That headline is sure to give Honda's Japanese competitor Kawasaki some jitters. Honda Japan has officially unveiled a 400cc engine based on the new CBR500R's architecture specially for the domestic and Southeast Asian markets.
The 470cc parallel-twin liquid cooled motor retains its 67mm bore but downsizes the stroke to 56.6mm for the new 400. Though power figures haven't been released yet, it is expected that the CBR400 will make around 40-42PS, similar to the Ninja 400.
The engine while being visually identical to the 500 will also share cases, clutch and generator covers with its bigger brother. Honda claims that they have focused on getting a linear power band for the 400 which means like the 250R, performance will be user friendly and easily accessible.
Which also brings to fore the fact that the 400cc engine may also be plonked into different body styles just like the 500. How is this of any significance to the Indian market? You see, the trend is now shifting from 200-250cc machines to the 300-500cc capacity with KTM and Bajaj both in the fray to launch the Duke and Pulsar, not to forget the Ninja 300/400 here.
With Honda entering into the battle, it will be a win-win situation for the customers - aggressive pricing and better quality.
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