Honda CB400 Super Four

[Kempz44]

I have searched the forum and cannot find anything on these bikes, if there is already then please ignore this :facepalm:

I have been looking at a honda cb400 super four but since i know next to nothing about bikes it would be great if you guys could give me your thoughts on it? Its a 2000 honda cb400 with 35,000 k's on it and well looked after , thoughts?

cheers.

[blackdog]

ducatilover had one.

[Tigadee]

Should be a good bike but beware that it is about the same size as the Hornet 250, so if you're a big or tall fella, it'll feel cramped. I sat on one and then the 250 and was surprised they both felt cramped.

[bogan]

I test rode Doug's for him, beige pos though it does have a bit of power right up at the top :yawn: But its a honda, so chances are it'll keep putting along for all your commuting or touring needs.

I didn't realise they were that new though, the tech and feel of it is more late 80s or early 90s.

[Kempz44]

Well i would love a 600cc but i will kill myself on them, and a 400 is perfect :) just wana find some info about it

[James Deuce]

Should be a good bike but beware that it is about the same size as the Hornet 250, so if you're a big or tall fella, it'll feel cramped. I sat on one and then the 250 and was surprised they both felt cramped.
They're significantly bigger than a Hornet 250, and I owned one for a year and it was very reliable, very comfortable and more than adequate for the odd trip around the country. It's no sports bike, but that may be a good thing.

I think they have been in production from about '92 through to 2008 with the later ones getting ABS.

They need decent rear shocks. The standard ones are wildly under sprung and unadjustable.

[Kempz44]

How did you find the acceleration and top end speed? easy to find second hand parts? im looking at a 2000 model from the yam dealership

[FJRider]

How did you find the acceleration and top end speed? easy to find second hand parts? im looking at a 2000 model from the yam dealership

I'm sure it will manage 100 km/hr quite easily .... and the "Boyracer rules" regarding fast acceleration, apply to motorcycles too ... and definitly faster than the one you have now.

[James Deuce]

More than adequate for every reasonable road situation you could find yourself in. They steer nicely, the brakes are progressive and strong and the engine is smooth and responsive. I have an XJR1300 now, so I'm the wrong person to make an unbiased comment about the power available to what is to all intents and purposes a 400cc version my bike. Suffice to say that low riding Integras won't be any trouble for you in the stop light GP.

[SMOKEU]

Not a particularly exciting bike, but it should be very reliable and a nice bike to live with day to day.

[ducatilover]

Good bike.
Not exciting as far as 4 cylinder 400s go.
Very reliable
I found mine a bit uncomfy, different bars would fix it
Brakes are pretty nice once set up right.
2000 model will be a "Hyper VTEC" and go nicely enough and is a completely different bike to the one I had
Mine was a pre-VTEC model and was re-jetted, but was very heavy on gas for a bike of its type (6-7L/100km)
Will do 100 km/h, they'll hold an indicated 180km/h in to a slight headwind (private road only)
Later model ones handled nice, mine never really tickled my fancy in the corners
Ridiculously smooth motors
Look awesome

I'd own another for the right price, as Bogan said, they lack torque (VTEC models go better than mine did) but every 400cc bike lacks torque

[Kempz44]

Thanks for all the help! doesnt seem anything but good for a novice restricted rider like myself, rode my dads 600 today and almost killed myself haha :innocent: I will be doing a bit more research on the net in terms of prices and reliability, especially with its age-- but cheers lads!

[Edbear]

Thanks for all the help! doesnt seem anything but good for a novice restricted rider like myself, rode my dads 600 today and almost killed myself haha :innocent: I will be doing a bit more research on the net in terms of prices and reliability, especially with its age-- but cheers lads!

I'd also recommend checking out the Suzuki RF400 if you can find one.

[James Deuce]

Not quite as comfy or easy going Ed. Really bad on gas too.

[blackdog]

I'd also recommend checking out the Suzuki RF400 if you can find one.

That's the worst advice since tt told dm he should do an insurance job.

