How much is a 1972 Honda 600 worth?
There isn't a 1972 Honda 600 model. The closest bikes from that era include the CB350, CB450, CB500 Four and CB750, and the value depends on the exact model, condition, and originality.
How to identify the bike you have
Before you can price a vintage Honda accurately, you need to confirm the exact model and year. Use these steps to verify the bike's identity:
- Check the engine displacement and badges on the fuel tank and side panels
- Inspect the frame and engine numbers; compare with Honda catalogs from the era
- Look for year- and model-specific features (wheel size, exhaust style, lighting) that distinguish CB350, CB450, CB500 Four, and CB750
- Find the VIN plate or frame stamped numbers and record them for verification
- Review any title, ownership, and maintenance records for provenance
Accurate identification helps narrow the price window significantly because different models carry different demand.
What drives value in a vintage Honda from the 1970s
Market value is influenced by more than age. Here are the primary levers buyers consider:
- Condition and originality (original paint, chrome, and factory parts)
- Mechanical reliability and rider readiness (engine compression, gears, brakes, and carbs)
- Matching numbers (engine and frame) and title clarity
- Documentation and maintenance history
- Rarity and desirability of the specific model or year
- Cosmetics (braces, seat, decals) and color scheme
In practice, a bike that is clean, mostly original, and well-maintained commands a higher price than a project with extensive modifications or missing parts.
Common 1970s Honda models you might be thinking of
To contextualize the discussion, here are models Honda sold in the early 1970s that sometimes get grouped with a "600" in casual references. This helps readers map typical price ranges to the right model.
- Honda CB350 (roughly 325–350cc, twin) — commonly priced in the low to mid-thousands in good condition
- Honda CB450 (450cc) — generally a few thousand to upper single digits depending on condition
- Honda CB500 Four (500cc) — often in the mid-range, depending on originality
- Honda CB750 Four (750cc) — a more valuable and sought-after classic; prices widely vary from mid-range to substantial sums for pristine examples
Note that there was no standard "600" model; if a seller used “600” informally, confirm the exact engine displacement and model to avoid mispricing.
Rough value ranges for common Honda 1970s models (as of 2024–2025)
These ranges illustrate typical market behavior for representative bikes from the era. Actual prices vary by condition, originality, and provenance.
- CB350-class twins (around 325–350cc): generally $3,000–$8,000 in good condition; top-condition bikes may exceed $10,000
- CB450 (450cc): commonly $4,000–$9,000 depending on cosmetic and mechanical state
- CB500 Four (500cc): often $6,000–$12,000; rare, pristine examples can go higher
- CB750 Four (750cc): typically $8,000–$15,000 for solid riders; concours-level specimens can reach $20,000–$25,000
Because the market is dynamic, these ranges are not guarantees. Check current listings and guides for the latest data.
How to price your own bike and where to look
Practical steps to set a fair price and locate buyers:
- Consult current price guides such as Hagerty Motorcycle Price Guide, ClassicBikePrices, and NADA
- Review recent auction results and high-visibility listings on Bring a Trailer, eBay Motors, and dealer sites
- Consider a professional appraisal if you need a formal valuation for insurance or sale
With a clear model identification and honest appraisal of condition, you can set a price that reflects the bike's market value and attracts buyers.
Summary
The label "1972 Honda 600" doesn't correspond to a specific production model. The value you can expect depends on exactly which model you own (CB350, CB450, CB500 Four, CB750, etc.), as well as condition, originality, and provenance. By confirming the model, evaluating condition, and checking current market data, you can estimate a realistic price and maximize your bike's sale potential.
