Honda CB400

The Honda CB400 Super Four, like most 400cc grey imports, is a junior, Japan-only derivative of a larger model, in this case the CB1000 ‘Big One’. As such it’s a chunky, good-looking, well-equipped roadster that’s both novice-friendly, reasonably versatile and sporty, too. Expect usual grey import foibles (secondhand, sometimes difficult parts/servicing availability); don’t expect giant slaying performance. Cute, likeable and fun, though…

Engine

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Owners' rating

The Honda CB400 Super Four has a straightforward but decent inline four-cylinder, four-stroke, liquid cooled 400cc engine which is very smooth and responsive at low throttle applications. However, at full throttle it feels a little restricted the engine and its potential for more performance is obvious. Later versions are fuel-injected. 

Ride and Handling

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Owners' rating

The Honda CB400 Super Four is a brisk, lightweight bike that is easy to throw in and out of corners. Handling is generally excellent, it’s a doddle to ride and it pulls up well, too, thanks to the twin 285 mm floating discs with 4-piston Nissin calipers in the front and the 235 mm disc with a single piston Nissin caliper at the rear.

Equipment

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The Honda CB400 Super Four boasts both typical Honda quality and the best part of a decade of refinement (on later models at least) so it stands out among grey 400s as being both decently-equipped and classy: the classic, chrome-finish dials and gauges, for example, are precise and easy to read. Later models have ABS.

Quality and Reliability

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Owners' rating

Again, the CB400 Super Four boasts typical Honda quality, refinement and a long production run which has ironed out all ailments, so no quality or reliability issues worth mentioning. On the other hand, many UK examples may have had a hard life in the hands of novice riders, so watch out for damage/abuse/neglect.

Value

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Owners' rating

The CB400 Super Four has been a continued sales success for Honda in Japan and with good reason: it’s a great all-round bike and, although not as cheap as some, is decent value, too. From a UK buying point of view, that is queered slightly as the bike is only available used, as a grey import, so supply is limited and condition variable. But on the whole, a good value buy.

Insurance

Insurance group: 8

Model History

1992 - CB 400 Super Four (Project Big-1) NC31 launched in Japan
1997 - 2nd generation, fuel injected and face-lifted NC36 version launched in Japan.
1999 - updated CB400 Super Four / Super Bol D'Or NC39 launched in Japan
2007 - updated CB 400 Super Four / Super Bol D'or NC42 launched.

Other Versions

Specifications

Top speed	115mph
1/4-mile acceleration	secs
Power	52bhp
Torque	39ftlb
Weight	168kg
Seat height	760mm
Fuel capacity	18 litres
Average fuel consumption	mpg
Tank range	miles
Insurance group	8

Engine size	399cc
Engine specification	Liquid-cooled 16v DOHC transverse four, 6 gears
Frame	Tubular steel double cradle
Front suspension adjustment	Telescopic forks, no adjust
Rear suspension adjustment	Twin shocks, preload adjust
Front brakes	Twin 296mm discs, four piston calipers
Rear brake	240mm disc, single piston caliper
Front tyre size	110/80 x 18
Rear tyre size	140/70 x 17