- motorcycle model, Honda brand
The Honda Bros 400 (NT400) naked model was introduced in 1988 simultaneously with the release of the older version of the Honda Bros 650. The main differences between the Bros 400 and the Bros 650 were the engine, carburetors and gearbox ratios. In all other respects these are almost identical motorcycles. The Honda NT400 Bros model was sold only in the domestic Japanese market, was not officially exported anywhere and had no export modifications (unlike the Bros 650).
The Honda Bros 400 model was intended for novice pilots with an initial category of driver's license. Low seating position, light weight and smooth engine made this motorcycle ideal for beginners and girls.
The basis of the Honda Bros 400 was a 2-cylinder V-shaped 6-valve liquid-cooled engine with a volume of 398 cc. see, producing 37 hp. power and 35 Nm of torque. Maximum engine performance is at 6500-8500 rpm. This engine was installed on the Honda XL400V Transalp, Honda VRX 400, Honda Steed 400 and Honda Shadow 400 models
An important feature of the motorcycle is the aluminum frame and cantilever (one-sided) rear swingarm (Pro-Arm), also used on the Honda VFR750 model. The suspension is presented in the form of a classic fork and a rear monoshock absorber with preload adjustment. Brakes are disc brakes, front 316 mm disc with 4-piston caliper, rear – single 236 mm disc with 1-piston caliper.
Despite the advanced technologies used in the Honda Bros 400, the model was in very low demand in the market, which forced the company to discontinue production in 1990. The main reason, in my opinion, was that it was significantly ahead of its time - at that time there was no class of naked bikes and consumers simply did not understand the essence of such motorcycles. The weak Bros 400 engine also didn't play into its favor, although the more powerful Bros 650 version "survived" on the market for only a couple of years longer. The only exception to this was the European version of the NTV650, which existed until 1998. It was probably easier for the more classic NTV650 Revere to find its buyers, since it had familiar features, was practical and understandable to consumers.
Bike features
Here are the main features of the model:
- a lot of borrowings from sports motorcycles (but not the engine);
- comfortable fit, despite the compactness of the machine;
- Stylish exterior, typical of a classic bike.
Honda Bros 400 belongs to the class of road motorcycles. This is what at one time was the reason for his low popularity. At that time, many in Japan did not understand the beauty of this class and therefore looked at the new model with doubt.
European model
Revere , a cousin of the Bros/Hawk GT, has become widespread . A steel frame, shaft drive, larger tank, longer tail and 600cc engine set it apart from the Bros/Hawk . The NTV650 replaced the Revere and featured a 650cc Bros/Hawk GT .
In 1997, NTV650 was replaced by Deauville . The Deauville , unlike the NTV650, received developed fairing panels and hard luggage cases, which made it similar to the Honda PC800.
Engine
Bros 400 is equipped with an engine with an effective volume of 389 cm³. This is a V-shaped unit, four-stroke and two-cylinder. It is cooled by liquid. The engine produces only 35 Nm of peak torque at 6500 rpm and 37 hp. maximum power at 8500 rpm. The model accelerates to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds, and its maximum speed is 165 km/h.
American model
NT650, Hawk GT 647, RC31 was introduced in 1988 and was produced until 1991. In 1988, the motorcycle was sold in the following colors: Tempest Gray Metallic and Candy Flair Blue.
Since production of motorcycles was discontinued, the remaining models were sold only in red. There are only minor changes between the 1988 and 1991 models. In 1989, the front suspension damper received only 2 holes instead of 4. The front brake caliper has also been changed.
In 1991, the oil lines were routed through the engine rather than outside.
Dimensions and weight
The model is very compact, the length of the bike is only 2080 mm. The width and height are also insignificant and are 695 mm and 1060 mm, respectively. The wheelbase here is 1425 mm, while the seat height is 778 mm. Without fuel, the Bros 400 weighs 165 kg, and with it – 181 kg. With a gas tank capacity of 12 liters, of which 2 liters is a reserve, fuel consumption per 100 km is quite good at 4.5 liters.
Review of the Honda Bros 400 (NT400) motorcycle
A little history: I was the owner of a 200 cc Chinese car, which over time I got tired of and I wanted something more powerful. After selling the Chinese, I didn’t have much in my hands - only 80 thousand, plus it was the height of the season. I wanted to ride, not save up. After surfing through the advertisements, I chose the Honda Bros 400. It’s almost impossible to get a live Bros for 80 thousand at the height of the season - well, I was out of luck! In principle, it started up and drove, but after the first fall, all the shortcomings of this Bros and the model in general came to light. The inside of the tank was completely rusty and rust clogged the entire fuel system; the filters were changed every 100-200 km. The battery did not charge well and sometimes sat down and had to be started by a pusher... Well, I had a lot of trouble with it... But, a huge but - my Bros had problems with almost everything that was possible, but despite this the engine still did not fail and worked like a clock. I even squeezed all its 170 km/h out of it, some say that it accelerated more - well, maybe... And when I finally sold it and saved up for another motorcycle, what do you think I took? :) Honda Bros 650, yes yes... Ask why?) Yes, I don’t know myself, it’s just that this motorcycle has its own character, its own personality, and I simply couldn’t just erase this model from my life!
