Honda CB400 T Hawk (400 Super Dream) Review - Road Test, Specs, Top Speed!

After purchasing this 1980 Honda Hawk CB400T (CB400N Super Dream) as a non-runner last month, I have restored it to great-running condition and it's time for a road test review. I'll give some history on the Hawk 400 (CB400N Super Dream in Europe), we'll look at the specs on the bike, and then I'll take the camera along to see how this classic Honda Supersport rides and handles. Is this classic Honda still a worthy road bike today? Let's find out together!

[@joep2177]

I got my first bike in college, a Yamaha XS400, after riding a classmates KZ400 in the parking lot. My best friend then got his first bike, a Honda CB450T Hawk after riding my Yamaha. I believe the 450 was the follow on to the 400 Hawk. A lot of us got our start on 400 class naked twins. Good memories.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on Joe! My first ride was on a CB360T and riding this Hawk brings back lots of great memories. Cheers!

[@gtemnykh]

Likewise in my friend group we had a XS400 Special, CB360G, KZ400, I had the “big bore” with an XS500C haha. This was in the late 2000s when these things used to get just about given away as non-runners

[@prout27cat]

Beautifully articulated, no bull review, very educational too, to be fair Iam biased, my 400N is in storage until after ive moved and cant wait to ride her again. Ive had much bigger cc machines with three times the power but as you said, the fun of keeping it in the power band is a joy, without doing insane speeds.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thank you! I really appreciate the feedback. Cheers!

[@ronh7384]

I owned an 81 version of this bike. Black with the orange strip. Dang I loved that bike. Eventually I ended up selling it as my family started to grow. But what I wouldn’t give to have it back again 40 years later. Thanks guy or the review

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@ronh7384 You're welcome, Ron!

[@georgerobinson9275]

I raced mine once against a Yamaha Rd 400 which looked very similar but he did not know I had the extra gear and once I threw it into 6th gear he was in my rear views! Best 400 I have ever ridden!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Very cool! I rode this one earlier today after some carb jetting. Still a fantastic bike. Cheers!

[@LS-uv9gg]

Ack. Memories overload flood, lol. And they're all good! Easily in my top all time favourite bikes list. :) One of my current bikes is a 2012 NC700XA had from new, and it has a 270* crank. Slip of the tongue- the Hawks were 360* with a chain driving two counter rotating balancers, making for the great smoothness. My wee little '07 CBR125R actually has a gear driven counter balancer, and is smooth as silk, living a hard life for the past 17 years at 11,000+ RPM and just shy of 40,000KM's. Thanks for the great ride along!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

You are correct! The Hawk has a 360 degree crank. I was told earlier that it was a 270 degree crank - my mistake for not confirming that tidbit of info! The CBR125R is one we didn't get in the US. It sounds like you've gotten good use out of yours. The NC700X is a neat one - I was able to get 73 mpg on my manual-shift 2014 and used it as daily transport. I later had the automatic as well but didn't check the mileage. LOVED the efficiency and storage. Cheers!

[@LS-uv9gg]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 I felt a bit gauche typing it out, I hope you don't feel I'm being too pedantic, lol. My NC700X brother in another country, as well! Ha! Most excellent 😄

[@redtobertshateshandles]

100% spot on again Jon. The CB300 is a cheap nasty Thailand made bike. The 400 Hawk is Japanese quality. It shows how basic damper rod forks can perform if set up correctly too. 5000rpm is probably where the vacuum carbs really open up. My SP500 was a terrible dirtbike with the standard vacuum carb. The difference a slide carb made was incredible down low. Instant torque off idle instead of having to wait for the revs to build up.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on!

[@timkis64]

smaller displacement bikes will allways be fun rides dispite not having tons of power available.alot of folks forget the advantages of lightness & agility they offer.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I'd say that's especially true in the US. The smaller bikes are appreciated more in Europe and elsewhere. Cheers!

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

Agreed. It's why I like my KTM 390 Duke Mk2 so much.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@user-sw2lv3zp6o Right on!

[@blipco5]

Everybody needs a small displacement motorcycle in their stable. They’re usually cheaper and easier to run and maintain. Yet they supply just as much fun.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I agree. I don't want a small bike as my only bike, but I love having one in the garage. Cheers!

[@blipco5]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 Yes, if you only have one then it must be a minimum of 60 rwhp, which is more towards a middleweight bike. Smaller bikes struggle on the highway and are dangerous there.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@blipco5 Right on!

[@spaceflight1019]

​@@blipco5Good point. I was riding my CL450 on the Ohio Turnpike and got sucked in behind a truck. But small, light motorcycles are best for commuting and country roads, not the interstate.

