It is an exciting time for motorcycle enthusiasts! Honda seems to be hinting at a glorious return for a beloved nameplate, and the signs are pointing toward a new “CB400 SUPER FOUR.” The disappearance of the final CB400 Super Four and Super Bol d’Or models from Honda’s website in May 2025, three years after production concluded, was a curious event. But the subsequent filing of a domestic trademark application for “CB400 SUPER FOUR” has ignited a firestorm of speculation and hope.

Everyone is waiting for the CB! The CB400 Legacy and its Potential Future

For years, the Honda CB400 Super Four was a legend. Its inline-four engine, a marvel of engineering, delivered a smooth, linear powerband and a distinctive, high-revving wail that riders adored. This bike became a benchmark for the middleweight naked sport segment, particularly in Japan. Its recent absence from the market has left a noticeable void, a space that the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R, with its own high-revving inline-four, has been eagerly filling. This competitive landscape provides a powerful incentive for Honda to reclaim its throne.

The motorcycle world received a jolt of anticipation when Honda’s Minoru Kato announced the development of a new mid-size inline-four engine for the Chinese market. This engine is expected to power a new full-cowl sports bike, a direct competitor to the Ninja ZX-4R. The trademark filings for “CBR400R FOUR” on August 27, 2024, and “CBR500R FOUR” on November 5, 2024, strongly support this theory. The “FOUR” in the name explicitly differentiates these forthcoming models from Honda’s existing twin-cylinder CBR-R series, emphasizing their four-cylinder pedigree.

The logical next step for this new engine platform would be a naked version for the Japanese domestic market and other regions. This is where the “CB400 SUPER FOUR” trademark application, filed on July 18, 2025, becomes so significant. It’s a name that carries immense weight and nostalgia. The name “CB400 SUPER FOUR” seems more fitting than a generic “CB400 FOUR,” as it directly invokes the legacy of the iconic model. It’s a savvy marketing move that plays on the deep-seated affection for the original. While trademark applications sometimes serve to protect a name from being used by others, the timing and context suggest something far more exciting is on the horizon.

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Anticipating the Next-Generation CB400

The new CB400 is expected to be more than just a throwback. It will likely leverage modern technology to enhance its appeal to a new generation of riders while still captivating veteran enthusiasts. The engine, while a screaming inline-four, will likely be tuned for a more all-around character, balancing high-performance fun with daily usability, much like its predecessor.

One of the most compelling rumored features is the integration of Honda’s new E-Clutch technology. This innovative system allows for seamless, clutch-lever-free starts, stops, and gear changes, yet still provides the option for a traditional clutch experience. This technology could be a major differentiator, offering the best of both worlds: the engaging feel of a manual transmission with the convenience and ease of an automatic. For a rider, this means less fatigue in urban commuting and more focus on the pure joy of riding on winding roads.

The design of the next-generation CB400 and its fully-faired sibling, the CBR400R FOUR, are also a topic of great interest. The CB400 is expected to evolve from the classic CB-SF design with a more modern, computerized aesthetic. The CBR400R FOUR is likely to feature a cutting-edge design, perhaps borrowing from the aggressive styling cues of the CBR250RR, to make a bold statement in the highly competitive sportbike category.

The Market and the Competition: A Review of the Landscape

The motorcycle market, particularly in the middleweight segment, is a battlefield of innovation and nostalgia. The return of the CB400 Super Four, a model that garnered immense loyalty and positive reviews, would be a major event.

Likes and Dislikes of the Previous CB400 Super Four:

  • Likes: Unmistakable inline-four engine sound, smooth power delivery, classic styling, and exceptional build quality. Its reliability and ease of use made it a favorite for both new and experienced riders.
  • Dislikes: The model’s eventual discontinuation was a major disappointment. Some riders also found its design, while classic, to be a bit dated compared to more aggressive modern naked bikes.

Competitors and Market Analysis:

The primary rival is the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R. This bike has successfully cornered the high-performance, small-displacement inline-four market. Its high-revving engine and sharp, aggressive styling appeal to a sport-oriented demographic. A new CB400 Super Four would need to offer a compelling alternative. Honda’s approach seems to be a blend of performance and practicality. By positioning the CB400 as an “all-around” character with the added benefits of E-Clutch technology, it can appeal to a broader audience who want the thrill of a four-cylinder without the hardcore track focus of the ZX-4R. The potential for a CBR400R FOUR to compete directly with the ZX-4R on a performance level is also very real, but the CB400 Super Four seems poised to offer a unique and compelling value proposition.

The timing of this announcement is also quite poetic. The original CB400 Four, which was a 408cc model, made its debut in 1974. A new model announced in 2025 and released in 2026 would be a fantastic way to celebrate this iconic nameplate’s rich history. It is clear that Honda is not just looking to revive a model; it is looking to innovate and reassert its dominance in a segment it once owned.

We will all be watching with bated breath as more details emerge about the next chapter in the CB400 saga. The trademark filing for “CB400 SUPER FOUR” is more than just a name; it’s a promise of a new era of riding excitement.

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