There are bikes you ride, and there are bikes that changed motorcycling forever. The Honda CB750 is firmly in the second category.
Launched in 1969, the original CB750 was the world's first mass-produced superbike. For UK buyers, importing a CB750 from Japan makes exceptional sense. Japanese domestic examples have often been stored and maintained with meticulous care. Auction prices are often lower than equivalent UK examples. This guide covers every stage: which CB750 to buy, what to pay at auction, the full landed cost, what to look for on the inspection sheet, and how to get it on the road once it arrives.
Which Honda CB750 Model Is Right for You?
CB750 K Series (1969–1979) — The Original
The K0 through K8 are the bikes that started it all. An inline-four engine, four individual carburettors, four exhaust pipes.
What to expect at auction: The early K-series bikes (K0–K2) are collector's items fetching £6,000–£15,000+ at Japanese auctions. Later K-series (K4–K8) are more attainable at £2,500–£6,000 for honest used examples. Who it's for: Collectors and restoration enthusiasts.
CB750F Super Sport (1979–1982) — The Upgrade
The F series brought a revised engine, improved handling, and a more modern aesthetic. Less iconic than the original K but arguably more capable as a rider.
What to expect at auction: £2,000–£5,000 for standard used examples. Who it's for: Riders who want the CB750 experience with better handling.
CB750 Nighthawk (1991–2003) — The Practical Choice
The Nighthawk is a reliable, commuter-friendly middleweight with a single-carb, fuel-friendly engine and shaft drive. Not glamorous, but bulletproof.
What to expect at auction: £1,200–£2,800 for standard examples. Very common at Japanese auctions. Who it's for: First-time importers and riders who want a dependable machine.
Japanese auction houses grade bikes on a scale from 1 (poor) to 6 (new/unregistered). For a classic CB750, a grade 3–4 with honest wear is often better value than a heavily restored grade 5–6. Read our auction inspection sheet guide to decode exactly what each grade means before you bid.
Auction Prices: What You'll Actually Pay
| Model | Condition | Auction Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| CB750 K0–K2 (1969–1971) | Good original | £5,500–£15,000+ |
| CB750 K0–K2 (1969–1971) | Project/rough | £2,000–£4,500 |
| CB750 K4–K8 (1972–1979) | Good used | £2,200–£5,500 |
| CB750F Super Sport | Good used | £1,800–£4,500 |
| CB750 Nighthawk | Good used | £900–£2,200 |
| CB750 Nighthawk | Low mileage | £2,000–£3,200 |
Total Import Cost Breakdown
Here's a realistic breakdown for a CB750 K-series at a £4,000 auction price:
| Cost Item | Estimate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Auction hammer price | £4,000 | Your bid |
| Auction buyer's premium | £200–£400 | Typically 5–10% |
| Japanese domestic transport | £80–£150 | Auction to port |
| Export certificate processing | £100–£200 | Required for shipping |
| Shipping (RoRo or LCL) | £850–£1,300 | Japan to UK port |
| Marine insurance | £50–£80 | ~1.2% of value |
| UK customs clearance agent | £150–£250 | Broker fee |
| Import duty (6% for 250cc+) | £240 | On CIF value |
| UK VAT (20%) | £880 | On CIF + duty |
| UK port handling | £100–£200 | Port storage & release |
| NOVA registration | £0 | Free online |
| MOT test | £30–£80 | First UK test |
| DVLA registration | £55 | V5C application |
| Total estimated landed cost | £6,685–£7,695 | For a £4,000 K-series |
A K-series CB750 that's been sitting in Japan for years will almost certainly need carburettor work, new rubber, and potentially fork seals and brake components. Budget an additional £500–£2,000 for mechanical restoration on top of your landed cost before the bike is road-ready.
Common Issues to Watch For
CB750 K Series:
- Carburettor synchronisation — four carbs need regular balancing
- Cam chain tensioner wear on high-mileage engines
- Brake drum wear on K0–K2 models (no front disc until K1 late production)
- Paint and chrome deterioration on 50+ year old bikes
CB750 Nighthawk:
- Generally very reliable — issues are rare
- Check shaft drive for play or noise
After Arrival: NOVA, MOT & Registration
Once your CB750 arrives at a UK port:
- NOVA notification — Within 14 days of arrival, register the motorcycle with HMRC via the NOVA online portal. Free and takes about 15 minutes.
- Pay import duty and VAT — Your customs clearance agent handles this. Rates are 6% import duty plus 20% VAT on the customs value.
- MOT test — A reputable classic bike specialist is recommended for the first MOT.
- DVLA registration — Submit form V55/5 with your NOVA reference, import documents, and MOT certificate.
Honda CB750 K series built before 1 January 1977 are classified as historic vehicles in the UK. This means they're exempt from the annual MOT requirement (after the first registration MOT) and potentially exempt from import duty. Speak to your customs agent to confirm eligibility.
For the complete step-by-step walkthrough, read our NOVA registration guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to import a Honda CB750 from Japan to the UK?
Total landed cost typically ranges from £4,500 to £9,000 depending on model year, condition, and auction price. This includes purchase price, shipping (£800–£1,400), import duty (6%), VAT (20%), and UK registration costs.
Which Honda CB750 model is best to import from Japan?
The K series (K0–K8, 1969–1979) are the most collectible. The CB750F offers better handling. The Nighthawk is the most reliable and affordable for daily riding. All three are available at Japanese domestic auctions.
Browse current Honda CB750 and other classic Japanese motorcycle listings on AWA's auction platform.
Related guides: How to Import a Motorcycle from Japan to the UK · How to Read Auction Inspection Sheets · UK Import Duty & Tax Guide
See Also
Share this article: