LOT 14

1978 Honda CB400F Registration no. AEC 400S Frame no. CB400F-1087868 (see text) Engine no. CB400FE-1083674

Sold for £4,370 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve

Previous Lot

Next Lot

Lot 14

1978 Honda CB400F

Motorcycles Online - The Summer Sale|16 June 2025, 12:13 BST|Online, Milton Keynes

1978 Honda CB400F
Registration no. AEC 400S
Frame no. CB400F-1087868 (see text)
Engine no. CB400FE-1083674

Now regarded as one of the classics of the 1970s, the Honda 400 Four first appeared in 1974. Described as 'the poor boy's muscle bike', its combination of a four-cylinder, overhead-camshaft engine in a 250-sized package endowed it a performance better than many 500s. With a stylish 4-into-1 exhaust, six gears and rear-set footrests, it was every boy-racer's dream and a huge commercial success. Comparing it to the opposition, Bike magazine reckoned the CB400 "represents a brilliantly engineered concept. It retains its appeal on several fronts: it's a four-stroke, and an awful lot of people are biased towards four-strokes; it's as quick as the two-strokes, yet on average road use will give considerably better fuel consumption; its handling is noticeably better than the two-strokes; and who can dispute that it's easily the best sounding 400?"

'AEC 400S' formerly belonged to the current vendor's late husband. Carrying a tax disc that expired on 30th April 2005 and not ridden for circa 20 years, the machine will require re-commissioning or possibly more extensive restoration following its period of storage/inactivity and thus is sold strictly as viewed. Prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's mechanical condition prior to bidding. It should be noted that while the registration document records the frame number as 'CB400F2-1087868', the actual number is 'CB400F-1087868'.

Accompanying documents include the following:

Old-style V5C Registration Certificate
Photocopy old V5C
Previous keeper old V5s
Photocopy old V5
Handwritten purchase receipts (including original 1977 one framed and glazed)
Expired MoTs
Owner's manual

Some spares are included with this Lot.
Offered with key

Footnotes

All lots are sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.

AUCTION INFORMATION & GUIDE FOR BUYERS
Please see the Auction Information and Guide for Buyers at the top of the main sale page (Motorcycles Online - The Summer Sale) for all pertinent information regarding bidder's obligations, viewing, bidding, payment, post-sale collection & transportation.

REQUEST A TRANSPORT QUOTE
To request a UK or European Motorcycle shipping quote visit Moving Motorcycles.
To request an International Motorcycle shipping quote visit Shippio.
To request a Memorabilia and Spares shipping quote visit Mail Boxes Etc - Milton Keynes or Alban Shipping.

BUYER'S PREMIUM
The Buyer's Premium for this Lot is 15%+VAT on the first £500,000 of the Hammer Price, and 12%+VAT on the balance thereafter.

Additional information

This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact client services.
Buyers' Obligations
ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.
If you have any questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest client services team.
From 28 June 2025, the import into the EU of non-EU property of a certain age (and in some categories above a certain value) is subject to additional requirements. Under the relevant EU Regulation, it is the Buyer's sole responsibility to assess whether any Lot meets the criteria for import into the EU. The refusal of any required Import License or Importer Statement, or any delay in obtaining such License or Statement shall not give rise to the rescission or cancelation of any Sale, nor allow any delay in making full payment for the Lot.
Buyers' Premium and Charges
Like the vast majority of auctioneers Bonhams charge a Buyer's Premium on the Hammer Price of each Lot purchased and this is subject to VAT. Some lots may also be subject to VAT on the Hammer Price and these lots will be clearly marked with a symbol (†, Ω, *) printed beside the lot number.
For Automobilia the Buyer's Premium is 28% on the first £40,000 of the hammer price; 27% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £40,001 up to and including £800,000; 21% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £800,001 up to and including £4,500,000 and 14.5% of the hammer price of any amounts in excess of £4,500,001.
For Motor Cars and Vehicle Registration Numbers the Buyer's Premium will be 15% on the first £500,000 of the hammer price of each Lot, and 12% on the balance thereafter.
A 3rd party bidding platform fee of 4% + VAT of the Hammer Price for Buyers using the following bidding platforms will be added to the invoices of successful Buyers for auctions starting on or after 6th July 2024 – Invaluable; Live Auctioneers; The Saleroom; Lot-tissimo.
VAT at the standard rate is payable on the Buyers Premium by all Buyers, unless otherwise stated.
Payment Notices
For payment information please refer to the sale catalog.
Shipping Notices
For information and estimates on domestic and international shipping as well as export licences please contact Bonhams Shipping Department.
- Motorcycles