In 1976, the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer launched the CB400T, a motorcycle known as the Dream in the United Kingdom, as the Hawk in the United States, and as a successor to the aging twin-cylinder CB360 bike but also to the expensive 400cc class CB400F.
In the UK market, the bike was introduced in 1977, but also available in a smaller 250cc version that complied with the UK learner regulations at the time. The bike was on sale for only six months and succeeded by the Euro-styled CB250N and CB400N Super Dream in 1978.
In the American market, the bike was introduced in 1978 along with the mechanically similar and more cruiser-inspired Honda CM400. Also, the model was available in three different versions, such as the CB400TI Hawk 1, CB400TII Hawk 2, and CB400A Hawk Hondamatic.
The Hawk 1 was the budget model of the lineup and featured wire-spoked wheels with both front and rear drum brakes, the Hawk 2 was the sport model that packed aluminum wheels with a single front disc brake, and the Hondamatic model featured a two-speed semi-automatic transmission with a torque converter and two manually selectable forward gears.
In the performance department, the 1976 Honda CB400T Hawk had its soul brought to life by a 395cc four-stroke parallel twin air-cooled engine fed by two Keihin carburetors that helped deliver an output power of 34 hp with maximum strength at 9,500 rpm and 29 Nm (21lb-ft) of torque available at 8,000 rpm.