Honda CB400A

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Honda-CB400A--3.jpg
Honda CB400A matic
Manufacturer
Also called Hondamatic
Production 1978 - 1981
Class Standard
Successor Honda CM400A
Engine
Air cooled, parallel twin cylinder, SOHC, 3 valve per cylinder
Compression ratio 9.3:1
Top Speed 78 mph
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.

1978 Honda CB400A Hondamatic

Clutchless Gear Selector[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

1978 Honda CB400A
1978 Honda CB400A Hondamatic
1978 Honda CB400A Hondamatic
1978 Honda CB400A Hawk Hondamatic in Candy Sapphire Blue
1978 Honda CB400A Hawk Hondamatic in Candy Sapphire Blue


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.

1978 Honda Hawk Brochure



Photos[edit | edit source]

Honda CB400A matic Honda CB400A matic Honda CB400A matic

Make Model Honda CB 400A Hondamatic
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[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. 2019 K&L Supply Co Catalog. K&L Supply Co. 2019.