[@blipco5]

@@spaceflight1019 Yep, 60 rwhp minimum.

[@steveharveysteveharvey2867]

I've just bought a Customised CB400N Scrambler. Bloody awsome bike.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Very cool, Steve!

[@ricardoberterame5950]

Hola Jhon .la moto quedó perfecta .me has traido un aire de nostalgia al probarla en carretera. Con mi CB 400 N e vivido unos de los mejores momentos de mi vida. Siempre fue muy agil y versatil mas en ciudad. Nunca supe el porque Honda mas que nadie hacia versiones distintas de la misma moto para Europa y EEUU. Tu sabes? El motor y la ciclistica del CB 400 eran perfectas mas si tenias 20 años baja estatura y bajo peso.te agradezco como la trajiste a la vida y espero el proximo video. Saludos Ricardo

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Hola Ricardo, gracias! No sé por qué Honda y los demás fabricantes fabricaban modelos ligeramente diferentes para distintos mercados. Una razón puede ser que los estándares de ruido y emisiones de Estados Unidos eran más estrictos. Además, la CB400N fue vista como una motocicleta más seria en otros lugares, por lo que obtuvo más barras deportivas, clavijas, escape, frenos delanteros dobles y un par de caballos de fuerza. En Estados Unidos fue vista como una bicicleta para principiantes y recibió un tratamiento menos deportivo. Afortunadamente, conservó suficiente sabor deportivo para ser divertido. ¡Salud!

[@rolandwheeler4842]

That little bike really gets down the road and sounds great as well!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks Roland! I'm really surprised at how well it works as a whole package, and especially when pushed in the sporting role. Cheers!

[@user-sh5dy5tr9d]

Good morning Jon. ☕️ I mentioned before in a comment about my lack of experience with this smaller displacement class of streetbike. Although not the same, I think my KLR gives me hints of "racing" around the country roads being able to stretch it out. I can imagine the feeling of self satisfaction of taking a non running bike and bringing it to life is pretty awesome. Much respect! Eric in NC

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks, Eric! Restoring the classics is very satisfying. After this project, I may look for more of the small bikes from the era. The KLR is a great bike, a true do anything machine. Cheers!

[@j0nezki]

i forgot to tell you that my cb400n is my first bike and i chose it after trying my granpas cb250n. I rode it for one summer and was hooked.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

So cool 😎! They are fun bikes. Cheers!

[@naturalforlife6741]

I had that bike and still have pictures of it. This brings back so many memories.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Very cool 😎!

[@henryhawk978]

That motor sounds way better than a 400 single overhead cam has a right to. Enjoyed the video Jon and RIDE SAFE OUT THERE!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on! Thanks, Henry!

[@zap5936]

I rode raced that motorcycle for 2 years in New England under AAMRR. We had a total blast in this class.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Very cool! They were popular race bikes. Cheers!

[@peterk.5809]

No doubt you got the best version of the 400 twin available in the US. I have 77 400f Supersport ant this was its replacement in the market. According to the period road tests, the twin was faster, lighter and better handling. Yet it doesn't get much respect. Do you want to do back to back comparison with the 400F? I am in New Jersey.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I would love to do a back-to-back comparison of the two! I'm near Lancaster PA. You can contact me directly at: [e-mail] Cheers!

[@kanggoo57]

I own this same bike actually! CB400N here in europe, its a great ride :) Going to actually do a little sacrilege and modify it, but its my forever bike so im building it for myself :)

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on! The CB400N had a few details I'd like to have on this one: lower bars, dual disc brakes up front, and a louder exhaust. Such cool bikes! Cheers!

[@steveh7823]

It has a handy cubby behind the seat, a toolkit is there but I could also fit a lightweight rain jacket in. The seat is way more comfortable than many other bikes even two up. It was a pity that the mufflers and expansion box under the engine rusted.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on! Thanks for sharing your experiences with the Hawk. Cheers!

[@rickh8380]

I member having a Honda CM 400T back in '82 or '83 as a commuter bike for work. Fast enough for me at the time. I miss all my bikes

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on!

[@Roger_Ramjet]

Great review as always. I always found the motor in these to be devoid of character. Cool styling, definitely

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

The parallel twins often get that criticism. I was surprised that the performance is better on the Hawk than on the CB400F Super Sport. Cheers!

[@Roger_Ramjet]

That cb400f has soul. Although it's not quick. Love your channel!!​@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@Roger_Ramjet I won't argue that - It sure does! Cheers!

