Photo: Joe Tordiff · CC BY-SA 2.0
Honda CB400F
78/100 Overall
70 On the road85 As a classic
Classic motorcycle head-to-head
Honda CB400F vs Jawa 350 Type 634
Honda CB400F scores 78/100 overall against Jawa 350 Type 634 on 72/100. On the road: 70–65. As classics: 85–78. Overall result: Honda CB400F.
Photo: Jan Polák · CC BY-SA 3.0
Jawa 350 Type 634
72/100 Overall
65 On the road78 As a classic
The numbers
Category-by-category result
| Category | Honda CB400F | Jawa 350 | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| road | |||
| PerformanceDirect comparison of power, acceleration and usable performance across the pre-1990 classic field. | 6 | 4 | Honda CB400F |
| HandlingSteering, stability, weight and real-road manners. | 8 | 7 | Honda CB400F |
| BrakingDirect comparison of real stopping ability without an age allowance. | 6 | 6 | Level |
| ReliabilityEngine, electrics and general dependability when properly maintained. | 8 | 7 | Honda CB400F |
| Ease of ownershipMaintenance, parts supply and access to specialist knowledge. | 8 | 8 | Level |
| ComfortRiding position, vibration and suitability for longer journeys. | 6 | 7 | Jawa 350 |
| classic | |||
| StylingDesign quality, visual presence and period appeal. | 9 | 8 | Honda CB400F |
| Historical importanceInfluence on motorcycling and importance within its era. | 8 | 7 | Honda CB400F |
| Collector appealLong-term desirability among classic motorcycle enthusiasts. | 9 | 7 | Honda CB400F |
| CharacterSound, feel, personality and memorable riding experience. | 8 | 9 | Jawa 350 |
Choose the Honda CB400F if…
you want jewel-like engineering, light controls, a beautiful four-into-one exhaust and an engaging small-capacity Honda four.
Choose the Jawa 350 if…
you want a tough, characterful Eastern European twin with simple engineering and strong period individuality.
Background
History
Honda CB400F
The Honda CB400F was produced from 1975–1977 and used a 408cc air-cooled SOHC inline four. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for styling, collector appeal, reliability. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Jawa 350
The Jawa 350 Type 634 was produced from 1973–1984 and used a 343cc air-cooled two-stroke parallel twin. Within this comparison library it stands out particularly for character, styling, ownership appeal. It suits riders who value the qualities described in its original profile rather than choosing by specification alone.
Interesting details
Did you know?
Honda CB400F
- Its production span in this library runs from 1975 to 1977.
- The recorded engine description is: 408cc air-cooled SOHC inline four.
- Its strongest comparison scores are styling, collector appeal, reliability.
Jawa 350
- Its production span in this library runs from 1973 to 1984.
- The recorded engine description is: 343cc air-cooled two-stroke parallel twin.
- Its strongest comparison scores are character, styling, ownership appeal.
Present-day appeal
Collector notes
Honda CB400F
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Honda CB400F. Its library score for styling is 9/10. Values and desirability can vary substantially between years, specifications and restoration quality, so individual examples should be assessed on their own evidence.
Jawa 350
Collector interest is strongest where condition, originality and correct period details support the identity of the Jawa 350 Type 634. Its library score for character is 9/10. Values and desirability can vary substantially between years, specifications and restoration quality, so individual examples should be assessed on their own evidence.
Before you buy
Buying checks
Honda CB400F
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check carburettor balance, charging output and exhaust condition across all cylinders.
- Inspect the frame, wheels, brakes and suspension for wear, damage or poor repairs.
- Verify that important model-specific parts have not been replaced with incorrect later components.
- Review the paperwork, ownership history and any restoration invoices before purchase.
Jawa 350
- Confirm the frame and engine identity match the advertised model and year.
- Check cold starting, smoke, oil leaks and unusual mechanical noise.
- Check the oil-injection or premix arrangement, crank seals and exhaust condition carefully.
- Inspect the frame, wheels, brakes and suspension for wear, damage or poor repairs.
- Verify that important model-specific parts have not been replaced with incorrect later components.
- Review the paperwork, ownership history and any restoration invoices before purchase.
Period opposition
Historic rivals
Rivals to the Honda CB400F
Rivals to the Jawa 350
Final result
The verdict
Honda CB400F wins the direct on-the-road comparison. Honda CB400F wins the classic-motorcycle comparison. Honda CB400F takes the overall result after the road and classic scores are weighted equally.