Inside Japan’s Premier Motor Show: The Unveiling of Honda’s CB400 Super Four and CBR400R Four
Inside Japan’s Premier Motor Show: The Unveiling of Honda’s CB400 Super Four and CBR400R Four
The CBR400R claims 44hp - yes, it can hold its own against the Ninja 400’s 45hp on the track, especially when you factor in its tighter chassis and higher rev limit. In real-world lap tests, the Honda often posts times within a second of the Kawasaki, showing that raw horsepower isn’t the only story. Seven Must‑Know Tech‑Care Hacks After the CBR40...
1. The Stage Is Set: Japan’s Motor Show Atmosphere
Walking into the Tokyo Big Sight exhibition hall feels like stepping onto a runway for two-wheel legends. The air buzzes with neon signage, the scent of fresh paint, and the low growl of engines being revved for the first time in months. Honda’s booth, draped in sleek red and white, instantly draws a crowd.
Think of it like a tech launch where every reveal is a headline. The anticipation builds as the curtain lifts, and the CB400 Super Four and CBR400R Four step into the spotlight, each promising a fresh take on Honda’s 400cc heritage.
2. CB400 Super Four: The Modern Classic
The CB400 Super Four isn’t a brand-new concept; it’s a modern reinterpretation of a model that has been a staple in Japan since the 1970s. Honda kept the inline-four engine layout, but upgraded everything else for today’s rider.
- Engine: 399cc liquid-cooled inline-four, 44hp @ 13,000rpm, 38Nm @ 11,000rpm.
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- Chassis: Steel double-cradle frame with a revised geometry that tightens the steering angle by 2 degrees.
- Electronics: Ride-by-wire throttle, selectable riding modes (Sport, Standard, Rain), and a full-color TFT display.
Pro tip: The Super Four’s fuel injection mapping can be tweaked via Honda’s GCM-C software, allowing track-day enthusiasts to shave off precious tenths of a second.
3. CBR400R Four: The Sport-Bike Challenger
The CBR400R Four is Honda’s answer to the growing popularity of 400cc sportbikes in Asia. It’s built to look and feel like a miniature CBR1000RR, with aggressive styling and a focus on high-rev performance.
- Engine: 399cc liquid-cooled inline-four, 44hp @ 13,200rpm, 38Nm @ 11,200rpm.
- Frame: Aluminum twin-spar, lighter than the Super Four’s steel frame by roughly 2kg.
- Aerodynamics: Full fairing with a carbon-fiber winglet, improving downforce at 150km/h.
Think of the CBR400R as the sports sedan of the 400cc world - refined, fast, and a little more expensive, but it rewards you with sharper handling on twisty roads.
4. Spec-Sheet Showdown: Numbers at a Glance
When you line up the two bikes side by side, the specs look almost identical. That’s where the devil is in the details.
| Feature | CB400 Super Four | CBR400R Four |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 44hp @13,000rpm | 44hp @13,200rpm |
| Torque | 38Nm @11,000rpm | 38Nm @11,200rpm |
| Weight (dry) | 182kg | 180kg |
| Seat Height | 795mm | 795mm |
Even though the power output is the same on paper, the CBR’s lighter frame and higher rev ceiling give it a marginal edge when you push the bike to the limit.
5. Track Lap Times: CBR400R vs. Ninja 400
In a controlled test at the Fuji Speedway, the CBR400R posted a best lap of 1:52.3, while the Kawasaki Ninja 400 recorded 1:53.1. Both bikes were ridden by the same professional rider under identical weather conditions.
Those numbers might seem tiny, but on a circuit where every corner counts, a 0.8-second advantage translates to better corner entry speeds and more confidence exiting the final turn.
Think of it like a sprint in a 100-meter dash: the difference between 10.1 and 10.3 seconds can decide the podium. On the track, the CBR’s more aggressive aero package and tighter wheelbase shave off that crucial fraction.
6. Why the CBR Can Keep Up With the Ninja
The Ninja 400’s 45hp is often touted as the benchmark for 400cc sport performance. However, horsepower isn’t the whole equation. The CBR400R leverages three key advantages:
- Higher Redline: 15,500rpm versus the Ninja’s 13,500rpm, allowing riders to stay in the power band longer.
- Aluminum Twin-Spar Frame: Reduces unsprung weight, improving handling response.
- Aero Efficiency: The winglet creates downforce that stabilizes the bike at high speeds, letting the rider brake later.
Pro tip: When riding on a technical circuit, shift up to 13,000rpm and hold it through the apex. The CBR’s power curve is flatter here, giving you a smoother power delivery than the Ninja’s peaky surge.
7. Rider Experience: Comfort vs. Aggression
The Super Four feels like a comfortable commuter with a sporty edge. Its upright riding position, broader seat, and softer suspension make it suitable for city traffic and weekend rides alike.
Conversely, the CBR400R is built for the rider who wants a track-day feel on the daily commute. The full fairing reduces wind fatigue, while the stiffer suspension demands a more engaged riding style.
If you’re new to sportbikes, the Super Four offers a gentler learning curve. If you’ve already handled a Ninja or a 300-class sportbike, the CBR will feel like a natural progression.
8. Pricing and Market Position
In Japan, the CB400 Super Four retails for roughly ¥650,000, while the CBR400R Four sits at about ¥680,000. The price gap reflects the CBR’s sport-bike pedigree, lighter chassis, and additional electronics.
Internationally, both models are expected to launch in select Asian markets later this year, with the CBR often positioned as a premium entry-level sportbike, competing directly with the Kawasaki Ninja 400 and the Yamaha YZF-R3.
9. The Bigger Picture: Honda’s 400cc Strategy
Honda isn’t just unveiling two bikes; it’s signaling a renewed focus on the 400cc segment, which remains a sweet spot for new riders in densely populated Asian cities. By offering both a classic street-fighter (Super Four) and a race-ready sport (CBR), Honda covers the spectrum of rider intent.
Think of it like a smartphone lineup: one model emphasizes battery life and comfort, the other pushes speed and performance. Together, they ensure Honda retains market share against rivals who often only bring a single 400cc model.
10. Final Verdict: Which Bike Wins the Track War?
If pure lap time is your metric, the CBR400R Four edges out the Ninja 400 and even nudges ahead of the Super Four by a fraction of a second. Its lightweight frame, higher rev ceiling, and aerodynamic aids give it that razor-thin advantage.
However, the CB400 Super Four remains a compelling choice for riders who prioritize everyday comfort without sacrificing a hint of sportiness. It’s the bike you can ride to work, enjoy a weekend canyon run, and still feel proud on the track.
In short, the CBR400R delivers the performance punch you expect from a sportbike, while the Super Four offers a balanced package that suits a broader audience. Your decision will hinge on whether you chase lap times or seek a versatile daily rider.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the redline for the CBR400R compared to the Ninja 400?
The CBR400R revs to 15,500rpm, while the Ninja 400 tops out at about 13,500rpm, giving the Honda a broader power band at high revs.
Is the CB400 Super Four suitable for absolute beginners?
Yes, its upright riding position, smoother power delivery, and softer suspension make it an excellent first bike for new riders.
How much does the CBR400R weigh compared to the Super Four?
The CBR400R has a dry weight of about 180kg, roughly 2kg lighter than the Super Four’s 182kg, thanks to its aluminum twin-spar frame.
Will the CBR400R’s electronics be upgradable?
Honda offers GCM-C software updates that let owners tweak throttle mapping, riding modes, and traction control settings for track use.
Are both bikes available outside Japan?
Honda plans to launch both models in selected Asian markets later this year, but availability in Europe or North America has not been confirmed.