[@petev.9357]

Very nice bike! The only thing I wish is that all verical twins had the "cross plane" crank from the beginning. Having owned an FZ-07, it just makes the engine sound SO much better!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks, Pete! I agree that many parallel twins don't sound great. This one has a quiet exhaust as well, which doesn't help. It's a 360-degree twin and would probably sound pretty good with the right exhaust. But, the FZ07 sounds amazing with the cross-plane crank. Cheers!

[@chrisstokley7687]

i got 125s honda 1982...i luv it commuteing= its bit lite/ underpowered! like simple/ started get savage 650= they seem loud/ break easy

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on! I bet the fuel mileage is great on the 125. Cheers!

[@douglasgrosch228]

love these old bike reviews why need a new bike simple bike is all you need to have fun get A to B and easy work on simple cheap thankyou great reviews keep the older bikes coming do a old zx 7 1999 maybs or so ?

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on Douglas! I owned a 1997 ZX-7R and I plan to review it at some point. Cheers!

[@spaceflight1019]

I used to have fun at work. When the new bike riders would needle me about not having spent thousands of dollars on a new bike I'd needle them back about my yard-rescue rides costing a buck per CC.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@spaceflight1019 I remember when that was the rule about used bikes - $1 per cc!

[@spaceflight1019]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 Especially if they were laying under a tarp in the backyard!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@spaceflight1019 Right on!

[@wdhewson]

Lightweight is a nice feature of any motorcycle, but the liter-bikes also have their charm,......at maximum fuel burn.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I enjoy my literbikes in the twisties as well 😉. But this bike is really fun in the tight corners, and the light weight makes it non-intimidating to ride. Cheers!

[@sexytasmin]

Thanks Jon. I have really enjoyed your videos on the CB400T.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

You're welcome! I've enjoyed making them. Cheers!

[@spaceflight1019]

If you look at how the gas tank lines flow into the side covers, it looks like a little bit of Sabre DNA in there. Actually, the Sabre would have Hawk DNA. Top speed of 98...my 1972 CL450 couldn't quite break the ton either, despite Scotty massaging the warp drive. You can't change the laws of physics, you know;)

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on!

[@DavidR8]

The front brake on my 1980 is almost completely ineffective even with steel braided line. I plan on swapping pads to see if that improves the situation.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

It should help. There's only so much you can do with a single disc. I'm considering the steel-braided lines myself. Cheers!

[@chrisstokley7687]

oooh i wantthat bike!!!!!!!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

🙂 I drove it for about 100 miles yesterday. Nothing but fun back roads. I'm surprised by how much I like it. Cheers!

[@straightchad8059]

Very obvious nimble handling , very different from Jon's other heavy weight BIG bikes riding videos .

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on! Though I'm not giving up on the big bikes just yet, the Hawk is incredibly fun on tight back roads. Cheers!

[@MrRickyc4]

Has anyone ever had a misfire issue with this bike. My one when revving up you can hear the clatter of a misfire has good spark and fuel.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Have you adjusted the valves and cam chain tensioner recently?

[@markhayvren2203]

Do you have a bike shop?Where located in PA.? Tks

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@markhayvren2203 Hi Mark, I restore my personal bikes and sometimes sell them. I don't have a shop currently. Cheers!

[@orbarends]

A light rider (bent over the steer) would be able to speed up to about 170 km/h. That's around 110 MPH I think.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Tested top speed was around 100 mph when new. The European market CB400N made a bit more power and might be able to hit the 110 mph mark. Cheers!

[@orbarends]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 Downhill, wind in the back.😉

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@orbarends Right on!

[@geyser3445]

Where is PA are you?

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Near Lancaster, PA.

[@spaceflight1019]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 How do you miss the Amish buggies and the road apples?

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@spaceflight1019 Great question! I don't fly around blind corners, for starters. PA is a beautiful place to ride, but you need to be on alert at all times. Cheers!

[@TheMarcball]

"No replacement for shot placement". Sorry, displacement.

[@redtobertshateshandles]

I agree with the first comment. 😂 One advantage of the smaller bikes is being able to rev them without going 100mph. They also stay near the speed limit a lot easier. And I hate the feeling after riding fast that you're stopped, when still doing 50 mph.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

It's why I mostly ride literbikes. But, I'm not going to lie, I really enjoy riding the Hawk. I can enjoy being bad without being BAD! Cheers!

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

Yes, Super Dream. That's what it was called in England. I've ridden one, a friend's at college, while he rode my Yamaha XT500. When I got back on my XT, I have to say I preferred its performance, mainly due to the low-down torque.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

The big singles are known for their nice low-end grunt. Cheers!