CB400 Super Four

[Grashopper]

I’ve been having my eye on these bikes for quite a while now. So far I’ve heard only good things about them and what makes them even more interesting for me is that they are supposed to have quite a low seat height. Even though I won’t be able to afford a new bike at the moment I still can dream, right? So I’ve been keeping my eye out and found one (two now from the same dealer) on Trademe. http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-576701570.htm

I know it is a dealership (probably answering my own question here…), but that seems very expensive to me for an 8 year old 400 cc bike. Haven’t seen any others on Trademe the last few months but this one has been there at least since the Lams thread. So is that what I would have to expect if I want to go for a Super Four? I could get a new 300 Ninja for nearly the same price (If I wanted one…) or a new 390 Duke from September on for only a couple grand more. Ok, both totally different bikes, but you get my drift.

[unstuck]

Nice looking bikes, never ridden one myself though. Price does seem a bit high, but as you say they are a dealer and have a shitloads of overheads to meet. At least it is a Honda so you can be as gay as you want to be.

And yes dreams are free, but then I have found that dreams have a funny way of coming true.:2thumbsup Good luck.:scooter:

[HenryDorsetCase]

I’ve been having my eye on these bikes for quite a while now. So far I’ve heard only good things about them and what makes them even more interesting for me is that they are supposed to have quite a low seat height. Even though I won’t be able to afford a new bike at the moment I still can dream, right? So I’ve been keeping my eye out and found one (two now from the same dealer) on Trademe. http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-576701570.htm

I know it is a dealership (probably answering my own question here…), but that seems very expensive to me for an 8 year old 400 cc bike. Haven’t seen any others on Trademe the last few months but this one has been there at least since the Lams thread. So is that what I would have to expect if I want to go for a Super Four? I could get a new 300 Ninja for nearly the same price (If I wanted one…) or a new 390 Duke from September on for only a couple grand more. Ok, both totally different bikes, but you get my drift.

Who is the crack addled fuckwit sales drone that thinks that is worth EIGHT THOUSAND DOLLARS. To quote Daryl Kerrigan "Tell 'im e's dreeeeemin".

Stealerships like that do more to discourage beginner motorbike riders than ANY Gubblemunt initiative in my view.

For HALF that money you could get this:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=602813775

not LAMS approved but fuck that anyway. Ride what you want. Or spend 8 grand on a mid 90's GSXR Thou.

[FJRider]

I know it is a dealership (probably answering my own question here…), but that seems very expensive to me for an 8 year old 400 cc bike.

It does seem it is a high price ... but at 20,00 km's ... it hasn't gone far. And it is looking in bloody good condition.

However ...

The Insurance FROM $7.71 a week. Do the maths for 52 weeks per year and multiply by the total years of the repayments ... but be aware that rate would be for experienced full licensed riders ... and probably over 25 years of age too.
And don't forget to add (find out) the interest (18% maybe more .. ???) to add to the listed price (do the maths on that too).

And find out what Trade in price for the GN they'll give you. But I'm sure you WILL find it is expensive ... more than an eight year old bike should be. Regardless of condition and mileage.

[ktm84mxc]

The asking price will be a guide, you should be able to get it for less.
A sports 600/650 are all available for the CB's asking price, take your pick it's a buyers market.

[HenryDorsetCase]

The asking price will be a guide, you should be able to get it for less.
A sports 600/650 are all available for the CB's asking price, take your pick it's a buyers market.

OP is on a learner licence so the supply/demand equation is distorted.

[Grashopper]

OP is on a learner licence so the supply/demand equation is distorted.

Lol, Restricted now :D Not that it makes any difference.

[gammaguy]

There are literally thousands of super fours here in Singapore,they are very popular

For 8k I could buy one here and ship it to NZ,so your dealer is smoking his underwear

[Phantom Limb]

The price is bonkers I think, but they're cracking bikes. The quality of finish is excellent for a small capacity machine.

