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Message started by HAPPYDAN on 01/12/17 at 17:57:18

Title: Honda CB400SS
Post by HAPPYDAN on 01/12/17 at 17:57:18

Why can't we get these here? Only sold in Japan!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bh3U4-D3zCw

Title: Re: Honda CB400SS
Post by jcstokes on 01/12/17 at 23:16:55

Honda USA, may not think there's a market, how are sales of the Yamaha 400 going over there? Would the bike meet US emission standards. Do people want kick starts?

Title: Re: Honda CB400SS
Post by Dave on 01/13/17 at 04:33:53

That is a nice looking bike, and I would buy one of those before I bought a 250 or 400 Rebel.

What it the finned aluminum tank behind the engine.....is this a dry sump engine?

It is a shame that we have a pretty limited selection for "standard" style motorcycles in the US. Yamaha SR400, Suzuki TU250....Royal Enfield. And nobody really offers a believable Cafe' or Tracker style bike.....there are a few attempts at Scramblers. I am sure that corporate research shows that there won't be enough sales to justify making one - but who at Honda thought that the NM4 would be something that people would buy? I wonder if Honda has sold any?

http://powersports.honda.com/touring/2016/nm4.aspx

Title: Re: Honda CB400SS
Post by ohiomoto on 01/13/17 at 04:53:21

Dude needs to take his hand off the throttle when he's trying to start that thing. He's using a 2-stroke technique (cracking the throttle) which doesn't work with well with 4-strokes. This lost some races for motocrossers when they switched to 4-strokes.

Title: Re: Honda CB400SS
Post by ohiomoto on 01/13/17 at 04:58:49

Wheelies at the end...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ag2H_V5jmnw

Title: Re: Honda CB400SS
Post by oldNslow on 01/13/17 at 07:16:26

272E3E392226283E4D0 wrote:

Honda USA, may not think there's a market, how are sales of the Yamaha 400 going over there? Would the bike meet US emission standards. Do people want kick starts?

Not good, I don't think. The sales manager of one of the largest dealerships near me told me that they have never ordered one for their showroom, and that they get very few people asking about them.

I think the biggest problem here is not the kick start though, rather it's the price. $5,999 MSRP.

With tax and the other fees that's pretty close to 7 thousand US dollars out the door. That's just too much for what this bike is IMO.

Title: Re: Honda CB400SS
Post by Gary_in_NJ on 01/13/17 at 12:05:01

I happen to like the CB400, but then again I grew up on bikes like that. I don't think people out shopping for a first bike would look twice at the old tech CB (unless it's priced at $2,499). In the US, that bike appeals to the guy that has been away from bikes since he trashed his Dynamite-8 or maybe...just maybe...a hipster looking for a retro ride (which means it will belong to the old guy in about 6 months).

Me, I see cafe racer. But I look at almost every bike with what it could be.

Title: Re: Honda CB400SS
Post by SALB on 01/13/17 at 12:43:24

6B5554584A5657390 wrote:

[quote author=272E3E392226283E4D0 link=1484272638/0#1 date=1484291815]Honda USA, may not think there's a market, how are sales of the Yamaha 400 going over there? Would the bike meet US emission standards. Do people want kick starts?

Title: Re: Honda CB400SS
Post by batman on 01/13/17 at 17:12:10

That price is a bummer,to bad because I think this bike has a lot going for it. Good disk brake ,external cam chain tensioner,shocks with progressive springs. I think the motor has potential as well,1 cyl but 4 valves and duel cams and exhaust ,a bore larger than the stroke ,and last but not least a carb ,that could be swapped for something better. bike weight of 306lbs ,it could make a good base for a scrambler or café, 29hp @7000rpm (but what's the red line?) I think with a little work this bike could easily do the ton. bty . I looked at Honda's home page and I believe I saw where these bikes were allowed to be shipped and sold in the us and Canada,I just think Honda America didn't want to bother after watching Yamaha 's sales of their 400.

Title: Re: Honda CB400SS
Post by Dave on 01/14/17 at 02:28:37

In the olden days when I grew up, Honda would make an engine, then provide different models of the bike for those who rode on the street (CL), a scrambler model (CB) for those who might dip a toe off the pavement, and for those who wanted a dual sport bike(SL). The bike shared a lot of common parts to help simplify the parts supply - but they were different enough to appeal to different buyers.

