Cool Britannia… but only in Japan

THE JAPANESE infatuation with old British bikes will lead to the introduction of the new Honda GB400RS next year.

Our artist’s impression shows the bike is based on the current CL400 – a low-cost retro introduced in 1998.

It will feature the CL’s 397cc four-valve single, which makes a just-like-the-old-days 30bhp at 7000rpm, mounted in the current steel backbone frame. The styling will be revised to give the bike a more authentic 1960s look.

The main change is the fuel tank. The CL400’s conventionally-shaped tank is swapped for a more teardrop-shaped design, with chrome sides and rubber pads for the rider’s knees.

The bike is expected to go on sale in Japan in Spring for around £3000 compared to around £2500 for the CL. But it is unlikely to be officially imported to the UK until they find their way onto the second hand grey market… unless you know different.