I saw one from a distance at the supermarket last week, I immediately thought 'CB1300', but when I pulled up next to it on the XJR it looked like it had shrunk in the wash! I had a blink and had to check the rego tag to ensure that I wasnt mad :eek5:

[awa355]

Just look at the prices dealers asked for 88-92 250 sports bikes before the LAMs law change. $5500 for a 20+ year old 250 sports bike wasn't unusual.

Only to be expected that they will import bigger LAM s approved used bikes and aim at the top dollar.

Look at the extra finance as FJ has pointed out, then add a couple of sets of tyres, and brake pads within the 3 years on hp. It all adds up.

$2000 dep, 18% interest on the other 6g comes to $1080 per year, After 3 years, you've got a bike that has cost about $9,240 in payments. $1200+ in rego , $1200+ in insurance, at least.

If you look at the money aspect, There isnt much about motorcycling that is cheap. But then none of us give too much thought to that when we are looking at the next dream on the showroom floor.

[Glowerss]

If the only Ch400s you've seen are from Coleman's, you're not looking hard enough :2thumbsup

Been heaps of them for sale. Most of em for 4000 or less.

Shit, you could buy http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-601132708.htm and rebuild it 6 times over for less than Colemans.

Unless you can get a cheap loan from the bank and plan on keeping it for 3+ years, no LAMS bike is worth that sort of money. The damn thing will depreciate like a stone as well. You'd be lucky to get half of that back when you sell it.

If you must upgrade, just buy a hornet for $3500ish and use that until you're ready to upgrade. Great bikes, lots of fun, be nearly the same as one of those 400s and you won't lose value on it.

[xXGIBBOXx]

I have one , love it . rides like a nana under 7000 rpm vtec kicks in at 7100 rpm ( fully vtec @ 8000 rpm ) mint twin brakes on the front stops on a dime . chain and sprokets are a little hard to find . im 100 kg 5"11 had to move the bars alittle and the shocks can go up and down abit . good size feet front and rear = fun in the hills . i brought mine as a work / keep till it dies bike

[Grashopper]

If you must upgrade, just buy a hornet for $3500ish and use that until you're ready to upgrade. Great bikes, lots of fun, be nearly the same as one of those 400s and you won't lose value on it.

I actually like my GN: It's a light weight, I can get my feet on the ground, it doesn't mind 1400 km touring on a long weekend and it's fun around corners. But a little bit more acceleration would be great. So I looked up the Hornet 250 and Wiki said it can accelerate from 0 to 100 km in 5.8 seconds. We all know that wiki is always right, but just in case: Is that right? That would make it more than twice as fast as the GN...:gob:

Hehe, re that CB1. I've seen it on Tm, but all I can do on my bike is change the oil and - if my bike doesn't explode when I start it tomorrow morning - clean the air filter. I think a 23 year old bike might be a bit too much maintenance for me.

[AllanB]

Positive they are available new in Aussie for sub $10k.

[Grashopper]

I have one , love it . rides like a nana under 7000 rpm vtec kicks in at 7100 rpm ( fully vtec @ 8000 rpm ) mint twin brakes on the front stops on a dime . chain and sprokets are a little hard to find . im 100 kg 5"11 had to move the bars alittle and the shocks can go up and down abit . good size feet front and rear = fun in the hills . i brought mine as a work / keep till it dies bike

Sounds good. :) What's the fuel consumption like?

[Glowerss]

I actually like my GN: It's a light weight, I can get my feet on the ground, it doesn't mind 1400 km touring on a long weekend and it's fun around corners. But a little bit more acceleration would be great. So I looked up the Hornet 250 and Wiki said it can accelerate from 0 to 100 km in 5.8 seconds. We all know that wiki is always right, but just in case: Is that right? That would make it more than twice as fast as the GN...:gob:

Hehe, re that CB1. I've seen it on Tm, but all I can do on my bike is change the oil and - if my bike doesn't explode when I start it tomorrow morning - clean the air filter. I think a 23 year old bike might be a bit too much maintenance for me.

