3,693
edits
Difference between revisions of "Honda CB400F"
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
no edit summary
| Line 45: | Line 45: | ||
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. | 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. | ||
It should also be noted that the CB400F was a very successful [[Motorcycle]] in club or privateer racing. Kaz Yoshima and other racers were able to take Honda's little 408cc engine up to 490cc and with the addition of other racer options, this small bore was considered a 'giant killer'. | It should also be noted that the CB400F was a very successful [[Motorcycle]] in club or privateer racing. Kaz Yoshima and other racers were able to take Honda's little 408cc engine up to 490cc and with the addition of other racer options, this small bore was considered a 'giant killer'. | ||