Review, Specs and Photos Gallery of The Naked Road Sports Bike, “1995 Honda CB400 SUPER FOUR Version R” (NC31) with a Powerful Unique Form and Bikini Cowl
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| 1995 Honda CB400 SUPER FOUR Version R photo. Release date: 1995-03-10.Body Colour: Orange. |
Honda takes advantage of the smooth and powerful output characteristics of the in-line 4-cylinder engine, and enjoys the straightforward driving taste from urban driving to highways and even winding roads in the suburbs, and has a powerful and unique character. In addition to changing the appearance of the engine and suspension of the “Honda CB400 SUPER FOUR”, which is popular as a naked road sports bike with a form, and adding a bikini cowl that emphasizes fearlessness, the intake and exhaust system of the engine have also been changed. By doing so, Honda added a type of Honda CB400 SUPER FOUR Version R that aims to improve the running feeling in the high rotation range and was released from March 10th 1995.
Honda CB400 Super Four (CB400SF) Version R was a model added as a new type when CB400SF received the second minor change in March 1995. The difference in appearance is that the base CB400SF was a naked style with no round eye cowl, while the version R was a bikini cowl + square eye head rout. However, it was not a simple “R” with a different exterior. The version R engine is basically the same as the CB4700SF, but it adopts an electronically controlled ignition device (PGM-IG) that realizes ideal ignition timing, and upgrades such as changes in the length of the carburetor and intake air funnel are planned, and the exhaust system A lightweight aluminum silencer was used. The orthodox CB400SF double cradle frame was strengthened by adding a cross pipe to the down tube. Only the body color was added in July of the same year, and there was no model progress as version R, and the elements of version R converged in the evolution of CB400SF.
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| 1995 Honda CB400 SUPER FOUR Version R picture wallpaper. Model year: 1995. Colour: black. |
The engine is equipped with a well-established water-cooled, 4-cycle, DOHC, in-line 4-cylinder, 399cc. This time, cooling fins have been newly added to the side of the lower part of the cylinder, the cylinder head cover has been enlarged, and the entire engine has been given a black tone to give it a more fearless and powerful appearance.
In addition, this version R type has a PGM-IG (electronic control Ignition device), changes to the intake system such as the length of the carburetor and air funnel, a newly designed exhaust system that employs a lightweight aluminum silencer with good exhaust efficiency, and optimal valve opening and closing timing have been set to further improve the engine performance. In addition to demonstrating a strong power feeling in a wide rev range, it also achieves responsiveness that responds quickly to subtle accelerator operations.
For the frame and undercarriage, a double cradle frame with round cross-section pipes is used to provide a smooth ride in a wider range of driving conditions. The version R type frame has a cross pipe added to the down tube to achieve both moderate toughness and rigidity. In addition, the front suspension uses a damper structure that exhibits smooth damping force characteristics, while the rear suspension is equipped with a damper with a reservoir tank that has excellent heat dissipation and exhibits stable damping force characteristics even during hard driving. Combined with the long wheelbase, it achieves both a comfortable ride and responsive dynamic handling characteristics.
In addition, a utility box with a capacity of 5.5L that can store small items is equipped under the seat, which emphasizes the length and fit even when two people are riding, and it is useful for touring. Equipped with luggage hooks on the left and right sides, it is easy to use.
The brakes are equipped with hydraulic double discs on the front for excellent braking feel, and hydraulic single discs on the rear, with front and rear tubeless tires (front: 110/70-17 54H Rear: 140/70-17 66H) and lightweight 3-spoke aluminum wheels combine to reduce unsprung weight and achieve a light driving feel.
The design expresses a clean appearance, such as a powerful and voluminous large-capacity (18L) fuel tank shape composed of smooth curves and surfaces, independent side covers, and a rear cowl that bounces up with a sense of dynamism. Also, the version R type has a strong and powerful individual form, and the version R type has a new bikini cowl that has a windbreak effect on highways while giving it a more fearless image around the front, and the headlights are new. A newly developed compact square type that combines a high-precision 6-split multi-reflector with a halogen bulb. Although it is a single light type, it achieves wide light distribution performance.
In addition, it is equipped with hazard lamps that can be used as both front and rear turn signals, and an adjustable front brake lever that can be adjusted according to the size of the rider’s hand has been adopted for ease of use.
This CB400 SUPER FOUR is a model developed in 1992 by thoroughly pursuing “what Honda’s road sports model should be suitable for the new era” and positioning that idea as “Project BIG-1”. Since its launch in April, the total number of registrations has reached 44,000 units *, and in 1994, 14,000 units were registered *. It has become the best-selling model in the motorcycle class, and from this time onwards, the base model will be enhanced and the “Version R” type will be added to meet a wider range of requests.
If it were just a square headlight with a bikini cowl, it would end up being a VT250F or a CBX750 Horizon, so Honda developed and introduced a new oblong headlight.
