Honda CB400SF Hyper VTEC (BC-NC39) 1999–2001

1999-2001 New Honda CB400 SUPER FOUR Hyper VTEC Specs, Review, Price & Photos Gallery

Honda CB400 Super Four Hyper VTEC (BC-NC39) 1999
1999 New Honda CB400 SUPER FOUR Hyper VTEC photo.
A road sports bike that combines powerful driving and environmental performance.

On February 23rd 1999, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has released a newly developed Honda CB400 SUPER FOUR HYPER VTEC, equipped with a 4-stroke DOHC 4-valve in-line 4-cylinder 399cc engine and a renewed body to further enhance the lightness and power of driving.

Since its release in April 1992, the CB400 SUPER FOUR has been sold as a road sports bike that can be enjoyed in a wide range of applications, from urban areas to suburban winding roads and high-speed driving.
This new model was developed with the aim of achieving both "fun to drive" and "environmental performance" that impress riders by thoroughly investigating "what a new generation of road sports bikes should be".
The newly developed "HYPER VTEC" aims to improve intake/exhaust efficiency and combustion efficiency, and is a further evolution of Honda's unique valve control system VTEC technology. This is the world's first mass-produced vehicle mechanism as a "direct push type" that pushes the valve directly.  
By adopting an exhaust air injection system (secondary air introduction device) as an exhaust gas purification system for this high-performance engine, the new exhaust gas regulations that will be newly introduced in Japan from October is adapted to  
Combined with the adoption of a newly designed frame and suspension, the overall performance has been further improved.  
The CB400 SUPER FOUR is designed to meet the expectations of a wide range of users as a road sports model that combines outstanding dynamic performance and environmental performance.  
*1 VTEC = Variable Valve Timing & Lift Electronic Control System  (Company) Research by the National Light Motor Vehicle Association.

1999 model Honda CB400 SUPER FOUR HYPER VTEC.

The newly developed "HYPER VTEC" is a further evolution of Honda's unique valve control system VTEC technology, aiming to improve intake and exhaust efficiency and combustion efficiency, and the cam directly pushes the valve via a lifter " It is the world's first mechanism for a mass-produced vehicle as a "direct push type". By adopting an exhaust air injection system (secondary air introduction device) as an exhaust gas purification system, it complies with the new exhaust gas regulations newly introduced in Japan.

1999 Honda CB400SF Hyper VTEC Price

Manufacturer's suggested retail price in year 1999:
  • Solid Color : 609,000 yen
  • Stripe pattern : 619,000 yen

(Sample 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.)</ p>

Planned sales volume (domestic/annual 1999): 8,000 units.

Honda CB400SF Hyper VTEC Specifications

Main specs of Honda CB400 Super Four Hyper VTEC model year 1999-2001:

Common NameCB 400 SUPER FOUR
Motorcycle name/modelHonda BC-NC39
Length x Width x Height(m)2.050 x 0.725 x 1.070
Axle distance(m)1.415
Minimum ground clearance(m)0.130
Seat height(m)0.760
Vehicle weight(kg)188
Dry Weight(kg)168
Capacity(people)2
Minimum turning radius(m)2.6
Engine model/typeNC23E, water-cooled 4-stroke DOHC 4-valve in-line 4-cylinder
Total Displacement(cm 3  )399
Inner Diameter x Stroke(mm)55.0×42.0
Compression Ratio11.3
Max output(PS/rpm)53/11,000
Max Torque(kgm/rpm)3.9/9,500
Fuel consumption rate (Km/L) 60km/h level running test value37.0
Carburetor modelVP04
Starting modelSelf-operated
Ignition methodFull transistor battery ignition
Lubrication methodCombined pumping and splashing method
Lubricant capacity(L)3.8
Fuel tank capacity(L)18
Clutch typeWet multi-plate coil spring
Transmission typeConstant mesh 6-speed return
Transmission ratio1st gear3.307
2 speed2.294
3 speed1.750
4 speed1.421
5 speed1.240
6 speed1.130
Reduction ratio (primary/secondary)2.171/2.933
Caster (deg)/Trail (mm)25°15′/89
Tire sizeFront120/60 ZR17(55W)
Rear160/60ZR17(69W)
Brake typeFrontHydraulic double disc
RearHydraulic disc
Suspension systemFrontTelescopic
RearSwing arm type
Frame FormatDouble Cradle

Main Features of CB400 SUPER FOUR HYPER VTEC

The 1999 model Honda CB400SF Hyper VTEC introduced major engine improvements through the use of Honda's VTEC system. While having four valves per cylinder, below 6750 rpm one intake and exhaust pair are disabled. This technique improved the engine's low and mid-range power and efficiency, while retaining performance over 6,750 rpm by resuming four valve operation. The light-weight aluminium muffler (previously special edition), 40 mm shorter wheelbase, 10 mm lower engine mount position, and front suspension lifted from the super-sport CBR900RR resulted in improved handling. Weight reduced by 6 kg (13 lb).

