Posts by tag: CB1

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Honda January 31, 2022 posted by Doug

1990 HONDA CB-1 For Sale w/ only 12,194 miles

1990 HONDA CB-1 For Sale on eBay!

Location: Hagerstown, Maryland
Make: Honda
Model: CB-1
Displacement: 400cc
Mileage: 12,194
Price: $4,250 RNM

1990 Honda CB-1 excellent condition 12,194 original miles newer Michelin tires no issues

WOW! 32 years old and looking damn fine if I do say so myself!

Not me, silly- the CB-1! Besides I’m sitting squarely in my fif. . . I mean my mid-life crises stage and will be placing a bid on this one as soon as I finish babbling on about it.

Let’s a take a serious look at this one- shall we?

I’m still in awe of this little CB-1. I’m guessing it’s because we regularly see so many neglected machines with 500 miles look dirty AF.
I see a little oxidation on the side panels, but again, we see a lot more on than this on a regular basis. Hopefully I don’t need to remind you of the fact you’re looking at what appears* to be an un-restored 32 year old machine.

These weigh in just a touch under 400#’s, produce 56ish HP, a paltry 27 lbft of torque and utilize a single front and rear disc to keep all that power and torque in check. I know it’s a little heavy for being a small displacement motorcycle, but it wasn’t built or intended to burn up the race track. These were built for and are perfect commuter bikes with a comfy riding position.

These hit the showroom floor with a MSRP $4,299 and as you can imagine, they went over like a Led Zeppelin. Even though it didn’t make a splash back in the 90’s the little CB-1 has RSBFS.com and myself to keep it’s flickering flame alive and well.

Any other CB-1 fans out there? If so, do not click through this link because I’ve set it up to take you straight to one of those unspeakable websites 😉

Cheers!

Doug

Honda June 13, 2017 posted by Tad Diemer

Big Bike Spec in a Small Package: 1990 Honda CB-1 for Sale

Performance motorcycles have gotten so powerful and fast that they’re only even rideable by normal humans because of sophisticated electronics. If 99% of riders need traction-control just to keep their 190hp superbike on the road, couldn’t it be argued that they’re too powerful? ABS and all the other safety systems are amazing, but should be there just in case the rider gets it wrong, not to keep the rampant power under control. Are riders of these bikes actually having more fun? Maybe, but doesn’t something like today’s Honda CB-1 make much more sense for most riders?

Plus, if you do get dusted on a canyon road, you can always blame the machinery: “Hey look, this is a 400cc motorcycle! What do you expect?” If you’re on a new BMW S1000RR, you really have no excuse for being slow, other than self-control and sanity. The 1990 Honda CB1 doesn’t have that same problem, however, with good handling and modest power. The displacement screams “learner bike” but the specifications argue otherwise:

399cc liquid-cooled inline four, sixteen valves actuated by gear-driven overhead cams. Six speed gearbox. The combo was slightly detuned from the CBR400 for street duty, but it put out a respectable 55hp and could push the machine to 118mph, certainly plenty for the street and even a bit of freeway cruising. It lacked the CBR400’s twin-disc brakes up front and uses a steel unit instead of the CBR’s aluminum beam frame, but the engine is still used as a stressed member, increasing rigidity and keeping weight reasonably low.

From the original eBay listing: 1990 Honda CB-1 for Sale

Overseas they have a tiered licensing system. 50cc, 125cc, 250cc, 400cc, 750cc, and above. Most young men cannot afford above 400cc, so the 400cc market is full of hot rod bikes. This is one such bike. Water cooled DOHC 4 valves per cylinder, direct gear actuation of the cams, no cam chain, six speed transmission, red line at 13,500 rpm, power kicks in at 9000. Top speed is over 100 mph. The effect of the photography makes the paint look like it is robin’s egg blue, but it doe not look like that in person. The blue paint is a nice metallic finish. Accessory windshield is quickly removable. Heated grips have been added. Accessory adjustable handlebars also. All stock otherwise. Very clean, except for some pollen on the gauges in the photo. Was my wife’s bike but she does not ride it enough to justify keeping it.

There are no takers yet at the $1,900 starting bid and there are just over 24 hours left on the auction. It looks like it’s in good shape, although that windscreen needs to go. Like the Hawk 650GT, the CB-1 has developed quite a cult following and with very good reason: unlike the CBR400, the CB-1 was officially imported, but few were sold and they’re hard to find now, although they still don’t sell for all that much. It’s the Goldilocks of motorcycles: not too big, not too small. And the price is just right.