Despite its age (produced from 1988 to 1993), it is an excellent inexpensive option for a first motorcycle. Main advantages: super quality and resource of iron. Simplicity of design, minimum plastic and body kit, excellent traction from the bottom, long gears, narrow, relative availability of spare parts (thanks to the Internet). All this makes it extremely convenient for use in urban environments. It is worth special mentioning the highest quality and reliability of the engine and gearbox (of course, anything can be killed, but here you can actually quite easily find a very live example from 1990). The minimum of chrome and plastic minimizes cosmetic problems, which is also important for a novice rider. But, of course, there are also disadvantages. It is worth remembering that this is not a new technology, and therefore consumption up to 6l/100km and the absence of a fuel level sensor and other convenient gadgets that are now on all motorcycles are inevitable, you need to be prepared for this. Also, personally, I am somewhat annoyed by the frankly small tank (10.9 liters + reserve), that is, approximately 200-250 km from refueling to refueling are guaranteed. But it also eats 92nd gasoline very well; it doesn’t consume oil at all, which is good. Quite heavy (about 190 kg equipped), which is both good and bad at the same time, although while it’s driving, the weight doesn’t bother you))) The brakes are also not great, although they are quite tolerable for their agility. Yes, although it is small, it is a real V-twin!!!! Very cute rustling and stunning classic look!
It is also worth noting the need to purchase or make a somewhat non-standard spark plug wrench, because without it, hemorrhoids with changing candles will be quite a lot (3 candles are quite easy, but with the fourth...) very deep and narrow wells...
I know that a lot has been said on the topic of this motorcycle, but I’ll still make my contribution.
1. Four hundred after 125 is a thrill. You need to overtake, you overtake, you need to enter the hill without slowing down - you go like clockwork. You need to shoot a well from the traffic light, all the canned food remains behind.
The motor is smooth, flexible, and torquey. The first one seems a little short, but quite long after the Chinese moped box. I didn’t expect at all that in 2nd you can go 25 mph at 3000 rpm, it’s a joy in traffic jams, and at the same time, when you need to, you can accelerate sharply and shoot. The V-Twin suits my driving style 100% and I really like it. Now - get rid of the nasty habit of tugging at the box, I hope it will go away quickly. The clutch is a little tight, my left hand aches a little in traffic jams...
2. Handling - excellent. I didn’t think that clip-ons were better than classic steering wheels in this regard. Mot obeys any movement.
3. Brakes are on par. Rear disc - be careful, today I blocked the rear one and almost fell apart out of habit. The front one simply rules, there are no other words.
4. Landing - this is somewhat unusual after the complete classics with a straight back.
The disadvantages... are probably also known to everyone. Fork too soft. I will redo it (more viscous oil, and valve springs from GAZ instead of stock Honda ones). Stock mirrors suck. They look bad. Well, the most unpleasant thing is that the landing is such that the tank puts pressure on all the dignity at once. It doesn’t hurt, but there is an unpleasant sensation...
I was shocked driving through traffic jams. Bros feels like a fish in water in them, such a sneaky herring. This is a 100% city bike, the city is his native element, it was created for him.
Bottom line: I fell madly in love with this motorcycle. As many have already noted both on www.honda-bros.ru and in LiveJournal, a person who has fallen in love with Bros is unlikely to leave it later, at least 650cc can be groomed and cherished for years. BROS in American slang sounds like “old buddy.” I am exactly for this kind of translation. The second meaning is an abbreviation for "brothers". As can be seen from the meaning of the word, sheer positive!
Chassis and brakes
The diagonal aluminum frame is another clear indication of the bike’s similarity to sports bikes. The famous sports bike from Honda, the NSR 250, had this type of frame. The design is typical for road motorcycles. The steering wheel has dimensions that are comfortable for a person of average height, and the wheels, as is customary in this class, are alloy.
Both the rear suspension and the front brake disc of the bike are similar to those equipped with sports motorcycles. At the rear, the Bros 400 has a cantilever pendulum suspension with a travel of 120 mm. The front uses a 41mm telescopic fork. Its stroke reaches 130 mm. The rear brake is a 236mm disc assisted by a single-piston caliper. The front brake disc has a diameter of 316 mm, and is supported by a four-piston caliper.
Prices
Today it is almost impossible to find a new motorcycle of this brand. Still, almost a quarter of a century has passed since they stopped being produced. The cost depends on many factors, including technical condition, intensity of operation, and mileage in the CIS. You can start looking for such a motorcycle with about $2,000 in your pocket. On average, the cost ranges from $2,300 to $2,500. Some copies may cost more, depending on the configuration.
Meanwhile in Europe
The inhabitants of the old world never got the chance. Europe received RC33 RC31 . It was sold under the name Revere , which was later replaced by NTV650 . The NTV got a steel frame, the engine was painted an ugly gray color, the seat was stretched so that the tail began to go behind the rear wheel, the chain drive was replaced by a cardan. In short, NTV is the ugly cousin of the Bros/Hawk GT . Most Hawk GTs in mainland Europe were gray imports from the US. In 1991, official importers, having found demand, also began selling the Hawk GT . Due to the strange tendency of the British and Japanese to drive on the left side of the road, the gray RC31 to the UK was the Japanese version of the motorcycle - Honda Bros.
