22,449
edits
Line 2: | Line 2: | ||
After introducing the four-cylinder string of lighter fours featuring [[engine]]s as small as 350 [[cubic centimetre|cc]] ([[Honda CB350F|CB350 Four]], [[Honda CB500|CB500 Four]]), and this 408 cc Four. | After introducing the four-cylinder string of lighter fours featuring [[engine]]s as small as 350 [[cubic centimetre|cc]] ([[Honda CB350F|CB350 Four]], [[Honda CB500|CB500 Four]]), and this 408 cc Four. | ||
For the most part, the CB400F was simply an upgraded version of the 350 model from the previous year. The most striking change was the swoopy four-into-one [[exhaust pipe|exhaust]] system that snaked around the frame, converging into a single [[muffler]] on the right side of the bike. Also noticeable were the angular fuel tank and flat cafe-style handlebars, all of which gave the bike a more racer-like look and feel than the rather pedestrian 350. | |||
Although aimed at the sporting segment of the market, the CB400F came up a little short in the performance department compared to the competition, most notably the quick but noisy [[two-stroke]] triples from [[Kawasaki]]. But whatever the CB400F engine lacked in power it made up for in refinement, the small-displacement [[four-stroke]] being smooth and less audibly irritating than a two-stroke. To help keep the engine in its power band, Honda employed a six-speed [[Transmission (mechanics)|transmission]]—something of a rarity at the time. | Although aimed at the sporting segment of the market, the CB400F came up a little short in the performance department compared to the competition, most notably the quick but noisy [[two-stroke]] triples from [[Kawasaki]]. But whatever the CB400F engine lacked in power it made up for in refinement, the small-displacement [[four-stroke]] being smooth and less audibly irritating than a two-stroke. To help keep the engine in its power band, Honda employed a six-speed [[Transmission (mechanics)|transmission]]—something of a rarity at the time. |