well, even though tis post was made over 2 years ago, ill answer it, 75 was technically the first year of production, even though some were built in 74. one of mine was built dec 74 and the other was made in 75. so unless you can get one of the rarer ´75´s built in ´74 and convince the DMV(not too tough, after all it will say 74 on the vin plate) then you can own a pre production year bike. hope that helps.