Honda CL400 (NC38) 1998

400cc Single-cylinder Road Sports Bike, 1998 Honda CL400 Scrambler Specs, Price & Pictures Gallery

1998 Honda CL400 (NC38) wallpaper

The Honda CL400 is a scrambler-style sports model equipped with an air-cooled 4-stroke OHC 4-valve single-cylinder 397cc engine. For Honda, it is undeniable that the appearance of the CL400, which became the first single-cylinder 400cc sports bike since the GB400TT in 1985, was accompanied by the appearance of the Yamaha SR400, which popularity has not declined even after 20 years since its debut. It was exhibited at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1997 and was released in September 23rd 1998 in response to its popularity. The point of styling is to reproduce the old Scrambler style as it is. Its simplicity, such as the teardrop-shaped tank and flat seat, is to enhance the presence of the engine with heat radiation fins that seems to be air-cooled. From there, the CL400 was characterized by two semi-up mufflers on the left and right. Although it was a model with a strong presence, production was discontinued because it did not meet the 1999 exhaust gas regulations. The model equipped with an air-cooled 400cc single-cylinder engine was inherited by the CB400SS (standard single), which adopted a universal road sports style.

1998 Honda CL400 photo. Model : NC38. Color: silver.

Honda CL400 is one of the proposals for a new motorcycle that enriches the lifestyle. This "CL400" is a model that was exhibited as a reference at the 32nd Tokyo Motor Show 1997 and was well received by a wide range of people from young people to adults. It was the first time in about 13 years since 1985. The CL400 was announced as a road sports bike that can be enjoyed lightly from urban areas to winding roads in the suburbs, taking advantage of the comfortable pulse and powerful output characteristics of an air-cooled, single-cylinder, 400cc engine. The engine had a built-in balancer to reduce vibration, and a dry sump system was adopted to make the oil supply smoother while contributing to a more compact size. Two colors are available: Pleiades Silver Metallic and Siena Gold Metallic.

Picture of Honda CL400 model year 1998 in new condition. Color: Gold.

Honda CL400 1998 Price

Planned sales volume (Japan domestic/annual 1998) : 5,000 units

Manufacturer's suggested retail price at that time was 448,000 yen

(Example of regional suggested retail price: Hokkaido is 17,000 yen higher, Okinawa is 9,000 yen higher, excluding some other areas.)
(Reference price. Consumption tax not included.)

On the outside, a lightweight and compact 400cc engine with heat dissipation fins is mounted on a simple semi-double cradle frame. Combining powerful semi-up twin mufflers distributed to the left and right, individual parts such as a teardrop-shaped fuel tank that eliminates vanity and a thin seat with a flat seating surface are fused at a high level to create a universal look. Realized an urban design.  
Equipped with an air-cooled, single-cylinder, 400cc engine that has a good reputation for off-road bikes, it has powerful output characteristics in the low and medium rpm ranges that are often used on a daily basis, but also in the high rpm range. It enables a running taste with a sense of growth. In order to make the engine easier to start, an auto-decompression mechanism that automatically decompresses only when the engine is started and a highly reliable CDI type magnet ignition are adopted.  
In addition, a balancer that reduces engine vibration is built in, and a dry sump system that makes the engine oil supply smoother while contributing to the compactness is adopted, realizing light and smooth running even though it is a single cylinder. ing.  
The frame uses a lightweight and highly rigid semi-double cradle frame that uses forged materials at the joints of each part. The suppleness and rigidity of steel pipes are balanced, and combined with the upright telescopic front suspension, stiff two-piece rear suspension, and spoke-type wheels, it provides a light steering feel.  
The brakes use a single disc on the front for excellent braking feel, and a drum type with a simple structure on the rear to ensure stable braking force.  
　Two colors are available: Pleiades Silver Metallic with an urban monotone and Sienna Gold Metallic with a nostalgic image.

1998 Honda CL400 Review

The background was the retro boom at the time, and Honda, which has a long-standing CL trademark, developed a new CL with a renewed design and design to ride the wave of this boom. Other than the scrambler style, it is better to interpret it as a completely different bike, and it is difficult to say that it is a successor model.

Honda CL400 (NC38) photo in original condition.

However, it is not at all inferior to the previous CL series, and if the previous CL series was a genuine Japanese car design, the CL400 has a simple and stylish design that incorporates a European taste.

