Honda CM400E: history, specs, pictures

Honda CM400E
Manufacturer	Honda
Also called	CM400T (reduced effect), CM 400 T (reduced effect), CM400A, CM400T, CM 400 T, CM 400 A, CM 400
Production	1979 - 1983
Class	Cruiser
Engine	twin, four-stroke
Bore / Stroke	70.5mm x 50.6mm
Compression ratio	9.3:1
Top Speed	97 mph (156 km/h)
Horsepower	42.11 HP (31.4 KW) @ 8500RPM
Fuel System	carburetor
Spark Plug	NGK D8EA
Battery	YUASA YB12A-A
Transmission	Gear box: 5-speed Final Drive: chain
Suspension	Front: Telehydraulic fork Rear: Swingarm fork with adjustable telehydraulic shocks
Brakes	Front: single disc Rear: expanding brake
Front Tire	3.50-18
Rear Tire	4.60-16
Weight	184.0 kg (wet)
Oil Filter	K&N KN-401
Recommended Oil	Honda GN4 10W-40
Fuel Capacity	2.51 Gallon (9.50 Liters)
Related	Honda CM400A
Competition	Kawasaki KZ400C Yamaha XS400
Manuals	Service Manual
Brochures ·

The Honda CM400E was a twin, four-stroke Cruiser motorcycle produced by Honda between 1979 and 1983. It could reach a top speed of 97 mph (156 km/h). Claimed horsepower was 42.11 HP (31.4 KW) @ 8500 RPM.

Engine

The engine was a air cooled twin, four-stroke. A 70.5mm bore x 50.6mm stroke result in a displacement of just 395.0 cubic centimeters. Fuel was supplied via a overhead cams (ohc).

Drive

The bike has a 5-speed transmission.

Chassis

It came with a 3.50-18 front tire and a 4.60-16 rear tire. Stopping was achieved via single disc in the front and a expanding brake in the rear. The front suspension was a Telehydraulic fork while the rear was equipped with a Swingarm fork with adjustable telehydraulic shocks. The CM400T was fitted with a 2.51 Gallon (9.50 Liters) fuel tank. The Honda CM series was a street bike precursor to the Honda Nighthawk series of motorcycles. It had a 400cc parallel twin engine that was air cooled. Features included electric start.

The Honda CM series all generally resembled the older-style flat-seat bikes like the Triumph Bonneville, with the exception of a slightly raised passenger area seat and small plastic fairings for the battery and airbox. A "standard" motorcycle, it includes a center mounted shifter and rear brake, as well as mechanical front and rear drum brakes. Completing the spartan appearance, the CM400 series includes only a speedometer and three indicator lights (neutral, oil pressure, high beam). While not particularly powerful, the CM400 takes its style from the old Cafe Racers, and its handling from more docile starter bikes.

1980 CM400E

1980 Honda CM400E

1980 Honda CM400E in Black

The CM400E'80 was sold in 1980 in just one color: Black. However, the pinstripes were orange and red and the "HONDA" tank emblem was white. The "CM400E" side cover decal what white and orange. The bike had wire spoke wheels and a mechanically operated drum front brake. The only instrument was a speedometer (i.e., no tachometer). The turn signal housings were black. The engine was a 395cc OHC 3-valve parallel twin linked to a 5-speed transmission. The serial number began NC01-4000009.

1981

CM400E

• 

  1981 Honda CM400E

• 

  1981 Honda CM400E in Black

• 

  1981 Honda CM400E in Black

• 

  1981 Honda CM400E in Black

The CM400E'81 was sold in 1981 in one color: Black. The pinstripes were gold and red while the "HONDA" emblem was gold. The "CM400" side cover decal was also gold. The bike had wire spoke wheels and a mechanically operated drum front brake. The only instrument was a speedometer (i.e., no tachometer). A chrome base was added to the instruments. The turn signal housings were chrome. The engine was a 395cc OHC 3-valve parallel twin linked to a 5-speed transmission. The serial number began JH2NC011*BM1000001.

In Media

• La petite bande
• Assassination
• CHiPs
• Fieber: Ärzte für das Leben
• Spona
• Trafikmagasinet
• Clive James - Postcard from Paris
• Romanzo Criminale
• El Mariachi
• Purple Rain
• Black-ish
• Valhalla