The model was the successor to the ageing twin cylinder CB360[5][6] and the highly regarded,[7] but expensive for the 400 cc class,[8] four-cylinder CB400F.

The CB400T has two fewer cylinders than its CB400F predecessor and although the press was initially skeptical of it,[7][9] reviews stated that it was a worthwhile successor and more than capable of competing with contemporary rivals.

[10] Its overhead camshaft 395 cc (24.1 cu in) air-cooled parallel-twin had been completely redesigned, with a chain drive that operated three valves per cylinder, two for intake and one for exhaust.

Honda fitted these models with capacitor discharge ignition instead of the points system found on its predecessors, that required frequent maintenance.

[11] A steel diamond cradle type frame uses the engine as a stressed member to reduce mass and increase ground clearance.