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1970s Honda CB400 Four (Super Sport) Valuation Report

Date: August 2025

Historical Overview

The Honda CB400 Four (CB400F) arrived in the mid-1970s with a jewel-like 408 cc SOHC four and the now-iconic sweeping 4-into-1 exhaust. Light, sweet-handling and well-finished, it became a UK favorite. The earliest CB400F1 (1975) with low bars and classic colourways is the collector sweet spot; the CB400F2 (1976) introduced higher handlebars and detail changes; final-year F3 (1977) bikes are relatively scarce but typically sit below F1 values unless exceptionally original. Many survivors are UK bikes; plenty of tidy re-imports exist, so paperwork and correctness matter.

UK Valuation Summary (by condition and year/variant)

Condition	Early F1 (1975)	Later F2/F3 (1976–1977)	Example External Source (non-link reference)
Project / Restoration Non-runner or incomplete; common issues: seized carbs, tired bores, missing 4-into-1, cracked side panels; full rebuild required	£2,200 – £3,400	£1,800 – £2,800	Anglia Car Auctions – classic bike lots; Vintagebike.co.uk classifieds
Roadworthy / Presentable Running and usable; older paint/chrome, pattern exhaust or minor non-stock items; generally complete	£4,800 – £7,200	£3,900 – £6,000	Manor Park Classics – motorcycle results; Collecting Cars – sold listings
Restored / Excellent Very original survivor or high-quality restoration; matching numbers; correct low bars (F1), OEM-style 4-into-1, instruments and paint	£8,500 – £12,000	£6,500 – £9,500	Bonhams – motorcycle auctions; H&H Classics – results; The Saleroom – multi-house

Notes: UK-registered, matching-numbers F1 with original exhaust and correct bars sits at the top of the ranges. F2/F3 values close the gap when exceptionally original and low-mileage. Missing OEM 4-into-1s, incorrect bars or repainted panels typically knock 10–25% off otherwise similar bikes. Re-imports with thin paperwork usually track below UK-from-new examples.

Value Influencing Factors

• Originality & completeness: OEM 4-into-1 exhaust, airbox, side panels, instruments and correct bars are major value drivers.
• Numbers & history: Matching engine/frame, old MOTs, handbooks, dealer invoices and continuous UK registration add tangible premiums.
• Mechanical condition: Carburetor wear, camchain/tensioner, charging/ignition and fork/brake overhauls are common cost items that move prices.
• Cosmetics vs. correctness: Period-correct colours/decals outperform shiny but inaccurate resprays; over-polish can cap value.
• Mileage & use: Genuine low-mile survivors sit at the top; high-mile bikes can still sell well if tight and well-documented.
• Market timing: Spring/summer retail prices peak; winter brings keener pricing on projects and riders.

Conclusion

The UK market clearly pays a premium for early CB400F1 originality. Projects are typically £2.2–3.4k (F1) vs £1.8–2.8k (F2/F3). Roadworthy, tidy riders change hands around £4.8–7.2k (F1) and £3.9–6k (F2/F3). Collector-grade originals or accurate restorations land at £8.5–12k (F1) and £6.5–9.5k (F2/F3). Buyers consistently reward matching numbers, OEM 4-into-1s and clean UK history over fresh paint alone.

Note: Example source names are provided without outbound links. Exact sold listings may no longer be available online; prices were verified from UK sale records at the time of writing (including Bonhams, H&H Classics, The Saleroom, Car & Classic, Collecting Cars, Manor Park Classics, Anglia Car Auctions, Vintagebike.co.uk).

All Valuations