Honda Teases Potential Four-Cylinder CBR400R

Rumours Spark as Honda Files Trademark for ‘CBR400R Four’, Hinting at New Four-Cylinder small-capacity engine segment.

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Kawasaki has made waves in the motorcycle world with the release of the Ninja ZX-4R and ZX-4RR, reigniting interest in small-capacity four-cylinder engines. With Kawasaki offering a 400cc inline-four model, enthusiasts are now eagerly anticipating other manufacturers, particularly Honda, to join the fray.

Recently, rumours have been circulating that Honda is developing a new four-cylinder bike, tentatively named the CBR400R Four. This speculation stems from a trademark application Honda filed with Japan’s intellectual property office, as reported by Motorcycle.com.

The application, filed on August 27, suggests that the “CBR400R Four” name is intended to distinguish this potential model from the existing CBR400R, which is currently a two-cylinder bike for the Japanese market. 

Enthusiasts are excited by speculation that Honda is developing a four-cylinder CBR400R

The current CBR400R is essentially a downsized version of the CBR500R, with a reduced stroke, bringing the 471cc twin engine down to 399cc to fit into a different licensing category in Japan. By adding “Four” to the name, Honda seems to be signalling a shift toward a four-cylinder design.

While a trademark filing doesn’t guarantee a final product, it does hint at Honda’s development plans. It’s still too early to know if or when the CBR400R Four will hit the market or if it will be available outside Japan, particularly in Asia. 

The Ninja ZX-4R could be facing a new competitor in the inline-four category

As for what the new CBR400R Four could offer, that remains a mystery. Many are speculating it could match the Kawasaki ZX-4RR’s performance, with a potential output of 70 to 80 horsepower. However, at this stage, nothing is confirmed, and we’ll have to wait for more details to emerge.