1999 Honda CL400 fuel tank.

In modern times, motorcycles are gaining popularity as one of the camping tools, and off-road motorcycles are especially attracting attention due to their drivability and tough appearance. Furthermore, among them, stylish and classical scrambler bikes are a category enough to show different personality, and it seems that scrambler type bikes are selling well even in the used market. Of course, the CL400 is one of them, and its popularity has rekindled, and it seems that it is in short supply even in the used market.

Restored Honda CL400 photo from top left side.

I also really like the design of the classic Scrambler, and I'm also quite interested in the Scrambler that you can buy new as a neo-classic, but the bike as a real old bike has a unique aura, and it seems to be a bike of the time. Since the atmosphere is drifting in the air, I personally feel that there are many times when I find it more attractive.

Image of Honda CL400 1999. Blue

Even though it's a vintage bike, the CL400 was released in 1998, about 23 years after its release, so I think it's still a short history to call it an old bike, but its nostalgic appearance is particularly eye-catching now.

1998 Honda CL400 Main Specifications

Common Name		CL400
Type expression		NC38
Length×Width×Height	(m)	2.175×0.825×1.135
Axle distance	(m)	1.410
Minimum ground clearance	(m)	0.185
Seat height	(m)	0.795
Vehicle weight/dry weight	(kg)	155/140
Capacity	(people)	2
Fuel consumption rate (Km/L) 60Km/h level running test value		36.0
Minimum turning radius	(m)	2.5
Engine model		NC38E air-cooled 4-stroke OHC 4-valve single cylinder
Total Displacement	(cm3 )	397
Inner Diameter x Stroke	(mm)	85.0×70.0
Compression Ratio		8.8
Max output	(PS/rpm)	29/7,000
Max Torque	(k-gm/rpm)	3.5/5,500
Carburetor model		VEBA
Starting method		Kick method
Ignition method		CID battery ignition
Lubrication method		Combined pumping and splashing method
Lubricant capacity	(L)	2.2
Fuel tank capacity	(L)	12
Clutch type		Wet multi-plate coil spring
Transmission type		Constant mesh 5-speed return
Transmission ratio	1st gear	2.615
	2 speed	1.789
	3 speed	1.350
	4 speed	1.076
	5 speed	0.925
Tire size	Front	90/100-19 55P
	Rear	110/90-18 61P
Brake type	Front	Hydraulic disc
	Rear	Mechanical leading trailing
Suspension system	Front	Telescopic
	Rear	Swing arm type
Frame format		Semi-double cradle

You might also interested to check the price of spare parts or accessories for Honda CL400 motorbike.

• Philips 9003 Vision Upgrade Headlight Bulb (Pack of 2) - $29.99.
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• Vesrah Individual Exhaust Gasket -Honda CA175 CL175 CB400 CM400 CB450 CM450 CB650 (VE-1008-1) - .
  Outer Diameter = about 43.2mm.
  Inner Diameter = 34.8mm.
  Thickness = 4.2mm. 4into1. .
• How to Rebuild and Restore Classic Japanese Motorcycles (Motorbooks Workshop) - $34.99.
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• Pyle PLG6C 6.5-Inch 400-Watt 2-Way Custom Component System - $102.99.
  This Custom Kit Contains.
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• Autolite XS4164DP Xtreme Sport Iridium Powersports Spark Plug - $100.00.
  Designed for motorcycles, ATV's, jet skies, boats, and snowmobiles.
  .6mm finewire design with sport V-trim ground electrode provides more horsepower than a standard plug and better fuel efficiency than a worn plug.
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• Allen Sports Deluxe 2-Bike Trunk Mount Rack - $59.99.
  Patented design fits sedans, hatchbacks, minivans, and SUV's - consult manufacturer web site for specific vehicle fit information^Side straps for increased lateral stability.
  Individual tie-downs secure and protect bicycles.
  Padded lower frame keeps bicycles away from vehicle. Allen Sports. Multi. 102DN
• PharMeDoc Coccyx Seat Cushion -Sciatica Pillow for Back Pain - #1 Memory Foam Pillow for Sciatica Relief - New & Improved 2016 Design - Car Seat Cushion / Wedge - Office, Travel, Wheelchair & more - $79.95.
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• Philips 9003 CrystalVision Ultra Upgrade Headlight Bulb, 2 Pack - $66.65.
  Xenon powered halogen.
  4000 K bright white light on the road.
  Blue-capped bulb creates reflection in the headlamps reflector. Philips. . 9003CVB2
• Pyle PLA2200 2-Channel 1,400-Watt Bridgeable Mosfet Amplifier - $175.99.
  700 Watts x 2 Output.
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  Variable Hi/Lo Electronic Crossover Network. Pyle. Black. PLA2200