I had a 95 model that was a grey import, quite a long time ago now and quite a few bikes later I honestly think this was the best bike I have ever owned. Ok it was not all that fast but it was fast enough for fun but also suitable to ride all day without being at all uncomfortable. Lack of fairing amounted to the usual windy ride but I didn't mind it then and I still don't. The economy was unbelievable for a 4 cylinder revy machine and the engine was so smooth it really was a nice ride, so much so that I know my Father used to sneak out on a sunny sunday afternoon occasionally, he still doesn't know that I know that!!
The build quality and finish was far better than any Honda's built in europe and other parts of the world and I still think that it is the same now, if you see a late Grey import they are far superior in quality of finish. When I bought it it was more expensive than alot of bikes available at the time bit it was worth every penny. I never had any problems getting any parts the insurance was cheep even though at the time I was still a young lad.
My brother was so impressed that he got one aswell, although his was a bit newer and it was the SF version R, so his bike got a bolt on can, with a different front pipe which gave more ground clearence at the cost of no center stand, a black painted engine, lower gearing so that it had quicker acceleration and slightly rear set pegs with a bikini nose fairing. I am not sure but I think I read once that they made a SF version S aswell which was also a bit sporty with the normal round headlight.
To my knowledge you can still get this bike new in Japan, Australia and New Zealand although now it has a Vtec engine and ABS is an option.
If I had enough money now I would get a brand new CB400SF Vtec imported to keep for sunny days to enjoy a truly brilliant bike, a proper Honda.
On a different note if you fancy a short tour of Brittany by bike then check out www.longwayroundbrittany.co.uk
