Introduced in 1996, the single overhead cam radial four-valve head was continued from the earlier XR350. The Radial Four Valve Combustion chamber (RFVC) allows for the use of large valves, better flow and a unique valve actuating method. Due to the positioning of the sub-rocker arm, the rocker arm and valve operate on different planes, and the entire valve train requires less maintenance and will be more durable.
‘Light is Right’ was the sales slogan, and the new XR 400, according to Honda, is the future of dirt bikes. Honda were proved right!
This air-cooled lightweight was a paragon of reliability and handled well enough for most riders fresh out of the crate. It evolved and progressed through it’s production run until 2005, finally being replaced by a liquid cooled successor, but still retaining that ingenious and effective valve gear.
