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View Full Version : 97' Honda JDM CB400 F2V - 2 day / 200km review



Zapf
15th May 2005, 17:50
Ever since I was planning on buying my Gixxer 750 I had an idea of getting a daily commuter bike, which would help me put less k's on the Gixxer and also reduce my running cost...

After considering many different bikes.... like Honda NTV650 / Honda Spada 250 / KTM LC4 / Honda Broes 400, 660 / Honda VTR250 / Suz GS500 I arrived at my decision to buy a JDM CB400.

http://www.honda.co.jp/factbook/motor/CB400/19960200/image/001_001.gif

The CB400 is a revvy bike, compair with my other / past bikes (SV650 / VTR250 / Gixxer 750) I find that I have to rev the bike good to get some good speed (compaired with SV650/ Gixxer 750) out of it, the peak power and torque are at 10'000 / 11'000 rpm respectively (redline 12'500rpm) which I won't be frequently visiting often. But it is perfectly good for commuting and for the more relaxed rides down 22.

The bike is very stable. It is rated at 174Kg Dry, however it doesn't feel like it at all, probly due to the weight being positioned very low. It has an easy reach to the bars and pegs, with a fairly up right seating position.(which prevents you from going too fast on the motorway)

with its wide bars and upright seating position, it is very easy to ride around traffic. As it is very numble / flickable yet stable at the same time.

Storage - The CB has very good under seat storage, I can easily fit 2 bottles of 750ml drinks and other things under the seat, it also has an integrated key operated helmet lock that is external to the seat. And has 6 luggage hook points for tieing anything down.

Suspension / Brakes - Front Twin disc with double piston calipers and single disc on rear, Front suspension with no preload adjustment and twin rear shocks with preload adjustable with C-spanners. It stops well, almost on a dime the factory suspension setup is good (front is not too soft), and can do some fun riding on 22.... so that says it all
http://www.honda.co.jp/factbook/motor/CB400/19960200/image/003_003.gif
http://www.honda.co.jp/factbook/motor/CB400/19960200/image/003_004.gif

However if I could get a new one I would very much like one of these
http://www.honda.co.jp/motor-lineup/cb400sf/image/cb400sf_equip_05b.jpg
http://www.honda.co.jp/motor-lineup/cb400sf/image/cb400sf_style_photo_01b.jpg
http://www.honda.co.jp/motor-lineup/cb400sf/image/cb400sf_style_photo_03b.jpg

Pwalo
16th May 2005, 09:10
Nice bike Zapf. I've seen a few for sale and thought they looked pretty cool. I agree that naked bikes are great all rounders, if a bit of a pain to keep clean sometimes.

The CB1300 sure looks good but I think I'd go for the naked bike (in white/red of course) with a small fly screen.

Cheers

Paul

Zapf
19th May 2005, 23:38
yea...? I actually think naked's are easier to keep clean... less plastic bits.

you know those pics I have attached are a CB400? no 1300's :)

Pwalo
20th May 2005, 09:09
B**g%r me you're right? When you have a good look you can tell it's not a 1300, but you sure can't tell it's a 400 without something to compare size.

Very nice. Does it still have gear driven cams like the CBR 400s?