Manufacturer’s suggested retail price
- Honda CB400SF price : 589,000 yen
- Honda CB400 SUPER FOUR Version R price : 609,000 yen
(Sample regional suggested retail price: Hokkaido is 17,000 yen higher, Okinawa is 9,000 yen higher, excluding some other areas.)
(Reference price. Consumption tax not included.)
Planned sales volume (domestic/annual), Series total : 20,000
*As of December 31, 1994. (Company) Research by the National Light Motor Vehicle Association.
The 1995 model Honda CB400 SF (SUPER FOUR) VERSION R, which appeared as a model with improved maneuverability of the CB400SF, only set silver as an additional color in the summer of the year of its appearance, and the model ended (as a version R). It was the only CB400SF with a cowl until the CB400 Super Bol d’Or appeared in 2005.
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| Features of Honda CB400SF version R. |
The eye-catching Pearl Lively Orange is the main appealing color in catalogs and advertisements. The “Future Focus Headlights” that have been adopted combine a 6-segment multi-reflector whose light distribution is carefully calculated by computer simulation and a mechanism that moves the filament up and down to achieve light distribution performance equivalent to two lights with one light. A groundbreaking achievement that has never been seen before. To all the current owners, please take pride in your super special “Kakume” and take good care of it. In addition, the mechanical earl had round eyes.
The electronically controlled ignition timing and valve timing have been modified to improve the engine output characteristics, along with an aluminum silencer 4-2-1 muffler, redesigned meter, steering wheel, front and rear suspension components and settings. , the shape of the seat (cushion) has been changed, and the parts around the step are also exclusive to the version R.
1995 Honda CB400 SUPER FOUR Version R Specifications
Here is the table of main specs of Honda CB400SF version R model year 1995:
| Nickname | CB 400 SUPER FOUR | VERSION R | |
| Car name/model | Honda NC31 | ||
| Length×Width×Height (m) | 2.085×0.735×1.080 | 2.080×0.720×1.125 | |
| Length (m) | 1.455 | 1.450 | |
| Minimum ground clearance (m) | 0.125 | 0.130 | |
| Seat height (m) | 0.770 | 0.775 | |
| Vehicle weight/dry weight (kg) | 193/173 | 195/175 | |
| Capacity (person) | 2 | ||
| Fuel consumption rate (km/L) 60km/h level running test value |
34.7 | 34.4 | |
| Minimum turning radius (m) | 2.6 | ||
| Engine model | NC23E (water-cooled, 4-cycle, DOHC, 4-valve, 4-cylinder) | ||
| Total Displacement (cm3 ) | 399 | ||
| Inner Diameter x Stroke (mm) | 55.0×42.0 | ||
| Compression Ratio | 11.3 | ||
| Max Power (PS/rpm) | 53/11,000 | 53/12,000 | |
| Max torque (kgm/rpm) | 3.7/10,000 | ||
| Carburetor model | VP22 | VP02 | |
| Starting method | Self-operated | ||
| Ignition type | Full transistor battery ignition | ||
| Lubrication method | Combined pumping and splashing method | ||
| Lubricant capacity (L) | 3.6 | ||
| Fuel tank capacity (L) | 18 | ||
| Clutch type | Wet multi-plate coil spring | ||
| Transmission type | Constant mesh 6-speed return | ||
| Transmission ratio | 1st gear | 3.307 | |
| 2 speed | 2.294 | ||
| 3 speed | 1.75 | ||
| 4 speed | 1.421 | ||
| 5 speed | 1.24 | ||
| 6 speed | 1.13 | ||
| Reduction ratio (primary/secondary) | 2.171/2.800 | 2.171/3.000 | |
| Caster (degrees)/Trail (mm) | 27°15′/109 | 26°45′/104 | |
| Tire size | Front | 110/70-17 54H | |
| Rear | 140/70-17 66H | ||
| Brake type | Front | Hydraulic disc | |
| Rear | Hydraulic disc | ||
| Suspension system | Front | Telescopic | |
| Rear | Swing arm type | ||
| Frame Format | Double Cradle | ||
CB400SF version R Competitors
Development progressed at a rapid pace, and about a year after the appearance of the Kawasaki ZRX, the CB400 Super Four Version R, which was equipped with a bikini cowl, was released as an addition to the STD model.
In 1996, Yamaha also released a bikini cowl model called “XJR400RII”. The oblong square headlight is embedded in the minimal bikini cowl, and the meter is equipped with a dedicated digital display. In addition, it is equipped with Brembo front brake calipers, Ohlins rear suspension unit, matte black exhaust pipe, and even a Wilux seat for the same price of 609,000 yen excluding tax as the CB400SF version R. However, this was also not popular and left early.
Suzuki also has a bikini cowl, or rather, a splendid windshield, but the GSX400 Impulse Type S was launched in 1994, the same year as the ZRX. Given a design reminiscent of the GS1000S that was active in the 1970s, if Kawasaki is a Lawson replica, Suzuki is a Wes Cooley replica! And made some fans hot. The reasonable price of 579,000 yen excluding tax and the sense of security with its rounded eyes!