1975 Honda CB400F

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

Classic Motorsports and Grassroots Motorsports have been the go-to source for classic car and racing news, restoration stories and car video content for sports car owners and fans alike. Both publications have featured project cars series where audiences are treated to how-to restoration videos and guides, customization content, and everything else we dream about in our own garages. Like every good story, these vehicles from the publisher's personal collection are now ready for their next chapter.

After introducing the four-cylinder CB750 motorcycle in 1969, Honda followed with a string of smaller-capacity four-cylinder models: the CB500 Four in 1971 and the CB350 Four in ’72. The upgraded CB400F, often referred to as the “Super Sport 400,” arrived in 1975 and featured a 408cc air-cooled, inline four-cylinder engine that produced around 37 horsepower and was known for its smooth performance and reliability.

One of the most distinctive features of the CB400F was its sleek, café racer-inspired design. It had lower handlebars, slightly rear-set footpegs, and a stylish four-into-one exhaust system that gave it a sporty look. It also featured a studded seat and flatter angular fuel tank with flat side panels and Honda decals instead of badges. The bike was equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, a first for Honda, which allowed for better performance and fuel efficiency.

While Honda advertised that the CB400F was “Great to look at, better to ride,” enthusiasts and the media praised the bike for its refinement, handling, and build quality. Motorcyclist magazine called the CB400F the “first real sportbike” from Japan, emphasizing its role in setting the stage for future sportbikes.

Highlights 

• Offered from The Publisher's Collection  

• Mostly original 1975 Honda CB400F with 16,000 miles, believed to be original 

• Finished in red paint with black vinyl seat 

• Powered by a 408cc air-cooled, inline four-cylinder engine originally rated at 35 horsepower 

• Dyno sheets show rear wheel horsepower has been improved to 35, which means at the crank the bike has about 40 horsepower 

• Six-speed manual transmission

• Recent work (about 200 miles ago) included: 

  • New Koni shocks 

  • New performance exhaust 

  • New Shinko Golden Boy tires (3.00-18 front, 3.50-18 rear) 

  • Front brake rebuilt 

  • Carbs rejetted 

  • New open-air K&N filters 

Features

• The chassis number (CB400F1025718) decodes as: 

  • CB400F – Model 

  • 1 – 1975 model year 

  • 025718 – Sequential production number   

• Lower handlebars 

• Slightly rear-set footpegs 

• Four-into-one exhaust system 

• Dash instrumentation: 

  • 130 mph speedometer and odometer  

  • 12,000 rpm tachometer  

  • Center warning light cluster: Oil, High Beam, Neutral 

Known Imperfections 

• Minor wear consistent with age of the motorcycle 

Included 

• Original rear spring/shocks  

• Maintenance receipts 

• Dyno sheets 

Ownership History 

The consignors of this 1975 Honda CB400F have owned it since 1999. “About a decade ago, we did a cover story comparing the experience of owning a Triumph motorcycle vs. the experience of owning the above-mentioned Triumph car. We ended up buying that bike that Triumph loaned us and haven’t really ridden the Honda since. After nearly a decade of buying a battery every few years and getting it running again, we have decided it needs to find a new home.”

Additional Notes

A Broad Arrow Auctions Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner of this vehicle. Broad Arrow Auctions is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty.

Contact: Cason Vogel   Phone: 904.504.7848   email: cvogel@hagerty.com  

Sales Tax Notice to Arkansas, Mississippi, and West Virginia Bidders: Because this car is located in Florida, Hagerty Marketplace may be required to collect and remit Florida sales tax on your purchase, even if you plan to register it outside of Florida. Unlike most other states, the states of Arkansas, Mississippi, and West Virginia may not provide a full credit against sales taxes paid to Florida. For additional information, please consult this publication and your own tax advisor regarding sales taxes applicable to cars located in Florida that are sold to residents of another state.