The launch of the new 400cc twins from Honda for the Japanese and Asian markets might have brought disappointment on faces aplenty considering most of the expectations being inclined towards the larger displaced 500cc series from the Japanese manufacturer showcased at EICMA 2013.
Won’t be incorrect to say that one of the reasons enthusiasts wanted the Honda CBR500R, Honda CB500F and the Honda CB500X to hit our shores was that even with a larger displaced motor, the bhp figures were on the higher side when compared to the much anticipated KTM Duke 390 which belts out 44 bhp from a 375cc engine. The new 500s given the A2 license tier in Europe were restricted to 46.9 bhp, and a 400cc variant would have obvious implications on reduced engine output. In fact it was speculated and we too had earlier posted about the power figures of the new 400 twins to be in the range of 40 bhp. The specifications of the Honda CBR400R, Honda CB400F and the Honda CB400X were a mystery even after being showcased at the Osaka Motor Show with Honda being extremely tightlipped on the specifications, until now. And from what we are going to disclose ahead would definitely bring smiles to the faces which have been on the frowning side.
The biggest feel-good factor about the new Honda 400cc range is power output, which may though just look like numbers, do psychologically matter while making a purchase decision. As aforementioned since the 500s were restricted to just 46.9 bhp due to legislative norms, thankfully the 400s in the Asian markets do not have to face any such restrictions.
The power figures of the new trio of the Honda CBR400R, Honda CB400F and the Honda CB400X have been released by Honda and we’re delighted to inform that these new bikes crank out 46 ps @ 9500 rpm and 37nm of torque @ 7500 rpm. Also the fuel consumption has been rated at 39.7 kms per litre under standard test conditions.
Following are the complete set of specifications.
| Engine model type | Parallel Twin 4 stroke DOHC 4 valve water-cooled |
| Total displacement | 399cc with twin counter balancers |
| Bore × stroke (mm) | 67.0 × 56.6 |
| Maximum power | 46ps @ 9500 rpm |
| Maximum torque | 37nm @ 7500 rpm |
| Fuel supply | Electronically controlled fuel injection system (PGM-FI) |
| Ignition | Self-start, Full transistor battery ignition |
| Gearbox | 6 Speed constant mesh |
| Final drive | O-Ring sealed chain |
| Clutch type | Wet multi-plate with coil springs |
| Suspension front | 41mm Telescopic- 4.3 inches travel (CBR400R, CB400F), 5.5 inches travel (CB400X) |
| Suspension rear | Pro-Link single shock with nine-position spring preload adjustability; 4.7 inches travel |
| Tyres front | 120/70ZR 17M / C (58W) |
| Tyres Rear | 160/60ZR 17M / C (69W) |
| BrakesFront | Single 320mm Single Petal Disc with twin piston caliper |
| Brakes Rear | Single 240mm Single Petal Disc with single piston caliper |
| ABS | Combined ABS (Optional) |
| Frame type | Diamond |
| Weight (kg) | Honda CBR400R- 194 kgs |
| Honda CB400F- 192 kgs | |
| Honda CB400X- 194 kgs | |
| Fuel tank capacity (L) | 15 litres (CBR400R & CB400F), 17 litres (CB400X) |
| Fuel consumption | 39.7 kpl (under standard test conditions with speed constant at 60 kph) |
| Minimum turning radius | 2.7 metres |
Other mechanical specifications state engine bore of 67mm, piston specs, stiffness and strength balance similar to that of the Honda CBR600RR. Similar configuration has been adopted in the 500s too.
Utilization of roller rocker arm reduces friction with shim type valve adjustments.
Twin engine balancers placed behind the cylinders for vibes reduction.
Usage of a centrifugal casting thin-valved sleeve to minimize piston distortion in the cylinder.
An internal relief oil pump structure (as similar in the CBR 600RR) reduces friction and improves aeration efficiency.
Utilization of O2 sensors and catalytic converter to comply with current emission regulations.
The dimensions of the three motorcycles have been explained in detail:
Prices in Japan have been announced as under. For reference sake we have translated the figures into INR to get a rough idea of the prices we can expect as and when Honda decides on the India launch. We aren’t discounting the reduction in production costs considering localized manufacture.
Honda CBR400R (Non ABS):
Graphite Black, Victory Red- 669,900 Yen (INR 364,048/-)
Ross White- 701,400 Yen (INR 381,166/-)
Honda CBR400R (ABS)
Graphite Black, Victory Red- 719,250 Yen (INR 390,867/-)
Ross White- 750,750 Yen (INR 407,985/-)
Honda CB400F (Non-ABS)
Graphite Black, Pearl Sunbeam White- 648,900 Yen (INR 352,636/-)
Honda CB400F (ABS)
Graphite Black, Pearl Sunbeam White- 698,250 Yen (INR 379,497/-)
Honda CB400X (Non-ABS)
Pearl Sunbeam White, Matt Black Powder Gun Metallic, Candy Prominence Red- 679,350 Yen (INR 369,225/-)
Honda CB400X (ABS)
Pearl Sunbeam White, Matt Black Powder Gun Metallic, Candy Prominence Red- 728,700 Yen (INR 396,046/-)
The converted prices stated above might seem on the higher end, but as a matter of record, the Honda CBR250R Non-ABS in Japan costs 449,400 Yen which translates to INR 244,254/- and ABS being priced at 499,800 Yen translating to INR 271,647/-. If we consider the CBR250R pricing as an assumed point of reference, there is a good difference of 25 to 30 percent in the pricing, courtesy localization. If we have to apply the same yardstick to the 400s India pricing, it makes for an extremely optimistic reading.
Now only if Honda could play wise on the pricing and trample onto the value-for-money proposition that the KTM Duke 390 should offer. The Duke might still humble the 400s on acceleration considering that the Hondas weigh nearly 60 kgs more than the KTM, but the advantages of a twin pod motor, taller gearing and a wider powerband would enable the Hondas to score a few brownie points over the Duke 390. And not to forget, there are three flavours on the offering depending on your type of riding.
So are you ‘Ready to Race’ or would wait till your ‘Power of Dreams‘ sees form?
Deepak, I have also checked your calculation for the CBR250R and yes the price difference is 25-30%. However it all depends whether they will bring the CBR400R as a CBU, or CKD or locally manufacture it here, if they feel that the numbers exist for such a product in our markets.
@Karikor: Unfortunately that is our calculation. Hope Honda adopted the same pricing strategy 😉
Man im getting more and more confused. 2.75 lakhs on road price for the cbr400r is really tempting. I guess the upcoming ktm RC390 will also be somewhat similarly priced and the weight difference would have also reduced by some kilos.
The prices indicated in Yen are on road prices in Japan after calculating all the taxes.
The prices indicated in the article are on road or show room price? Just to confirm.