How much is a 1974 CB750 worth?
The value of a 1974 Honda CB750 typically ranges from about $5,000 to $12,000 for most riders, with higher prices for pristine, original, or well-documented bikes. Models with the Hondamatic transmission (CB750A) tend to be on the lower end of that spectrum, though excellent examples still attract strong interest.
In this article we’ll dive into what drives a 1974 CB750’s price, the differences between variant models from that year, how condition affects value, and where to check current market pricing to guide a purchase or sale.
Overview: the 1974 CB750 and its variant options
Honda’s CB750 line in 1974 included the standard CB750K (the classic four-cylinder sport-tourer with a manual transmission) and the Hondamatic-equipped CB750A (an automatic two-speed option). The CB750K remains the most sought-after among collectors and riders seeking original mechanicals and classic styling. The CB750A Hondamatic, while rarer, generally trades a bit lower in value due to mechanical preferences among enthusiasts and higher maintenance considerations.
Variant families in 1974
In 1974, most CB750 buyers encountered two main configurations: the traditional manual-shift CB750K and the Hondamatic‑equipped CB750A. The K model is the anchor for most price discussions, while the A model appeals to collectors of unusual Honda engineering but often carries a different pricing curve due to market demand and mechanical quirks.
Price ranges by condition and configuration
Prices vary widely based on condition, originality, and documentation. The ranges below reflect typical market activity for motorcycles offered in the United States in recent years, including running bikes, good survivors, and restored examples. Expect regional differences and occasional outliers at auction.
- Non-running or highly incomplete projects: approximately $2,000 to $4,000.
- Runner with cosmetic wear or modest mechanical work needed: roughly $4,500 to $7,500.
- Good to very good condition, original or thoughtfully restored, with solid mechanicals: about $7,500 to $12,000.
- Excellent original or high-quality restoration with matching numbers and documentation: $12,000 to $18,000.
- Concours or showroom-quality examples with meticulous documentation: $18,000 to $25,000+ (rare and regionally dependent).
Note: Hondamatic CB750A models typically trade a bit lower than their manual CB750K counterparts, though well-preserved or professionally restored A models can still fetch strong prices when they show rare originality or compelling provenance.
What factors most influence value
Understanding what drives price helps buyers and sellers gauge where a bike lands on the market. The following factors often have the largest impact:
- Model and variant: CB750K (manual) generally commands higher values than the Hondamatic CB750A.
- Condition: running order, braking and suspension function, and the degree of cosmetic wear.
- Originality: factory paint, original chrome, clutch, exhaust, and hardware; matching engine and frame numbers.
- Documentation: extensive records, maintenance history, and receipts; original title, manuals, and keys add value.
- Documentation of history: known provenance, restoration quality, and photos documenting work.
- Modifications: tasteful, reversible improvements may not hurt value, but radical deviations often hurt it.
- Rarity and market demand: certain years or color combinations can attract premium attention.
Careful evaluation of these factors, ideally with a professional pre-purchase inspection, helps determine an accurate value and avoid overpaying for a bike that will be costly to bring to desired condition.
How to verify current prices and where to look
To ensure you’re using up-to-date pricing, consult multiple sources and check recent sale results. The following resources are commonly used by collectors and enthusiasts to gauge current market value:
- Hagerty Motorcycle Price Guide: offers condition-based pricing and variant-specific notes for classic bikes, including CB750 models.
- Classic.com: price histories and market trends for vintage motorcycles, including 1970s Hondas.
- Bring a Trailer (BaT) and auction results: current and past sale prices for CB750Ks and CB750As, useful for understanding active bidding ranges.
- eBay Motors and dealer listings: current asking prices and completed sales can provide a broad market snapshot.
- Local classifieds and motorcycle shows: regional pricing can vary based on demand and condition.
When researching prices, compare bikes with similar specifications—year, model variant (K vs. A), running condition, originality, and provenance—to ensure an apples-to-apples comparison. If you’re buying, consider a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic experienced with vintage Honda four-cylinders to avoid expensive surprises.
Summary
The 1974 Honda CB750 sits at an affordable to mid-range tier for classic motorcycles, with typical asking and sale prices largely dictated by condition, originality, and provenance. Manual CB750Ks generally fetch higher values than Hondamatic CB750As, though superb, well-documented examples of either variant can command strong prices in the right market. To get the most accurate current value, review multiple pricing guides and recent sale results, and seek expert inspection if you’re buying or selling a bike in this era.
For a final takeaway: if you’re evaluating a 1974 CB750, start with its variant (K or A), assess condition and originality, document features and provenance, and compare recent, similar sales to set a realistic price range. As market demand for classic bikes evolves, values can shift, so check current data before making a purchase or sale.
