Honda "X" series. The crossover model 400X has been remodeled into a 19-inch front wheel. Like the full cowl sport CBR 400R, the impression is that each character has been strengthened, but in fact there was a major route change that was more than it looked. Freelance writer Hiroaki Yatagai reports.
For the first time in the X series, "Off-road Performance" is clearly stated
I was surprised to read the 400X manufacturer announcement. The reason is that there was a specific description for the dirt performance of "running performance on unpaved road...". The new 400X comes with a 19-inches front. I had heard such a story, but I did not think that it was a big route change so far. The "X" series, including the 400X series, has been positioned as a "road motorcycle" with an adventure-tour-like atmosphere. That is why Honda did not say, "400x can run a dirt" and even though there were pictures reminded of dirt in the product catalog, the pictures of dirt, far from running, did not even have to be placed and cut.
[HONDA 400X 2019 Japanese Model Specification Price: 810,1080 yen] This is a middle adventure that enhances the running performance. The 180-degree cranked parallel 2-cylinder engine has been redesigned for the 19-year model and also features an assist slipper clutch. The large diameter of the front tire was increased from 17 to 19 inches, which improved the running performance of the Dirt.
The position was upright easy-change setting with a long touring perspective. The seat also changed the shape of the front part in order to improve the foot grounding. The height of the rider is 172cm and the weight is 68kg.
First, Please watch this video↓
19-inches increases riding capability and expands tire optional
This time, “400X can run off-road fun! It was a great opportunity for me to be a part of it. The secret is still 19-inches of the front wheel. It seems that this caused a controversy in the HONDA, but it was a earnest desire for the development team. To explain, when the rotating object including the tire has a physically large outer diameter, it is easy to get over the footpeg. This is the reason why large-diameter wheels such as 21 and 19 inches are used for off-road bikes.
And, what is nice is not only that the riding ability has increased, but also that the choice of tires has greatly expanded. Up until now, when I tried to increase the off-road performance at 400X, I could only choose Pirelli Scorpion Trail Series. That's when I started to use the tires for the adventure tourer. Many existing 400X users will want to switch over just by this.
The larger the diameter of the tire, the easier it is to overcome a large footpeg. In addition, by 19-inches, it is possible to wear off-road tires with a large block that was almost no options!
Along with the small face, the blinkers are also newly LED this time. The big screen is up to 20mm for high-speed cruising performance up. It is a 2-step switch type, and the width is 40mm (Editorial Department Research).
The change point on the hard side of the engine is the same as CBR400R and the torque enhancement by the camshaft profile change. It succeeded in torque increase by 3 to 4% at 3000 to 7000rpm. The setting of the FI is for 400X only, and it is a fuel injection map in which the thickness of the torque can be sensed at low and medium speeds.
The handlebar has been changed from a STD millibar size to a tapered type with a wider and stiffer clamp. Moreover, the angle of the steering wheel is increased by 3 degrees to 38-degrees on one side and the minimum radius of gyration is also 0.2m reduced 2.5m.
The new LCD meter with the addition of a gear display has a large display area, and the text is also easy to see. The carbon-like panel under the meter is a switch space for accessories such as fog lights.
Of course, the rear blinker is also equipped with an LED, and a new Honda emergency stop signal is used, which signals the danger to the rear of the wheel model by the high-speed flashing during emergency braking (CBR400R is also adopted).
The brake clutch is effective for suppressing rear-wheel hopping at the time of the enclosure. The 400cc model has become a very light clutch operation feeling. Now what kind of behavior will the dirt become?
A comparison table of new and old equipment created by HONDA.
Main Specifications ■ Overall Length: 2140, Overall Width: 825, Overall Height: 1380, Wheel Distance: 1435, Seat Height: 800 (each mm), Model Weight: 196kg (equipped) ■ Water-cooled 4-stroke parallel 2-cylinder 399㏄ 46㎰/9000rpm, 3.9㎏-m/7500rpm, Transmission 6-gear Return, Fuel Tank Capacity 17L ■ Brake F = Disc R = Disc, Tire Size F = 110/80 R19, Tire Size R = 160/60 R17
● Statement by: Hiroaki Yatagai ● Photo by: Junya Yamauchi
* This article is restructured based on the article published in the May 2019 issue of Young Machine.
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Original Source[ Young Machine ] (*Japanese)
