Lot 381: c.1978 Honda CB400F2

Having established the mainstream formula for modern motorcycles with the epoch-making CB750F of 1968, Honda progressively expanded the family with a series of smaller-engined relatives, though few would have guessed that the concept would ever be applied to a lightweight. The first of these smaller fours - the CB500 - appeared in 1971, to be followed a year later by the 350. In 1974 the latter was stretched and comprehensively restyled to create the classic CB400F, a lightweight model aimed at younger riders which, like the Royal Enfield Continental GT of the previous decade, came with all the right ‘café racer’ styling cues straight from the factory. With a four-into-one exhaust, six gears, rear-set footrests and – most importantly – a top speed in excess of 100mph, it was every boy-racer’s dream and a huge commercial success. Enthusiast owned and ridden, this example has formed part of a small private collection of, mainly, earlier machines. There are no documents with this motorcycle, which is offered for restoration or spares and sold strictly as viewed.