It's a 250 Inline 4. It has a 16,000 RPM redline, but little power under say 6kpm and it doesn't start really cooking till over 12.

So if you're bashing it into the redline constantly (and weigh 40kg) it might do 0-100 kph in 6 seconds. 7-8ish seconds is more like it if you're giving it a bit of willy (say, changing up at 12ishk RPM).

The biggest differences between the hornet and the GN will definitely be some extra power, but mostly handling and a lot more flexibility in the motor. It's a personal thing,but I love that spread of RPM to play with :woohoo:

[Grashopper]

This Hornet looks nice: http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-599890990.htm

But I always wonder about bikes that are that old and don't have many kms down. Maybe they've been around the clock or they are a shitty ride.

[Grashopper]

So if you're bashing it into the redline constantly (and weigh 40kg) it might do 0-100 kph in 6 seconds. 7-8ish seconds is more like it if you're giving it a bit of willy (say, changing up at 12ishk RPM).

Lol, the GN spec say it take 13 sec from 0-100... so yes, twice as fast :D



The biggest differences between the hornet and the GN will definitely be some extra power, but mostly handling and a lot more flexibility in the motor. It's a personal thing,but I love that spread of RPM to play with :woohoo:

And probably won't sound like you're torturing it when you finally get to the 100 km/h...

[xXGIBBOXx]

Sounds good. :) What's the fuel consumption like?
tank is just over 17 litres ( 2 litre reserve ) best was 320 km , mostly motorway runs . 280 km if i vtec the the shit out of first and second , which i do now it has a new exhaust . It sounds like a worked type r civic . 100 kms is round 6000rpm in sixth gear , just a little twist will get it to vtec and pass what ya need. (redline is 13000 rpm )

[nzspokes]

Both bikes, Hornet 250 and Cb400 were never sold new here. So some parts would need to be imported if needed.

If you can get one for the right money I would go the 400. I have seen Gixbbox and its a very nice bike with a low seat height for you. Hornet is taller. I see the 400 being a bike you may just keep when you go for your full as it would be a good size for you with good power. I would normally say go for the Hornet but that would be for a taller male due to fit and the Hornets hoon factor.

[HenryDorsetCase]

I actually like my GN: It's a light weight, I can get my feet on the ground, it doesn't mind 1400 km touring on a long weekend and it's fun around corners. But a little bit more acceleration would be great. So I looked up the Hornet 250 and Wiki said it can accelerate from 0 to 100 km in 5.8 seconds. We all know that wiki is always right, but just in case: Is that right? That would make it more than twice as fast as the GN...:gob:

Hehe, re that CB1. I've seen it on Tm, but all I can do on my bike is change the oil and - if my bike doesn't explode when I start it tomorrow morning - clean the air filter. I think a 23 year old bike might be a bit too much maintenance for me.realistically all you would have to do on the CB1 would be chainge the oil and filter and maybe air filter and spark plugs and other consumables as you would have to on any bike.

And the Honda reputation for reliability was built on (wait for it) actual reliability. I love Hondas.* Buy that CB1. or any VTR250 (the naked V Twin that looks like a mini Ducati Monster) I think you might be pleasantly surprised at the vehicle dynamics compared to teh mighty GN. Just saying. All bikes are fun, thats the point, but some are more funner than others.





*lame gay joke in 3,2,1...........

[HenryDorsetCase]

Both bikes, Hornet 250 and Cb400 were never sold new here. So some parts would need to be imported if needed.

If you can get one for the right money I would go the 400. I have seen Gixbbox and its a very nice bike with a low seat height for you. Hornet is taller. I see the 400 being a bike you may just keep when you go for your full as it would be a good size for you with good power. I would normally say go for the Hornet but that would be for a taller male due to fit and the Hornets hoon factor.

