Back in the 80s and early 90s, the Japanese economic bubble drove the development of 400 cc four-cylinder sports bikes that are becoming increasingly collectable today - and now China’s fast-growing motorcycle industry is exploring the same idea.

While other Chinese businesses, including Benda and Qianjiang, make 600 cc-700 cc four-cylinder bikes, Colove is planning to launch a 399 cc inline four this year, with designs for the engine and sketches of the bike itself already revealed.&

Named as the 400RR, the new model is planned to weigh under 160 kg and manage an impressive 74 hp from a 399 cc, DOHC four-cylinder engine. That’s more than any of the classic Japanese 400 cc fours could manage and is achieved via a shorter 36.5 mm stroke and bigger 59 mm bore than any of those old models, leading to high-revving characteristics that mean the peak power doesn’t arrive until 13,500 rpm. A high 13.1:1 compression ratio and race-style finger follower valve gear add to the engine’s exotic design elements.

The bike itself, seen in recently revealed drawing, uses a single-sided swingarm and MotoGP-style winglets either side of the nose. A belly-mounted exhaust system adds a hint of Ducati to the appearance, as does the choice of a red finish, but it’s far from a copy of any existing bike.

Performance-wise, Colove claims a top speed in excess of 220 km/h (136 mph). Intriguingly, it may not be the only trellis-framed, four-cylinder 400 cc sports bike on the market when the finished machine is launched, as Kawasaki is widely believed to be developing an enlarged 400 cc version of its Asian-market ZX-25R.

The ZX-25R has revived the idea of an even smaller 250 cc four-cylinder motorcycle, and while it’s not type-approved for sale in western markets, it’s a design that’s attracted a vast amount of attention. The larger version, which appears to have been confirmed by Kawasaki patents that specifically mention a 400 cc capacity, could be the development needed to achieve Euro 5 emissions compliance and open the door to more markets for Kawasaki’s small four-cylinder.

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