-tad

Big Bike Spec in a Small Package: 1990 Honda CB-1 for Sale

Honda May 25, 2016 posted by Tad Diemer

Grey Market Goodness: 1988 Honda CBR400 with California Title

Anyone glancing at today’s Honda CBR400 would be forgiven for thinking it was a much more powerful machine: the looks are pure sportbike, and then you notice the decals that shout “CBR400.” But what the little Honda lacks in displacement, it makes up for in sophistication: four cylinders, six speeds, gear-driven cams, aluminum frame…

Produced between 1988 and 2000, the Honda CBR400 was the little brother to their popular 600cc and 900cc sportbikes. Intended for a market that had strict limits on displacement and power for new riders, these were never officially sold anywhere outside Japan, although a few managed to find their way to our shores over the years. There’s been a recent influx of grey market bikes like this, as enterprising individuals looking to slake our thirst for nimble sports motorcycles buy these up relatively cheap in Japan and ship them over by the container load. These were entry-level machines in their original market, and not difficult to come by there. But here, in the land of Harley-Davidson, they’re weird and kind of wonderful.

Bikes like the CBR250RR we featured recently are very cool but, although that bike’s tiny four will positively scream to near 20,000rpm, outright performance is pretty feeble. This 400, while still no match for a modern supersport motorcycle in terms of straight-line speed, does offer a bit more midrange for everyday riding, but still loves to be thrashed. Gear-driven cams add to the noise and the 399cc four cylinder produces a claimed peak of 59hp, which should be plenty entertaining and there’s more on tap with basic tuning. Suspension wasn’t anything to write home about, but the light weight and stiff frame mean the bike is a terrific backroad companion and I’d imagine plenty of other CBR parts will fit, if you plan to track your little CBR…

From the original eBay listing: 1988 Honda CBR400 for Sale

Very rare to be registered in Cali. Runs great. Paint on tank original and clean inside. Small dent in rear of tank. Upper plastic thought to be original. Lower plastic re-painted before I got bike. Some tabs could stand to be repaired on that and rear tail center insert.

46k km on speedo calculated to 29k miles.

Has fold up passenger peg brackets (see pics, circled in yellow).

64 year old owner, former bike wrench and former shop owner. Have very large bike collection being thinned down to make more space. Bike always stored indoors, and run every couple of months to keep healthy.

Overall, a pretty well preserved bike.

The seller also helpfully includes a video of the bike starting and running. This example is in decent overall condition, with minor imperfections and wear-and-tear expected of an entry-level machine. These were designed for the Japanese market and, although they’re styled like big bikes, they’re physically pretty small. I’ve never seen a CBR400 in the flesh, but I’ve spent some time around the CB1 that shares the same basic engine and powertrain with similar weight and wheelbase. Those are very compact, like a 7/8 scale model of a regular motorcycle.

There are no bids as yet, but there are lots of “Watchers” and there is still plenty of time left on the auction. The Buy It Now price of $5,000 seems reasonable, considering the rarity and condition, but potential buyers will obviously have to be serious fans of odd, grey-market bikes because that same money would also buy lots of other, faster toys.

-tad

Grey Market Goodness: 1988 Honda CBR400 with California Title

Honda September 13, 2014 posted by Tad Diemer

Growing on Trees: 1990 Honda CBR400RR

These have been showing up for sale regularly of late, which is surprising, considering how rare they are! I’d imagine quite a few of these came down through Canada, where they always seem to get the good stuff…

Produced from 1988 through about 2000, the CBR400RR was a JDM “Japanese Domestic Market” product, never officially brought to the US and only available as a “grey” import. With four small cylinders and cams driven by a precise gears, instead of a belt or chain, twin discs up front and racy ergos, these do a very convincing approximation of the bigger 600 and 900cc machines.