Parts for obscure Hondas are piss easy to source on the interwebs and reasonably priced.

www.davidsilverspares.co.uk.

cmnsl.

[HenryDorsetCase]

This Hornet looks nice: http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-599890990.htm

But I always wonder about bikes that are that old and don't have many kms down. Maybe they've been around the clock or they are a shitty ride.

You will be able to tell from a close look at it. Most Japan imports dont do that many k's (and they are NOT generally well looked after in Nihon: be aware)...

that looks tidy to me. Also, the Hornet 900 (I owned one) was a great bike because it was physically small: like a 600. That might be physically quite a small bike.

[Grashopper]

The Insurance FROM $7.71 a week. Do the maths for 52 weeks per year and multiply by the total years of the repayments ... but be aware that rate would be for experienced full licensed riders ... and probably over 25 years of age too.
And don't forget to add (find out) the interest (18% maybe more .. ???) to add to the listed price (do the maths on that too).
Didn't even think of finance. You always pay a lot more at the end.


And find out what Trade in price for the GN they'll give you.
I expect the trade in price for a GN is extremely low. I might have to pay them if they take it at all :D



I saw one from a distance at the supermarket last week, I immediately thought 'CB1300', but when I pulled up next to it on the XJR it looked like it had shrunk in the wash! I had a blink and had to check the rego tag to ensure that I wasnt mad :eek5: Lol, I did exactly the opposite today. Saw a CB1300 at a local dealership and immededtly thought CB400...:D


tank is just over 17 litres ( 2 litre reserve ) best was 320 km , mostly motorway runs . 280 km if i vtec the the shit out of first and second , which i do now it has a new exhaust . It sounds like a worked type r civic . 100 kms is round 6000rpm in sixth gear , just a little twist will get it to vtec and pass what ya need. (redline is 13000 rpm )
Cool. That sounds pretty good.



If you can get one for the right money I would go the 400. I have seen Gixbbox and its a very nice bike with a low seat height for you. Hornet is taller. I see the 400 being a bike you may just keep when you go for your full as it would be a good size for you with good power. I would normally say go for the Hornet but that would be for a taller male due to fit and the Hornets hoon factor.
Totally clueless here. What do you mean with 'hoon factor"?


realistically all you would have to do on the CB1 would be chainge the oil and filter and maybe air filter and spark plugs and other consumables as you would have to on any bike.

And the Honda reputation for reliability was built on (wait for it) actual reliability. I love Hondas.* Buy that CB1. or any VTR250 (the naked V Twin that looks like a mini Ducati Monster) I think you might be pleasantly surprised at the vehicle dynamics compared to teh mighty GN. Just saying. All bikes are fun, thats the point, but some are more funner than others.

Funny you should say that. Just stumbled over this one and now I want it:-) http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-598075075.htm Ah well, currently also out of reach. But will keep my eye out. Also not sure you could put saddle bags or a pack rack on that one anyway.

[Glowerss]

Funny you should say that. Just stumbled over this one and now I want it:-) http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-598075075.htm Ah well, currently also out of reach. But will keep my eye out. Also not sure you could put saddle bags or a pack rack on that one anyway.

You can put a pack rack on almost anything. VTR's are popular enough I'm sure something exists for em.

You can find a good VTR for a shit of a lot less than that. Probably around hornet pricing ($3500-$4000 or so). Now doesn't seem to be a great time to be buying (or looking) though. Not a lot out there for sale and most people seem to want far too much for things just this very moment.

And by hoon factor he just means how much fun it is to ride the thing around with it screaming it's wee little head off :woohoo::yes::scooter:

[HenryDorsetCase]

Funny you should say that. Just stumbled over this one and now I want it:-) http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-598075075.htm Ah well, currently also out of reach. But will keep my eye out. Also not sure you could put saddle bags or a pack rack on that one anyway.