Stick with the CB and you are much less likely to regret it.

[ducatilover]

Thanks for all the help! doesnt seem anything but good for a novice restricted rider like myself, rode my dads 600 today and almost killed myself haha :innocent: I will be doing a bit more research on the net in terms of prices and reliability, especially with its age-- but cheers lads!
You won't get a more reliable 400cc bike. Parts are easy to get, even though they don't break.
They use an HF303 oil filter, which is superbly common (VTR1000, ZZR400/600 etc etc etc)

I'd also recommend checking out the Suzuki RF400 if you can find one.

You'll get flamed for that Ed, I love RFs, but the 400 is yuck. A ZZR400K or N is a better bike, and they're shit too. :bleh:

[Edbear]

You won't get a more reliable 400cc bike. Parts are easy to get, even though they don't break.
They use an HF303 oil filter, which is superbly common (VTR1000, ZZR400/600 etc etc etc)


You'll get flamed for that Ed, I love RFs, but the 400 is yuck. A ZZR400K or N is a better bike, and they're shit too. :bleh:

I hadn't heard any bad about them until now, but if you have experience with them I'll take your word for it. What was their main issue?

[Bonez]

I'd own another for the right price, as Bogan said, they lack torque (VTEC models go better than mine did) but every 400cc bike lacks torqueBut thats the fun of trashing a smaller capacity bike, especially on our primo back country roads.

I think Honda are still making Super Fours.

[ducatilover]

I hadn't heard any bad about them until now, but if you have experience with them I'll take your word for it. What was their main issue?
The bike itself is okay in terms of mechanics, but they're underpowered and overweight, like a ZZR400, but not as erm "good". In saying that, if they were a LAMs bike (haven't checked) they'd be a nice learner bike for the larger people. Also, I suppose not everyone wants a CBR/ZXR/VFR/FZR400 type thing.

But thats the fun of trashing a smaller capacity bike, especially on our primo back country roads.

I think Honda are still making Super Fours.

I did enjoy riding mine on the twisties, but it's an incredibly beige bike (which is very good for commutting)

[Edbear]

The bike itself is okay in terms of mechanics, but they're underpowered and overweight, like a ZZR400, but not as erm "good". In saying that, if they were a LAMs bike (haven't checked) they'd be a nice learner bike for the larger people. Also, I suppose not everyone wants a CBR/ZXR/VFR/FZR400 type thing.


I did enjoy riding mine on the twisties, but it's an incredibly beige bike (which is very good for commutting)

Ah okay. They got a good report from Kiwirider when they were released here and they seem to be rare in the classifieds. "Underpowered and overweight?" Sounds a bit like me, really...

[ducatilover]

Ah okay. They got a good report from Kiwirider when they were released here and they seem to be rare in the classifieds. "Underpowered and overweight?" Sounds a bit like me, really...

They are hard-ish to find, same as the RF600. Heh, I'm more of a CT90, underwieght and underpowered

[Bonez]

The bike itself is okay in terms of mechanics, but they're underpowered and overweight, like a ZZR400, but not as erm "good". In saying that, if they were a LAMs bike (haven't checked) they'd be a nice learner bike for the larger people. Also, I suppose not everyone wants a CBR/ZXR/VFR/FZR400 type thing.


I did enjoy riding mine on the twisties, but it's an incredibly beige bike (which is very good for commutting)By beige I'm guessing you mean does everthing that's asked of it without much effort. Absolutely wonderful.

Sent on my 486sx/25 running DR Dos6 and GEM.

[ducatilover]

By beige I'm guessing you mean does everthing that's asked of it without much effort. Absolutely wonderful.

Yup, with one of the smoothest 4 cyls I've ridden, good gearbox... so good it was boring. ;)

[Bonez]

Comparable to R series Beemers then.

Sent from my WeatBix box on the kichen counter.

[ducatilover]

Comparable to R series Beemers then.

Sent from my WeatBix box on the kichen counter.

