- To be showcased at the Osaka Motorcycle Show
- Specifications not yet revealed
- Will be a base for more models to come
Honda’s rollout of its new-generation small-capacity four-cylinder motorcycles has been unusually unclear, but that’s expected to change when the Honda CB400 Super Four makes its official debut at the Osaka Motorcycle Show on March 20.
So far, Honda has revealed two bikes based on its new inline-four platform: the Honda CB500 Super Four and the Honda CBR500R Four. Both were showcased at the China International Motorcycle Expo last September, although their existence had already been hinted at through trademark filings. It’s also long been expected that 400cc versions would follow, particularly for markets like Japan where licensing and tax structures favour that class.
Despite being shown publicly and even listed on Honda’s Chinese website, the 500cc versions have yet to reach dealerships, and key specifications such as pricing, full power figures and weight remain undisclosed. However, leaked type-approval data suggests the CBR500R Four produces around 71bhp from its 502cc engine, with a curb weight of 189kg.
Although many expected a global debut at EICMA, the bikes were notably absent. Instead, Honda now appears set to introduce the 400cc variants at both the Osaka and Tokyo Motorcycle Show, which take place on back-to-back weekends in March. At present, only the Honda CB400 Super Four has been teased, with a silhouette that closely mirrors the CB500 version. However, Honda has hinted at two “secret” models being unveiled, strongly suggesting that a faired Honda CBR400R Four will also make an appearance.
From a technical standpoint, the 500cc models use a 60mm bore, tied to the engine’s codename WH460MR-A (Wuyang-Honda, four cylinders, 60mm bore). For the 400cc versions, Honda could either reduce the bore to around 55.5mm or shorten the stroke to achieve the 399cc displacement, potentially resulting in a higher-revving engine character. For reference, the previous-generation CB400 Super Four (discontinued in 2022) used a 55mm bore and 42mm stroke. Beyond the engine, the new models are expected to feature a compact version of Honda’s E-Clutch system, a multi-mode TFT display, upside-down front forks, and radial four-piston front brakes from Nissin.
These bikes are clearly aimed at competing with a growing wave of small-capacity four-cylinder machines from China, including the Kove 450RR, CFMoto 500SR, ZXMoto 500RR, ZXMoto 500F, and Voge RR500S. Outside China, rivals like the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR already occupy this niche.
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With competition heating up and interest in high-revving small-capacity four-cylinders on the rise, Honda’s next move could play a key role in shaping this rapidly evolving segment.
