What kind of bike is the CBR400R Four? The 400cc 4-cylinder CBR is back! [Shop Manager's Quick Classic Bike Commentary]

This is a series where the manager of the virtual moto shop "88 Cycles" on YouTube introduces motorcycles in a snap! This time, we're featuring the much-talked-about CBR400R FOUR. It's Honda's first full-cowl 400cc four-cylinder bike in a long time! This time, we'll give you a quick rundown of this exciting new model.

Hot Points of the CBR400R FOUR!

The CBR400R FOUR, a four-cylinder CBR that made a stylish comeback in 2026. We're curious how popular it will be once it's released!

The CBR400R FOUR was officially announced in July 2026. What's surprising is that this is Honda's first CBR-brand 400cc four-cylinder model since the CBR400RR. With the previous model ending production in 2000, this marks its return to the lineup after approximately 26 years!

The highlight, of course, is the newly designed 399cc inline four-cylinder engine! Not only does it produce a class-leading 58 horsepower for a four-cylinder CBR series, but the generational change has also achieved downdraft intake and weight reduction. It's equipped with a twin ram air duct system for pressurized intake using running wind, maximizing its sporty feel! Also, pay attention to the exterior design, which neatly incorporates Honda E-Clutch!

Another key point is the distinctive cowl shape. The styling theme is "Digital Influencer." The seamless design, composed of sharp, chiseled surfaces and minimal lines, shares the same design context as the exterior of recent EV four-wheeled vehicles. This cyber feel is something new for a motorcycle!

What Kind of Character Does the CBR400R FOUR Have?

Even with the FOUR's arrival, the twin-cylinder CBR400R is still part of the lineup. This model also features the E-Clutch!

The emergence of the CBR400R FOUR is influenced by the boom in four-cylinder bikes in neighboring China. This motorcycle was born from the popular combination of a four-cylinder engine and a full cowl in the Chinese market. A 500cc version was released there first!

The Kawasaki ZX-4R series in the same class is also very popular in China. While that bike is positioned as a pure sports bike, the CBR400R FOUR gives a slightly different impression, that of a special motorcycle. By the way, the number of 'R's at the end of the model name indicates its sportiness, and this one only has one.

The riding position isn't too aggressive, and even for me, the manager, who is 158cm tall with an inseam of about 72cm, there's no anxiety about touching the ground. It feels like a bike that's kind to both beginners and returning riders!

What's making things interesting is that, as of the time of this article's creation, the twin-cylinder CBR400R is also part of the lineup. Isn't it great that we now have a choice of 400cc CBRs to consider!

If you want to know more, be sure to check out the videos from 88 Cycles' main store on YouTube!

2026 Honda CBR400R FOUR E-Clutch Main Specifications

• Overall Length x Width x Height: 2055 x 760 x 1125mm
• Wheelbase: 1405mm
• Weight: 187kg
• Engine: Water-cooled 4-stroke DOHC 4-valve inline 4-cylinder 399cm3
• Maximum Output: 43kW (58PS) / 11500rpm
• Maximum Torque: 38N・m (3.9kgf・m) / 9750rpm
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 14L
• Transmission: 6-speed return
• Brakes: F=Double Disc, R=Single Disc
• Tires: F=120/70ZR17, R=160/60ZR17
• Price: 1,199,000 yen (tax included)