The David Plant Collection, 1976 Honda CB400F

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?"

Last taxed until August 2006, this CB400F currently displays a total of 3,307 miles on the odometer. The machine appears to be largely original, retaining what is believed to be its factory-original finish to the fuel tank, frame, cycle parts, chrome plating and engine, the latter now showing signs of deterioration in places. Some of the plastic components have hardened with age and will require attention or careful checking before the motorcycle is used.

Owned by the private vendor since 1995, this motorcycle is offered with a quantity of original Honda literature, including its original owner's manual. The history file also contains a purchase receipt from Allan Jefferies Motorcycles dated February 1989 together with photographs of Nick Jefferies with the machine, presumably taken at the time it was purchased from Allan Jefferies. The file also includes the Honda motorcycle dealers list for Europe and a blank vehicle information document in its original plastic folder. The current odometer reading is 3,307 miles. Offered with old/current V5C documents. The engine turns over.

Following a period of inactivity, this motorcycle will require recommissioning and/or restoration to a greater or lesser extent before returning to the road and thus is sold strictly as viewed. Prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's completeness, history, authenticity, originality and mechanical condition prior to bidding.
Offered with key