Where's the Clutch? 1978 Honda CB400A Hondamatic

Where's the Clutch? 1978 Honda CB400A Hondamatic
Welcome to our KZbin channel where we take you on a nostalgic ride with a classic 1978 Honda CB400A Hondamatic motorcycle. In this video, we'll take you on a detailed walk around of this vintage beauty, and then give you a taste of what it feels like to ride this unique machine.
The Honda CB400A Hondamatic was a revolutionary motorcycle for its time, being one of the first motorcycles to feature an automatic transmission. As we take you on a walk around, we'll show you some of the unique features of this bike and highlight its classic styling that still turns heads today.
After the walk around, we'll take you on a ride and show you what it's like to ride this classic bike. The automatic transmission makes for an easy and smooth ride, and the engine has plenty of power to keep up with modern traffic. You'll feel the wind in your face as we take this Honda CB400A for a spin, and get a sense of what it was like to ride motorcycles in the late 1970s.
So sit back, relax, and join us as we take you on a ride with this classic Honda CB400A Hondamatic. Whether you're a vintage motorcycle enthusiast, a Honda fan, or just someone who loves classic bikes, this video is sure to take you on a journey through time. Don't forget to like and subscribe to our channel for more videos like this one!
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[@jefftuckercfii]

This was my first motorcycle, same year, color, and everything. Great to start with and was relatively inexpensive. Bought it new from the local Honda dealer. Great to learn on and I rode the heck out of it, even taking it on a couple of long distance trips (300-400 miles overall each time). However, it had its problems...not the typical reliable Honda. It experienced a failure of the CDI ignition, which was an expensive repair if it hadn't been in warranty since it was integrated with the alternator. Fortunately I was in warranty. Also experienced base gasket leaks twice, necessitating teardown and replacement. Again under warranty, luckily. Got bored with it pretty quickly and upgraded...to a 1979 Suzuki GS1000E. All my friends had upgraded to the bigger displacement bikes and I immediately noticed one thing besides greater size and power; they were all much smoother running engines. The 400 would give you a numb butt if riding any appreciable distance, same with hands and even feet.

[@motorcyclerewind]

That was a big upgrade!!! If you think a CB400 gives you the numb butt you should spend some quality time in an XS650. It will make you rethink your life choices. 😂Thanks for watching.

[@user-jp7vj2ky4r]

Appreciate the feedback!

[@davidj.7779]

Great bike for back roads. Pretty noticeable vibration over 60mph. Not really a highway bike as it's light weight makes it easy to get buffeted around by passing trucks and cross-winds. I found a CB400A outside a Maine farmhouse for $200. Good bike for my girl friend who had never driven a manual transmission. Only problem, it was a little tall for her. Found a CM450A, more a cruiser frame that was several inches lower and perfect for her. I kept the CB400A for myself as I could fit both into the back of my Chevy van. We'd drive deep into the countryside and have great days on New England's back roads. Tough bikes. Never a problem. It's been more than 30 years but that engine note was as familiar as yesterday.

[@motorcyclerewind]

The CB400A Hondamatic is awesome. Glad to hear stories from other people. Thanks for watching.

[@collinsps]

I got mine in '79. Great bike !! Used it as a messenger in Manhattan, lol.

[@motorcyclerewind]

Awesome!!! Bet you have some great stories from your messenger days.

[@David-ob1nz]

Yo awesome I'm in brooklyn and thinking to get one for delivery. does it feel light and nimble?

[@ivanbundy3090]

I had 1 when I was in high school in 86. I could drive a regular clutch bike but i got it cheep and it was a decent bike.

[@motorcyclerewind]

I enjoy riding it when my wife lets me. Its so comfortable.

[@ivanbundy3090]

@@motorcyclerewind imagine the go cart you could male with a engine like that, with automatic.

[@motorcyclerewind]

​@@ivanbundy3090 That would be awesome. Need to start looking for a donor bike.