Its $1500 too dear even accounting for the low k's and late model year.

MHO of course. ;)

[FJRider]

Didn't even think of finance. You always pay a lot more at the end.

Actually ... you pay more during the payment period. But many don't know (or realize) until later ... :gob: :eek5: :brick:

Before you agree to finance ... talk to your own bank regards a loan for the required amount (less trade in value) as the interest rate may be cheaper. Shop around for insurance too ... :yes:


I expect the trade in price for a GN is extremely low. I might have to pay them if they take it at all :D

It may surprise you what they may offer to get the sale. Never hurts to ask. ;)


Totally clueless here. What do you mean with 'hoon factor"?

Think "Boyracer" potential ... :innocent:

[Grashopper]

Now doesn't seem to be a great time to be buying (or looking) though. Not a lot out there for sale and most people seem to want far too much for things just this very moment.

I did notice though that quite a few bikes have been on Trademe for a while already. Would be great if there was a way to find out how long something has been listed, or relisted, already.


Its $1500 too dear even accounting for the low k's and late model year.

MHO of course. ;)
Lol, yeah, that's my 'expert' opinion, too :D



It may surprise you what they may offer to get the sale. Never hurts to ask. ;)
It might though, if they break a rib from laughing so hard when I ask how much they will give me for my GN...

I see so many GNs on Trademe. Is anyone actually still buying them?

Argh, I really should stop looking. Found something interesting again. http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/tourers/auction-606031320.htm

Can someone please buy this so I'm not tempted anymore?

It's too far away anyway. Can't just go for a test ride. And i probably shouldn't buy another 250 anyway either. But it looks nice and it even has a pack rack already. And it might not be too expensive...

[nerrrd]

I really liked my vt250, still the bike I've owned the longest, but they were a bit different back then...

[unstuck]

I really liked my vt250, still the bike I've owned the longest, but they were a bit different back then...

That looks like a baby version of my VF.:2thumbsup

[xXGIBBOXx]

I really liked my vt250, still the bike I've owned the longest, but they were a bit different back then...

Nice ride , that's some old school goodness right there !

[actungbaby]

Dude u can get brand new cbr 250. Or as u said kawasaki 300.
u going keep it buy new.
Back in the day. Was going buy.
Second hand cb 400 twin.
dad whouldint go sign for loan.
Was brassed of so saved 1/3
Depoist .and brought new bike
silver cb 400 twin, so glad,dad
did what he did, brought new
cbx 400 four what nice bike.
So smooth. Why buy other persons problems.
As for bike no way traded that in paid 8000 .more like 3000, and
quick wash out back.
They use finance as carrot to
over charge on list price,
Go to bank get bank loan, save few grand abd get new bike.
Feck eho wants 8 year old bike.

[ducatilover]

Buy a cheaper early 90's CB400 SuperFour, you will love it to bits
I had one and it was one of the creamiest motors I have come across.
Happy to pootle along in any gear, stopped well too. Nothing ever went wrong with it and it was a tatty example I picked up for $1300...
It looked gorgeous and does everything the later model ones do, but less than half the price.

The pre-vtec motors have no weak spots/common problems. They're brilliant little bikes :2thumbsup
I'd recommend one over a Hornet because (I love Hornets as people may have noticed):
Easier to ride, more torque and power.
Looks prettier.
Normal size tyres
Also very easy to source parts
Much nicer on the open road (less revs)
Better brakes
Most have been owned by beige people and not thrashed.

They'll do well past 100,000km with normal servicing.
Mine was around 80km I think and it had the valves done at 50k, they were still in spec.


Dooooooo iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiit

[MarkH]

Holy crap, $8k for a 400, my RF900 was quite a bit cheaper! I guess that there is a premium to pay for LAMS bikes that those not on a full license have no choice but to pay.
You gotta wonder what price you could negotiate the dealer down to?

[FJRider]

I see so many GNs on Trademe. Is anyone actually still buying them?

