[CBR400R (Right)/CBR650R (Left)]
A new model has appeared one after another from each manufacturer before the spring motorcycle season. Honda is focusing CBR series on a model change with the two “R” of 650 and 400. Here, Mr. Yatagai Hiroaki was reported about the sibling of a 400 model.
Check out the improvements down to the smallest detail
Honda’s 2-cylinder 400cc series has developed multiple variation models by standardizing the engine and chassis. Honestly, there were a few things that can’t be done, such as standardizing the undercarriage with a model that had a completely different direction. However, due to strong sales, the CBR400R and 400X were able to evolve in a big way to match each character in this model change.
Now let’s take a look at the new CBR400R. It is the axle shaft part of the swingarm that was eye-catching (It’s tiny!?). It has been changed to a sporty structure with welded end parts rather than making a lid on the corner pipe of cutting like the previous work. It was said “It’s fashionable from your feet” but Sports bike are from your feet. No matter how cool finished the exterior, if the swingarm is a cut off the structure of the square pipe, that part will be worried on the contrary. This is the point that made a big difference with the rivals.
[HONDA CBR400R 2019 Model Japanese Specification Price: 793,800 yen] The new 400R has been renewed and more like a CBR. The exhaust port of the exhaust system is arranged in two up and down, and the impression is considerably close to 250RR if there is a position light of eyebrow shape.
[HONDA CBR400R 2018 Model Japanese Specification Price: 783,000 yen] It is a Japan model that changes the stroke of the two-cylinder engine of the overseas model CBR500R, and the engine displacement amount was 399cc according to the Japan license system. It was released in 2013, and the second generation of photos appeared in 2016.
Torque up by engine and camshaft profile change
They would also like to mention the torque enhancement by changing the camshaft profile around the engine that the development team was very particular about. By increasing the lift amount of the valve, and closing the opening and closing timing early, it was possible to increase the torque by 3 to 4% from 3000 to 7000 rpm. Of course, this torque-up at the start even middle acceleration and overtaking acceleration can be felt well.
In addition to the above, there are precision control systems such as ABS and fuel injection, as well as rear shocks for the transmission, and parts where performance has been improved, there is no possibility of a malfunction. The overall performance of the engine and control system on the motorcycle body is improved anyway. This is the main point of this model change. Unfortunately, the test ride was not fulfilled, but the riding sense would have changed in character that is “another thing”. Watch out on the following reports.
The torque in the low mid-range is improved by optimizing the valve timing, lift volume, and injector to achieve strong acceleration and comfortable blow-up.
It has a seat height of 785mm. Even lowering the handlebar position does not make it so tight, the impression that you can look forward without glancing at the eye line. This would make it easy for long distance touring. There was a margin in the foot grounding and it was solid even to the heel. The rider is 172cm tall and weighs 68kg.
It compared with the RR of the same license. The seat height is 790mm…although the upper body’s leaning forward is also the impression of “RR” and the eyes look up as well. However, it is also possible to do touring because the bending of the foot is not so tight. The legs are flattened thanks to its slim seat.
Main Specifications ■ Overall Length 2080, Overall Width 755, Overall Height 1145, Wheelbase1410, Seat Height 785 (each mm), Vehicle Weight 192kg (equipped) ■ Water-cooled 4-stroke Parallel 2-cylinder 399cc 46ps / 9000rpm 3.9kg-m / 7500rpm, Transmission 6-gear Return, Fuel Tank Capacity 17L ■ Brake F = Disc R = Disc Tire Size F = 120/70 ZR17 R = 160/60 ZR17
The clip-on handlebar changed mounting position under the top bridge. The handlebar is a sporty position with a low front, and eight degrees of leaning forward in the rider position.
An LCD meter became a larger LCD screen. In terms of functions, such as key position display, instant fuel consumption, and average fuel consumption have been added. The panel itself is the same as the 400X.
The effect of the slim LED blinkers and decals is great, but the front mask looks more sharp. The angle of the handlebar is reduced by 3 degrees to 32 degrees. It is a numerical value that is still sufficiently cut.
The tank shape has been reexamined to emphasize the sharp image, but the capacity was increased by 1L conversely to increased 17 liters. The tank cap is hinged type for convenience.
The valve timing and the lift amount are given, and it pursues the increase of torque in the foot and the intermediate acceleration. In the sibling model of 400x ratio, an exclusive FI setting with an emphasis on blowing up is applied.
[Developer Interview] 400 “R” successfully evolved into a sporty
“The design concept is “Sharp and Wedge”. By reviewing the design from the riding position, it is an aggressive design” of the model change. Specifically, it emphasizes the sharpness by front/middle cowl which gave a sense of speed on the basis of a straight line and the rider space which narrowed the width. With respect to the position, compared to the previous work that was touring direction in upright, it changed to lean forward towards the more sports running. In the previous work, the handlebar fastening part which was on top bridge was relocated to the bottom of the top bridge to create a sporty posture. This position change made it possible to lower the front mask, resulting in a sporty silhouette with a low profile. The previous work certainly was a little tourer atmosphere of the front cowl but receives the impression that settled in a compact even if the CBR250RR is arranged by a small face. It is the result of increasing the sporty as “R”.
The new CBR400R (left) has a sporty appearance that is comparable to the RR concept of CBR250RR (right).
●Reported by: Yatagai Hiroaki ● Photo by: Yamauchi Junya
* This article is restructured based on the article published in the May 2019 issue of Young Machine.
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Original Source[ YOUNG MACHINE ] (*Japanese)
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