2019 Honda CBR400R has made its global debut. It will be a direct rival to the Kawasaki Ninja 400, which is on sale in India at about Rs 4.7 lakhs, ex-sh. Honda CBR400R is equipped with water-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, in-line two-cylinder 399 cc engine to bring out the best in the company’s lightweight and compact offering.
In its newest avatar, it highlights ease of handling, and sporty road bike appeal having drawn bits from CBR500R and CBR650R. Styling changes have been made for a fuel tank that’s capable of 1L more. The full cowl design and sporty styling is complemented with sportier riding position.
It’s sporty riding position is complements the bikes speed capability. The improved power unit has added more to the low and middle rev range, having optimised valve and lift functionality. The exhaust pipe, and muffler setup has been changed, and there’s slipper clutch on offer as well.
Changes to the suspension setup improves performance through better handling across a wide range of driving conditions. LED headlights and tail lamps are sharper and add to its sporty appeal. LEDs have been included for front and rear turn signals to help in creating a lightweight and compact design package. The LCD console features gear position indicators.
Powerful acceleration and comfortable ride experience is part of the CBR400R’s appeal. Changes include components of the intake system, and increased exhaust pipe volume, for sharper riding and a more powerful torque range. Twin canister tailpipe boosts exhaust sound with more pulsed feeling. Slipper clutch lever design reduces operating load, and makes for easy handling and improved response, and ensures no rear wheel hopping/imbalance. ABS is dual channel.
Honda CBR400R is available in three colours – Grand Prix Red with racing connotation, Matt Axis Gray Metallic, and Pearl Glare White. The company aims to sell 1,000 units to start with (domestic annual target). For now, it is only on sale in Japan. More countries will get the bike soon.
Price in Japan is listed at 793,800 yen (approx Rs 5.15 lakhs). As of now there are no plans as such to launch this motorcycle in India. But, considering the growing demand of sportsbikes in India, Honda might launch the 2019 CBR400R here. Honda India recently discontinued the CBR650F and is expected to launch a replacement soon, in the form of CBR650R.
