10 Vintage Honda Bikes That Have Skyrocketed In Value

Few brands have shaped the motorcycle world quite like Honda. Decade after decade, the Japanese giant has demonstrated an almost uncanny ability to read what riders want — and then deliver it with engineering precision. That consistency has made Honda not just a dominant global force, but a manufacturer whose machines people genuinely hold onto.

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What’s remarkable, though, is that Honda’s legacy isn’t built on volume alone. Honda has produced some genuinely iconic machines that have only grown in stature with age. Some have appreciated so dramatically that they now command multiples of their original MSRPs — and show no sign of slowing down. That’s exactly what this piece is about: 10 vintage Hondas that have held up remarkably well over the years, both mechanically and financially.

Honda NS400R

Current Maximum Value: $12,000

The ’85 Honda NS400R was a bit of a curious case from Honda. On the one hand, it looked great thanks to the Rothmans livery, and no doubt attracted plenty of buyers to the machine.

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It was also a limited-production bike, and this was because Honda intended it to be a JDM-only offering. Not many NS400Rs were made, which further boosted its appeal. Where it faced headwinds was its 400cc displacement, which put it at a disadvantage against rivals running 500cc engines. The flip side was that the NS400R still made an impressive amount of power. Either way, it’s a rare find today, and its value reflects that.

1985 Honda NS400R Specs

(Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs)

Honda VF1000R

Current Maximum Value: $13,000

Mecum Auctions

While it’s true that the ’85 Honda VF1000R had illustrious rivals like the Kawasaki GPZ900R and the Yamaha FJ1100 to contend with, it still held its own and made a mark.

It sported a powerful V4 engine that delivered an impressive amount of torque, looked absolutely stunning, and carried the Honda badge to seal the deal. More than anything, though, it was a fast, comfortable tourer — and its value is appreciated even today.

1985 Honda VF1000R Specs

(Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs)

Honda CX650T

Current Maximum Value: $15,000

Mecum Auctions

Honda made quite a splash in the early ’80s with its CX pair of motorcycles. It initially launched the CX500 Turbo as the world’s first factory-spec turbocharged motorcycle, and the model did quite well.

The ’83 CX650T pushed the envelope even further with a larger displacement and a more potent tune. The turbocharger gave it a strong power advantage, and Honda’s hallmark reliability and dependability made it a standout machine in its era.

1983 Honda CX650T Specs

(Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs)

Honda CB450

Current Maximum Value: $15,000

Mecum

It’s fair to say that most enthusiasts have heard of the Honda CB750, but the less-known CB450 that came before it deserves its fair share of the limelight, too.

Admittedly, it didn’t do anywhere near as well as the CB750, but it had its moments — decent grunt from its engine and capable agility through the corners. The CB450 found a particularly enthusiastic following in the UK, which is where the ‘Black Bomber’ nickname originated.

1965 Honda CB450 Specs

(Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs)

Honda CBX Super Sport

Current Maximum Value: $18,000

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The ’70s were a fascinating time for Japanese motorcycle manufacturers. Spurred on by the launch of the legendary Honda CB750, appropriate responses from Yamaha and Suzuki dutifully followed.

Not wanting to be left out, Honda upped the ante yet again with the CBX Super Sport. This was a 4-stroke, 1,047cc inline 6-cylinder behemoth from the Japanese giant with an outrageous top speed for the time, making its rivals sit up and take proper notice.

1979 Honda CBX Super Sport Specs

(Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs)

Honda CB1100R

Current Maximum Value: $25,000

Car and Classic

There’s quite a lot to be said about the Honda CB1100R and what it did for the Japanese manufacturer’s standing among the ‘Big Four.’

The CB1100R was Honda’s answer to mounting pressure from the likes of the Kawasaki Z1000 and Suzuki GS1000, and it responded with some genuinely impressive numbers. Where the CBX fell short, the CB1100R more than compensated.

1980 Honda CB1100R Specs

(Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs)

Honda GL1000 Gold Wing

Current Maximum Value: $33,000

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The Gold Wing stands as one of Honda’s biggest pillars of success ever since its debut. It’s still on sale today, in fact, and retains its popularity.

But there’s a significant difference between the modern Gold Wing and the original. The first-generation machine was considerably more compact, yet no less commanding as a touring motorcycle. If you’re on the lookout for a vintage Honda, the GL1000 Gold Wing should be high up on your list.

1974 Honda GL1000 Gold Wing Specs

(Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs)

Honda CB750 Sandcast

Current Maximum Value: $36,000

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A list of Honda’s best vintage motorcycles would be incomplete without the incredible CB750. This was, after all, widely regarded as the world’s first superbike.

It featured a 736cc inline 4-cylinder engine, and when it launched, it proceeded to blow the competition away. It also bears mentioning that this was the first 4-cylinder Japanese motorcycle to enter the market, and it says a lot about its impact that the other manufacturers swiftly followed suit with their own 4-cylinder interpretations.

1969 Honda CB750 Sandcast Specs

(Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs)

Honda CR93

Current Maximum Value: $45,000

Mecum Auctions

Way back in 1962, Honda blew away the competition with the light and nimble CR93. This machine displaced only 125cc, yet it managed to make more power than its rivals at the time.

It also boasted an impressive 100-plus mph top speed and, thanks to some very distinctive design, left a lasting impression on everyone who encountered it. Honda produced both race- and road-spec versions of the CR93, but the road-going examples were quite rare — finding one today in good condition is genuinely difficult, which is reflected in its valuation.

1962 Honda CR93 Specs

(Specs sourced from Bonhams)

Honda VFR750R RC30

Current Maximum Value: $120,000

Mecum Auctions

The VFR750R was a big deal for Honda. It was conceived to compete in the World Superbike Championship — a mission it accomplished convincingly, claiming the world title in both 1988 and 1989.

It went on to find success at the Isle of Man TT as well, such was its all-round superiority. What further boosted its desirability was the fact that only around 5,000 units were ever produced, making it a genuinely rare commodity. It’s no wonder, then, that low-mileage RC30s can command staggering sums at auction.

1988 Honda VFR750R RC30 Specs

(Specs sourced from Motorcycle Specs)

• Source for features: Honda
• Source for technical specifications: Motorcycle Specs
• Source for used prices: Mecum, Hagerty, Classic