WTF!!! Why are we always spectators seeing launch in other countries?
Few days ago it was the V-twin 250 then some 500 and now 400. I really don't understand

Because first Japan is their homeland. Second, people there don't think about mileage much. In India, even they will ask mileage for Fireblade!!

"Satu Hati", (and it shall never change no matter what our customers say). Essentially, the engine, brakes, etc. seem to be same in all the 3 motorcycles.


Arguably, the only reasons I can think why Honda would drop down to a 400, from a 500 are:

1. might be fearing performance comparisons with CBR 600RR, which might adversely affect the market of their 500cc bikes in developing countries, where knowledge is still a rarity, and where its quite difficult to explain to people why 600RR makes 120 bhp and 500R makes 40~ bhp.
2. they might have an intention to launch a 600cc later on, so to differentiate the 600 enough from the 500, they made it 400cc. Think about this line up: 250R, 400R and 600R. It looks more spread and complete than 250, 500 and 600.
3. Probably, some problems in testing/ production? They short stroked it, and there could be many reasons for it.


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@ Aargee: Mostly true. Automotive Journalism has only a few reliable names left as of now. And they spoiled their reputation themselves. Remember, someone was claiming R6's launch in 2007? Gladiator 165? FZ250? Ninja 250 being priced at 1.4 Lacs ( )?

But it is not always a journalist's fault. At times, concepts never get into production, because the project doesn't end properly. or probably the company doesn't see a market for the product. So, the news once given by a journalist, was going to be true but the company couldn't actualize it. No one can predict the future. That's why even company spokespersons don't blabber about everything that's in their R&D Department. They wait for the right moment when stuff is actually finalised, then they can talk because they have an assurance that it will happen.

A journalist whose genuine news turns false, does commit a mistake no doubt:- he talks too much, a bit too early. That's it.

Add the R15 to it: When it was unveiled during 2008 Auto Expo, Seasoned(?) Auto Journos speculated like excited teenagers that it would make 20-21 Ps/Bhp.


Believe me, NO company shares its concept/development stages unless they are ready to be unveiled.

Again a news to increase the post and burn our self ! with this news only we can do is sit here and ask people when will this be launched in India or will it be launched here ??
Which inturn makes us to think lets delay the plan of buying or booking a bike to get this lovely machine!!
Heck!!

Come on guys no way to this..... lets hope Duke390 gets launched here atleast!!

No comments about launch, I reflect the same feelings as many others in the thread.

I am sure this will be a co-existing twin for the 500 series, just like the 150 & 250 twins. Comparing technically, the 400s will be shorter stroked, generating less torque and revving harder then the 500s (again, think of the 250 vs 150). Not sure whether a short-stroke cross tourer would make much sense...

They have tested the waters with their 250R, they should certainly have plans of bringing in the 400/600 depending on the total cost they feel they can justify. I for one would love the 400 to be here and now. Why can't they divert some percentage of 400 to Indian shores and make a prelim launch to gauge the reaction.

Yes. No doubt.
But, I think some individuals do leak information unofficially to their trusted journos. Few times, I have seen BI using such language in their text. Moreover, I have seen a journalist/ journo team's word come true, much before anyone got a hint of what's happening. So, the best guess is obviously the candid info leakers.


This reminds me of a time when some blog used to say in 2008, "Pulsar 350 by 2012" and you see, its almost coming true, albeit by a delay of approx 6-9 months, in 2013, on Duke 390's platform.
Although yes, this particular example can be a lucky guess coming true, but there are other instances too, where a journo became a successful astrologer.

Not unless it's ready for launch (to create a buzz)..


Back in 2008..?? 350??

Don't count your chickens till they hatch.. is what I'd still say.

these are good bikes and makes sense for india, but, pricing is what holds the key. sales is inversely proportional to price, and if numbers are not good, it will not make much sense to produce them in india, unless honda has plans to make india as export base. so it will be a wait and watch scene.

Just checked out the CB 500 R/F/X series in Paris. And I am very much disappointed. Very small motorcycles! In fact same size as the 250.
The best of them 3 is the CB500F streetbike.

That silver CBR500 one looks very much like a reworked CBR250! The tricolor may look a bit more imposing, though. I was expecting them to be atleast the same size as the CBR600RR !

It was expected, for the 500 series to be the same size of the 250R as they have the same dimensions . The silver one looks good. Can you post some more pics please? specially the CB500F streetbike and the CB500X tourer.

a 1000 cc BMW s1000rr almost feels like a 600 however thats what makes it quicker as well..
making a 500 cc relaxed engine of 40-50 horses as big as a 600RR will make it heavier and non exciting... 600r rmakes 120hp.
above that they need to justify the price tag diffrence between a 500r and 600rr. if they both look similar they will face criticizm
for making a base level tourer similar to a super sports cant disappoint the bigger guys..

it might be similar to a 250 but please realize if the company can fit in a bigger engine with the small chassis eventually we are
getting benefitted by getting a lighter and quicker motorcycle..

out of the 3 rides.. my bet is the 500x... its like niceeeee...

Interesting perspective - didn't know that the 500R was supposed to be a relaxed tourer!

@nitrosatya: Is the riding position similar to the 250R?

OT: I have started developing a serious weakness towards faired tourers - started with the ZMR, satiated with the CBR250, and the ultimate dream would be a FJR1300!