Honda Files Trademark for CBR400R Four

Kawasaki’s Ninja ZX-4R might have a new competitor on the horizon.

When Kawasaki introduced the Ninja ZX-4R and ZX-4RR, it took the motorcycle world by surprise. A high-revving, small-displacement Inline-Four sportbike felt like a dream, especially for markets like the U.S. But now, it appears Kawasaki’s little Ninja won’t be alone for long. Honda has just filed a trademark application for the “CBR400R Four,” hinting at a potential rival in the works.

The application, submitted on August 27th to Japan’s Intellectual Property Office, covers “two-wheeled and three-wheeled automobiles and their parts and accessories, automobiles and their parts and accessories.” While broad in scope, the name “CBR400R Four” strongly suggests an Inline-Four sportbike in the making.

For Honda enthusiasts, the CBR400 lineage holds a special place in history. The first CBR400 models, launched in 1983, featured an air-cooled Inline-Four engine paired with a unique REV (Rotational-Speed Valve Stop Mechanism) system, a precursor to Honda’s VTEC technology. The CBR400F, a prime example, later evolved into variants like the CBR400RR, a bike fondly remembered by many.

Currently, Honda offers a CBR400R in Japan, but it’s a two-cylinder variant, essentially a down-stroked version of the CBR500R. By shortening the stroke from 66.8mm to 56.6mm, Honda reduces the 471cc engine to 399cc, allowing the bike to fit into Japan’s specific licensing requirements. However, by trademarking the name “CBR400R Four,” Honda seems intent on differentiating this potential new model from its existing twin-cylinder offering.

While trademark filings don’t guarantee a product launch, they do provide insight into a company’s future plans. Whether Honda will bring the CBR400R Four to market or introduce it globally remains to be seen. What’s clear is that the project has advanced far enough for Honda to stake a claim on the name, sparking excitement about what could come next in the world of sportbikes.