1968 Honda CB160 Project

Motorcycles Online - The Spring Sale|23 February 2026, 13:18 GMT|Online, Milton Keynes

1968 Honda CB160 Project

Registration no. WWA 344F
Frame no. B160 1088238
Engine no. B160E 1088075
Launched in 1964, the CB160 followed the pattern of previous Honda parallel twins, though with 360-degree crankshaft layout rather than the larger twins' 180-degree type, and used the recently introduced tubular spine frame and telescopic forks. Small as a '125' yet packing a 16.5bhp punch, the CB160's excellent power-to-weight ratio and fine handling endowed it with performance at least equal to that of most British 250s. With an overhead-camshaft engine, electric starter, rev counter and a twin-leading-shoe front brake, the CB160's specification and degree of refinement was unmatched by any of its home-grown rivals. It is now one of the most desirable of early Japanese classics.

This CB160 was purchased by the current private collector at the Spring Stafford Sale 2023 (Lot 394), the previous vendor had imported it into the UK in July 2022 where it was serviced including new tyres, spark plugs, oil, fuel, and a rectifier. Since acquisition from the private collector, it was subject to a top end refresh including fitting new piston rings and left hand piston together with new top end gaskets (see invoice from Honda Classics). Over 200 miles have been ridden since the rebuild and the vendor states 'it was a lovely thing to ride to the coffee shop and local shows'. Taken to a local car and vintage motorcycle show in July 2025, it developed an engine issue on the way home. Further inspection revealed the big end had gone and will need a full bottom end rebuild before returning to the road, with potentially a new crankshaft sourced to fix the issue. Sold strictly as viewed, it is offered with a V5C, aforementioned Honda Classics invoice and Honda OC dating certificate.
Offered with key

Footnotes

BUYER'S PREMIUM
The Buyer's Premium for this Lot is 28%+VAT on the first £40k of the Hammer Price, then 27%+VAT up to £800k, then 21%+VAT up to £4.5M and 14.5%+VAT thereafter.

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Additional information

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