In the Honda naked bike lineup, the CB400 series has left a lasting impression on motorcycle enthusiasts. However, very few people are aware of the Hondamatic CB400A Hawk, which was first produced in 1978 and discontinued in the same year. Hondamatic CB400A Hawk was the first naked bike equipped with an automatic transmission by Honda. Unlike other larger-displacement motorcycles with 4-5 speed transmissions, the CB400A Hawk had a 2-speed automatic transmission. With the CB400A Hawk, riders who prefer manual bikes will not experience the thrill of shifting gears. To operate this motorcycle, simply start the engine, shift into gear, twist the throttle, and the CB400A Hawk will smoothly roll forward. This is the most intriguing aspect of this motorcycle.
The heart of the Hondamatic CB400A Hawk is a dual-cylinder, 4-stroke, SOHC engine with a displacement of 395cc. With this engine, the CB400A Hawk can achieve a power output of 26.8 horsepower at 8,000 RPM. This is not an impressive figure for a motorcycle with a 395cc engine. During its time, the CB400A Hawk was compared to a smaller version of the Moto Guzzi V1000 Convert, which also had a 2-speed automatic transmission.
One of the differences between the CB400A Hawk and other naked bikes is the absence of a clutch lever. Instead, Honda equipped it with a Parking Brake that allows the rider to secure the bike on inclined terrains. Additionally, the rider can only start the CB400A Hawk when it is in neutral.
The experience with the Hondamatic CB400A Hawk can be summed up with two words: “simple” and “relaxed”. Riders do not have to worry about properly engaging the clutch and shifting gears smoothly. With the CB400A Hawk, all they need to do is shift gears when the motorcycle reaches around 80km/h or when they feel the engine’s RPM requires a higher gear. The downside of this motorcycle is its limited ability to accelerate quickly by rapidly shifting gears like a conventional manual naked bike. Instead, the motorcycle gradually accelerates in accordance with the rider’s throttle input.
If you are a speed enthusiast, the CB400A Hawk may not satisfy your demands. However, if you are simply looking to collect a classic and unique motorcycle that delivers a relaxed riding experience, the CB400A Hawk is not a bad choice.
Additional images of the Hondamatic CB400A Hawk:
Front Disc Brake with a size of 282mm
395cc engine of the Hondamatic CB400A Hawk with a power output of 26.8 horsepower
Equipped with 5-spoke star rims, adding a touch of American style
Rear tire of the motorcycle equipped with a drum brake, with a size of 183mm
Classic exhaust pipe on the CB400A Hawk
Classic round headlight of the Honda CB400A Hawk
Front turn signals
Parking Brake – hand brake for the CB400A Hawk
Engine Start/Stop switch
2-speed automatic transmission provides a comfortable riding experience
Helmet hook and seat lock
Equipped with dual-girder telescopic front suspension
Simple and classic instrument panel of the Honda CB400A Hawk
13-liter fuel tank
Equipped with a kickstarter, a detail essential for motorcycles of that era
Rear view of the Honda CB400A Hawk
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