What a 1978 Honda CB750A Is Worth in 2025

In today’s market, a 1978 Honda CB750A (Hondamatic) typically sells for $2,500–$6,500 in good, running condition; excellent, low-mile, largely original or correctly restored examples can bring $7,500–$9,000, while non-running projects often trade at $800–$2,000. Values hinge on originality, condition, mileage, documentation, and recent service history, with the CB750A’s niche appeal generally pricing it below comparable manual-shift CB750K/F models but attracting dedicated buyers seeking the rare two-speed “Hondamatic.”

What Drives the Value of a CB750A

Several well-known factors influence what a 1978 CB750A will bring on the open market. Understanding these can help you evaluate a bike quickly and realistically.

• Originality and completeness: Unmodified paint, factory exhausts, airbox, badges, and turn signals add value; missing or aftermarket parts reduce it.
• Mechanical health: Running status, smooth shifting through “1” and “2,” proper engagement of the torque converter, and fresh carb and brake service matter.
• Mileage and documentation: Low, verifiable miles and records of long-term ownership, title status, and recent maintenance boost confidence and price.
• Cosmetics: Clean paint, straight bodywork, undamaged side covers, and minimal corrosion on chrome and fasteners substantially improve saleability.
• Market timing and venue: High-visibility auctions and peak seasonal demand can lift results; local classifieds often price lower.
• Model-specific appeal: The Hondamatic’s uniqueness draws niche interest, but collectors typically prioritize manual CB750 variants, tempering top-end prices.

When more of these boxes are ticked—especially originality plus fresh mechanical work—bikes trend toward the upper end of the range; compromises in any area push pricing down.

Price Ranges by Condition

Here’s how values usually break down in the U.S. as of 2025, assuming honest descriptions and typical mileage for the era.

• Project/non-running: $800–$2,000 (missing parts, needs carb rebuild, brakes, tires, battery, and likely deep recommissioning)
• Running “rider” with patina: $2,500–$4,500 (starts, rides, older cosmetics, some aftermarket parts, basic service done)
• Very good, largely original: $4,500–$7,000 (correct stock pieces, solid cosmetics, recent mechanical work and dependable operation)
• Excellent/low-mile or well-documented restoration: $7,500–$9,000 (turn-key, clean history, high originality or quality resto, strong presentation)
• Outliers: Occasionally higher for museum-grade, ultra-low-mile, fully documented survivors; these are uncommon and not guaranteed to exceed $9k

Because the CB750A trails the manual CB750K/F in collector demand, premiums above $9,000 are rare and typically require exceptional provenance and condition.

Recent Market Signals (2023–2025)

Public auction and dealer data show a stable niche market for the Hondamatic. While individual results vary, patterns have been consistent across major venues.

• Online enthusiast auctions (e.g., Bring a Trailer, Iconic Motorbike Auctions) commonly close in the $3,500–$7,000 band, with standout examples pushing higher.
• Big in-person events (e.g., Mecum’s motorcycle sales) show similar ranges, with condition and originality driving the spread.
• Dealer listings and private classifieds often ask more than they achieve; negotiated selling prices typically fall within the ranges above.

These observations reflect a mature market: values aren’t spiking, but strong, original Hondamatics continue to find ready buyers at fair prices.

How to Estimate Yours in 15 Minutes

If you’re trying to price a specific CB750A quickly, a structured approach helps you land within a realistic range.

1. Verify model and year: Confirm “CB750A” on the frame/engine tags and the 1978 VIN range; match engine and frame numbers if possible.
2. Assess completeness: Check for original exhausts, airbox, side covers, badges, gauges, and switches.
3. Check running condition: Cold start, idle stability, clean revving, braking, and shifting between “1” and “2” without slipping.
4. Review cosmetics: Paint quality, chrome condition, straight wheels, minimal corrosion, and uncut wiring harnesses.
5. Gather paperwork: Title status, service records, mileage documentation, keys, and any original manuals or tools.
6. Compare comps: Search recent sales on major auction sites and reputable dealers; adjust for your bike’s condition and originality.

With these data points, place the bike into the condition tier that best fits and adjust for any especially strong or weak attributes.

Tips to Maximize Value

Modest preparation can materially improve both interest and final price, especially for riders and very-good originals.

• Perform fresh service: Clean carbs, install a new battery and tires, change fluids, and ensure brakes are rebuilt and functional.
• Prioritize correct parts: Refit stock airbox and exhaust if available; retain any original components removed by previous owners.
• Detail carefully: Gentle cleaning and paint correction go further than heavy “restoration” that risks originality.
• Document everything: Provide compression numbers, receipts, VIN/engine photos, and clear, well-lit images from all angles.
• Choose the right venue: Niche-friendly auctions or enthusiast forums often outperform generic classifieds for Hondamatics.

Buyers pay premiums for bikes that feel turnkey and authentic; investing in correct parts and documentation often yields a strong return.

Regional Pricing Notes

Values vary by geography due to supply, demand, and transaction costs. Broad guidance as of 2025:

• United States: Most sales cluster at $2,500–$6,500; top examples $7,500–$9,000.
• United Kingdom: Roughly £2,000–£5,500 for typical examples; exceptional bikes higher.
• European Union: Generally €3,000–€7,000, with condition and originality dictating the spread.

Import duties, registration hurdles, and shipping can narrow cross-border bargains; local comparables remain your best benchmark.

Summary

A 1978 Honda CB750A is commonly worth $2,500–$6,500 in good running shape, with excellent and highly original examples reaching $7,500–$9,000 and projects at $800–$2,000. The Hondamatic’s collectability rests on originality, condition, and documentation; while it typically trails manual CB750 variants in price, it remains a sought-after, distinctive classic when presented well.

How much is a Honda CB750A worth?

Typically, you can expect to pay around $2,600 for a 1977 Honda CB750A Hondamatic in good condition with average spec.

What is the top speed of the Honda CB750 1978?

124 mph
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.

How much is a 1979 CB750 worth?

Typically, you can expect to pay around $3,500 for a 1979 Honda CB750K Limited Edition in good condition with average spec. What is the highest selling price of a 1979 Honda CB750K Limited Edition? The highest selling price of a 1979 Honda CB750K Limited Edition at auction over the last three years was $6,750.

How much is a 1978 CB750 worth?

Typically, you can expect to pay around $3,400 for a 1978 Honda CB750 K8 in good condition with average spec.