HONDA The Power of Dreams

In November 2012 at EICMA 2012 held in Milan, Italy, Honda unveiled three new models: the CB500F, CBR500R, and CB500X. All three were powered by a newly developed, liquid-cooled, four-stroke, DOHC, four-valve inline two-cylinder engine.

Among them, the CB500F adopted the latest design trends for a modern naked road sport model.

The development team conducted extensive research on customer needs worldwide when developing these three models, examining expectations around displacement, vehicle size, and design.

In Europe, more riders—even those unconcerned with displacement or the number of cylinders—were seeking motorcycles that allow relaxed touring from city to countryside as well as enjoyable sporty riding on winding roads. Riders also wanted motorcycles with a sense of presence while keeping ownership costs modest.

In contrast, the trend in Asian makers showed increasing numbers of riders moving up from smaller-displacement motorcycles to more versatile sports models.

Based on research from multiple markets, the development team analyzed rider preferences and lifestyles in detail and set the following development targets:

• - Approachable operation with a manageable size and comfortable riding position
• - Strong environmental performance paired with output characteristics that make riding enjoyable under a wide range of conditions
• - Distinctive styling that reflects the latest trends and provides a satisfying sense of ownership

To meet these needs across regions, the team selected a 500cc mid-sized displacement (400cc for Japan). The chassis used a compact, lightweight diamond frame offering both flexibility and rigidity, combined with 17-inch wheels front and rear.

To deliver an affordable price point, Honda adopted the approach of developing three models simultaneously, all sharing the same engine and core chassis.

The CB500F/CB400F were developed as naked sport models that is easy to handle in daily life, with consideration for entry-level riders through approachable vehicle weight and easy footing.

[Design]
The design concept for the CB500F/CB400F was “Modern & European Naked.”

By showcasing the functional beauty of the engine, the CB500F/CB400F expresses a dynamic and energetic naked-bike silhouette. It offers a solid sense of presence, yet the slim chassis enables a free, comfortable riding position.
The result is a next-generation naked model that balances visual impact with ease of handling.

[Engine]
The newly developed liquid-cooled, four-stroke, DOHC, four-valve inline two-cylinder engine delivers smooth, strong performance from low and mid rpm through high rpm, while achieving excellent fuel efficiency and environmental performance.

For the CB500F, bore × stroke is 67.0 mm × 66.8 mm for 500 cc. For the Japan-market CB400F, stroke was shortened to 56.6 mm, resulting in 399 cm³.

Honda announced the CB500F as the 2013 European model at EICMA in November 2012, followed by the full product details release in April 2013.

In Japan, Honda introduced the CB400F, CBR400R, and CB400X in April 2013—models that shared the same frame and engine to deliver unique character and ride feel for the Japanese market.

The CB400F was created as a basic naked road sport that offers the enjoyment of easy, approachable riding for riders new to mid-class bikes.

The CB400F adopted distinctive shrouds that set it apart from previous naked models. The fuel tank, shrouds, and headlight were integrated into a single sculpted mass, expressing a dynamic and powerful presence.

The instrument panel used a fully digital LCD display with excellent visibility, incorporating a digital tachometer, fuel gauge, clock, average fuel consumption meter, and more.

The flat-type handlebar gives an immediate sense of sportiness and control the moment the rider sits on the bike.

Thus, 400cc CB lineup expanded into three models in Japan, powered by the new two-cylinder engine—the CB400F, the long-running inline-four CB400 Super Four, and the CB400 Super Bol d’Or—offering a wide range of choices to meet diverse customer needs.