YOU did ... :lol: There may be somebody even dumber (or more desperate for wheels) that may be interested.



And i probably shouldn't buy another 250 anyway either. But it looks nice and it even has a pack rack already. And it might not be too expensive...


Unless you're planning on keeping the GN's replacement for a very long time ... a bigger and older bike would be a better idea. Worry less about age/appearence ... worry more about Km's traveled. Get used to the extra power and weight the extra cc's give. And as the "Learning experience" may involve the odd mishap ... the odd dent or scratch won't seem as much like a big deal. (Because it is not)

[Grashopper]

I see so many GNs on Trademe. Is anyone actually still buying them?


YOU did ... :lol:
:lol: You got me there. Ok so, note to self: If you want a buyer for the GN look for totally clueless learner. Gotcha



Unless you're planning on keeping the GN's replacement for a very long time ... a bigger and older bike would be a better idea. Worry less about age/appearence ... worry more about Km's traveled. Get used to the extra power and weight the extra cc's give. And as the "Learning experience" may involve the odd mishap ... the odd dent or scratch won't seem as much like a big deal. (Because it is not)

Actually had my eye on a little 1984 Honda 400 GL last week. Thought it looked cool. Didn't take me long to notice that it looked a lot like my GN, just had more power... Strange, thought I never really liked how my GN looked. Always wanted something sportier and usually when I look for bikes it is for something that is newer and more flash. :) Will really be interesting what I will come up with next. But I find 400 cc quite a good amount of power for my next bike and everything I had a look at that had more power was either not Lams, had a too high seat height or was to expensive (i.e. new...) anyway.
Really depends on the bike if I want to keep it for longer. I really like the GN as it handles well, but would like a wee bit more power. I also feel I should get something different just because I want to ride something else but the GN sometime. And as I don't like to ride someone elses bikes so will need to get myself a new bike sometime. :yes:

[nerrrd]

:lol: Strange, thought I never really liked how my GN looked. Always wanted something sportier and usually when I look for bikes it is for something that is newer and more flash... I really like the GN as it handles well, but would like a wee bit more power... I also feel I should get something different just because I want to ride something else but the GN sometime.

That all sounds very familiar to how I felt about my GN back in the day, so I traded it in on a brand new honda cb550f integra on hire purchase...6 months or so later I sold it 'cos it was too big a step up for me (hilariously these are apparently LAMS approved now, but at the time I didn't know what I was doing...still on a LAMS bike now so maybe in another 30 years or so I'll get the hang of it) so don't do that. Was a beautiful bike, though, I was proud to own it while I did.

[Grashopper]

That all sounds very familiar to how I felt about my GN back in the day, so I traded it in on a brand new honda cb550f integra on hire purchase...6 months or so later I sold it 'cos it was too big a step up for me (hilariously these are apparently LAMS approved now, but at the time I didn't know what I was doing...still on a LAMS bike now so maybe in another 30 years or so I'll get the hang of it) so don't do that. Was a beautiful bike, though, I was proud to own it while I did.

So what did you get after you sold the CB550F again? I assume it wasn't the BMW yet?

[nerrrd]

So what did you get after you sold the CB550F again? I assume it wasn't the BMW yet?

No, no way I could have afforded that at the time; had a mini for about a year thanks to my folks, then got me one of these (only mine was a luverly sky blue colour), a patriotically named NZ250. Probably similar to that 'inazuma' suzuki brought in recently?

I think from memory it went GP125, GN250, CB550F /car/ NZ250, VT250 /car/ GPX250, F650... so LOTS of 250s.

[Grashopper]

I think from memory it went GP125, GN250, CB550F /car/ NZ250, VT250 /car/ GPX250, F650... so LOTS of 250s.


I really liked my vt250, still the bike I've owned the longest, but they were a bit different back then...