I don't see why companies couldn't continue that practice a bit more. It would be great if the LS650 could be bought in a cruiser, standard and scrambler model - same for the Yamaha SR400, the Honda Rebel and the Kawasaki Vulcan S. Yamaha did a poor job of trying to do this with their Bolt........it just didn't come off very well as there is just too much cruiser seating position in their scrambler and Cafe' models.

Title: Re: Honda CB400SS
Post by old_rider on 01/14/17 at 08:10:50

Well?

Why don't we each email Suzuki, and spread the word then?
Asking for different versions of the S40?
Bobber would be the cheapest
Base model in the middle
Tracker/Scrambler high end (because it performs as the cruiser and off-road as a dual purpose)

There are tons of LS650/S40 fans out there!
Of course the bobber company might dis-own us!

Title: Re: Honda CB400SS
Post by HAPPYDAN on 01/14/17 at 10:49:41

313B3F353E37333A646266560 wrote:

Honda tried that with the 500 single Ascot. Lasted for 2 years, didn't sell. It was fast, all business and no beauty. I saw one a few years ago at Condotta's in Wenatchee, talked with the owner who loved it.

Title: Re: Honda CB400SS
Post by jcstokes on 01/14/17 at 11:37:29

Dave's comments on the Yamaha Bolt are interesting. I like it's look. I did sit on one once and the air box banged my knee, and there's a stupid digital speedo, I don't care how much more accurate it is. I don't think they're the greatest seller down here. I'm watching a second hand one, but still love the S40, the Bolt would have more grunt for overtaking.

Title: Re: Honda CB400SS
Post by T And T Garage on 01/18/17 at 11:42:36

427F64737242617F7573160 wrote:

Why can't we get these here? Only sold in Japan!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bh3U4-D3zCw

Sweet - that sounds like an A-type Dream.... so nice!

Title: Re: Honda CB400SS
Post by Ruttly on 01/18/17 at 12:50:15

I would hang some flat track bars on that and ride the crap out of it !!!

Title: Re: Honda CB400SS
Post by gizzo on 01/18/17 at 13:45:37

I like it too. But I also agree with the others who thought it would be a slow seller. Its a shame. SR400 hasn't exactly been flying out of the showrooms over here, either. Modern motorcyclist demands more performance, more gadgets, more conveniences and less tech ability than is offered by an old school single. I did an interstate group ride last year on my Enfield. Some of the people on that ride could not believe I'd ridden so far on so little motorbike, and had no idea what a kick start lever does. People honestly think these days that kickstart is an internet manufactured term for getting an idea off the ground.
That CB400 would make a nice addition to a thumper collection.

Title: Re: Honda CB400SS
Post by Ruttly on 01/18/17 at 15:00:13

Yeah it would!

Title: Re: Honda CB400SS
Post by batman on 01/18/17 at 15:52:07

Agree!

Title: Re: Honda CB400SS
Post by jcstokes on 01/18/17 at 17:38:54

Google "Silver Vase' motorcycle, they sell them down here.

Title: Re: Honda CB400SS
Post by Ruttly on 01/18/17 at 19:30:21

JC are they made in China or built by Silver Vase with a Honda engine ?

Title: Re: Honda CB400SS
Post by Ruttly on 01/18/17 at 19:47:09

Chinese funded built in Italy coming to America someday !

Title: Re: Honda CB400SS
Post by HAPPYDAN on 01/19/17 at 09:48:15

383121263D393721520 wrote:

Google "Silver Vase' motorcycle, they sell them down here.

:) :) :) :) :)
I think the Gran Turismo 440 just got added to my wish list! Now I just can't wait! Hope we see them soon.

Title: Re: Honda CB400SS
Post by Ruttly on 01/19/17 at 12:33:12

I like the Gran Milano 440 Special , lighter & bigger brakes & adjustable forks & fuel injection !

Title: Re: Honda CB400SS
Post by MMRanch on 01/19/17 at 17:08:53

Gizzo

The Yamaha has that "wound rotor / brush type Alt." (works good on cars) , its just a matter of time .... till it fry s , I've experienced it three times before I swore them off. Battery get toward the end of its life , electro-magnet rotor make stronger magnet for more juice --- the rotor heats-up while it vibrates on the crankshaft . Yamaha dealer smiles , He just sold a rotor and a battery ... ;)

Title: Re: Honda CB400SS
Post by jcstokes on 01/19/17 at 22:00:16

Ok, the NZ price of an S40 new is $NZ8495, Grand Milano $NZ8990, Silver Vase $NZ7990 and an RS 650R $NZ9490. These prices are tax inclusive, but don't include registration. I guess the Silver Vase was named for the Chinese market. Do the exchange conversion and see what they might cost State side. Oh and have a happy inauguration day.

