2021 Honda CB400X And CB400F Unveiled In China

Unveiled at the Shanghai Auto Show, the CB400s serve a special purpose in the Japanese market

• The 2021 Honda CB400X and CB400F undergo some fine updates for 2021.
• They use a 399cc parallel-twin motor that makes 44.8PS and 37Nm.
• The CB400X gets two variants: Standard and Touring.

Given the ongoing situation, most manufacturers have switched to online portals to unveil new bikes. Meanwhile, in China, the Shanghai Auto Show is in full swing and Honda has just unveiled its 2021 CB400X and the CB400F. 

But why a 400cc bike when Honda has a pre-existing 500cc lineup? Because Japan’s medium-sized two-wheeler driver’s licence only permits vehicles with a displacement of less than 400cc. Thus, the slash in cubic capacity allows Honda to target a much wider audience than it would with a 500cc bike. With that out of the way, let’s talk about the bikes. 

CB400X

As the nomenclature suggests, the CB400X is pretty much a toned-down CB500X with a new headlamp design and a smaller motor. The headlamp on the CB400X isn’t as sharp as the 500X but it’s definitely likeable. The LED headlamp is slightly conventional but it gets LED position lights at both sides for added appeal. Equipment such as a digital instrument cluster, alloy wheels, a tool-adjustable windscreen, and updated styling are all similar to the CB500X. A hazard light switch has been added to the package for 2021.

It comes in a touring-oriented version as well which gets three panniers and crash guards. For 2021, the CB400X rides on 17-inch wheels, just like the CB500X. The latter had left us spellbound and you can read our first impressions here. Considering the CB400X weighs 195kg, 2kg less than the 500, it should be an even better handler.

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CB400F

The CB400F gets the same updates as the CB400X for 2021. Unlike the CB400X, this one gets a split seat, owing to its sporty persona. It looks chunky from all angles thanks to the muscular bodywork. Subtle aerodynamic ducts are also present on the short fairing as well as the tail section. As compared to the X, the 400 features a flat handlebar which should result in a mildly aggressive riding posture. If it were to come to India, it would do some serious damage to the opposition: KTM 390 Duke and BMW G 310 R. The kerb weight of the 400F stands at 188kg. 

Both bikes are powered by a 399cc parallel-twin motor that puts out 44.8PS and 37Nm, 2.7PS and 6Nm less than the BS6 CB500X. Both bikes ride on a conventional telescopic fork and a monoshock, paired with single disc brakes at both ends. 

These two might never make it to Indian shores but with Honda launching the CB500X here, we may get Honda’s full 500cc lineup, including the CB500F and CBR500R, here.