Honda CB400A
Honda CB400A matic | |
Manufacturer | [[Honda]] |
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Also called | Hondamatic |
Production | 1978 - 1981 |
Class | [[:Category:Standard motorcycles|Standard]] [[Category:Standard motorcycles]] |
Successor | Honda CM400A |
Engine | Air cooled, parallel twin cylinder, SOHC, 3 valve per cylinder |
Compression ratio | 9.3:1 |
Ignition | CDI / |
Spark Plug | NGK D8EA |
Battery | YUASA YB12A-A |
Final Drive | Chain: 530x100 |
Front Sprocket | 16T |
Rear Sprocket | 37T |
Suspension | Front: Telescopic forks Rear: Dual EVO dampers with 5-way spring preload adjustment. |
Brakes | Front: Single 282mm disc Rear: 153mm Drum |
Front Tire | 3.60 S19 |
Rear Tire | 4.10 S18 |
Weight | |
Oil Filter | K&N KN-111[1] |
Recommended Oil | Honda GN4 10W-40 |
Fuel Capacity | 13 Liters |
Related | Honda CB400F Honda CB750A |
Manuals | Service Manual |
After the failure of its 750 automatic, Honda drew some lessons from the experience. There was nothing basically wrong with the idea, but the basic bike was overweight and too expensive, Potential customers were scared off by the excessive size of the machine and by the initial outlay, users who were former motorists were rut off by an appeal to their emotions. Out of this analysis came, in 1978, a new "semi-automatic" bike.
Clutchless Gear Selector
The 400A was closely related to the CB400T launched in 1978. But, the engine was detuned by some 10 horsepower so that it was better suited to a more relaxed mode of riding. The transmission worked on the same principal as that of the 750: A hydraulic converter allowed clutchless selection of a low speed -good for around 55 mph and giving good pickup, or a less responsive high speed. Naturally, a parking brake was provided, and it was impossible to start the engine with a gear engaged or the stand lowered.
Worldwide Sales
The CB400A was not overly expensive and proved popular with the public. Several variants were marketed worldwide up to the early 1980s, in 400 and subsequently 450cc forms. Even fifteen years after the first CB automatic made its debut, there was no automatic two-wheeler (with the possible exception of the Spazio 250 scooter) that offers equivalent performance.
1978 CB400A
The Honda Hawk Hondamatic designated CB400A'78 was sold in 1978. Two colors were available: Tahitian Red and Candy Sapphire Blue. The fuel tank and side cover stripes were black and orange. The "HONDAMATIC" decal was on the side cover. The left lever was not the clutch lever (because it was an automatic transmission) but a parking brake lever. There was no tachometer -- instead there were gear indicator lamps. The engine was a 395cc 4-stroke OHC parallel twin with two CV carburetors. The transmission was a 2-speed automatic with torque convertor. The serial number began CB400A-2000025.
Photos
Make Model | Honda CB 400A Hondamatic |
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Year | 1978 |
Engine Type | Air cooled, parallel twin cylinder, SOHC, 3 valve per cylinder |
Displacement | 395 |
Bore X Stroke | 70.5 x 50.6mm |
Compression | 9.3:1 |
Induction | 2x 32mm Keihin carbs |
Ignition | CDI / |
Max Power | 26,8 HP @ 8000 rpm |
Max Torque | 21,39 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm |
Transmission / Drive | 2 Speed automatic |
Front Suspension | Telescopic forks |
Rear Suspension | Dual EVO dampers with 5-way spring preload adjustment. |
Front Brakes | Single 282mm disc |
Rear Brakes | 153mm Drum |
Front Tire | 3.60 S19 |
Rear Tire | 4.10 S18 |
Wet-weight | 177 kg |
Fuel Capacity | 13 Liters |
See Also
References
- ↑ 2019 K&L Supply Co Catalog. K&L Supply Co. 2019.
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