Title: Re: Honda CB400SS
Post by gizzo on 01/20/17 at 04:36:38

I'm pretty sure the silver vase name refers to some sort of award for excellence in the old ISDT event and so remains congruent with a scrambler styled motorbike.

Title: Re: Honda CB400SS
Post by jcstokes on 01/25/17 at 21:19:15

Google www.Bike Dekho.com it's an Indian site with quite a bit on 250 - 400 cc bikes.

Title: Re: Honda CB400SS
Post by MMRanch on 01/25/17 at 23:15:30

according to this link the Enfield Thunderbird has a 5.3 gal tank and gets 67.5 mpg.

I find that amazing ... do ya suppose the CB400 is about the same but with a Honda engine ?
Just how much fuel does that CB400 hold ?

https://www.pricedekho.com/bikes/royal-enfield-thunderbird-500-price-mp.html

Title: Re: Honda CB400SS
Post by gizzo on 01/26/17 at 03:05:48

The specs say 2.9 gal and 80mpg.
That Enfield tank sounds huge. My one (continental gt) only takes about 3 gal.
Wish I could have one of those Hondas.

Title: Re: Honda CB400SS
Post by MMRanch on 01/26/17 at 07:03:47

:-?

I think I'll go by the Honda shop and ask to see one of those CB400ss Motorcycles . I know they cant get one but , it still might be good to put the dealers to asking Honda for them ... ::)

Title: Re: Honda CB400SS
Post by Ruttly on 01/26/17 at 10:12:33

Great idea , I'm gonna call every Honda shop in my area and tell them I want to test ride one and when he tells me they aren't importing that model , I'm gonna tell him I guess I'm gonna go buy a Yamaha SR400 ! ;D

Title: Re: Honda CB400SS
Post by jcstokes on 01/26/17 at 16:28:34

Maybe you should go in discreetly without helmet or gear and tell him you are considering both the Yamaha SR400 and Suzuki S40.

Title: Re: Honda CB400SS
Post by Dave on 01/27/17 at 05:02:54

393020273C383620530 wrote:

Maybe you should go in discreetly without helmet or gear and tell him you are considering both the Yamaha SR400 and Suzuki S40.

All that will get you is the Honda Salesman trying to sell you the new Rebel 500......cause Honda knows that every new rider wants a Cruiser.

Title: Re: Honda CB400SS
Post by ohiomoto on 01/27/17 at 05:39:39

1A212C3B2A263D3B2028253A490 wrote:

All that will get you is the Honda Salesman trying to sell you the new Rebel 500......cause Honda knows that every new rider in the US wants a Cruiser.

-----------

I fixed that for you Dave! Ha, ha...

Funny you mention that though because the S40 is a Cruiser. But I bet a good percentage of owners on this forum bought it to turn it into something other than a Cruiser. Pretty interesting bike from that stand point.

Title: Re: Honda CB400SS
Post by Dave on 01/27/17 at 06:39:39

The US folks most likely aren't buying "standard" motorcycles, as the Japanese manufacturers are mostly offering Cruisers or Sport Bikes (not including dual sport or adventure touring bike) - but only the Suzuki TU-250 and the Yamaha SR400 are the "standard" style bikes offered to US buyers as far as I know. Triumph, Royal Enfield and Moto-Guzzi are the only folks I know that offer models that don't have the forward pegs or rear set pegs (maybe Ural if you can get one without a sidecar).

Or...maybe my observation is just too restricted, and naked bikes like the Yamaha FJ's and Suzuki SV650 are the modern "standard" bike!

Title: Re: Honda CB400SS
Post by SALB on 01/27/17 at 10:38:14

774C4156474B50564D454857240 wrote:

Or...maybe my observation is just too restricted, and naked bikes like the Yamaha FJ's and Suzuki SV650 are the modern "standard" bike!

I think you may be on to something there, Dave. I think there is a new category that might be best referred to as "retro". Bikes built to look like bikes built twenty years ago. Naked bikes are fast becoming the new "standard"

Title: Re: Honda CB400SS
Post by MMRanch on 01/27/17 at 16:10:13

I think your right Dave , the Suzuki TU 250 is a standard , those sportbike looking things with mid pegs don't look Standard by no stretch of the word.

The Honda 400 is a nice looking standard , and Honda is trying to "drive the market" by pushing the 500 Rebel without letting the CB400 even compete .