[2021 Latest] 7 Recommended 400cc Naked Bikes! Easy to Ride for Beginners and Women

What is a Naked Bike?

Source: https://unsplash.com/photos/EoNONBjQxtM

Among motorcycle genres, there is one called "naked."

The term "naked" in naked bike comes from the English word "naked."

They are called naked bikes because their engines are exposed, giving them a "naked" appearance.

Naked bikes without fairings

Naked bikes do not have fairings (cowls).

This is in contrast to sport bikes like racer replicas, which have fairings extending from the front to the sides.

While some models may feature a small windscreen, naked bikes generally lack fairings, allowing riders to experience the wind more directly.

Furthermore, on hot days, fairings can trap engine heat, but naked bikes, with their exposed engines, do not accumulate heat as much as bikes with fairings.

Excellent heat dissipation is also a characteristic feature of naked bikes.

Easy to ride with upright handlebars

Naked bikes are often used as training vehicles in riding schools for obtaining a motorcycle license.

One reason they are chosen is that their upright handlebars provide a natural riding position, making them easy for anyone to ride.

The natural riding position also makes them less tiring for long rides, making them suitable for touring.

The high handlebar position also reduces the burden when dismounting and pushing the motorcycle.

Advantages of 400cc Naked Bikes

Source: https://www.honda.co.jp/CB400SF/powerunit/

What are the advantages of 400cc naked bikes?

If you are considering purchasing a 400cc naked bike or thinking about getting into motorcycling, please use this as a reference when choosing your bike.

Power comparable to larger bikes

Some 400cc naked bikes offer high levels of sportiness comparable to racer-type models like replicas, and some even have power that rivals larger displacement classes.

The advantage of 400cc naked bikes is that they are easier to ride for daily use than larger bikes, while still offering sufficient power.

It can be said to be a class where you can enjoy power more casually.

Mandatory inspections prevent neglected maintenance

Because 400cc class motorcycles require a shaken (mandatory vehicle inspection), they will not pass the inspection unless they maintain the specified condition for each inspection.

Therefore, 400cc naked bikes are less likely to fall into a state of neglected maintenance compared to bikes without mandatory inspections, such as 250cc models.

With inspections required 3 years after new purchase and every 2 years thereafter, the fact that maintenance isn't neglected is also an advantage.

Neither too small nor too large a body size

Another advantage of 400cc naked bikes is their just-right body size, which is neither too large nor too small.

While smaller bikes are easier to maneuver, they can feel cramped when riding.

Conversely, larger bikes can be difficult to maneuver, but 400cc naked bikes are a good size and perfectly suited for Japan's road conditions.

They don't feel cramped while riding and are reasonably easy to maneuver.

Easy handling for beginners and women

400cc naked bikes have high, bar-style handlebars.

This makes them easy to maneuver even when pushing the bike off it.

With high handlebars, you can push the bike without much strain, even if it has some weight.

400cc naked bikes are easy to ride and maneuver, both when riding and when pushing, making them suitable for beginners and women.

Cheaper to buy than larger bikes

400cc naked bikes are cheaper to buy than larger bikes.

Some models offer power comparable to larger bikes, and since they can be acquired for less than larger bikes, they offer excellent cost performance.

If you ride a 400cc and are still not satisfied, you might consider trying a larger class, but this class is well-suited for Japan's road conditions.

If you find it suits you, you'll likely experience little inconvenience if you continue to ride it.

The fact that they are cheaper to buy than larger bikes is also an advantage of 400cc naked bikes.

Disadvantages of 400cc Naked Bikes

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Now that we've looked at the advantages of 400cc naked bikes, let's also examine their disadvantages.

Higher maintenance costs

400cc naked bikes have higher maintenance costs compared to 250cc bikes in the same middleweight class.

This is because they require a mandatory vehicle inspection (shaken), which is not necessary for 250cc class motorcycles.

The shaken is required 3 years after initial purchase, and then every 2 years, with the inspection fees added to the overall maintenance costs.

Compared to the 250cc class, the need for inspection-related maintenance costs is also a disadvantage.

Not ideal for long tours

400cc naked bikes are not particularly suited for long-distance or long-duration touring.

While the body isn't small and allows for a relatively relaxed ride, the engine torque, when compared to larger bikes, is inevitably inferior.

Since there's less torque, you'll have to adjust the throttle more frequently, leading to greater fatigue on longer rides compared to larger bikes.

Furthermore, while larger bikes can carry more luggage due to their bigger frames, 400cc naked bikes (mid-size bikes) cannot carry as much luggage as larger bikes.

With limited luggage capacity, especially for camping tours where luggage increases, they are not as suitable for long-term trips as larger bikes.

Being less suitable for long-distance or long-duration touring can also be considered a disadvantage of 400cc naked bikes compared to larger motorcycles.

Fewer model options than larger bikes

As of 2021, large motorcycles are the main focus of each motorcycle manufacturer's lineup.

Specifically, 400cc naked bikes are hardly included in the lineup, which limits the range of choices when purchasing a new bike.

The used market also centers on large bikes, which have high demand, so there are fewer model options for 400cc naked bikes compared to large bikes, whether new or used. The fact that there are fewer model options than for large bikes can also be considered a disadvantage of 400cc naked bikes.

7 Recommended 400cc Naked Bikes

Here, we introduce 7 recommended 400cc naked bikes.

As of July 2021, most motorcycle manufacturers' lineups no longer include 400cc naked bikes.

However, there have been many models in the past that were considered masterpieces of their era, so this time we will introduce both models that are still available new and models that have already been discontinued.

Many of these models are still available on the used market, so if you're interested, be sure to check them out.

1. Honda CB400SF

Source: https://www.honda.co.jp/CB400SF/type/

The Honda CB400SF (Super Four) is a model widely used as a training vehicle for medium-sized motorcycle licenses.

The first generation appeared in 1992, and as of 2021, it has been a long-selling model for nearly 90 years since its launch.

From the 2017 model, the headlight was changed to LED, and in the 2019 model, ABS became standard equipment, increasing safety to meet modern needs.

The liquid-cooled inline 4-cylinder engine produces a maximum output of 56ps, offering comfortable and stress-free riding for everything from city commutes to highways and touring.

The lineup also includes the "CB400 Super Bol D'or," which has a half-fairing at the front.

• Engine type: Liquid-cooled inline 4-cylinder
• Maximum output: 56ps
• Maximum torque: 39N・m
• Weight: 201kg
• New vehicle price: ¥884,400 to ¥928,400

2. Kawasaki Zephyr 400

Source: https://www.bikebros.co.jp/catalog/4/80_1/

The Kawasaki Zephyr 400 is a model said to be the progenitor of naked bikes in Japan.

It debuted in 1989, a time when racer replicas were booming, and "rolling zoku" (street racers) were driving on winding roads across Japan day and night.

While high-horsepower sport bikes were popular, the Zephyr appeared, going against the trend by not wearing racer-replica-like fairings and having less power.