Honda is not only on a roll in India but even overseas. The Japanese motorcycle behemoth has now released three pictures of the upcoming Honda CBR400 range, which consists of the CBR400R, CBR400F and CBR400X. The new CBR400 range is very similar to the CBR500 range, which too consists of a full-faired, semi-faired and an adventure motorcycle. Not only is the naming and styling similar, but even the rest of the equipment on the CBR400 is reminiscent of the CBR500.
Yes, the CBR400 uses the same engine as the CBR500 but with a reduced stroke, resulting in the engine capacity decreasing from 470cc to 400cc. Sharing of parts has resulted in extensive cost savings for Honda and thus we expect the CBR400 range to be priced very aggressively. There has been news of Honda bringing in the CBR400R to India even before any pictures surfaced. These bikes will first be launched in the Japanese market (due to lower taxes on sub 400cc motorcycles) and could come to India as early as next year.
The 400cc parallel-twin engine is expected to produce 40 BHP of power and 38 Nm of torque. This could be the ideal chance for Honda to take the fight to KTM’s upcoming 390 Duke, which produces very similar output numbers. The Honda CBR400R can also rival the Kawasaki Ninja 300. Expect the CBR400R to sit above the CBR250R, resulting in a price tag of around Rs. 3 lakhs. Honda will release more details when it officially unveils the CBR400 to the public at the 2013 Osaka Motor Show which starts on Friday (15th March, 2013).
