- Honda CB400SF/SB Review
- To be honest, CB400 Super Four is this kind of bike!
- How do Webike users feel about CB400SF/SB?
- Let's take a look at what webike users have to say.
- Here is a comment explaining the difference between SF and SB. I think this may be helpful for those who are not sure which one to choose.
- A quick summary of the CB400 Super Four
- CB400SF/SB Owner's Voice
Honda CB400SF/SB Review
From the Webike Community's My Bike, the "Owner Review Summary" introduces various motorcycles based on the voices of owners who actually ride or have ridden them. This time, "CB400SF | Here's what the owners have to say about "SB"!
To be honest, CB400 Super Four is this kind of bike!
It is no exaggeration to say that every motorcyclist has ridden the CB400 SuperFour (SF) at least once, and since its introduction in 1992 along with the CB1000 SuperFour, the basis of Project BIG-1, it remains one of the most popular motorcycles of all time. Many riders may have an image of "CB when it comes to motorcycles," as it is still used as a training vehicle. Other factors contributing to the popularity of the CB include its design, which can be said to be a model of naked models, but above all, the sound of its straight-4 engine and its unique valve switching mechanism, "Hyper VTEC," which was introduced in 1999 and later.
Many owners say that they were attracted to VTEC when they purchased the motorcycle, and that the sound when the motorcycle enters VTEC while driving is exceptional, and together with the straight-4 sound, it makes driving more enjoyable. By the way, the model used as a learner's motorcycle is not equipped with VTEC, so be careful when you buy one! The VTEC is also well received for its handling and ease of use, as it is familiar to students as a training vehicle.
However, while VTEC has been very popular, many people have said that while it is a pleasant ride, it worsens fuel economy. It seems that those who are concerned about fuel economy will have to be careful about how they drive. Also, as you may have already experienced during your training, the motorcycle is relatively heavy due to its large 400 cc body. All in all, it's one of the most satisfying bikes I've ever ridden, so it's a good first motorcycle or a step up to a bigger motorcycle in anticipation!
This is another trend of the time. CB400 series discontinued!
Shocking news broke the other day. The CB400 series will be discontinued. The history that has been loved for 30 years since 1992 will finally come to an end. I think the majority of the current riders have ridden one of these bikes in the driving school.
In a sense, it is a motorcycle that everyone has a strong emotional attachment to.
Riders who rode a CB400SF when obtaining a medium-sized license were probably surprised at how easy it was to ride. Many of them may have been scared at first, but after practicing single bridge and slalom repeatedly, they got used to it like their hands and feet, and finally graduated when they became really attached to it.
How do Webike users feel about CB400SF/SB?
HONDA CB400 Super Four
Average price of new motorcycle : - (approx.) 74000 USD
Average used motorcycle price : (approx.) 7000 USD
Average owner satisfaction 3.92 (Number of persons evaluated = 2,012 persons)
399 reviews
*Data as of June 9, 2022
CB400 Super Boldor
Average price of new motorcycle : (approx.) 74000 USD
Average used motorcycle price : (approx.) 6700 USD
Average owner satisfaction 3.99 (Number of persons evaluated = 951 persons)
204 reviews
*Data as of June 9, 2022
The average owner satisfaction is high at 3.9 points out of 5 for both SF and SB.
It can be said that the CB400 series is characterized by well-balanced scores in each item.
Let's take a look at what webike users have to say.
"I have a large license, but I chose the CB400"(CB400SF)
The CB400 is powerful enough to ride on public roads. In fact, it is possible to ride with the VTEC engine running at full throttle, so the exhilarating feeling should be higher than that of the larger models.
"They run exactly where I send them my gaze"(SF)
The CB400's chassis design is the ultimate in maturity. You can ride it without any real sense of discomfort, as I am sure many people felt at the driving school. It is conversely rare to find a motorcycle with no habit so far. Some say that after riding it for many years, it feels like a limb (SB).
"VTEC sound is a stress reliever"(SSB)
This is what everyone will think. When turned up to the VTEC zone, the sound becomes a racing sound. This duality is the reason why fans are captivated by this product.
"Price is too high"(SSB)
I think this is the biggest drawback. The CB400 can be priced higher than the big bikes.
The cost is also quite high when it is designed so far down the road. It has been designed for 30 years without any major design changes, e.g., to accommodate emissions. This may be another reason for the end of production. I honestly think this is what I would like to see if the price were a little lower. On the other hand, if it could be bought for 600,000 yen (approx. 5000 USD), it would be unbeatable.
My advice to those who are torn between the SF and SB options.The SB is superior in overall rating and handling as a motorcycle.The reason for this is that a motorcycle with a cowl is a great advantage for touring and high speed.And, with the gauges on the body, the handlebars are light and easy to maneuver. The accessory compartment is also convenient.As for SF, I would recommend SB's unless you like old-fashioned naked kits. Slightly more expensive SB, but ETC and heated handlebars are standard.
Here is a comment explaining the difference between SF and SB. I think this may be helpful for those who are not sure which one to choose.
It is still sad to see one of the benchmarks of Japanese motorcycles disappear. It was the CB400 series that had a pleasant feeling that surpassed even the big ones. I think there will be no more such 400 for a while in the future. It was a real 400 by Honda, which was a fearsome model.
A quick summary of the CB400 Super Four
Advantage
- Can handle any situation
- VTEC is the best after all!
- Direct 4 Sound
- Ease of use as a training vehicle
- Stability at high speed
- Royal roadside naked style
- Many parts are available since it is a popular motorcycle model
- Less trouble
Disadvantage
- Almost none (little or nothing)
- Tank gets hot over long distances in the summer
- Side stand is hard to release
- Body is heavy for a 400cc
- Heavy use of VTEC results in lower fuel economy
- Less storage space under the seats
CB400SF/SB Owner's Voice
Chief Investigations Division, Western Police Dept.
| Motive for purchase, intended use, and comparative models | I liked the sound of the engine and exhaust from the time I was at the driving school. Even though the CB400 was detuned, it was a very easy motorcycle to drive, so it was perfect for me as a beginner. |
|---|---|
| Advantage/Satisfactory pointsI | Ideal for looking, riding, and short-distance touring applications. Although recent motorcycles have digitalized instrumentation, this CB400SB has analog speedometer and tachometer. This gives it a nice taste. It doesn't look cheap! |
| Disadvantages/dissatisfaction points | I would like to say that I have no cons or complaints because I like the bike, but I will list a few. 1. High vehicle price. --The price is over 1,000,000 yen. I think it is high in the 400CC price range. It is the price you can buy a big bike from other makers. 2. Compared to the training vehicle, the position is slightly more forward-leaning. This was a surprising point. So I had to be careful when driving at low speeds. |
| Advice for prospective buyers | Because it is a long-selling motorcycle, there is a wealth of information and parts for maintenance. I can find anything I need to install or remove if I look for it on the Internet. There have been no malfunctions yet. |
lazy rider
| Motive for purchase, intended use, and comparative models | I saw it at the motorcycle shop I always go to and fell in love at first sight. |
|---|---|
| Advantage/Satisfactory points | Is this OEM? The exhaust sound is so loud that it makes you wonder if it's stock. It is not too loud nor too quiet, but just right. I haven't had a chance to ride it yet because I'm still breaking it in, but I'm looking forward to high RPMs. The style of this bike can be called the basic of a naked bike. The big one color with shining pearl is beautiful. I have finished breaking in the motorcycle and tried revving it to high rpm. The sound of switching is clearly recognizable. I feel that the punch at high rpm is more powerful than the previous model. I rode my previous CB for 8 years, and I plan to ride this CB for 10 years. |
| Disadvantages/ dissatisfactions points | I think there was a slight decrease in torque down the road, perhaps due to the adverse effects of the new silencer. Still, I was able to start in 2nd gear. The pounding might have increased a little. It is a trial and error until I can get used to it. Both head and tail lights are now LED, but I wanted the blinkers to be LED anyway. |
| Advice for prospective buyers | I switched from an SB to an SF because I fell in love with the CB. I like the smooth engine and the sturdiness with less trouble. This new CB is also a great bike. I never get tired of looking at it. I think the weight, handling, and acceleration are suitable for me, so I think 400cc is enough and I don't need 1300. It may be a hassle to get a license, but unlike a car, I think it is important that I can handle a motorcycle with my age, physical strength, and skill level. If you want to feel the overwhelming acceleration and a sense of superiority, I think you should get a license, improve your skills, and buy a bigger bike. |
Chiri Tarō
| Motive for purchase, intended use, and comparative models | This was the first motorcycle I purchased after obtaining my regular motorcycle license. I chose CB400SF because I knew only a learner's motorcycle at that time. |
|---|---|
| Advantage/Satisfactory points | It's a non-habitual motorcycle that anyone can ride well. It is fun to ride because the sound changes when it switches to VTEC, a variable valve mechanism. |
| Disadvantages/dissatisfactions points | The normal rpm was just on the edge of entering or leaving VTEC, so there was no time to switch from 2-valve to 4-valve. In addition, the VTEC system was more driving-oriented, so fuel consumption worsened in exchange for the fun of driving. |
| Advice for prospective buyers | Since it is the last carbureted CB400SF, it is recommended for those who prefer carbureted to FI. However, VTEC is inferior to FI in terms of driving enjoyment because it switches at a fixed rpm, whereas FI changes with throttle opening. |
KsNET
| Motive for purchase, intended use, and comparative models | I had been riding a VTR250, but as I had more and more opportunities to go touring on the highway, I wanted to replace it because I was looking for a stable and powerful engine, and I liked the sound of the straight-4 engine. The purpose of this motorcycle is for touring. |
|---|---|
| Advantages/Satisfactory points | - I have a sense of superiority that I am riding on HONDA's top-of-the-line standard motorcycles. - Highway driving is easy. The speed of 100 km is normal. - Vibrations are minimal. - Since it does not lean forward, it is relatively easy to drive for long periods of time. - The straight 4 sound is great. - The maximum daily mileage is 700 km, but it is stable even after so many miles. Where it has advantages and disadvantages - The weight makes it stable on the highway. |
| Disadvantages/dissatisfactions points | - I am not good at going uphill because of its weight. When I enter a narrow road such as a mountain road, I am nervous that I may fall down. |
| Advice for prospective buyers | I would recommend it for people who go touring far away on the highway. I don't recommend it if you just want to ride around the neighborhood. Maintenance costs are high. I can only give you a short answer as to how I liked it after replacing my VTR. I got what I was looking for, but lost the feeling of lightness of the VTR. It also got worse fuel economy and maintenance costs jumped. If you are switching from a 250cc, you should carefully consider what you may lose. If you have a large license, you might be better off with a 600cc or so, since a new motorcycle will be quite expensive. |