These were originally limited to 59hp due to licensing requirements in their home market, but these are very high-spec engines and can be tuned to produce more power. The phrase “learner bike” is usually applied to clapped-out 250 Ninjas and GS500E’s. But that simply reflects the level of “learning” required to pass the lax testing here in the USA. In countries where the standards are much more stringent, there’s somewhat less of a stigma attached, and the quality of machine rises significantly when you’re strictly limited as to what you’re allowed to ride at first, regardless of age or what you believe your skill-level to be…

From the original eBay listing: 1990 Honda CBR400RR for Sale

1990 Honda CBR400RR, 12,400 miles. New chain, sprockets, brake pads, and Michelin pilot tires. All fluids flushed and replaced. All coolant hoses replaced. Carburetor’s rebuilt and fuel lines replaced. Comes with new, replacement bodywork , still in the box. Titled, tagged and inspected. Can be ridden anywhere to its new home

As a bike designed for new riders, the suspension is fairly basic, but I’d imagine adjustable units from a CBR600 would fit with minimal modifications and a rear shock with more sophistication shouldn’t be too hard to source. Keep in mind that, while these are definitely real sportbikes, they are physically small, and a bit cramped for full-sized riders. I’ve got no experience with the CBR400, but I’ve spent some time around the CB1 that uses the same powertrain and can verify that you might feel a bit like the proverbial “monkey humping a football” on one of these if you’re over 5’9″…

Bidding is active and headed north of $4,300 with several days left on the auction. There are a few scrapes and scratches, and the pipe appears to be a generic item, but this looks to be in otherwise very nicely-maintained condition, with relatively low miles for such a practical, reliable bike.

Plastics might be hard to come by, although this one comes with a spare set, just in case! This should otherwise be easy to maintain and very fun to ride.

-tad

Honda May 4, 2014 posted by Dan

1989 Honda CB1 NC27 with 1400 Miles

Lets get the not so good news out of the way first — it’s been down but repaired. It was reportedly in a slow speed accident and very little evidence of the crash is left. What remains is a very low mileage bike that didn’t sell in great numbers in this country. But those in the know realize that 400’s are great fun and easy to approach. The CB1 weighs just under 400lbs and packs a respectable 55hp. With just 1,457 miles, most of those ponies should still be in the stable as well. As Mike pointed out in his recent FZR400 post, the price point is one of the best parts of these under-appreciated little bikes. This one has a buy-it-now of $4k. I’m halfway tempted myself to be honest!

1989 Honda CB1 for sale on eBay

from the seller:

Up for auction is a 1989 CB1 CB400F NC27. This is a low mile (1,439) bike that was originally owned by a Honda Dealership owner. The owner sold it when it was tipped over at low speed pulling away from a stop sign. The right engine crankcase cover, exhaust and rear blinker had road rash which has all been replaced. The engine crankcase cover was replaced with a very nice professionally repainted used part. The exhaust is a New Old Stock replacement as well as the blinker. During the gasket removal process on the crankcase cover some gasket removal spray got on the engine and took of some silver paint in small spots which can be seen in the photos. The bike has been serviced with new fluids and a battery. Everything else is original on the bike including the tires. It starts, runs and shifts through the gears excellent. There are no dents or scratches in the paint and the seat is very nice.

Ducati October 3, 2012 posted by Dan

September Month in Review [RC30, Dream 50, CB1, FZR600, Z1R Turbo, R65 LS, Walter Wolf, ZRX1200R, F4S, 888 SPO]

I’m a little behind here at RSBFS HQ but here are the final two weeks of review for September. You can check out the first and second week reviews as well. Take care guys,

This 1993 Ducati 888 with 992 miles failed to sell the first time with a high bid of $7700, then was relisted a 2nd time with an opening bid of $8500 and no action. It’s back on eBay now with a buy-it-now of $10k. [Live Auction | Our Post]

We had 3 Feature Listings in September and two of them sold exclusively via our website:

This 2003 Kawasaki ZRX1200R caused some raised eyebrows over it’s actual rarity, but it followed a real ELR that was posted earlier in that week. Nonetheless, it went home with a new owner for just a tick over $4k. [Closed Auction | Our Post]

In typical LanceGamma fashion, this auction reached an amazing $21k in bids before being ended early. I’m not clear on how eBay could possibly continue to tolerate this but we’ll try to keep watching these for high bids before the listing gets nerfed. [Closed Auction | Our Post]

This 1984 BMW R65 LS with under 1000 miles sold for a surprising $6700. Congratulations to buyer and seller! [Closed Auction | Our Post]

This 1978 Kawasaki Z1R Turbo saw active bidding up to $17.4k and failed to sell the second time around with a buy-it-now of $18.5k. [Closed Auction | Our Post]

Here we have a nice and clearn 1989 Yamaha FZR600 survivor that sold for just $3k! [Closed Auction | Our Post]

This 89 Honda CB-1 also represents a great bargain on a survivor with a sale price of $3100. [Closed Auction | Our Post]

