New CB400 Super Four: A Quick Look Back at Its History! [Shop Manager's Quick Classic Bike Commentary]

This feature introduces bikes with quick reviews by the manager of the virtual moto shop "88 Cycles" on YouTube! This time, we're highlighting the much-talked-about CB400 Super Four. With the release of a new model, many people are likely curious. We'll approach this bike with beginners in mind.

The Birth of the CB400 Super Four

The first model released in 1992. It was a huge hit upon release and was also used as a training motorcycle and by motorcycle couriers.

Back in 1989, Honda released the CB-1, a sporty naked model, as their answer to the post-racer replica era. It was a sporty naked bike with a focus on performance, as is typical of Honda, but it might have been a bit too aggressive, losing popularity to Kawasaki's Zephyr, a contemporary model.

The development staff, aiming to recover from the CB-1's focus on function, launched Project BIG-1 to create the next-generation flagship with an inline four-cylinder engine. That's right, Project BIG-1 started with two models: a 1000cc and a 400cc!

Thus, the first-generation CB400 Super Four was born as a 1992 model. This bike surpassed the Zephyr to become a hugely popular model! It was later adopted as a training motorcycle.

Equipped with Hyper VTEC from the model released in 1999. Hyper VTEC would later evolve through Spec I to III, and then Revo.

In 1999, it was revamped with the Hyper VTEC system, which switches between 2-valve and 4-valve operation. This also became popular, and along with the evolution of Hyper VTEC, the first-generation model was produced until 2020.

The Next Generation Super Four

The new Super Four E-Clutch, to be released in 2026. The frame shape and engine shape are different, but the styling that makes it instantly recognizable as a Super Four, despite having a monoshock, is superb!

After the production of the first-generation model ended, inline four-cylinder models in the 400cc class disappeared for a while. However, the situation changed with the release of Kawasaki's ZX-4R in 2023. In fact, at that time, a boom in four-cylinder bikes was occurring in the Chinese motorcycle market.

Honda couldn't ignore this boom! As a result, the CBR400 Four E-Clutch was introduced in 2026. And its naked version, the CB400 Super Four E-Clutch, was released simultaneously. By the way, a 500cc version was released first in China.

It features a newly designed steel pipe diamond frame and a newly designed water-cooled inline four-cylinder engine. Looking at the single rear shock, you can see it's been updated to a thoroughly modern motorcycle! Although the configuration is similar to the CB-1, the styling inherits that of the previous Super Four, which is very interesting.

The engine is designed with the "Honda E-Clutch," which can optionally automate clutch operation, in mind, resulting in a very smart appearance. The manager personally highly recommends this smartness.

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

2026 Honda CB400 SUPER FOUR E-Clutch Main Specifications

• Overall Length x Overall Width x Overall Height: 2110 x 770 x 1085mm
• 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: 15L
• Transmission: 6-speed return
• Brakes: F=Dual Disc, R=Single Disc
• Tires: F=120/70ZR17, R=160/60ZR17
• Price: 998,800 yen (tax included)