Yamaha SR400 reborn

[tamarillo]

This looked a good idea, originals are highly sought after for customisation, but at $10,000 ask I don't get it. Can buy a nice bike for that and this should be cheap, old tech, no E&D, cheap brakes and suspension...


http://www.yamahamotorsports.com/sport/products/modelhome/691/home.aspx

[Maha]

.... plus, who the hell are they marking that at?

[Erelyes]

Like - that it has fuel injection.
Dislike - no ABS option.

Wondered if they dusted off some old tooling to make it... would have saved on some R&D!

It's a grand too expensive, anyway. But I believe it's going to be learner-approved in NZ (there's on at the local yamma dealer I think).

[avgas]

The modified XT/TT looking one I would pay $6K for..........the unmodified one.....nah

[Mike.Gayner]

Ugly, slow, overpriced.

[AllanB]

$10k - be a dead duck at that price. WTF were they thinking.

Ah son would you like to buy a SR400 or a nice performance import car?

Ah Dad, I really want to forgo keeping dry in the winter, carting my mates around in the weekend and the chance of my first decent back seat adventure, I'll get the SR thanks.

[Pickle]

Had these 2 outside the shop this morning to compare the old & the new

[HenryDorsetCase]

This looked a good idea, originals are highly sought after for customisation, but at $10,000 ask I don't get it. Can buy a nice bike for that and this should be cheap, old tech, no E&D, cheap brakes and suspension...


http://www.yamahamotorsports.com/sport/products/modelhome/691/home.aspx

plus they have well and truly amortised the tooling costs. They've been building the fuckers since 1978!!


In answer to the question "Whare are they marketing that at?" That would be me.

I love the retro look, the standard riding position, the ease and simplicity. This has EFI so should start easily. Kick only too.

$9600 + ORC is a bit steep though.

Having said that a new Bonneville (a really good, actually functional motorcycle) is $15k, I think a Kawa W800 is $17k, and a Harley Sportster is what, nearly $20k...

By that yardstick its actually, um, good value. Comparable performance among them all too.

Its real competition, it seems to me, is the Enfield Royale - I think they're round the same money.

Trevor Pierce in Chur chur have one. I ogled it on Saturday.

Cool as.

[HenryDorsetCase]

Had these 2 outside the shop this morning to compare the old & the new

is the old one for sale? just asking....

[HenryDorsetCase]

$10k - be a dead duck at that price. WTF were they thinking.

Ah son would you like to buy a SR400 or a nice performance import car?

Ah Dad, I really want to forgo keeping dry in the winter, carting my mates around in the weekend and the chance of my first decent back seat adventure, I'll get the SR thanks.

This is marketed at the Dad (or, lets be honest,, the grandad) of that kid... the kid wants a retard.... sorry, MO tard if he wants a bike at all. or one of those fucking 50cc choppers from China. But he wants the jap import Cordia Turbo more.

[GrayWolf]

This looked a good idea, originals are highly sought after for customisation, but at $10,000 ask I don't get it. Can buy a nice bike for that and this should be cheap, old tech, no E&D, cheap brakes and suspension...


http://www.yamahamotorsports.com/sport/products/modelhome/691/home.aspx

Like the idea,a great classic 'big single'... but WHY the 400? even the full sized 500 would get Lams approval surely?
From memory they did do a very 'brit single' looking version some years ago... at 10k and a 500? would be a very marketable option against the Enfield Conti 535

[avgas]

But he wants the jap import Cordia Turbo more.
You are showing your age. Evo 2/3 would be cheaper than a Cordia Turbo these days. Or VR4.

[Drew]

a Harley Sportster is what, nearly $20k...

By that yardstick its actually, um, good value. Comparable performance among them all too.

Its real competition, it seems to me, is the Enfield Royale - I think they're round the same money.

Trevor Pierce in Chur chur have one. I ogled it on Saturday.

Cool as.XR1200 was $14 or $15k a while ago. Has it really gone up by a third?

[HenryDorsetCase]

XR1200 was $14 or $15k a while ago. Has it really gone up by a third?

I am always staggered by the prices myself. Especially since they are the same motorcycle every year pretty much just with a different bit of makeup on.

