A short history of the Honda CB 400 Four

The CB-400F, or CB 400 Four was launched by Honda in 1975 as a more sporting replacement for the CB 350 Four which had been in production since 1972.

Where the CB 350 was a relatively sober, if pleasing design, the 400 Four sported a distinctive European look, with low set handlebars, a racing tank and a dashing set of curving 4 into 1 exhaust pipes. The simple profile and rakish riding position of the new CB 400 may well have been inspired by the ubiquitous ‘cafe racer’ style and British motorcycles of the time, such as the Triumph Bonneville.

At the heart of the CB 400 was a compact 4 cylinder, 4 stroke engine. This was a smaller version of a unit first used by Honda in the CB 750 of 1969. A landmark machine which introduced 4 cylinder performance to the mainstream. None of the CB 400’s rivals could offer such sophistication.

The little Honda looked the part and was fun to ride too. Contemporary road testers found the CB 400 Four light, manoeuvrable & quiet, often marvelling over the sophistication of its engine. Though rival motorcycles from Kawasaki and Yamaha were faster, the high revving engine and six speed gearbox of the Honda provided brisk acceleration.
A number of CB 400 Fours were raced successfully on the club or privateer circuit, notably those prepared by Kaz Yoshima in Canada.

The CB 400 Four was little changed throughout its 3 years of production, though each year brought a number of changes and improvements.
The riding position was not universally popular, and is often sited as the reason for poor sales in the important American market. Indeed, for the last year of production higher handlebars and more forward mounted foot pegs were fitted to create a more relaxed riding position. With low sales and a high unit cost price for Honda time was running out. Production ended in 1978 after 105000 motorcycles had been produced.

A late model CB 400 Four which sold on eBay in 2007

In 1975 the CB 400 Four offered a breath taking blend of engineering and style. Today this charismatic motorcycle is much loved and sought after by enthusiasts the world over.