HONDA DEVELOPING NEW HONDA CBR400R

While we were guessing that the new 500cc middleweight motorcycles from Honda is to compete with the new Kawasaki Ninja 400R, Honda surprised everyone by unveiling a new 400cc twin-cylinder engine motorcycle which is a downsized version of the 470cc parallel twin found on the CBR500R. This 400cc bike is developed exclusively for the Japanese market, where the Japanese government imposes lower taxes upon motorcycles in the 250-400cc segment. Thus making the motorcycles in this category costs lesser.

To utilize the tax benefits leading motorcycle makers like Honda, Kawasaki and Suzuki are developing the single cylinder engine and twin cylinder engine for the 250cc to 400cc category. Honda already has the CBR250R in that category and now they developed the new twin cylinder engine displacing 400cc. The 400cc four stroke twin cylinder engine is expected to power the Honda CBR400R and is expected to have a tough fight with Kawasaki Ninja 400R.

Honda is trying to establish a strong foundation in the Japanese market at the moment. There is question whether they will sell the new CBR400R sportsbike in other countries or not. There are some reports that they are also planning to launch the bike in south east Asian markets. The motorcycle market in India has been improved in last few years and the bike can be a rival for upcoming KTM Duke 390 and Bajaj Pulsar 375.