When I desperately wanted a Nightster they were $16k. A 48 is $19k, a 72 is $18500. The 883s (Iron and superlow) are$14750 and $15k.

I do not understand why the prices go up every year: our $ has never been stronger against the Yankee so they should get cheaper every year. Compare them to prices in the states where the 48 is an $11k motorbike.

They will have to be selling their new 500 at $13 -$14k.

http://www.rollingthunder.co.nz/showroom.php?fid=29 source for prices

[HenryDorsetCase]

You are showing your age. Evo 2/3 would be cheaper than a Cordia Turbo these days. Or VR4.

Yep. I saw a Cordia Turbo at the weekend. Driven by some old dude (well, old as me... so yeah, old). Chucking out a lot of blue smoke it was.

My brother in law had a VR4 which cost him a LOT of money. Even after Mister Bishi paid for new brakes for it. It had some engine topend problem which was five grand then the bottom end shit itself - another five grand. On a vehicle that retailed for $17 odd k.

He now drives a supercharged Mini which has been completely reliable.

[GrayWolf]

I am always staggered by the prices myself. Especially since they are the same motorcycle every year pretty much just with a different bit of makeup on.

When I desperately wanted a Nightster they were $16k. A 48 is $19k, a 72 is $18500. The 883s (Iron and superlow) are$14750 and $15k.

I do not understand why the prices go up every year: our $ has never been stronger against the Yankee so they should get cheaper every year. Compare them to prices in the states where the 48 is an $11k motorbike.

They will have to be selling their new 500 at $13 -$14k.

http://www.rollingthunder.co.nz/showroom.php?fid=29 source for prices


Finally someone else sees the pricing bullpaki that is HD :not::not::not::not::not: :jerry:

[MisterD]

.... plus, who the hell are they marking that at?


Maybe me, 'cos I just bought one. Blimey, me, on big wheels, whodathunkit.

[HenryDorsetCase]

Maybe me, 'cos I just bought one. Blimey, me, on big wheels, whodathunkit.

Cool!

Review in due course and obligatory nude photos. include the bike if you like.

[AllanB]

If I was not Friday I'd look back to 1980 when I started work on $7,646 per year (good coin back then for a 15 year old) check the price of that Yammy. Work it out as a percentage of my income and then do the same with my current income and the new $10ker.

Mind u I now have kids, house and no money to spend :lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:

[MisterD]

A review and a couple of photos then?

Buying the SR was a pretty straightforward decision, being as it's a toy that has to compete for my time with kids, football and my treadlies, spending more than neccessary on rego and insurance was out and sub 600cc was in. That narrows the field quite a lot, then you add in wanting something with a bit of character (bye bye CBR500 family) and there's not a whole lot left.

First impressions are that it is going to need to have a few more horses found for it, but it's a fun little thing to ride as-is, as long as you're not bothered about keeping up with someone on a modern bike with real power. In twisty stuff you can flick up and down the 'box if you like and I think it will encourage that behaviour even more as it loosens up, or you can stick it in 3rd and it'll pootle along and chug out of corners with no complaint either. It's just the right amount of vibe-ey and there's something quite "proper motorbike" about the chrome mirror headlight bucket in front of you.

The standard riding position needs to change for me though, so I'm going to try a couple of different bar-swaps and see how it goes. As you can see from the photos, the massive aftermarket for the SR has already accounted for the stock orange saucers.
298492298493

[Big Dave]

Cool. My first shop-new motorcycle was a SR500 in '78. It had drop bars and a bikini fairing.

I quite like what a local shop here in brisvegas is doing with the old ones.


https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2839/13465495323_2687f00d2d_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/mvUbCt)_DSC4336 (https://flic.kr/p/mvUbCt) by DavidCohen.photography (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3757/13464456415_a9cd83da44_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/mvNRNg)_DSC4345 (https://flic.kr/p/mvNRNg) by DavidCohen.photography (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2924/13464497433_5a71246b32_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/mvP4Zt)_DSC4348 (https://flic.kr/p/mvP4Zt) by DavidCohen.photography (https://www.flickr.com/people//), on Flickr

[MisterD]

Noice. Rearsets and clubman bars...maybe not the comfort level I'm looking for.

