Talk:Honda CB400F

October 2006

In the late 1980's and early 1990's, many Japanese nationals developed a keen interest in collecting key specimens from their automotive (and motorcycle) history (see article on the Toyota 2000 GT). As such, the Honda 400F Four became something of a collector item; commanding some extraordinary prices and undergoing extensive and expensive restoration work. Many felt the bike was the first bike from Japan which didn't embody the feel of the UJM (Universal Japanese Motorcycle) having the lines and proportions seen on the large displacement British motorcycles of the early 1960's (particularly the Norton and Matchless machines). 22:43, 17 October 2006 Ndsci

How much detail?

I was just wondering how much detail in this article could be considered as too much detail? I probably have enough material to include refs for most of it but stuff like chassis numbers seems like too much for mc-mos? MAbbey (talk) 06:56, 10 May 2015 (UTC)

Yes, no frame numbers, no colors, no obscure model codes unless they are necessary for clarity. Stick to information that has been published in mainstream books, magazines and newspapers. If you have to dig into a factory workshop manual or special Honda publication to find something, it's probably not appropriate. --Dennis Bratland (talk) 14:54, 10 May 2015 (UTC)

Excellent, I will have a go bringing the article up to standard then, thanks. MAbbey (talk) 17:32, 10 May 2015 (UTC)

This is derived from WP:SECONDARY; we prefer secondary sources (like MCN or Cycle World) to primary sources, like a workshop manual. That doesn't mean you can never mention paint colors or frame numbers. But we avoid them unless they became notable in the mainstream press, like when the Hayabusa's copper-and-white color scheme caused a stir, or if there were errors in some frame numbers that generated controversy. And also WP:NOTCATALOG; frame numbers are mostly associated with collectors' guides or shopping guides, not an encyclopedia. These guidelines can change, however. Please discuss at Wikipedia talk:WikiProject Motorcycling if you think we should do it differently. Thanks for working on this article! --Dennis Bratland (talk) 17:41, 10 May 2015 (UTC)

Two or three models?

As discussed above, there is too much detail regarding frame numbers and colours etc. If there are no objections I will simplify and remove overly detailed content.

The article currently mentions the "two" models but also states that there were F, F1 and F2 models. Only the F and F2 were available in the UK so I would hazard a guess that is what has happened here. Will make the model designation and availability clearer. MAbbey (talk) 12:09, 11 May 2015 (UTC)

Variants section

I have reorganised this into a list. I had a look through the MOS but I'm unsure which way is the best way to present the data. MAbbey (talk) 21:26, 19 May 2015 (UTC)

Hat note

I have added a hat note to this article and I hope that I got it right as per WP:SIMILAR and it is appropriately used. The hat note links to the Honda CB-1 because it appears it was also called the CB400F in some markets, although which ones I'm unsure. The owners manual clearly shows both CB-1 and CB400F designations on the front cover. I have seen one in the UK and it was definitely badged as a CB-1 and US magazines seem to refer to it as the same but I thought it would help to alleviate any potential confusion. MAbbey (talk) 18:22, 26 May 2015 (UTC)