What a 1978 Honda Hawk Hondamatic Is Worth in Today’s Market

Most 1978 Honda Hawk Hondamatic (CB400A) bikes sell for about $1,800–$3,500 in solid, rideable condition, with projects at $400–$1,200, very clean originals at $3,500–$5,000, and exceptional low-mile or show-quality examples occasionally reaching around $5,500. Values vary with originality, mileage, documentation, and local demand.

What Exactly Is the “Hawk Hondamatic”?

The model commonly referred to as the 1978 Honda Hawk Hondamatic is the CB400A, a 395cc parallel-twin featuring Honda’s two-speed “Hondamatic” torque-converter transmission. Sold alongside the Hawk family of small and midsize twins in the late 1970s, the CB400A combines ease of use with classic UJM styling. The 1978 model year is the period-correct example most buyers mean when asking about a “’78 Hawk Hondamatic.”

Current Market Values (2025)

Pricing for these bikes is driven more by condition and completeness than by absolute rarity. The Hondamatic transmission narrows the buyer pool slightly, but its novelty and ease-of-ride appeal keep values healthy for clean, original machines. Below are typical retail ranges observed across U.S. classifieds, dealer listings, and enthusiast sales through 2024–2025.

The following tiers outline realistic price expectations based on condition, originality, and running status:

• Project/non-running or incomplete: $400–$1,200 (title issues, long storage, unknown engine condition)
• Rider-quality, running and mostly original: $1,800–$3,000 (average cosmetics, 10k–25k miles)
• Very good to excellent, largely original: $3,000–$4,500 (clean cosmetics, good records, <15k miles)
• Exceptional, low-mile, highly original or properly restored: $4,500–$5,500 (show-ready, documented)

Expect outliers, but most transactions fall within these bands. Regional demand, seasonality, and documentation (especially a clear title) can move a bike up or down a tier.

What Most Affects Price

Several factors predict where a specific 1978 CB400A will land within the ranges above. Understanding these helps buyers and sellers set realistic expectations and avoid surprises.

• Originality: Factory paint, decals, exhaust, airbox, and indicators add value; heavy aftermarket changes usually reduce it.
• Running condition: A verified, warm-starting runner with a stable idle and clean shifting between “L” and “H” gears commands a premium.
• Mileage and documentation: Lower miles with service records, owner’s manual, and a clean title increase desirability.
• Cosmetics: Straight tank and side covers, presentable chrome, and intact gauges significantly help value.
• Mechanical health: Solid charging system, fresh tires/brakes, and leak-free carbs/engine boost confidence and price.
• Hondamatic specifics: Smooth take-up from a stop, correct idle creep, and proper operation of the parking brake are important.
• Market timing and location: Spring/summer and urban markets often deliver stronger prices; transport costs matter for distant buyers.

In practice, a clean, original, well-sorted CB400A with paperwork will outperform a similar-mile bike that needs tires, carb work, and electrical sorting—even if both “run.”

Recent Market Notes and Typical Listings

After a pandemic-era spike, prices for small-displacement vintage Hondas leveled in 2023–2024 and remain stable into 2025. The CB400A’s audience is smaller than manual-transmission Hawks, but good examples still attract steady interest thanks to ease of use and approachable size.

Here are common listing scenarios buyers and sellers encounter, with typical asking ranges seen in U.S. classifieds and enthusiast forums:

• Stored for years, turns over but doesn’t run, unknown tank condition: often $700–$1,200
• Running rider with older tires and patina, mixed records: about $2,000–$2,800
• Clean, mostly original, serviced within the last year: roughly $3,000–$4,000
• Low-mile, very original bike with verified history: approximately $4,200–$5,000+

Final sale prices can track 5–15% below optimistic asking numbers, depending on urgency and the depth of documentation.

Buying and Selling Tips

Whether you’re evaluating a potential purchase or preparing your bike for sale, a focused checklist helps reveal real value and prevent costly surprises.

• Verify paperwork: Ensure a clear title matches the frame/VIN; missing titles can cut value by 10–25% depending on the state.
• Inspect fuel and induction: Check inside the tank for rust, look for cracked intake boots, and confirm clean carburetor operation.
• Test Hondamatic operation: Bike should engage smoothly in “L” and “H,” creep predictably at idle, and shift without clunks.
• Electrical/charging: Confirm charging voltage at the battery and functioning lights/indicators; weak stators/regulators are common on old Hondas.
• Consumables: Tires less than 5–6 years old, healthy brake pads/shoes and lines, fresh fluids, and a good battery all add confidence.
• Original parts: Retain stock airbox, exhaust, and turn signals where possible; include any removed OEM parts in the sale.
• Presentation: Detailed photos, cold-start video, and a maintenance summary can measurably improve selling price.

A well-documented, transparently presented bike typically moves faster and for more money than an equivalent machine with thin details.

Typical Recommissioning Costs

If you’re pricing a non-runner or long-stored bike, budget for a sensible baseline service to make it safe and reliable. Sellers who complete this work can often justify higher asking prices.

• Carburetor service and sync: $200–$500
• Tires and tubes (pair) and mounting: $250–$450
• Battery and charging check: $70–$180
• Brake service (pads/shoes, fluid, hoses as needed): $150–$350
• Chain and sprockets: $150–$250
• Fluids, filters, plugs, cables, odds and ends: $100–$250

All-in, a typical recommission can run $700–$1,800 depending on initial condition and whether you DIY or use a shop.

Summary

As of 2025, a 1978 Honda Hawk Hondamatic (CB400A) is generally worth $1,800–$3,500 if it’s a sound, rideable example, with projects at $400–$1,200 and excellent, highly original bikes at $3,500–$5,000+, topping out near $5,500 for exceptional cases. Documentation, originality, and proven Hondamatic operation are the biggest levers on value, and thoughtful recommissioning can materially improve both price and buyer confidence.

How much is a 1978 Honda Hawk cb400t worth?

Typically, you can expect to pay around $1,900 for a 1978 Honda CB400 Hawk TII in good condition with average spec. What is the highest selling price of a 1978 Honda CB400 Hawk TII? The highest selling price of a 1978 Honda CB400 Hawk TII at auction over the last three years was $9,450.

What is the top speed of the 1978 Hondamatic 400?

Just. Top speed is about 80, maybe a shade more. It’s got the same power as the 250.

What is a Honda Hondamatic?

The Hondamatic (also called the H2) was Honda’s first semi-automatic transmission. It was produced from 1973 through 1988.

How much is a 1979 Honda Hawk worth?

Typically, you can expect to pay around $1,900 for a 1979 Honda CB400TII Hawk II in good condition with average spec.