[avgas]

Yep. I saw a Cordia Turbo at the weekend. Driven by some old dude (well, old as me... so yeah, old). Chucking out a lot of blue smoke it was.
My brother in law had a VR4 which cost him a LOT of money. Even after Mister Bishi paid for new brakes for it. It had some engine topend problem which was five grand then the bottom end shit itself - another five grand. On a vehicle that retailed for $17 odd k.
He now drives a supercharged Mini which has been completely reliable.
I had a good run of Mitsi with Sigma's, Galants and my baby (83' Sapporo). But then I got the misses a 2001 Galant, and did the typical belt through thus making my first mitsi paperweight (which was impressive considering one of the previous mitsi's was a paddock-then-derby-then-donor car that ran for 3 hours on and off with no radiator.
But that last Galant killed it for me. You just know the new stuff is going to be crap when you see a chain of events.

In yank land we had a real dilemma. We got told American is shit (thought I suspect brands like dodge might be ok), American-Assembled Japanese seemed to missed the going points of Japanese cars (a stock 2014 US assembled corolla/civic.... has drum rear!), and after previous run-ins with bad design with Audi. That only left BMW (at a slightly elevated price-point).
So now we have a Subaru. A car my grandma used to drive. But its close to Japanese design, 4wd (winter = snow), economical, cheap.

So sometimes a zebra can change its stripes. I'm even considering getting a second one.

[Big Dave]

Noice. Rearsets and clubman bars...maybe not the comfort level I'm looking for.


Interpretation: 'I'm getting old'. :-)

[MisterD]

Interpretation: 'I'm getting old'. :-)

There's that, and I have a Colnago if I want to ride around with my bars lower than my saddle.

[GrayWolf]

You know, same performance (140kph), same torque/HP, same price.....
Harris designed frame, Brembo's etc??

And the looks Dept'?

I'd rather have the Enfeild Continental!!

http://tinyurl.com/p7hsh7d

http://tinyurl.com/o9vae7j

[HenryDorsetCase]

Noice. Rearsets and clubman bars...maybe not the comfort level I'm looking for.

Scrambler-ise that bitch!

http://yamahasrxtphotooftheday.blogspot.co.nz/2014/03/sr400-scrambler-by-palhegyi-design.html

[HenryDorsetCase]

I had a good run of Mitsi with Sigma's, Galants and my baby (83' Sapporo). But then I got the misses a 2001 Galant, and did the typical belt through thus making my first mitsi paperweight (which was impressive considering one of the previous mitsi's was a paddock-then-derby-then-donor car that ran for 3 hours on and off with no radiator.
But that last Galant killed it for me. You just know the new stuff is going to be crap when you see a chain of events.

In yank land we had a real dilemma. We got told American is shit (thought I suspect brands like dodge might be ok), American-Assembled Japanese seemed to missed the going points of Japanese cars (a stock 2014 US assembled corolla/civic.... has drum rear!), and after previous run-ins with bad design with Audi. That only left BMW (at a slightly elevated price-point).
So now we have a Subaru. A car my grandma used to drive. But its close to Japanese design, 4wd (winter = snow), economical, cheap.

So sometimes a zebra can change its stripes. I'm even considering getting a second one.

I'm on my second one and really rate them. Impreza bought new in 04, Impreza XV thing bought new in '12.

both have been excellent. YMMV.

[Drew]

You know, same performance (140kph), same torque/HP, same price.....
Harris designed frame, Brembo's etc??

And the looks Dept'?

I'd rather have the Enfeild Continental!!

http://tinyurl.com/p7hsh7d

http://tinyurl.com/o9vae7j
Bloody hell, that's the way I'd go too!

[MisterD]

I'd rather have the Enfeild Continental!!


I considered it, but the confidence level in Yamaha's quality and reliability won out. Jap-built Yam vs India-built Enfield, where would you spend all but $10k?


