In today’s market, a 1978 Honda CB750 typically ranges from roughly a couple of thousand dollars for a project bike to well into the five-figure territory for concours-quality machines. Most riders fall in the mid-range, roughly $4,000 to $9,000, depending on model variant, originality, and condition.
The 1978 CB750 sits at the tail end of Honda’s early air-cooled inline-four era. By then, buyers could encounter a few different configurations within the CB750 family, including manual-transmission versions and the Hondamatic automatic. Values shift with how complete and original a bike is, what kind of restoration it has (or hasn’t) undergone, and how in-demand a particular variant is with collectors and riders.
Variants and current market values
The following ranges reflect typical market activity observed in recent years across major listing sites and auctions. They are meant as guidance rather than exact prices, since regional demand and bike history can swing values.
- Non-running or project bikes: $2,000–$4,000
- Running, ride-ready bikes with cosmetic wear: $3,000–$6,000
- Good to very solid riders with mostly original parts: $5,000–$9,000
- Restored or well-preserved examples with correct parts: $8,000–$12,000
- Show-quality, concours-ready restorations: $12,000–$18,000+ (rare and highly dependent on provenance and originality)
These figures assume common 1978 CB750 variants available to buyers today, and they can vary based on engine type, transmission, paint, and the presence of matching-number frames and engines. Always check recent listings for the most current pricing in your region.
Model impact on price
Within the 1978 CB750 ecosystem, certain variants command different levels of demand. In general, manual-transmission CB750s tend to fetch higher prices than the Hondamatic CB750A, which is often somewhat more affordable to buyers. Restored and original-condition bikes in strong colorways or with documented history can push values toward the upper end of the ranges above, while heavily modified machines usually sit in the mid-to-lower end unless the modifications are of high quality and period-correct.
How to assess value and maximize your buying or selling price
Understanding how to verify condition and provenance helps you set or negotiate a fair price. The following steps are commonly used by buyers and sellers in the classic-bike market.
- Check originality: look for matching numbers on the frame and engine, original paint, and factory-affiliated components (or documented, period-correct replacements).
- Assess mechanical condition: verify compression, carburetion, ignition, exhaust, and braking systems; note any leaks or overheating history.
- Review service history: gather receipts, maintenance logs, and details on any major work or restoration, including the quality of parts used.
- Evaluate cosmetics: paint quality, chrome condition, seat integrity, and chrome pitting can affect value as much as mechanicals.
- Document provenance: original purchase date, mileage, and any known restoration work can influence desirability and price.
- Compare regional listings: prices can vary by region due to demand, climate (which affects corrosion), and shipping considerations.
- Consider the cost of upgrades or restoration: restore projects should account for parts, labor, and time when evaluating overall cost versus final value.
With careful inspection and realistic expectations, you can determine a fair target price whether you’re buying or selling a 1978 CB750.
Summary
The 1978 Honda CB750 remains a cornerstone of motorcycle history, and its value hinges on variant, condition, and originality. In broad terms, expect a spectrum from roughly $2,000 for project bikes to $18,000+ for mint, concours-ready machines, with most well-kept riders landing in the $4,000–$9,000 range. Always corroborate prices with current listings and consider the specific variant, provenance, and restoration quality when judging value.
How much horsepower does a 74 CB750 have?
As for the power, the 1974 Honda CB750 Four K4 packed a 736cc four-stroke four-cylinder air-cooled engine fueled by four Keihin carburetors that helped deliver an output power of 67 hp with maximum strength at 8,000 rpm and 60 Nm (44 lb-ft) of torque available at 7,000 rpm.
What is the top speed of the 1978 Honda 750 Four?
around 125 mph
Honda's CB750 Four changed the world at the 15th Tokyo Motor Show in 1968, rendering anything less effectively obsolete with 68 horsepower at 8500 rpm and a top speed around 125 mph.
How fast can a CB750 go?
Cycle World called it a masterpiece, highlighting Honda's painstaking durability testing, the bike's 124 mph (200 km/h) top speed, the fade-free braking, the comfortable ride, and the excellent instrumentation.
What makes the Honda CB750 special?
Award-winning performance. Named Motorcycle.com's Best Value Motorcycle of 2025, the CB750 Hornet delivers where it counts: a torquey parallel-twin, agile and responsive handling, and a sporty-yet-comfortable riding position. Pure middleweight streetfighter energy — with Honda quality, reliability, and value built in.