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Edition:
Honda CB 400 A Hondamatic - [1978]
This edition of the Honda CB 400 A Hondamatic is the 2 speed / Automatic version and was first brought out in 1978. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1978 Yamaha XS 750 E and the 1978 Yamaha XS 750 Special.This particular Honda CB 400 has a 395cc Air cooled, Two stroke, Wankel Petrol powerplant with 2 cylinders and Carburettor.
An alternative Wankel engine, Standard style motorbike includes the Yamaha XSR 700 Twin - [2020]
The 1978 CB 400 shares its Wankel engine and Standard style configuration with the likes of the 2020 Yamaha XSR 700 Twin and the 2018 Yamaha XSR 700 Twin. Alternatively, if you're looking for other bikes which share the CB 400's Standard style with a similar size of engine then how about the 1997 Suzuki GW 400 Inazuma | 1997cc.1988 Suzuki TV 250 Wolf | 1988cc.
Weighing in at 189 kgs (416 lbs) this makes the Honda CB 400 A Hondamatic in the same weight category as the 2025 Yamaha T�n�r� 700 Rally or the 2025 Suzuki SV 650 ABS, give or take 50kg.
The 1978 Honda CB 400 shares the same bhp with the Honda MSX 125 Grom - [2025]
In terms of power the 395cc 6 valve Wankel 2 cylinder engine produces 26.8 bhp (19 kW) @ 8000 rpm similar to the 2025 Honda MSX 125 Grom [9.6 bhp (7 kW) @ 7250 rpm] or the 2025 Yamaha WR 250 F [36.1 bhp (26 kW) @ 12000 rpm].
The SOHC Two stroke unit throws out torque of 21.3 lb-ft (29.0 Nm) @ 5000 rpm placing it alongside motorbikes of similar performance figures such as the 2025 Yamaha WR 250 F [17.8 lb-ft (24.2 Nm) @ 8100 rpm] and the 2024 Suzuki GSX-S 125 DOHC [8.1 lb-ft (10.9 Nm) @ 8500 rpm].
If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Honda CB 400 you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.
The 2021 Kawasaki KLX 300 SM has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the 1978 Honda CB 400 A Hondamatic.
The 1978 Honda CB 400 A Hondamatic has a Power to weight ratio of 141.7 bhp per ton and 113.2 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1978 CB 400 competing with the 2021 Kawasaki KLX 300 SM [166.6 bhp\ton] and the 1980 Suzuki GSX 250 E [166.6 bhp\ton].
If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby, then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance is Torque. Factor weight into the equation and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Honda CB 400 generating around 113.2 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other motorbikes have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 1991 Honda NT 400 Bros�MKII [138.2 lb-ft per ton] and the 2021 Honda CRF 300 L [138.0 lb-ft per ton].
With a 0-60mph time of 26.1 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 26.7 secs, this makes the Honda CB 400 A Hondamatic similar in acceleration to the 2021 Yamaha XSR 155 Variable Valve (26.1 secs) and the 2019 Yamaha XSR 155 Variable Valve (26.1 secs). This Honda CB 400 A Hondamatic also competes in terms of 0-60 mph and 0-100km/h with the 2018 Honda CB 250 R Neo Sports Cafe (0.0 secs) and the 2020 Norton Superlight SS (0.4 secs).
Quarter Mile time is a close race between the 1978 Honda CB 400 A Hondamatic and the 2018 Kawasaki Versys-X 300
When talking about the performance of the 1978 Honda CB 400 A Hondamatic on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 0 secs @ 0 mph. Bikes with a similar performance down the quarter mile can be found in the 2018 Kawasaki Versys-X 300 (0 secs) and the 2011 Kawasaki BJ 250 Estrella (0 secs).
The 1978 version of the Honda CB 400 A Hondamatic has a maximum speed of 108mph.
Top Speed of the 1978 CB 400 equals the 2014 Yamaha XT 1200 ZE ES Super Tenere
If maxing out your bike on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster at the top end than the 1978 Honda CB 400 A Hondamatic then how about a 2014 Yamaha XT 1200 ZE ES Super Tenere (119 mph) and the 2014 Yamaha XT 1200 Z Super Tenere (119 mph).
