Honda’s New Small, Affordable Retro Moto Is Super Rider-Friendly Too

The brand revives a staple of its small-displacement portfolio, and it comes with the addition of approachable E-Clutch tech.

Silver and black Honda CB400SF motorcycle with blue accents and exhaust pipe against a red background.

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By Gray Van Dyke

Published 3 hours ago

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Back in March, Honda pulled the wraps off a sweet little two-wheeler that it called the *takes breath* CB400 Super Four E-Clutch Concept.

Much as the bike’s name was a mouthful, it made for a tempting vision of what the winged brand might be working on. Between the retro style, the approachable size and the trick E-Clutch tech, there was a lot to be excited about.

Silver and blue Honda CB400SF motorcycle with black seat and exhaust pipe on gray background. — The production bike stays faithful to the Super Four E-Clutch Concept.

Thankfully, it’s no longer just a concept. According to an announcement this week, Honda is officially putting the CB400 Super Four E-Clutch into production, and it’ll be hitting the road in Japan before you know it.

A super E-Clutch upgrade

As previewed by the concept (and evidenced by the name), Honda’s CB400 Super Four will be powered by a newly designed 399cc inline-four good for 57 horsepower and 28 lb-ft of torque. It’s a notable configuration, as singles and twins are far more common at lower displacements.

E-Clutch promises to make the CB400 Super Four even more approachable.

Honda

Cool as the engine is, though, the bike’s real value proposition is the addition of E-Clutch tech. Since debuting the feature back in 2024, Honda has rolled it out on everything from the Transalp ADV to the tiny Rebel 300.

And for good reason. By allowing for optional clutch actuation and a virtually stall-free experience, without frustrating computer intervention, it’s a system that democratizes riding while still catering to those who might not always need the assist.

Silver and blue Honda CB1000R motorcycle with black seat and dual round headlights on gray background. — That retro livery and that four-into-one exhaust give the little bike a much bigger presence.

As if it wasn’t cool enough out of the gate, Honda has also more recently started pairing its E-Clutch with throttle-by-wire to allow for further control and an even smoother experience.

On the road with bikes like the CB400 Super Four, this means that the ECU simultaneously optimizes clutch engagement in combination with throttle angle. It helps better match revs during deceleration to improve overall stability and avoid rear wheel hops.

Refining a brand staple

Now, being an evolution of the CB400 Super Four, the new model is an approachable ride because of more than just its slick Honda clutch assistance.

Matte black Honda CB400SF motorcycle with blue accents and silver exhaust on a gray background. — The alternate black colorway offers a subtler option.

In keeping with its predecessors, it promises to be an accommodating ride because of a manageable curb weight and saddle height. While not exactly a lightweight at 412 pounds, the new CB400 does promise a reasonable enough 30-inch standover.

What’s more, even though the bike comes with a redesigned frame, it nevertheless maintains an accessible riding position. Honda designed it to be upright, comfortable for commuting and touring alike, also shaping the seat to improve foot placement.

Red and black Honda CB400SF motorcycle with silver exhaust and black tires on a gray background. — However, if you’re riding a Honda, there’s no going wrong with red.

That’s not all. To make the CB400 Super Four ready for modern riders, Honda also gave it a new 5-inch full-color TFT with Honda RoadSync for smartphone support. It even brings a USB-C port on the side of the headlight for powered device connectivity.

With its four-into-one exhaust and sweet retro bodywork, any of the available colorways looks pretty cool. But let’s face it, the Freddie Spencer-inspired Wolf Silver Metallic is undoubtedly the way to go.

Person in white helmet and jacket riding a silver motorcycle on a road by the ocean. — The CB400 Super Four returns to the market after taking a hiatus starting in 2022.

Availability and pricing

At this time, Honda has announced the CB400 Super Four E-Clutch for Japan, so there’s no telling if it will ever come to the US. That’s a fact that’s not made any better by its intended MSRP.

When the CB400 Super Four launches on August 21st, it’s slated to retail from just 998,800 yen (~$6,100). Hopefully, then, Honda has the sense to bring this thing Stateside. How could something this approachable and retro not be a hit at that price?

Silver and blue Honda motorcycle with black seat and exhaust pipe on gray background.

Honda CB400 Super Four E-Clutch

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About the Author: Gray is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, motorcycles and anything else with wheels. When he’s not chasing the latest industry news, he’s probably wrenching on one of many projects. For better or worse, he believes classics make perfectly practical daily drivers.

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