So did you like the VT250 most from all of those bikes? There's a few on trademe and they are usually relatively cheap compared to the vtr and the hornet, but people hardly seem to talk about them.

[ducatilover]

So did you like the VT250 most from all of those bikes? There's a few on trademe and they are usually relatively cheap compared to the vtr and the hornet, but people hardly seem to talk about them.

Here's a basic run down on VTs
VT250F/FN/N/XELVIS, 90's models: good little bikes, may develop cam chain rattle but any decent mechanic can take the tensioners out and sort it

VT250j/k Spada, the best VT made, 40hp motor. Also had cam chain rattles, but a solid everything else, only made in 88-89. I did 130,000km on mine.

Early VT250, block external oil feeds to the head, not so sexy quality bottom end bearings in the motor, hydro clutch which seems to be hard to get parts for but if one has a little brain power you can get around it, also develop cam chain rattles, also a tensioner issue...

VTZ250, 2nd best VT series from the era, 6 speed box, less power than the Spada, consider it a beige version of the Spada that weighs a tiny bit more, same tensioner issues....

VTR250 (newer shape, 97 onwards) generally solid little buggers, early ones had no tachometer, but you don't exactly need one anyway, only have a 5 speed gearbox and around 30hp. Have not done a tensioner fix on one of those yet :2thumbsup

[Grashopper]

Here's a basic run down on VTs

Awesome. Thanks very much :2thumbsup

So many decisions, and that is just the bottom of the iceberg :) Having my eye on a hornet now, but they are always at inconvenient locations, so might have to wait until something comes up that's a bit closer to home. Hm, and there was a nice VTR in New Plymouth, and maybe I should check if that CB-1 is on the LAMS list and...Is anyone else spending all of their spare time looking at bikes? I don't even want to sell mine, but there is room in the garage for two, I'm sure.

[nerrrd]

So did you like the VT250 most from all of those bikes? There's a few on trademe and they are usually relatively cheap compared to the vtr and the hornet, but people hardly seem to talk about them.

Um better to listen to someone who actually knows what they're talking about (ie ducatilover see above ) but from my X-treme layman's point of view I liked the VT250 best, then the GPX, but I didn't like the gearbox on mine (seemed really notchy) and I was old by that stage and wanted something a bit more upright.

I've got a love/hate thing going with the F650CS, when I'm on the open road I love it (plenty of grunt for me, scoots along, will take off with a twist of the throttle in fourth or fifth, always feels stable and sure-footed), around town I hate it (surges, hesitates and generally feels rough as guts, occasionally cuts out for no reason, could just be my ham-fisted throttle control I guess.)

[quickbuck]

That looks like a baby version of my VF.:2thumbsup
Yup... It Is.

[Grashopper]

Looks like it's vtr or hornet now for me.

[nzspokes]

Looks like it's vtr or hornet now for me.

Hornet. You wont regret it.

[Grashopper]

Hm, the Spada looks nice in black. Anyone selling one? :D
Ok, so at the moment my list (in no particular order)...(ok, maybe slightly...) is Spada, VTR and Hornet. The Zeal looks nice, too. Just to throw something else into the mix for a change.
Hm, can you get into trouble for being off topic in your own thread? Maybe I should consider getting it renamed :scratch:

[ducatilover]

I'd recommend the Hornet over all the others

[actungbaby]

Hm, the Spada looks nice in black. Anyone selling one? :D
Ok, so at the moment my list (in no particular order)...(ok, maybe slightly...) is Spada, VTR and Hornet. The Zeal looks nice, too. Just to throw something else into the mix for a change.
Hm, can you get into trouble for being off topic in your own thread? Maybe I should consider getting it renamed :scratch:

I love the look the spada and sound nice too . the hornet. keep you happy longer i suspect

Inline 4s are fun too ride both if you can i havent riden either so just going by watching both.

