Honda Launches Super Motard-Style Mid-Size Sport Bike, the XR400 Motard

Tokyo, Japan, Mar 16, 2005 - (JCN Newswire) - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced the introduction of the XR400 Motard, a Super Motard-style* sport bike equipped with an air-cooled, single-cylinder, 400 cc, OHC, 4-stroke engine and 17" on-road front and rear tires. The XR400 Motard goes on sale Tuesday, March 29.

The air-cooled, single-cylinder, 400 cc, OHC, 4-stroke engine of the XR400 Motard delivers ample power. The special-specification carburetor diameter and transmission gear ratios provide increased intake and exhaust efficiency, excellent acceleration, and highly responsive output at low and mid-range speeds.

The 17" on-road tires and light aluminum wheels make the XR400 very easy to drive in the city. The semi-double cradle frame is specially designed to complement the 17" tires. In addition, every part of the frame, including the head pipe area, has been strengthened for exceptional rigidity and highly stable turning.

The front suspension employs an inverted front fork for superior shock-absorption and high-performance steering, while the suspension stroke has been optimized for stable on-road cruising. The 276 mm diameter front and 220 mm diameter rear hydraulic disc brakes offer superior braking control performance.

The tank shroud and off-road front visor reflect the XR400's Super Motard stylistic origins. Two color schemes are available: a brilliant Los White and the Extreme Red used on the CRF series motocross racing bikes. *Popular in Europe recently, Super Motard racing features off-road bikes with small-diameter wheels and on-road tires competing for speed over asphalt and dirt surfaces.

XR400 Motard Annual sales target (Japan): 1,500 units Manufacturer's suggested retail price Y630,000 (Y600,000 excluding consumption tax) Price (recycling fee included) is for reference only and does not include insurance, taxes (except consumption tax), registration, or other fees. Publicity information relevant to the XR400 is available at the following URL:

£½XR400¡ªMain Features£½

Powerful, responsive engine The air-cooled, single-cylinder, 400 cc, OHC, 4-stroke engine employs a radial four-valve combustion chamber (RFVC) structure for excellent combustion efficiency. The 34 mm carburetor diameter and transmission gear ratios, both special-specification, improve intake and exhaust efficiency for superb acceleration at low- to mid-range speeds and powerful engine responsiveness. In addition, the reduced moment of inertia of the ACG rotor improves throttle response. These features add up to an engine not only ideal for city driving, but also powerful enough to endure tough Super Motard races.

Newly designed semi-double cradle frame The special-specification semi-double cradle frame complements the 17" on-road tires and light aluminum wheels. Every part of the frame, including the head pipe and swing arm, has been strengthened for exceptional rigidity and highly stable turning performance.

Advanced suspension design For excellent shock and vibration control, the front suspension employs a 43 mm diameter inverted fork. In combination with a low center of gravity, the front suspension stroke of 245 mm and rear suspension stroke of 210 mm help realize exceptional cruising stability. Hydraulic disc brake diameters for the front and rear are 276 mm and 220 mm, respectively, allowing for ample surface area, effective heat dissipation, and highly stable braking. In addition, the 140 mm wide rear tire features extra surface area for a firm grip on the road.

Super Motard styling As distinctive off-road elements, the tank shroud, front visor, and two-tone seat emphasize the XR400's stylistic origins in Super Motard racing.

Exciting two-color exterior The XR400 is available in two exciting color schemes. In the first, Los White, the fender, front visor, tank shroud, and side protectors are all a brilliant White. In the Extreme Red color scheme, which emulates that of the CRF series racing bikes, the fender and tank shroud are Extreme Red while the front visor and side protectors are White. In both of these color schemes, the Black of the engine, wheel rims, and front fork protectors also provides a striking accent.

Convenient Amenities - Non-slip rubber-padded step facilitates mounting. - One-touch side cover makes air cleaner maintenance easy. - Tail bag with wire lock is located above rear fender. - Anti-theft protection includes a strengthened handle lock, a sturdy combination lock ignition key cylinder, and pre-wiring for a separately sold alarm kit*.

*The alarm kit emits an alarm warning if the bike is rocked or moved.

About Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

Honda is one of the leading manufacturers of automobiles and power products and the largest manufacture of motorcycles in the world. Honda has always sought to provide genuine satisfaction to people worldwide. The result is more than 120 manufacturing facilities in 30 countries worldwide, producing a wide range of products, including motorcycles, ATVs, generators, marine engines, lawn and garden equipment and automobiles that bring the company into contact with over 17 million customers annually.