I do like me an R series, yes siree.
Weatbix box?????? :eek5:

[Bonez]

They're as cheap as chips these days. You should try a CX 500 sometime. Getting around a corner in one peice is a bonus on any ride.

Sent from my Tandy1000, PC Dos 3.0 and Deskmate

[ducatilover]

You should try a CX sometime. Getting around a corner in one peice is a bonus on any ride.

Sent from my Tandy1000, PC Dos 3.0 and Deskmate

A CX is on my current next bike list for when I get annoyed and sell the GN, I love them.

[James Deuce]

RF400s are tiny, they're not an RF900 with a 400cc engine. I'm 5'9" and I can rest my elbows on my knees on an RF400 while folded into the riding position. I once rode one to Napier and it drank unbelievable amounts of fuel and while I wasn't crippled I was definitely aware of having been pretzled for three hours. Really hard to keep them fuelling nicely and the mechanical VVT would be annoying to people who expect linear power like the CB400. Same peak power, just a very different way of delivering it. ZZR400 is a Goldwing by comparison.

[nudemetalz]

RF400s are tiny, they're not an RF900 with a 400cc engine. I'm 5'9" and I can rest my elbows on my knees on an RF400 while folded into the riding position. I once rode one to Napier and it drank unbelievable amounts of fuel and while I wasn't crippled I was definitely aware of having been pretzled for three hours. Really hard to keep them fuelling nicely and the mechanical VVT would be annoying to people who expect linear power like the CB400. Same peak power, just a very different way of delivering it. ZZR400 is a Goldwing by comparison.

I remember the RF400. Couldn't believe how thirsty it was...got down to 10km/l at one stage !! for a 400 four cylinder ??????!!!
Very light switch type power too.

Nah, go for the Honda.
Pity they don't make an update VFR400 anymore. Would be a great machine.

[duckonin]

Well i would love a 600cc but i will kill myself on them.) just wana find some info about it

The same is possible on a CB400 super 4.;)

[duckonin]

Well i would love a 600cc but i will kill myself on them.) just wana find some info about it

The same is possible on a CB400 super 4.;) for that matter any bike.:sweatdrop

[Kempz44]

Just thought i would let you guys know, I BOUGHT IT :) bought my first bike, a beauty of a 400. See you on the road!

[ducatilover]

Pics or it never happened

[actungbaby]

Just thought i would let you guys know, I BOUGHT IT :) bought my first bike, a beauty of a 400. See you on the road!

Nice i loved my cbx 400 f was smooth engine i think 400cc for some reason are . get as much road time as you can dude .

[Tigadee]

Just thought i would let you guys know, I BOUGHT IT :) bought my first bike, a beauty of a 400. See you on the road!

So what did you buy? :scratch:

[Kempz44]

I bought a 2000 Honda CB400 super four! heres the link http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/tourers/auction-505704429.htm

Should be picking up up in about a week, cant ride it till oct though :( .... maybe...

[ducatilover]

Great looking bike, enjoy and be safe

[James Deuce]

Really good decision mate. Have lots of fun.

I hope you have a credit or debit card, because these people are your new best friends.

http://www.singaporebikes.com/forums/showthread.php/219973-Honda-CB400-Super-4-Performance-Parts-Accessories-amp-Servicing-Packages

[nudemetalz]

Really nice 400. Have fun and look after it !!

[Kempz44]

how would i go about getting a tail tidy!? the back of the bike is quite clunky and ugly - im not in any rush but was just wondering. Was also thinking of getting a new exhaust, bar ends (am i right in saying that bar ends are just screwed in and out?), tail tidy and some frame sliders, and a new headlight :) any donations welcome :innocent:


cheers guys - all of your input is really decreasing my 'noobness' :)

[ducatilover]

eBay, lots and lots of eBay. There are heaps of parts out there for them :yes:

[Tigadee]

I bought a 2000 Honda CB400 super four! heres the link http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/tourers/auction-505704429.htm

Beaut! Love the colour too!


Should be picking up up in about a week, cant ride it till oct though :( .... maybe...

Yeah right! :whistle: