In 1969 Honda released the CB750, although it was neither the first four cylinder motorcycle or have the largest capacity, it certainly left it's mark as the number one super bike. I read somewhere that, the if first Japanese bikes sent the message to Britain, "watch out we're coming", the CB750 delivered the message "it's too late we're here". By the mid 70s there was little left of the once great British motorcycle industry.
Fitted with a hydraulic front disc brake, electric start & indicators as standard the CB750 paved the way for years to come. In 1971 Honda had introduced a scaled down version,the CB500 followed by the CB350F in 1972. The CB350F was introduced in the US but it never really caught on, and was dropped from production in 1974. The CB350F was not marketed in the UK.
Enter the CB400F
The CB400F (aka the 400/4 or 400 four super sport), was unveiled for 1975. It was an instant hit, a compact bike developed from, and improved on the previous CB350F, with uprated performance via an increased bore from 47mm to 51mm, bringing capacity up to 408cc, larger valves, and a six speed gearbox, it had updated styling with a neat offset chrome 4 into 1 exhaust system, a flatter angular fuel tank & flat side panels with transfers instead of badges, low handle bars, slightly rear set footrests and a studded seat,
The bike had a sporty cafe racer look and feel, ride and handling were deemed excellent at the time. All this brought together a universal bike which was easy, exiting and smooth to ride in various situations, giving you a feeling of control, riding in harmony with a thoroughbred. The press loved it.Models
For the European/UK market first there was the F available from 1975 in Light ruby red or Varnish blue, early F models up to frame number 1056883 had the pillion foot rests mounted on the rear swinging arm, (pillion assisted suspension! ) later F models which ran to frame number 1073399 had them mounted to the frame.
In 1977 the F2 was available in Parakeet yellow or Candy antares red (metallic). These also had striping to the tank. and solid lettering with an outline to the side panels. F2 models ran frame number 1073400.
"Just in case you were wondering Antares is a red super giant star, & a parakeet is a large type of budgie, maybe Honda intended the red one for the touring & the yellow one for flying to the cafe"
There was also a F1 in 1976 model which was not marketed in the UK or Europe, these were finished in Light ruby red or Parakeet yellow & had black side panels.
Racing
Not long after the 400/4 hit the road, it was regularly appearing on the race track. Kazuo Yoshima heavily modified the CB400F. On the track he regularly finished ahead of CB750s & Kawasaki Z1s. There were many aftermarket parts available such as the Yoshimura big bore kit & modified camshafts. Other companies offered performance exhausts, electronic ignition, uprated shocks & brakes, as well as cafe style seats & drop bars. Living with it
The 400 four is equipped with a side stand and a center stand which is handy for maintenance. It also has an electric start & a kick start, you have to flip up the right foot rest to use the kick start. This is handy if the battery is low, as the starter robs the voltage to the ignition coils. It's a easy to start this way, as easy kicking up any 125, it bursts into life without any effort, no messing about tickling carbs, cranking over 3.5 times, finding compression, praying etc.
After starting the bike from cold, it needs to warm up on part choke for a few minutes before setting off, or you could find yourself fumbling with the choke whilst riding.
Although it does pull well from the start, the engine is high revving, giving peak power of 37bhp at 8,500rpm, with a redline at 10,000rpm, & with 6 gears to choose from you'll find your left foot is kept busy if you want to make the most of it. It accelerates well from 0-70mph, steadily from 70-90mph and eventually from 90 onwards. The Seating position is slightly bent forward, giving a dominant street fighter feel, which is well balanced at normal speeds, but at high speeds above 80mph, you get the urge to crouch over the tank and reduce the wind drag.
The bike handles very well at all speeds giving good cornering and a comfortable ride, the rear can feel a little skittish sometimes depending on the road condition.
End of the road
The 400 four was dropped from production at the end of 1977 due to the high cost of manufacture & competition from it's less costly Japanese rivals, the Yamaha RD400, the Suzuki GT380, the Kawasaki KH400 & the Kawasaki Z400. The reason that it cost more to build was probably due to the complexity of the engine, which had 4 cylinders, 4 carbs & it was a four stroke so needed 8 valves a camshaft and cam chain, as opposed to the competition's 2 & 3 cylinder two strokes, & the Z400's 2 cylinder 4 stroke.
In 1978 Honda introduced the CB250N &
CB400N Superdream twins, leaving CB400N (U.S.400 Hawk) to
fill the void left by the CB400F.The
Resurrection
Many years have passed since, and although
it was only available for just over 3 years,
there were around 105,000 produced. Plenty
of these have survived,
The light middleweight has become quite
desirable & fashionable once again, gaining
respect in the classic market, with it's
smart looks, reliability, practicality,
reasonable fuel consumption, good spares
back up, plus it's just right for a ride to
the cafe bike meeting. But above all, it's a
Honda.
Source cb400f.webs.com