[@cliveforder7917]

Clive here in Liverpool UK. I have owned my 1978 blue Hondamatic CB400A since 1994. I bought it just after I learned to ride a motorcycle at age 40, cars having been my thing previously. I had manual bikes too over the years but now just my Hondamatic that I really love, so smooth as you say. And I have been so happy to see clutchless bikes grow in popularity, Honda once more has led the way, the 2009 Honda VFR1200F being the first motorcycle to use a DCT, since expanded with the Gold Wing model year 2018, the Africa Twin, the Rebel 1100, and the NC750X model year 2020 [ thank you Wikipedia ].

[@motorcyclerewind]

@@cliveforder7917 These are such great motorcycles Honda was ahead of the curve with them.

[@BD-oo6ru]

I had the later 1982 CM450A with the same style transmission, definitely a unique bike and fun for around town

[@motorcyclerewind]

Definitely easy to ride.

[@oakeydoakey1]

Thanks!

[@motorcyclerewind]

Wow!!! Thanks so much. Really appreciate it.

[@donreed1133]

Great shape for a 1978 year model. I have always heard of the Hondamatic, but never knew anything about them. Thank you for the video I enjoyed it very much. P.S. I restore Honda motorcycles from the early 1970’s era. Started with the CT70’s and found I could sell them as soon as I complete the restoration!

[@motorcyclerewind]

This is such a fun bike to ride. I would love to talk to you about what you do. Send your contact info to [e-mail].

[@sinnermanbob]

it was my first bike identical in 1990 , great funn

[@motorcyclerewind]

It is an incredible motorcycle. Dare, I say misunderstood. Thanks for watching!

[@drdoc7508]

Fun Bikes! I had one in college.. I am looking for another 🙂. Nice review

[@motorcyclerewind]

I really like these motorcycles. Glad they are developing a following. Better late than never.

[@yup-he1no]

It came very ruff but I'm not restoring but putting my twist like mad max flat black, I totally love it reminds me of a dirt bike

[@motorcyclerewind]

Send me pics to [e-mail]. I would love to see what you do.

[@metallifan102]

Just bought an 82 450A, can't wait to fix it up!

[@motorcyclerewind]

awesome

[@chillywilly7299]

I miss my 360 Honda.

[@redsorgum]

I had the regular manual Hawk 400, great motorcycle. My friends dad had the 750, I would definitely buy one if they made them again.

[@motorcyclerewind]

Right on

[@daftnord4957]

they do, honda NC 750 DCT

[@brianhayes7618]

I have one of these same color so easy to ride just a nice cruiser

[@motorcyclerewind]

They are so comfortable. Thanks for watching. Please consider subscribing and sharing. Thanks

[@Mr.Robert1]

The same bike that Prince drove in Purple Rain. Forgot to add that I owned the 400cc Hawk in blue as my second bike. It was NOT automatic.

[@motorcyclerewind]

Awesome. Thanks for watching.

[@Mr.Robert1]

@@motorcyclerewind I actually had all the information on what was added to the bike to give it the appearance for the movie. I didn't have it handy at the time. I can always add it later. Forgot to add that 400cc Hawk in blue was my second motorcycle not automatic though

[@larryfromwisconsin9970]

Nice. I remember riding a friend's 750A in the late 1970s. It was nice. Nothing that I would buy.

[@motorcyclerewind]

They aren't for everyone that's why they stop selling them.

[@0bm31770]

I had a 78 that looked just like that, but it wasn't automatic. Now I'd like to get the automatic.

[@motorcyclerewind]

Yes you do!! They are awesome like riding a lazy boy. Thanks for watching.

[@jimstanley7139]

That's the sort of bike I should get for my daughter as she's wanting to ride with me

[@motorcyclerewind]

You better find two. Once you ride it you may want one for yourself. lol

[@clarenceswope6706]

It's the prehistoric scooter love it for that

[@motorcyclerewind]

The CB400A is such a comfortable bike to ride. A great place to be on a sunny day.