Scrambler-ise that bitch!

http://yamahasrxtphotooftheday.blogspot.co.nz/2014/03/sr400-scrambler-by-palhegyi-design.html

http://www.bikeexif.com/yamaha-sr400-benders

Seems to be the fashionable thing to do, so I probably won't.

[GrayWolf]

I considered it, but the confidence level in Yamaha's quality and reliability won out. Jap-built Yam vs India-built Enfield, where would you spend all but $10k?



http://www.bikeexif.com/yamaha-sr400-benders

Seems to be the fashionable thing to do, so I probably won't.

To be honest? I think Enfield have invested too much in this bike to make a dog,the companies future on the world market is basically riding on it..... I'd risk the 10k,
Look the Suzook Savage (650) my local dealer has rebuilt a few, the oil ring can go, and it will empty the sump in just about a ride... Seized motor! I also remember the early XT's had 'head issues'... Low oil feed. So the Japs do have issues at times.

I agree the 400 is a known product, but ... how much would you spend making it 'look' something? (BTW Enfeild spares are pretty cheap too)

[unstuck]

Yep. I saw a Cordia Turbo at the weekend.

Have a ganders at this cordia. :devil2:

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/dY19DBoJJVw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>


Try this one then.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Jrq9S-JE__U" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[unstuck]

Ahhhhh fuck it, its on yewtube.:laugh:

[fridayflash]

he wants the jap import Cordia Turbo

:lol::lol::lol:

[MisterD]

I'm a Pom, so buying a RE would have been a very satisfying thing to do but I remain to be convinced of Indian manufacturing - possibly that's coloured by the Lambretta background but...

Neither bike in standard time is perfect so cost to modify isn't in the reckoning.

Maybe a few years of track record and expanded after market down the track for RE, I'd go the other way, but in 5 years? I'll probably be on summat out of Hinckley.

[fridayflash]

a kid i went to high school with used to drive a cordia turbo occas (it was his mums) and had the MOT on the run, their SSS bluebirds and XD falcons couldnt touch it. nor could my 149 powered ej wagon either:devil2:

[GrayWolf]

I'm a Pom, so buying a RE would have been a very satisfying thing to do but I remain to be convinced of Indian manufacturing - possibly that's coloured by the Lambretta background but...

Neither bike in standard time is perfect so cost to modify isn't in the reckoning.

Maybe a few years of track record and expanded after market down the track for RE, I'd go the other way, but in 5 years? I'll probably be on summat out of Hinckley.

I'm an ex-pat too. Quite possibly a Hinckley product could be the replacement for the MT in a few years, The Thunderbird Commander looks good, but then so does the new 1400 Cali from Guzzi, and I do love my Guzzi's. :yes:
However I digress....
India is intent on becoming a world player, look at the Bajaj brand, they've had input from KTM, and I think they (under licence) produce the KTM Duke 200, that they have 'based' the new Pulsar 200/400 on.

I understand the 'reluctance' to step outside the 'known' of the SR, but for me the RE would be a second bike.... hell if they ever import the Enfeild 500 'Thunderbird' cruiser as well????

[MisterD]

I'm an ex-pat too. Quite possibly a Hinckley product could be the replacement for the MT in a few years, The Thunderbird Commander looks good, but then so does the new 1400 Cali from Guzzi, and I do love my Guzzi's. :yes:
However I digress....
India is intent on becoming a world player, look at the Bajaj brand, they've had input from KTM, and I think they (under licence) produce the KTM Duke 200, that they have 'based' the new Pulsar 200/400 on.

I don't disagree, but the jury's still out IMO and it felt like a bit of a punt. There's a strong argument to say look a Toyota and Nissan's factories in Derby and Sunderland, the UK workforce rescued from a reputation for shit products, but it took a while, didn't it?

Yeah Guzzi's up there, I'm a big time Italophile...Colnago, Campagnolo, Lambretta , Barolo, Penne al Arrabiatta...

[Drew]

a kid i went to high school with used to drive a cordia turbo occas (it was his mums) and had the MOT on the run, their SSS bluebirds and XD falcons couldnt touch it. nor could my 149 powered ej wagon either:devil2:

Shoulda gone Mopar then. 225 VG Val, eats those eighties Mitsis for lunch. Don't put that to the test without a two barrel, and a set of headers though or ya look a bit silly come 80mph.

