The Honda CB-1 is a small, light naked sports motorcycle with a 399 cc straight-four engine, model code NC27. Unlike the rest of the CB series the name is written with a hyphen, and in some countries the bike was sold as the Honda CB400F.
Honda CB-1 at a glance
| Maker | Honda |
|---|---|
| Model code | NC27 |
| Years | 1989–1990 |
| Engine | 399 cc inline four |
| Also called | Honda CB400F |
| Markets | Japan, United States, Canada |
| Camshaft drive | gear-driven, self-silencing gears |
| Quarter mile | 13.17 s at 99.16 mph |
| Top speed | 118 mph (190 km/h) |
| Braking, 60–0 mph | 124 ft (38 m) |
| 1992 clearance price | $3,700 in the US |
Based on one source, the English Wikipedia article on the CB-1. No free photograph of a CB-1 was found among the Commons candidates, so the article has no new photos.
History of the Honda CB-1
A lighter CB
The CB-1 was introduced in 1989 and continued through 1990. It was developed for the Japanese market and was also sold in the United States and Canada. Like its stablemates it used straight gear-driven dual camshafts with self-silencing gears to reduce whine.
Engine from the CBR400RR
The engine was similar to the early NC23 CBR400RR, with changes to port lengths and angles, smaller valves and a lower compression ratio. Primary and secondary gear ratios were changed so that first gear reached only about 30 mph instead of 60, which made the slightly less powerful CB-1 feel much quicker from a standstill than its sportier sibling. All engines derived from the NC23 block carry the NC23 code in the engine number, including the NC27.
Great bike, difficult market
Cycle World called it a great motorcycle that never found an audience, a reincarnation of the standard motorcycle, and measured a standing quarter mile in 13.17 seconds at 99.16 mph with a top speed of 118 mph. Leftover 1990 models were offered in 1992 at a $600 discount, for $3,700 in the United States.
Design and features
- 399 cc inline four: a compact engine derived from the CBR400RR.
- Short gearing: first gear cut to about 30 mph for stronger acceleration.
- Gear-driven cams: self-silencing gears reduce camshaft whine.
- Naked standard riding position: no fairing, upright posture.
Honda CB-1 versions
- CB-1 (NC27): the standard 400 cc model.
- CB400F: the name used in some export markets.
- 1992 clearance stock: unsold 1990 bikes discounted in the US.
The CB-1 sits in Honda’s CB line and uses an engine related to the CBR400. More Hondas are in the Honda collection.
Sources
- Honda CB-1, English Wikipedia: model code, engine, prices, test figures
