How Likely is the Honda CBR 400R for India?

Honda has showcased the CBR 400R  for the year 2020. This is a fully faired 440cc bike from Honda which is priced at 808,500 yen and is set to launch in Japan. That is approximately Rs 5,62,054.  So the question that it arises that the will this bike make it to India? Is it a good idea for Honda to launch the CBR 400R for India? Here is the article that breaks down each question that arises.

How is Engine Different?

The first biggest thing for India is the engine. For a manufacturer who has a majority of the sales in the single-cylinder segment will a bike of the twin-cylinder line the CBR 400R be viable for the market? The bike does bear the CBR name which its predecessors 300R and 250R but it a much-sophisticated bike. The liquid-cooled engine is a parallel twin 399cc which makes a power of 45 bhp and a peak torque of 38 Nm.

Just to give an idea of being a single-cylinder the KTM Duke 390 or the RC 390 makes a power of 43 bhp.  Also, those bikes have been in the market for a very long time now. There is no motive for Honda to bring the bike to India and put it as a competition to the Duke unless a shift towards twin cylinders is seen.

CBR 400R Cycle Parts

The front forks are telescopic 41mm forks. USD has been skipped on the international model so there is no chance that there will be one for the India specific. The rear is monoshock linked to the cast aluminium swingarm. Braking is at the front is handled with a 320mm petal disc and 240mm at the rear. There is also a slip and assist clutch.  If honda has to bring this bike to India most of these parts have to be homologated as there are no bikes which make use of such premium components.

CBR 400R Design

The CBR 400R has not changed much. There is a twin-pod headlight, full faring and a muscular tank. The split seats and twin-barrel exhaust continue to have an effect of a sports bike. The clip-on handlebars help to maintain a committed riding posture. The logo and the graphics are inspired by the CBR 1000RR-R. The bike comes in 3 colours – Champion Red, Matte Gray and Pearl Glare White.

What suits more for India?

For now Indian want a bike in the 250cc range with a fully fared styling. There aren’t a KTM RC 250 and the Fazer 25 has been discontinued. The CBR 250 has been discontinued and the chances of its revival are very less. If Honda brings a bike in this space then it would make a big difference to the companies standing. The main reason why we discussed this is because honda announced that they will be bringing 500cc bikes to India. Now the name CBR 400R suggests that it won’t fall into this category but we took it as a topic to discuss as it is a twin-cylinder and a strong contender to the current kind of two-wheelers in India.

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