Honda has introduced the upgraded CBR400R in Japan and will soon launch the same bike in India.
There is growing popularity in India’s sub-500cc fully-faired motorcycle market, especially with the introduction of the Yamaha R3, Kawasaki Ninja 500, and the Aprilia RS 457. KTM will soon add a more powerful engine similar to the RC 390, which is available in the new 390 Duke.
Since most of the major manufacturers are involved in this market and Honda Bikes has been absent for quite some time, it is appropriate for Honda to introduce the recently released CBR400R in India. This bike is now available in Japan. Here’s everything you need to know about Honda’s new sports bike.
Honda CBR400R: Price and Rivals
Honda CBR400R price in India is expected to be around Rs 4.25 lakh (ex-showroom). The Honda CBR 400 R will arrive in India by the end of 2024 to take on the Aprilia RS 457, Yamaha R3, Kawasaki Ninja 500, and the KTM RC 390.
Honda CBR400R: Platform and design
The new Honda CBR400R is designed with a lightweight diamond frame, which the company claims provides responsive handling and adaptability to various road conditions. With its split headlight design, the design of the CBR400R is influenced by its bigger liter-class brother, the Fireblade.
The athletic appearance of the motorcycle is further enhanced by its full fairing, which features a side-slung exhaust, mildly aggressive clip-on bars, a contoured tank, and a sleek, minimalist rear end. While still aggressive, the Fireblade is less dedicated than the Rider Triangle.
Honda CBR400R: Equipment and features
Showa USD forks up front, pressurized mono-shock separate back, dual disc brakes with radial calipers at the front, single disc at the back, dual-channel ABS, and 17-inch alloy wheels are some available features in Honda CBR400R.
The CBR400R features a 5-inch TFT display with smartphone connectivity, Honda Selectable Torque Control, an immobilizer, Honda RoadSync connectivity, an emergency stop signal, and other features and technologies.
While all its nearest rivals have a single disc brake up front, the KTM RC390 comes equipped with a quick-shifter as standard, cornering ABS, and adjustable WP forks on future models. On the other hand, the Aprilia has traction control, riding modes, and adjustable suspension, while the Yamaha only has dual-channel ABS.
Honda CBR400R: Engine specifications
The performance of the new CBR400R is enabled by a 399cc parallel-twin liquid-cooled engine that produces 38 Nm of torque and 44.7bhp when paired with a six-speed gearbox. In contrast, the Aprilia RS457 has 46.9 horsepower, the Ninja 500 has 45.4 horsepower, the Yamaha R3 has 41.4 horsepower, and the upcoming bike 2024 RC390 will have a 45.3 horsepower engine. Nevertheless, every other motorcycle except KTM uses a twin-cylinder configuration.
