Location: Virginia Beach, Virginia
Mileage: 12,920
Price: Auction, starting at $2,500
The 400cc bike market never really took off in the US. Although the advantages of the 400cc sportbike were many, I think the reality is that Americans need large displacement to feel right about their bikes. And this isn’t only in the sportbike world, my buddy catches endless hell for riding a Harley Sportster, cause it’s only an 883. Anyway, it’s too bad, because the 400cc has it’s advantages (handling, accessibility, pure fun) that larger machines can’t provide. I think though for the RSBFS crowd, these advantages are well understood.
While not a horsepower monster by any stretch, the CB-1’s 16 valve, in-line four does make a respectable 55 bhp with a redline around 13,500. And with its light weight, it’s certainly enough to have a good time on a twisty road. Here’s the description from the seller-
Background: Having owned a CB-1 back in the day, I searched for a long time to get a pristine example for my wife. I finally found one on a forum. When it arrived, we realized it really was an uncomfortable fit for her due to shoulder injuries. If this sells at or near reserve, we will be taking a significant loss.
THE BIKE: When we bought it, the bike was described as in great condition, looking more like a 3 year old bike than one of its true age, getting many compliments on any ride. Relatively new tires and new fork seals. When receiving the bike, I asked the seller if I should change the oil/filter & he said, it had been recently serviced. I am not sure what that means, but the oil looked good. The bike started right up (after we filled the tank drained due to shipping) and idled well. We decided that, since she felt uncomfortable on it (man, we all hate getting old), we would just sell it before paying for titling, insurance, property tax, etc. She insisted I ride it without plates through our cul-de-sac to make sure everything works okay. I think she was a little worried about me getting a ticket, as I did the whole sub-division. Everything works fine. This is a sweet engine; redline 13K or so, I only took it up to 5-7K, and it was beginning to howl, pretty quick. That said, we usually buy all our bikes new (being stupid), so I cannot tell you the history of this bike. It certainly looks like a very nice example of a CB-1!
Please feel free to ask any specific questions in case I am forgetting something.
Do not have capability or time to crate, but will be home for shipper pickup if needed. Will provide name of shipper who brought to us (mostly does East Coast, I was told),if you do not have a preference.
And some more photo’s of the screamer-
This example looks fairly clean and stock. The seller highlights that the bike seems to run well and that everything works, although they haven’t really ridden it much. Starting bid is $2,500 which seems to be right in there for a bike like this, based on some other listings. Since these were only made for a few years, I can’t imagine there are lots around.
I love the 400cc sportbike. While this isn’t the more track oriented FZR 400, or one of the many grey market import 400’s, it still maintains the basic ideas of the 400cc sportbike – good power, light weight and great handling. And now, they are also rare. A great combination in my book. If you agree, check out this auction!
-RN
I got a CBR400 NC29 with a similar engine. It’s a blast and the howl that comes from the engine always puts a smile on my face.
Just got back from the Black Hills in S .Dakota where we had pulled the NC29 and 35. Felt like GP Stars!! If you wanted to get anywhere or carry any kind of pace you were conStantly working the gear box…….great fun……great little bikes.
Taking some level of exception to your comment about “Americans” (North, South, or Central?) and their needing “large displacement to feel right about their bikes”. What exactly does that mean?
Regarding the posted CB-1:
Having ridden a very good example of one fairly recently, I can say that there would be certain circumstances I’d feel “right”, and certain ones I wouldn’t, while riding this bike.
On around-town commutes and anything involving tighter turning maneuvers and lower speeds, I’d definitely feel “right”. There’s a youTube vid. of a guy doing gymkhana on one. Couldn’t have touched him on a supersport mount!
In any situation requiring more horsepower (not necessarily “displacement”–the Honda shadow comes to mind here; having much of the latter, but having about the same amount of the former as the CB-1), I’d definitely not feel “right”. Not the bike for big-time sport touring, or anything of the sort.
You could feel “right” about choosing it as a first bike, also.