1980 Honda CB400A Twin Hondamatic

Description

• Unsold at Auction March 2024 – Please click here
• Please contact Evoke for more information / to arrange a viewing
• Lovely original condition
• Showing less than 11,600 miles
• A rare collectors bike
• Semi-automatic
• 395cc Twin
• Part of a private collection

When it comes to innovation, Honda have often led the field. The mighty CBX 1000 Six, the astonishing CBR Fireblade, right back to the Super Cub.

Honda launched the “Hondamatic” transmission on their popular CB750 in 1978. The plan was to bring in new riders to the brand. However, Honda quickly figured out that newbies may not want to start on the big 750 and as a result, just two years later the Hondamatic transmission found its way to the CB400A Twin.

The name implies that it is a conventional automatic. This isn’t strictly accurate. This bike is more of a semi-auto. It doesn’t have a clutch, instead the CB400A has a two-speed fluid drive. Two changes take the Honda from low to high. Power flows from the crankshaft to the transmission through a vane-type hydraulic torque converter.

A rotary vane pump connected to the crank drives the oil through a stator setting the bike moving. The engine in the CB400A was upped from the 356cc parallel twins to 395cc – but called the ‘400’.

Originally purchased from a friend’s father five years ago so our vendor has known the bike for some time. Now shrinking his collection, it will come to market fully recommissioned and ready to ride. Unfortunately, there is not too much paperwork with the bike so we can’t warrant the 11,600 mileage but looking at the condition of the bike we would be surprised if it was not correct.

Our vendor has shared that “it is very original and has some minor age-related marks on the tank, some minor pitting on the front mudguard but is generally in very good condition”.  Just have a look at the image gallery and make your own decisions. We think his decision to leave it as original as possible has paid off.

Mechanically it runs very well, this is expected as the carbs have been ultrasonically cleaned and rebuilt, the bike has also very recently been serviced with the usual air filter and oil and filter replaced.

Tech Specs

• Air cooled SOHC parallel twin, 3 valves per cylinder, counterbalanced
• Two 28 mm Keihin constant velocity carbs
• 2 speed, clutch-less hydraulic torque converter
• Chain final drive
• Steel tubing backbone frame
• Telescopic front forks
• Twin rear shock with swing arm
• Single 10.8” front stopper, single leading shoe rear drum
• Hand-lever activated parking brake
• Front tyre: 3.50 S 18 tubeless, rear tyre: 4.60 S 16 tubeless Comstar wheels
• Seat height: 29.9” approx.
• Weight 392 lb

Riding a Honda CB400A is said to be about as easy as any motorcycle could ever get. After a short warm-up, push in the choke, click the foot shifter up from neutral one spot and you’re in ‘low’.

Twist the throttle and it accelerates amiably away. At about 45 mph, click the foot shifter up one more time and you’re in ‘high’ gear, which is good for motorway speeds. Where the rev counter is usually located is a helpful gear position light.

Summary

By 1983, the Hondamatics were no longer being produced. That low production run makes this CB400A rare.  Contemporary interest in automatic or clutchless shifting transmissions has re-emerged in recent years. So-called DCT transmissions and of course up and down quickshifters are more commonplace. The Hondamatics were ahead of their time. Maybe too far. Either way, it looks like their time has come. This rare classic bike is a great choice for any classic bike enthusiast or collector/investor.

Vehicle Location: Doncaster DN8 – it’s the responsibility of the winning bidder to make collection / transportation arrangements directly with the vendor.

Would like to arrange a viewing or have a question about this Honda CB400A? Please contact us at team@evoke-classics.com and we will speak to the vendor on your behalf.

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