Equipped with a newly developed HYPER VTEC engine

The number of valves operating from four per cylinder is switched to two in the low-to-mid speed range and four in the high-speed range above 6,750 rpm. By setting the cam profile that gives the optimum valve timing, the following effects are obtained.

  • Achieves powerful output characteristics in both the low and medium speed range and the high speed range.
  • Improved fuel consumption rate by 6.6%. (60km/h level running test value) 
    (Conventional model: 34.7km/L → 37.0km/L)

Body that achieves both excellent maneuverability at a high level and light handling in urban areas

The newly designed double cradle frame further refines the sharp handling of the previous model, while thoroughly reviewing its rigidity and size in order to further improve daily usability. The rear fork length and caster angle have been changed to shorten the wheelbase by 35mm compared to the previous version S type, and by setting the engine mounting position 10mm lower, excellent handling has been achieved.  
The front suspension is used on the large supersport model CBR900RR, and uses a two-piece bottom case that has a reputation for being lightweight and highly rigid.  
The rear suspension is equipped with a separate compression damper with a reservoir tank that provides stable damping force and excellent heat dissipation, and the spring rate has been changed to a two-step type.  
By raising the grade of the front and rear suspension, it has achieved a comfortable ride and light maneuverability.  
The front and rear tires have been changed from the conventional bias tires to wide radial tires for high grip performance and weight reduction.  
By thoroughly reducing the weight of each part of the body, including the engine, the dry weight has been significantly reduced by 6kg compared to the previous model.

Dauntless and dynamic styling

The styling inherits the sexy and wild feel of the previous model, and the impressive performance that captivates the owner's heart, while adopting a design full of dynamism and power.  
By setting three types of coloring, it is possible to meet the tastes of a wide range of users.

  • Force silver metallic (stripe pattern). Color that emphasizes sportiness
  • Candy Phoenix Blue. Light and fresh image color
  • Black. The color of a strong, toned and fearless image
Dormant state/low to medium speed range

Since the hydraulic pressure is cut by the spool valve that controls the hydraulic pressure, the switching pin is stopped. Since the valve stem slips into the hole provided in the switching pin holder, the valve does not operate even if the camshaft rotates.

Operating state/high speed range

When the set rotation is reached, the spool valve opens, hydraulic pressure is applied to the hydraulic passage, and the switching pin slides. The valve stem cannot get into the switching pin hole and is activated by the rotation of the camshaft.

Honda CB400SF Hyper VTEC Model Year 2000

Honda CB400SF Hyper VTEC 2000 red
2000 Honda CB400SF Hyper VTEC picture in original condition.
Body Color: Italian Red.

This CB400 SUPER FOUR model was released in February 1999 after a full model change. In that year's 400cc naked road sports category, this model won the top spot with 5,170* registrations and has been well received by a wide range of users.
This model year 2000, the coloring has been changed to further enhance the fearless image.

2000 CB400 VTEC Color variations: 3 colors
  • Force Silver Metallic/Stripe Pattern (conventional color)
  • Candy Phoenix Blue/Stripe pattern (new setting)
  • Italian red/stripe pattern (new setting)

The rear suspension spring has been changed from the conventional black to red to emphasize the dynamism.
In addition, a new reinforced combination switch that is effective in deterring theft has been adopted.
*(Corporate) National Light Motor Vehicle Association Research.

Honda CB400SF Hyper VTEC Model Year 2001

The naked road sports bike "CB400 SUPER FOUR" equipped with a water-cooled 4-stroke in-line 4-cylinder HYPER VTEC engine with powerful output characteristics has undergone minor changes, and the "Color Order Plan", which has been well received with the new "VTR" and "Hornet". will be adopted and will be released from January 23 2001.

2001 Honda CB400 Hyper VTEC force silver metallic
2001 Honda CB400 Hyper VTEC
image in new good condition for motorcycle restoration refference.
Color: Force Silver Metallic.

Since its release in April 1992, the CB400 SUPER FOUR has been popular with a wide range of people from teens to 40s for its powerful output characteristics and powerful design. This time, we have set two types: a solid type with wing marks on the tank and a striped type with stripes. The solid type color is black, and the striped type color is candy phoenix blue and force silver metallic. Both types change the color of the pillion step holder*1. In addition, the striped type newly adopts the "color order plan" adopted in "VTR" and "Hornet" to meet a wide range of user requests.
This time, the color order plan adopted for the CB400 SUPER FOUR makes it possible to select from a wide variety of color variations of 21 types (including 2 types of standard 2 colors) by combining the following parts.

  • (1) Set of 7 colors for fuel tank, front and rear fender sets
  • (2) 3 colors for front and rear wheel sets

*This color order plan is a made-to-order system.
*The price is 20,000 yen higher than the vehicle body price (standard color/manufacturer's suggested retail price).

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