[ducatilover]

The Sada is minutely quicker than the Hornet, I've lined them up when I had my Spada. The Spada is lighter, but the Hornet is newer and the Spadas are starting to show their age, I'd still buy another though and keep it mint.

[Cam_Valk]

Sorry to hijack the thread.

But can anyone tell me if it is possible to fit a NC31 engine into a NC39 frame CB400SF?

Or what engine is possible to fit into a NC39 frame.
Ive been trawling the net for any sort of info, but no luck so far.

Thanks
Cameron

[Grashopper]

Sorry to hijack the thread.

But can anyone tell me if it is possible to fit a NC31 engine into a NC39 frame CB400SF?

Or what engine is possible to fit into a NC39 frame.
Ive been trawling the net for any sort of info, but no luck so far.

Thanks
Cameron
No prob. This thread helped me decide which bike to buy, so I don't need it anymore :)

But you might get a bit more attention if you make your own, too.


Here's a basic run down on VTs
VT250F/FN/N/XELVIS, 90's models: good little bikes, may develop cam chain rattle but any decent mechanic can take the tensioners out and sort it

VT250j/k Spada, the best VT made, 40hp motor. Also had cam chain rattles, but a solid everything else, only made in 88-89. I did 130,000km on mine.

Early VT250, block external oil feeds to the head, not so sexy quality bottom end bearings in the motor, hydro clutch which seems to be hard to get parts for but if one has a little brain power you can get around it, also develop cam chain rattles, also a tensioner issue...

VTZ250, 2nd best VT series from the era, 6 speed box, less power than the Spada, consider it a beige version of the Spada that weighs a tiny bit more, same tensioner issues....

VTR250 (newer shape, 97 onwards) generally solid little buggers, early ones had no tachometer, but you don't exactly need one anyway, only have a 5 speed gearbox and around 30hp. Have not done a tensioner fix on one of those yet :2thumbsup

Just noticed, this was the post that made me aware of the Spada's. Can't bling it anymore, but thanks again :2thumbsup

[ducatilover]

Sorry to hijack the thread. But can anyone tell me if it is possible to fit a NC31 engine into a NC39 frame CB400SF? Or what engine is possible to fit into a NC39 frame. Ive been trawling the net for any sort of info, but no luck so far. Thanks Cameron You can fit anything in there if you're keen enough. Yes the 31 will go in. I'd be finding a CBR600f2/3/4 or something of the sort and cramming that in. You could even go mental and slap a 919 in it if you're handy with fabrication.
\ Just noticed, this was the post that made me aware of the Spada's. Can't bling it anymore, but thanks again :2thumbsup Happy to help! :yes:

[Cam_Valk]

You can fit anything in there if you're keen enough. Yes the 31 will go in. I'd be finding a CBR600f2/3/4 or something of the sort and cramming that in. You could even go mental and slap a 919 in it if you're handy with fabrication. Happy to help! :yes:

Thanks for the info dude.
Would the 31 be a straight forward slot in job?
A cbr600f would be pretty sweet, but then again I have no fabrication skills whatsoever.

Cam

[ducatilover]

I don't know why you'd want to? But getting the engine in would be easily done. However, you'd need to sort the wiring out to suit Set up a radiator Chain offset (should be the same, AFAIK the 39 uses more or less the same basic engine, with the different head)

[Cam_Valk]

Pretty much because the 31 is whats available at the moment.
A cbr600F would be nice, but im not too sure of the clearance of the exhausts headers inbetween the double cradle frame.
And i dont want to have to put the bike through re-cert for a larger capacity engine.

But if anyone knows of a NC39 engine for sale, or one thats wrecking at the moment, give me a PM :P

Cam

[ducatilover]

What's wrong with the 39 motor?

[Cam_Valk]

Cracked case beyond repair.
Had a bit of an accident on the AKL motorway (not me).

[ducatilover]

Shit, must have gone down bloody hard! Good luck getting another 39 lump. I'd be looking further in to the 31 swap, or just doing a 600.