, including:

Bob would often tell his family and friends: “This is the bike Honda should have built for the Daytona 200.“ Even while the bike shows spectacular detail, Bob wasn’t trying to build or replicate a 100-point CR750 Kit Bike, but instead a serious racing contender…an opus to showcase all he’d learned during a profound racing career. Crafted with a solid foundation of experience, this 750 was Hansen’s interpretation of a purpose built racer; envisioned solely for track and not the display floor. Built by the man who had heavy influence with Honda`s Research and Development Department, beginning with the 1967 Daytona CR450`s, culminating with proddy/prototype CB750, and followed by the decision to develop, race and claim the 1970 Daytona 200. Bob motivated Honda to build and field four very special CR750`s for that event, and the sole racer to finish was assigned to Hansen and Dick `Bugsy` Mann, his chosen rider, That victory changed motorcycle history forever, and I hope the new caretaker will enjoy the bike as much as I have. If somehow this Honda finds it`s way back onto a race course, all the better. Bob would be smiling. Bill Ross

Link: 1972 Honda CR750 Bob Hansen Racer

Lot S113

Saturday, January 31st – Las Vegas Motorcycles 2026 – South Point Hotel