honda cm400a

i have just purchased a honda cm400a that looks like it came from a storage wharehouse. the bike has 18 miles on it, no the miles arent a type o. the bike is immaculate just wondering if anybody knows a value of such a scooter

I think it will be difficult to put a value on a one-of-a-kind bike. I have a CM400T and I watch them sell on Ebay, which I think it a pretty good way to determine the value of a certain model of cycle. Since yours really is a new cycle, then the best Ebay could do is show you the price of ones in excellent condition.

Yours should be purchased by a cycle museum or individual collector. I suggest Ebay with a high reserve (after you get an idea of the possible price range) or maybe an auction where collectors will be. Good luck

I also just got a Honda CM450-A. It had 5000 miles and is in very good shape. I paid $700 here in So. Cal. Older bikes tend to go for more around this area. Everyone wants older bikes, all of a sudden. I only got it because my left foot got messed up and I can't lift it very well to shift. I did not want a scooter like a Silver Wing or a Bergman. The semi auto trans works well and the bike is fun to ride. I would even consider buying one more if your looking to sell and are in my area. If not, ENJOY... it can be a fun bike.

Zac

Honda CM400A is a full blown motorcycle, not a scoot. Unlike most motorcycles It has an hydraulic automatic transmission. A scoot has a belt and variator transmission. It is completely different.

The CM400A is not as powerfull as the CM400E (economy) CM400T (touring) and CM400C (custom) versions, all with 5 speeds manual transmission, but you can ride it to highway speed limits.

If it is in mint condition with little mileage as you say, it can easily sell for 1000$ or more. With high price of gas, more and more people are considering motorcycles and scoots. CM400 has 16 & 18inch wheels as opposed to 10 inch on scoots. This is quite desirable for safety and comfort on rugged pavement. CM400 is light and short, so it is very easy to handle compared to most motorcycles on the market today. It is still possible to get parts trough the internet despite the fact it is 25-30 years old !

I am commuting to work with a CM400T 1980. I love it !

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There is nothing like riding a Honda MC !

Just a word of caution, all rubber items deteriorate with age, independent of use. Give all your rubber items a thorough inspection and check for any signs of dry rot, especially tires and brake lines. Congratulations, it looks like you lucked into a rare find.

Very true, and some critical rubber components such as valve guides can't easily be inspected. Any cracked or worn tire must be replaced. These are tube tires, tubes MUST be changed too.

For the same reason, I'm thinking of replacing my brake lines by flexible stainless steel reinforced brake lines. OEM is about the same price, but in that case, Old New Stock is not a good option. You can tell the manufacturing date on a rubber tire by reading the manufacturer's code. There is no such thing for brake lines.

I also noticed UV deteriorates plastics, especialy this transparent box over the master cylinder. Brake seals must also be changed on the caliper and master cylinder if it start to be too stiff or spongy rather than smooth and responsive.

Another part to check is the spark plug wires. Any crack or hardened rubber will lead fo ignition failure under rain, at the worse possible moment.

Have fun too !

Martin

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There is nothing like riding a Honda MC !

A motorcycle like that should go to a collector. If it's as clean and perfect as you indicate a price of $5000 or more would not be unusual. The motorcycle is rare-not too may were made, it was not a top seller to say the least.

I love the CM400's and have a 79 CM400A in green. How are you doing with yours?