Honda CB400 SUPER FOUR Version S (NC31) Model Year 1996 – Specs Comparison, Overview & Photos Gallery
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| 1996 Honda CB400SF Version S photo. Body colour: black. Release date: 1996-03-14. |
Honda CB400 SUPER FOUR Version S type with changed appearance and equipped with front brake that has excellent braking effect. A naked 400cc road sports bike with 90s style strong and unique form.
The Honda CB400 SUPERFOUR Version S, which combines high dynamic performance and sharp styling, was added to the popular Honda CB400 SUPERFOUR series on March 14th 1996. In this type, seat cowl has been changed to a more sporty shape, and the suspension has been enhanced by adopting a front brake with excellent braking effect, etc..
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| 1996 「ホンダ CB400 SUPER FOUR バージョンS」 picture. Colour: silver metallic. |
This Honda CB400 SUPER FOUR is a model that was developed by thoroughly pursuing “What should be a Honda road sports model suitable for the new era?” It has become a best-selling model in the motorcycle class, surpassing 1,000 units*.
Features of Honda CB400SF Version S
Equipped with a water-cooled, 4-cycle, DOHC, in-line 4-cylinder, 399cc engine that has a reputation for its smooth and powerful output characteristics.
The version S type has a PGM-IG (electronically controlled ignition In combination with a lightweight aluminum silencer with good exhaust efficiency, it delivers a powerful feeling of power over a wider rpm range, while also realizing agile response to even the most subtle accelerator pedal strokes. I’m here.
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 S type frame has a cross pipe added to the down tube to achieve both moderate toughness and rigidity. In addition, the front suspension of the version S type adopts a new preload (initial load) adjustment mechanism, combined with a damper structure that exhibits smooth damping characteristics. In addition, the rear suspension is equipped with a damper with a reservoir tank that exhibits stable damping power even during hard driving, and has excellent heat dissipation properties, achieving both a comfortable ride and responsive dynamic handling characteristics. I’m here.
For the brakes, the front of the CB400 SUPER FOUR has a different diameter 4-pot opposed piston caliper with excellent braking feel, and the version S type has Italian brakes with powerful braking power and high reliability. ・Newly installed 4-pot opposed piston calipers with different diameters made by Prembo. As for the design, the seat cowl has been changed to a more voluminous shape with a slightly popped up shape, and the seat shape and seat upholstery have been changed to create a sporty image while improving the fit and grounding. In addition, the shape of the large-capacity (18L) fuel tank, which is composed of smooth curves and surfaces, gives it a strong and voluminous feel, and the independent side covers of the same color as the body express a clean appearance.
The fuel tank and seat cowl of the S-type version have two stripes on them to create a sharper, more powerful and unique image.
Since its first appearance in April 1992, the Honda CB400SF has undergone two minor changes, cultivated a wider fan base, and continues to reign as a synonym for 400cc naked.
The Honda CB400 Super Four Version S, released in December 1996, is the 3rd generation with a higher performance.
The basic styling is the same as the CB400SF, but the front brake uses a Brembo different diameter 4-pot opposed piston caliper. By changing the PGM-IG, it has a higher rpm engine output characteristic, and the agility that combines powerful acceleration in the high rpm range and good throttle response is attractive. Compared to the standard model, the seat cowl shape is slightly raised, and the seat height is 775mm, which is 5mm higher. Due to this change, it is quicker to turn over when cornering and turn when riding in town, and it can be said that it is a derivative model that can fully enjoy the sportiness even in the NC31 type CB400SF in a stuck state.
The production period was short until 1998, and it cannot be said that there are many balls in the current used motorcycle market, but today it is being re-evaluated for its high fighting power among out-of-print motorcycles in the 90s, and is a race freak. The number of supporters is increasing, mainly for. Like the best-selling CB400SF family, you can expect a stable purchase price regardless of whether it is normal or custom.
Honda CB400 SUPER FOUR Standard vs Version S Specifications Comparisson
Main specs of Honda CB400SF version S and standard version:
| Common Name | CB400 SUPER FOUR | CB400 SUPER FOUR Version S | |
| Model | NC31 | ||
| Length×Width×Height | (m) | 2.085×0.740×1.080 | 2.080×0.720×1.080 |
| Axle distance | (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) | 194/174 | 194/174 |
| Capacity | (people) | 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 output | (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) | 18.0 | |
| 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 | 1.750 | ||
| 4 speed | 1.421 | ||
| 5 speed | 1.240 | ||
| 6 speed | 1.130 | ||
| Reduction ratio (primary/secondary) | 2.171/2.800 | 2.171/3.000 | |
| Caster (deg)/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 | ||
| Frame Format | Double Cradle | ||
Check also the predessor, Honda CB400 Super Four version R with square headlamp that was released in 1995.
1996 Honda CB400SF Pricelist
Manufacturer’s suggested retail price in new condition at that time:
- 1996 Honda CB400SF price : 589,000 yen
- 1996 Honda CB400SF Version S price : 599,000 yen
(Regional suggested retail prices are 17,000 yen higher in Hokkaido, 9,000 yen higher in Okinawa, excluding some other areas.)
(Reference price. Consumption tax not included).
Planned sales volume (domestic/annual 1996), Series total : 12,000 units