[@buzzedwinaldrin7006]

Honda était en avance sur son temps, mais les motards de cette époque n'étaient pas prêt. Aujourd'hui j'ai la chance de piloter une Honda Africa twin Adventure Sport DCT, je ne l'échangerai pour rien au monde, comme quoi les temps changent. Merci pour cette vidéo qui nous fait découvrir un modèle assez méconnu en France, votre exemplaire est comme neuf, elle est magnifique. Salutations d'un motard français.

[@motorcyclerewind]

Merci d'avoir regardé! J'apprécie vraiment cela. C'est fou comme une moto sous-estimée de 44 ans peut rassembler des gens du monde entier. Passe une bonne journée!

[@grantmcneley1249]

I'm a beginner biker with a mental disorder that hinders me from getting the pattern down of a manual bike. I had no idea these even existed and would definitely help me learn about motorcycle riding. I'm definitely saving up to get one.

[@motorcyclerewind]

Grant, These bikes were designed to make it easier for new riders to start riding. You can find one. Let me know if you need any help.

[@craigmonteforte1478]

This Bike is very nice ,in the early I# i bought a different brand 400 Motorcycle i used as my daily Commuter it was a Standard Transmission and Clutch and in all honesty the 400 was plenty enough power for hitting around and even a Weekend extended ride the only complaint i had was it wasn’t big enough to ride with a Passenger ? but that’s not whatb😮img😅ot that for over the years i’ve owned a lot of Honda Motorcycles most of them 500 CC or bigger i have always thought the 750/ four was the perfect weight to power ratio and loved that bikes CenterOf Gravity i happen to ike late 70s early 80s styling on most of my Motorcycles plus they are still basic enough nits the average ShadevTree Mechanic withtraditionalMechanicalSkills and Tools can work on

[@ShogunAutoworks]

My wife and I have a cb400 Hondamatic. I've had dirtbikes a Honda magna 750 and ten other various bikes. The Hondamatic can absolutely handle a passenger. My wife and I ride ours all the time. Torque converters also are a torque multiplier btw. Probably why. Also I got 100 on it alone. Slowed back down but it every bit will do it.

[@Mr.Robert1]

Problem is they have not made these in 50 years. Your never going to find one. Very rare. Look for a scooter they don't use gears or a clutch. From 50cc up to 250cc..New or used plenty available.

[@Mr.Robert1]

​@@motorcyclerewind Where are you going to find a 50 year old Honda in good running condition? Better to advise him to get a scooter. From 50cc to 250cc New or used there everywhere.

[@arthurdanielles4784]

Honda produced many model variants based on their 'Hondamatic' clutchless systems.. Many 'step throughs' used that system AND some that were like 'scooters' that again were completely 'clutchless'. 👀They were ideal to hop on and off for short trips ie to the shops et

[@motorcyclerewind]

Awesome. Thanks for the information. Really like this motorcycle.

[@pepeshadilay]

An automatic honda shadow would be cool ...

[@motorcyclerewind]

That would be cool

[@yup-he1no]

Just got one 600

[@motorcyclerewind]

Awesome.

[@rodfryatt4266]

You didn't mention the handling. I've had many bikes over the last 59 years and I consider my Hondamatic the best of the lot. It just loves being thrown into bends!

[@motorcyclerewind]

You’re right. But this one is my wife’s and I am under strict orders for how I ride it. 😂 Thanks for watching and do me a favor, please subscribe and share.

[@KDBHonda256]

​​@@motorcyclerewind I have another same paint n stripe package 1978 hawk Hondamatic 400 with Wind Jammer and storage trunk on back. Mine presents like yours 7k original miles always garaged and in great condition. It is for sale.

[@garydunn3037]

I can't believe that in the States 400 was considered "Entry Level" Motorcycling. Here in the UK back in the 70's, a 250 was the maximum you could ride without a "Full Licence" Then, when Maggie Thatcher got into Power, it was brought down to a 125cc and restricted to 12 bhp. Then, if you did not pass your test after 2 years, you had to wait a year, then re-apply for another licence. Then, later, you had to take a CBT test, before the other test to obtain a licence. No Bloody wonder motorcyclists of today, once they have got their full licence, treat the roads like a race track.

