Honda announces new CBR 400R

Baby CBR coming

Honda Japan just announced its newest sportbike, the CBR 400R, with its sights seemingly set on a very specific competitor, the Kawasaki Ninja 400, and to some extent, the Yamaha YZF-R3. According to Honda, the styling was inspired by the “full of speed feeling,” concept. Its appearance closely resembles the current CBR 500R that is already available in the Philippine market. Valve lift and timing were optimized for better low to mid range torque and it features an improved exhaust system produced by Honda's racing experience. An assist slipper clutch also comes standard on all models.

The new CBR 400R is powered by a parallel twin, liquid cooled 4-stroke 399cc EFI engine with a 6-speed manual transmission and chain as final drive. The front brake is a single disc, dual piston caliper while the rear uses a single disc, single piston caliper. The bumps will be absorbed by a front telescopic fork while the rear employs a monoshock suspension. Manufacturer claimed mileage is 41 kilometers per liter at a constant 60 kilometers per hour. Power tops out at 46 Ps at 9,000 rpm while it produces 38 Nm at 7,500 rpm for the torque. Fuel tank capacity is 17 liters, which roughly translates to a whopping 697 kilometers until the next refill (Based on manufacturer claim of 41 kilometers per liter consumption).

The new CBR 400R will be available in 3 colors: Grand Prix Red, Matte Axis Gray Metallic and Pearl Glare White and will be in Japanese motorcycle dealers by March 2019. Honda Philippines has yet to confirm if it will offer this model.