RF400

[Mokoro]

Hi all, Im looking at an RF400......

However, I want to know afew things, can't find bugger all info on them regarding this....

Is there an RF400 model, and an RF400R model? The only information I can find relates to the RF400... not the R...

http://www.suzuki-rf.de/

That site, like many others, only shows a bit of info for the R.
Yes I have googled. Just wondering if any other RF400 owners, or people in the know could pass on a bit more info as to whats different between the 2...
Cheers

[riffer]

Found some info on them (http://www.suzukicycles.org/RF-series/RF400RV.shtml) and an owners review on www.suzukicycles.org: (http://www.suzukicycles.org:)

It is very beautiful bike and big for a 400cc bike. It's size is similar to the RF900 with minor differences about the external appearence.
It's very stable at high speed (over 180 kph), thanks to its aerodynamic design.
It has a lot in common with the RF600: Shock absorbers,carburators (Mikuni 33mm) the brakes etc.
It is not the ideal bike for illegal races cause of its heavy weight (203 kg with full tank and 185 kg dry weight) but believe me, it has a hell of a power for a 400cc bike.
It has a very precise speedometer. Example: At the 190kph indication the real speed is 188kph.
Some specificatons:
Horsepower: 53bhp in 11,000 rpm
Maximum revs: 15,000 rpm,
16,000 rpm for the VC model
Torgue: 3.8kgm at 9.500 rpm
Maximum speed: 217 kph
Acceleration: 0-100kph at 4.9 sec.
These specs are for an original non-modified RF400. My bike has 0-100kph at 4.5sec, top speed 220 kph and better throttle responce.”

[mattt]

I test drove one before buying a vfr400rr, and found it to be more of an upright tourer type bike, not so much a sports bike despite it's relatively sporty looks.
For a commuter, they would be mint. You can pick up a 95-96 model for $3000 or less. Good luck :ride:

[Mokoro]

Yeah, Im after something with a bit more of an upright riding position, wanna do some long distance trips, doesnt help much when you're crunched right forward.. Don't mind leaning a wee bit, had an RG150 for over a year as my only mode of transport so I'm kinda used to it....

But yeah, not much info around on these bikes... I'm guessing they were made in 2 models, the rf400r and the rf400.... The non- r, having only one front disc, and....... not sure what else?


edit: cheers riffer, had a read of that already, sounds good but its all regarding the 'r version by the looks of it... :D

[bane]

But yeah, not much info around on these bikes... I'm guessing they were made in 2 models, the rf400r and the rf400.... The non- r, having only one front disc, and....... not sure what else?


Ive got a Kiwi Rider mag (April 2001) with a test of a "RF400" (no mention of "r")

specs listed as per riffer, and rrp at the time $9999
oh, and measured wet weight 207kg

on brakes:
"the twin disc front end packs a punch that newcomers will, we suspect, need to acclimatise to, but they're not grabby and can haul the RF down, so much that the rear disc is almost redundant"

handling:
"a naturally stable machine, not at all twitchy or interestingly, heavy feeling. Take the same line as a "big bike", the only difference being that you dont get the same launch out of the apex"

other notes:
- they got 17km/l over the test
- they felt variable valve timing increased engine flexibility over most 400's
- pretty good setup for pillions
- great instrumentation including digital countdown of km's on reserve and clock.
- mirrors pretty good

bitching:
- seat was under padded and a tad uncomfortable after a couple of hours
- no centre stand (unusual for such a big bike)

[riffer]

- no centre stand (unusual for such a big bike)

meh. It's a sports tourer. :whocares:

You want a centre stand - buy the Honda.

Centre stand's a minor consideration. Just get a race stand.

[SPman]

KR test by Mr Bentman - RF400VC - the vtec model - picked by the red disc centres
Goddess of Goof has got one - good sport tourers, front forks soft - like most of the smaller bikes, but goes quite well

[bane]

meh. It's a sports tourer. :whocares:

KR's statement, not mine.... but I see their point - this is hardly a light weight supersports, and centre stands can be quite handy.

Having said that, certainly not a reason to choose a bike on!