[@motorcyclerewind]

Wow!!

[@tylerarblaster2431]

how fast does it go I am just starting work on mine and I'm just curious if it will keep up on the highways or if this is more of a back road kind of bike

[@motorcyclerewind]

It is a capable bike will cruise at 70-75 all day.

[@thespiritof76.]

Do you have to roll off the throttle when upshifting? I remember riding a Honda 3-wheeler when I was a kid in the '80s and you kept the throttle in the same position and just bumped the gear shifter up to upshift the machine.

[@motorcyclerewind]

Yes, you do have to roll off and shift the roll back on. This bike is super smooth.

[@ShogunAutoworks]

New homda rincon 4 wheelers use the same transmission design too

[@motorcyclerewind]

Old Hondamatic was ahead of its time. This bike is so much fun to ride.

[@G58]

I remember these things being announced, but we never took them seriously. They seem like the sort of bike that manufacturers bring out as their latest ploy to appeal to non bikers. But as you said, there will be a learning curve if the buyer progresses to a bike with a clutch, or: any other bike. Not a great marketing move really. What happens if you accidentally apply the parking brake whilst on the move? Does it lock on? Thank you for sharing.

[@motorcyclerewind]

The parking brake is a two hand process. Squeeze the brake and pull up on the knob. Seems as Honda may have thought of that scenario.

[@ShogunAutoworks]

Yeah the pb sucks so no worries there.

[@jaratt85]

It's running just slightly lean, but given the fact that by 78 they were worried about emissions it probably has small jets in the carbs, and yours isn't running nearly as lean as another video I just saw where the first 5 inches of the pipe are BLUE. BTW nice old Ford, I miss my 76 F100 the most out of all the vehicles I've owned.. didn't hurt that it was pretty much the same color as the OG Bigfoot.

[@motorcyclerewind]

Thanks for the heads up. And thanks for the shout out for the old truck. It's a perfect truck to pick up all these old motorcycles in.

[@jaratt85]

@@motorcyclerewind a little tall IMO, I'd rather have a low 2WD for that but then I've got pretty bad back issues. That's the interesting thing about chrome exhaust, it'll quickly tell you how the bike is running because of the color it turns as it gets hot.. Unfortunately it's almost impossible to get the bluing to go away once it's turned so it's kind of a one use measure. It's something I've picked up growing up around classic brit bikes. (My dad has two and we had a neighbor that had 48 in his single car garage! *sigh I miss Phil, wonder where he went.)

[@auntbarbara5576]

We have a CM400A with 50,000 milrs, engine/trans have never been apart. Still runs like a Swiss watch. Your's is running lean honey, I see bluing of your headers 😉

[@motorcyclerewind]

You are correct. The carb if off of it now being cleaned. Then will tune it. They are great motorcycles.

[@ephenj]

Anyone know of a video of one being torn down curious to see how they made it work.

[@motorcyclerewind]

I haven’t seen one. Sometimes it’s good kit to know how they make the sausage. 😂

[@andyshelly3473]

nice , my friend just got a 1980 400 barn find with only 1300 miles , it just needs cleaned up . i wonder what the top speed is ?

[@motorcyclerewind]

Top speed was listed at 88mph. Fast enough to put you in the hospital!

[@flavioguy]

Fun video....On a side note, how do you like your Alfa Romeo??

[@motorcyclerewind]

Both the Hondamatic and the Alfa Romeo are my wife's....to answer the question, it is awesome. We've had it for 2 trouble free years! I would highly recommend it. Do me a favor and pleases subscribe, and share.

[@user-jp7vj2ky4r]

Bike shop told me there are transmission issues and parts are hard to find..any truth to this bc I would like to buy this bike as my first

[@motorcyclerewind]

I haven’t experienced any transmission issues. There are loads of parts on eBay for these. Send me an email [e-mail] with your contact information and we can talk further.

