CB400SF Revival Sparks Boom! What is Honda's "CB"? How is it different from "CBR"?

The revival of Honda's traditional 400cc inline-four-cylinder machine is generating significant buzz with the upcoming release of the "CB400 Super Four E-Clutch (hereinafter, CB400SF)" on August 21, 2026.
Speaking of "CB," it's a traditional brand that has symbolized Honda's road sports for over half a century. While it currently encompasses a wide variety of models, from the 1000cc flagship to the 125cc entry-level class, do you know its origins and history? Also, the difference between it and its sibling brand, the "CBR" series, is a point of interest.
This article delves into the trajectory of the CB, the differences with the CBR, and the true meaning behind the name "CB."

The 750cc, 4-Cylinder Machine That Made the CB Name Famous Worldwide

The CB400SF is the latest iteration of the CB series, which began in 1959, and is the successor to the naked model of the same name that was sadly discontinued in 2022.

Honda Benly CB92 Super Sport (1959)

It produced a top speed of 200 km/h and a maximum output of 67 PS, which was the highest among mass-produced vehicles at the time. It was a massive hit as a representative of high-performance Japanese motorcycles, truly a legendary bike that propelled Honda and the CB name to fame.

Established Unrivaled Popularity Through Racing Success

Afterward, other manufacturers like Kawasaki released high-performance four-cylinder models, such as the "900 Super 4 (commonly known as Z1)." The Dream CB750 Four's performance advantage began to diminish. In response, Honda updated its renowned four-cylinder engine, incorporating the then-revolutionary "DOHC, 4-valve" mechanism to improve combustion efficiency and output. In 1976, they entered European endurance races with the racing machine "RCB1000" equipped with this engine, winning the annual championship.

The production model that incorporated the technology and know-how gained from these racing activities was the export-spec "CB900F," released in Europe and other regions in 1978. The following year, 1979, the 750cc version, "CB750F," the largest displacement in Japan at the time, was also released domestically. Both models featured the same DOHC engine as the European endurance racing machines, reviving the CB as a "high-performance large-displacement model."

Honda CB750F (1979)

The Origin of the 400cc CB Appeared in 1974

Meanwhile, the progenitor of the CB400SF can be considered the "Dream CB400 Four," released in 1974.

Honda CB400 Super Four (1992)

The new model features a 6-speed transmission matched with "Honda E-Clutch." While it's an MT (Manual Transmission) vehicle, it allows riders to start, accelerate, and stop without using the clutch lever at all, while also offering the option to ride using the clutch lever. This specification allows a wide range of riders, from beginners to veterans, to enjoy a sporty and freely controllable riding experience.

Furthermore, similar to the relationship between the previous model and the CB1000SF, the style is designed to be in relation to its bigger brother, the CB1000F. The single round LED headlight, the angular fuel tank, and the beautifully curved 4-into-1 exhaust pipe create a retro yet sporty atmosphere.

The new model features a 6-speed transmission matched with "Honda E-Clutch"

This is the latest addition to the "CBR" series, which has been around since the 1980s. It is the first full-cowl 400cc inline-four model in approximately 36 years since the "CBR400RR" released in 1990.

The first model to bear the CBR name was the CBR400F (1983) To the Gallery