This 1997 Honda Dream 50 also sold with a winning bid of $6600. [Closed Auction | Our Post]

This Honda RC30 failed to meet reserve in August with bidding reaching $26.6k. Relisted last month it failed to sell again at $28k. Of course it goes without saying that these are the crown jewel of any collection, but how much higher could it realistically sell for? I think only examples with less than 1000 miles have sold for more. [Closed Auction | Our Post]

This modified 85 Yamaha RZ500 sold for $7800. Strong money but a good deal for both buyer and seller. [Closed Auction | Our Post]

Honda June 1, 2011 posted by Mike

Small package, big fun: 1989 Honda CB-1

For Sale: 1989 Honda CB-1 / CB400F / NC27

The Honda CB-1 was meant to be the spiritual successor to the heralded CB400F Supersport of the 1970’s. As such, it is a cafe racer sports bike with a small displacement, four cylinder engine. This time around, however, techology has improved such that the bike is liquid cooled, and sports a 16-valve head as opposed to the 8-valve, air cooled original.

The CB-1 is not an grey-market import bike – even though it is rare enough to be considered one. The truth is that smaller-displacement motorcycles have traditionally not sold very well in the US; Americans tend to think of anything below 750cc as an entry level motorcycle. That is a real shame, as the 400cc class of bikes available today are quick, lightweight, agile and surprisingly affordable fun.

Although they are not well known, this is not the first time that we have posted a CB-1 on RSBFS. Check out this CB-1 that was posted by Doug. You can also check out this cool site for some more info on this particular model.

From the seller:
The Honda CB-1 is a small and light naked sportsbike with a straight-four 399 cc. The Honda model code is NC27. In contrast to all other models of the Honda CB series, the name is written with a hyphen. In some countries it was sold as Honda CB400F as an attempt to connect the model with the original CB400F of 1975, with which it has nothing else in common.

The bike was first introduced in 1989 and built until the end of 1990. Originally developed for the Japanese market, the CB-1 was also officially sold in the USA and Canada. Lots of additional information about this bike can be found by doing a search on the internet.

This bike runs great and rides even better! New EBC front brakes and Dunlop Qualifier tires. It is in very good condition. It does have a small ding in the tank and one in the tail that were touched up. It has fresh oil and is ready to go!

The CB-1 offers about 55 HP and a dry weight in the 370 lb range. Mix in a short wheelbase, and you have the capability of a real monster when the going gets tight and twisty. And while the CB-1 does not have the ultimate top-end rush of the FZ400, it does offer significantly greater mid-range usable power.

This particular bike has approximately 18,000 miles on the clock, and is sporting a Kerker slip-on. It is not clear from the seller what other modifications have been done, and the seller has noted the minor damage to both the tank and the tailsection. There is also some key rash on the top of the triple clamps, which is likely commensurate with the miles on the bike.

So how much for 400cc fun? This auction is going on now, with a current bid of $1,575 and reserve still in place. The BIN is $2,395. The only other CB-1 we have posted on RSBFS was closer to $2k, and it had lower mileage. Depending upon where the reserve is set, there is still a good deal to be had. Interest has been moderate.

For your chance to snag this great little bike, . Good luck!!!

Honda August 2, 2010 posted by Doug

1989 HONDA CB1 400

1989 Honda CB-1 400cc

Location: Lake Geneva, WI
Mileage: 10,976
Price: $1,850.00

Never heard of a CB-1? Well get in line because most people haven’t either.. These were largely over shadowed by the Hawk NT-650 and the mighty FZR 400 back in the day. Like all stateside 400’s the CB1’s lived a short life due to American’s “bigger is better” attitude towards motorcycles, but they have quite the cult following. These little CB’s pump out 55hp and make for a great urban assault ride.

My wife saw me writing this and said she really liked the color. She’s been itching for a small bike to putt around on and this one would surely fit the bill. Lake Geneva is a great little town full of energy and fun things to do. If you decide to pick this one up I recommend picking it up in person and making a weekend of it.

1989 HONDA CB 1/CB1 400 RARE Only 10k Miles
Runs and Handles Awesome
Could use tires and tach is intermitent
Great handling and performing rare classic from Honda for track and/or street!

Click here to contact the seller

So it has an intermittent Tach, needs a new pair of shoes and a set of fork seals. This is a great bike being offered at a super price.

Here is some info on the CB-1 400

Cheers!