[@tysoncott7402]

Definately cool bikes but as im finding out the A models can be a PITA, they have alot more safety measures built into them to prevent starting in gear, the CDI boxes can be trouble & almost impossible to find & stators are non-exitstent, infact the stator for mine is at ricks motorcycle electrics for a rebuild to the tune of $304 ☹️

[@motorcyclerewind]

You are correct. The first one we had was awful needed all ignition replaced. It was cheaper to find another one.

[@michaelpauley125]

What is the speed range,for down shifting to low?

[@motorcyclerewind]

Only need neutral for starting. From the beginning you can shift into 2 and never touch it again until you need to start it again. So you could ride it and never shift to 1(low). If you need more acceleration from a stop you can down shift to 1 till about 35mph. Weird riding it because your left hand has nothing to do. Thanks for watching.

[@michaelpauley125]

Okay I will try to ask the question more clearly. Like slowing down for a stop light,and You want to downshift to help with braking. What slow speed do You have to get down to for down shifting into low.

[@kennethsouthard6042]

I don't think I would have call it a beginner's bike. At this time Honda made the cb125 and cb200 which were to me more beginners bikes. The Hawk was sold more as a commuter bike or a fun bike. It was a successor to the Honda 350 and the Honda 360. I think that they were going after a slightly different market of people that had never driven a manual transmission and because of that wouldn't buy a motorcycle. As by the late 1970s cars had reached the point to where nobody really bought one with a manual transmission unless they wanted one. You had the first generation that had never driven a manual and many of which never would.

[@motorcyclerewind]

Very good assessment. Thanks for watching.

[@kennethsouthard6042]

@@motorcyclerewind it's also cool that you have a CB350F. I used to have a CB400F. I miss that bike.

[@KDBHonda256]

I have this exact bike for sale right now. Same paint n stripe package anyway not this exact bike. Has windjammer and rear trunk. 7k miles. Ottawa Illinois, $900 firm. Bike presents as well as this one

[@motorcyclerewind]

That’s a good price. I should jump on the bus and ride it back!!!!

[@KDBHonda256]

@@motorcyclerewind i honestly didn't know what to price it at. It's in great condition all the stickers are still in great shape and the paint is still really nice no bluing of the exhaust

[@KDBHonda256]

What state are you in? I could do a delivery for a few extra dollars. I love road trips! :-)

[@giovannisaines9277]

@@KDBHonda256 still up for sale ?

[@KDBHonda256]

@@giovannisaines9277 nah it sold within a few hours of listing it. First person that showed up bought it.

[@samus4799]

Stelvio :)

[@motorcyclerewind]

Yes sir!!! It’s my wife’s car and we love it!!!!

[@simonbisley4746]

I had one for a short time and quickly got bored with it, I found it rather sluggish as the automatic system seemed to suck up what little power the 400 had. But that's just my opinion.

[@motorcyclerewind]

Agree it’s not known for its performance. I do enjoy riding it.

[@lesn9125]

Would you wanna sell it?

[@motorcyclerewind]

I have a blue one that’s for sale. Email me your info [e-mail] and I will call you.

[@robertveith2571]

I had a chance to buy one sorry I didn't brought a Honda night hawk 650 SC worst bike I ever owned can't find out why it won't run either can the Honda shop

[@motorcyclerewind]

I brought this bike to Barber Vintage Festival to use as my rider for the weekend. It made so many friends. So many people were interested in it.

[@lesn9125]

Would you be interested in selling it

[@motorcyclerewind]

Unfortunately, its not for sale. It's my wife's.

[@lesn9125]

@@motorcyclerewind thanks anyway

[@jimmykimsey7075]

I’ve got one for sale, just as nice with stock exhaust

[@motorcyclerewind]

@@jimmykimsey7075 Price and location?

[@jimmykimsey7075]

@Motorcycle Rewind $3,500 Alabama