The CB400F, a 400cc version of the CB500 Hornet introduced in Europe, was launched in China. It is a naked version of the new CBR400R released in Japan, but it will not be introduced in Japan. It is unusual for such a Yonhyoke, which has not been released in Japan, to be released overseas.
It is expected that a 4-cylinder version of this advanced version will be forthcoming.
CB400F through in Japan is remodeled in China, what does it mean?
Middle-class sport bikes are booming in China. Kawasaki's Ninja 400 has been a hit, and the 4-cylinder ZX-4R will go on sale in 2023. Local manufacturers are releasing sports models one after another.
Proving this momentum, Honda's CB400F has undergone a model change, a streetfighter with the latest styling cues from the CB750 Hornet, which will not be released in Japan.
The CB400F is a scaled-down 400cc version of the two-cylinder naked CB500 Hornet, which was improved in Europe as the 2024 model; the CB500F is the sibling of the European versions of the CBR500R and NX500, with a common two-cylinder + steel frame.
In Japan, the new CBR400R and NX400, 400cc versions of the European 500cc version, were released in the spring of 2024, but only the naked version was not introduced.
The new CB400F (Honda) is newly launched in China. The basic package, including steel frame and suspension, is similar to that of the CB500 Hornet in Europe, but the 180-degree crank parallel twin-cylinder engine has been converted from 471 to 399cc. Maximum output is 44.9 PS. Pricing has not yet been announced.
European spec CB500 Hornet. This is the base of CB400F.
Cases such as this, where a Yonhyo-spec model is developed and released for countries other than Japan, are extremely rare. This is because the 400cc class is a unique displacement band created by the Japanese license system, and the 500 to 600cc class is available in Europe, while the 300cc class is available in Asian countries. This is proof of the growing popularity of the 400cc class in China.
The CB400F was once available in Japan starting in 2013. It comprised three siblings: the full-cowl CBR400R and the adventure 400X (now NX400), but only the CB400F went out of print for the 2016 model year.
However, the CB400F, based on the European CB500F, was subsequently sold in China, and with the CB500F having undergone a model change to the CB500 Hornet, it received a similar facelift in the 2024 model year.
The CB400F was released in Japan. It does not comply with the 2016 emission regulations and has not been lined up since the 2016 model year.
Get the latest style, which is transferred from the CB750 Hornet!
Let's take a closer look at the Chinese-spec CB400F. The basic configuration is the same as that of the 2024 CBR400R and NX400 released in Japan, with the same newly introduced color TFT LCD meter and traction control.
The most important point is the style. While the previous model's appearance was reminiscent of the old CB1000R up to the 2017 model year, the new model has been redesigned to look like the CB750 Hornet, which debuted in Europe in 2023.
It got a sharper street-fighter look. It is expected to be popular when it goes on sale in Japan.
The new CB400F acquires the glamorous form of the CB750 Hornet. It features a slanted face, a voluminous tank, and a minimalist tail. Both front and rear lights are newly equipped with LEDs.
The body color is white, red, and black. While the colors are similar to those of the CB500 Hornet in Europe, the details and emblems are different.
The Chinese version of CB400F is in red. All colors have the motorcycle name on the shroud.
Black is glossy and chic.
A conventional CB400F is on release in China. It inherited the old CB1000R-style look up to the 2017 model year, including the atypical headlight.
The parallel two-cylinder with slipper clutch is stroked down to 399cc. Like its siblings, a new Tracon HSTC was added for the 2024 model year, with revised FI settings and revised acceleration at low rpm and power delivery throughout the range.
A new 5-inch color TFT LCD meter is used. Smartphone connectivity is available, and a newly installed switch on the left hand side makes operation easy.
Following the two-cylinder introductory model, is a four-cylinder on standby?
Information indicates that CB400F and CBR400R sold in China are produced locally.
This is believed to be aimed at achieving lower tariff prices by local production.
Kawasaki's Ninja 400 was a hit in China, but the price was high at 48,900 yuan (approximately 6719 USD). This is due to import duties.
On the other hand, Honda is competing with the CBR400R at a price of approximately 150,000 yen through local production.
Following the two-cylinder Ninja 400, Kawasaki also introduced the four-cylinder ZX-4R in China. At 69,800 yuan (about 9045 USD), which is cheaper than the existing Japanese brand 4-cylinder models, this model is also attracting attention in China.
Honda's deliberate launch of the new CB400F in China this time may be a move to attack the popular Yonghak market and at the same time anticipate the next 4-cylinder model.
In this scenario, the CB400F would be prepared as an entry-level 2-cylinder model, and a 4-cylinder model would later be marketed as an advanced version.
If the four-cylinder model could be produced locally in China, it could be priced lower than the imported ZX-4R.
Furthermore, there are rumors that Honda's 4-cylinder is 500cc. If this is the case, the ZX-4R may be able to compete with the ZX-4R in terms of displacement and be priced lower. And we hope that Japan will come up with a 400 cc version of the 4-cylinder at a reasonable price. The CB400F is a milestone that foreshadows such a future.
This is a CG of the new CB400 made by our website. This is based on the fact that the end of 2024 will be the 50th anniversary of the CB400 Fore.
The 500cc parallel 4-cylinder version is supposed to be for China and the 400cc version for Japan.
CB400F[2024 China] Main Specifications
Overall Length x Width x Height: 2080 x 800 x 1060mm
Wheelbase: 11414mm
Seat height: 789mm
Weight: 190 kg
Engine: Liquid-cooled 4-stroke, in-line 2-cylinder, DOHC 4-valve, 399cc
Maximum output: 44.9 PS at 9000 rpm
Max. torque: 3.77 kg-m at 7500 rpm
Fuel tank capacity: 16.1 liters
Transmission: 6-speed return
Brakes: F=W disc, R=Disc
Tires: F=120/70ZR17, R=160/60ZR17
