Photo: Joe Tordiff · CC BY-SA 2.0
Honda CB400F
78/100 Overall
70 On the road85 As a classic
Classic motorcycle head-to-head
Honda CB400F vs Kawasaki KH400
Honda CB400F scores 78/100 overall against Kawasaki KH400 on 81/100. On the road: 70–67. As classics: 85–95. Overall result: Kawasaki KH400.
Photo: PSParrot from England · CC BY 2.0
Kawasaki KH400
81/100 Overall
67 On the road95 As a classic
The numbers
Category-by-category result
| Category | Honda CB400F | Kawasaki KH400 | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| road | |||
| PerformanceDirect comparison of power, acceleration and usable performance across the pre-1990 classic field. | 6 | 8 | Kawasaki KH400 |
| HandlingSteering, stability, weight and real-road manners. | 8 | 7 | Honda CB400F |
| BrakingDirect comparison of real stopping ability without an age allowance. | 6 | 7 | Kawasaki KH400 |
| ReliabilityEngine, electrics and general dependability when properly maintained. | 8 | 6 | Honda CB400F |
| Ease of ownershipMaintenance, parts supply and access to specialist knowledge. | 8 | 6 | Honda CB400F |
| ComfortRiding position, vibration and suitability for longer journeys. | 6 | 6 | Level |
| classic | |||
| StylingDesign quality, visual presence and period appeal. | 9 | 9 | Level |
| Historical importanceInfluence on motorcycling and importance within its era. | 8 | 9 | Kawasaki KH400 |
| Collector appealLong-term desirability among classic motorcycle enthusiasts. | 9 | 10 | Kawasaki KH400 |
| CharacterSound, feel, personality and memorable riding experience. | 8 | 10 | Kawasaki KH400 |
Choose the Honda CB400F if…
you want jewel-like engineering, light controls, a beautiful four-into-one exhaust and an engaging small-capacity Honda four.
Choose the Kawasaki KH400 if…
you want charismatic Kawasaki triple-cylinder performance in a more manageable package than the larger Mach models.
Background
History
Honda CB400F
The Honda CB400F was produced from 1975–1977 and used a 408cc air-cooled SOHC inline four. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for styling, collector appeal, reliability. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Kawasaki KH400
The Kawasaki KH400 was produced from 1976–1978 and used a 400cc air-cooled two-stroke triple. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for collector appeal, character, styling. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Interesting details
Did you know?
Honda CB400F
- Its production span in this library runs from 1975 to 1977.
- The recorded engine description is: 408cc air-cooled SOHC inline four.
- Its strongest comparison scores are styling, collector appeal, reliability.
Kawasaki KH400
- Its production span in this library runs from 1976 to 1978.
- The recorded engine description is: 400cc air-cooled two-stroke triple.
- Its strongest comparison scores are collector appeal, character, styling.
Present-day appeal
Collector notes
Honda CB400F
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Honda CB400F. Its library score for styling is 9/10. Values and desirability can vary substantially between years, specifications and restoration quality, so individual examples should be assessed on their own evidence.
Kawasaki KH400
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Kawasaki KH400. Its library score for collector appeal is 10/10. Values and desirability can vary substantially between years, specifications and restoration quality, so individual examples should be assessed on their own evidence.
Before you buy
Buying checks
Honda CB400F
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check carburettor balance, charging output and exhaust condition across all cylinders.
- Inspect the frame, wheels, brakes and suspension for wear, damage or poor repairs.
- Verify that important model-specific parts have not been replaced with incorrect later components.
- Review the paperwork, ownership history and any restoration invoices before purchase.
Kawasaki KH400
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check the oil-injection or premix arrangement, crank seals and exhaust condition carefully.
- Inspect the frame, wheels, brakes and suspension for wear, damage or poor repairs.
- Verify that important model-specific parts have not been replaced with incorrect later components.
- Review the paperwork, ownership history and any restoration invoices before purchase.
Period opposition
Historic rivals
Rivals to the Honda CB400F
Rivals to the Kawasaki KH400
Final result
The verdict
Honda CB400F wins the direct on-the-road comparison. Kawasaki KH400 wins the classic-motorcycle comparison. Kawasaki KH400 takes the overall result after the road and classic scores are weighted equally.