[Big Dave]

I rode the Thunderbird Commander at the Aus launch a few weeks ago. Very nice bike.
Tenor of the test article is 'Speedmaster on Steroids'.

[swarfie]

Bloody hell, that's the way I'd go too!

Just looked up the specs on the RE Continental GT. Just like the SR it needs to have it's life lit up a bit IMO. 29.1 BHP....bit guttless in this day and age. :yawn:

[Drew]

Just looked up the specs on the RE Continental GT. Just like the SR it needs to have it's life lit up a bit IMO. 29.1 BHP....bit guttless in this day and age. :yawn:

I could live with it...in small doses.

[GrayWolf]

Just looked up the specs on the RE Continental GT. Just like the SR it needs to have it's life lit up a bit IMO. 29.1 BHP....bit guttless in this day and age. :yawn:

Guess you either 'geddit' or you dont...... ;)

My bike was and is 'slated' for being low powered, (some describe it as gutless/breathless as it is 'all over' by 5000rpm). 90bhp is seen as 'small' for max power, but ridden in the 'real world' it's torque and power are adequate, and overall it can keep up with sprotbikes on a 'spirited/general' ride...
It needs to be ridden with it's design in mind, bikes like the RE are similar, it's a torquey wee motor, will be 'slower and lower' revving than the SR400. Agreed it's best performance is going to be around the 'national limit' speeds, it's 'fun zone' will be on tight twisty roads and even the 'Taka's would be fun.

Sometimes it's the ride, not the 'ultimate speed' you can reach.

[swarfie]

Guess you either 'geddit' or you dont...... ;)

My bike was and is 'slated' for being low powered, (some describe it as gutless/breathless as it is 'all over' by 5000rpm). 90bhp is seen as 'small' for max power, but ridden in the 'real world' it's torque and power are adequate, and overall it can keep up with sprotbikes on a 'spirited/general' ride...
It needs to be ridden with it's design in mind, bikes like the RE are similar, it's a torquey wee motor, will be 'slower and lower' revving than the SR400. Agreed it's best performance is going to be around the 'national limit' speeds, it's 'fun zone' will be on tight twisty roads and even the 'Taka's would be fun.

Sometimes it's the ride, not the 'ultimate speed' you can reach.

Haha...yes I actually DO geddit. None of my 10 bikes make any more than about 75 HP and all of them are spirited rides on the right roads. :woohoo: but I really think the GT could have made more than a poultry 29 HP. Even the older Indian RE's made less than the original Bullets due to tiny wee carbs and ports. Torquey yes...but not much go. I know several people that own or owned them, that sorted them out a bit in the power dept and they were then quite good rides. I'd still rather ride my Velo Thruxton tho!

[Drew]

Haha...yes I actually DO geddit. None of my 10 bikes make any more than about 75 HP and all of them are spirited rides on the right roads. :woohoo: but I really think the GT could have made more than a poultry 29 HP. Even the older Indian RE's made less than the original Bullets due to tiny wee carbs and ports. Torquey yes...but not much go. I know several people that own or owned them, that sorted them out a bit in the power dept and they were then quite good rides. I'd still rather ride my Velo Thruxton tho!
What does the Matchy poke out Nev?

[swarfie]

What does the Matchy poke out Nev?

ENUF ! :wings: Never had it on a dyno...never felt it necessary, but when it gets beaten in its class I'll then deem it necessary to make more :laugh:

[GrayWolf]

Haha...yes I actually DO geddit. None of my 10 bikes make any more than about 75 HP and all of them are spirited rides on the right roads. :woohoo: but I really think the GT could have made more than a poultry 29 HP. Even the older Indian RE's made less than the original Bullets due to tiny wee carbs and ports. Torquey yes...but not much go. I know several people that own or owned them, that sorted them out a bit in the power dept and they were then quite good rides. I'd still rather ride my Velo Thruxton tho!

I think ACE engineering (UK) will soon come up with a head job/tune up kit for the GT, like they did for the pre injection motor. I'm guessing the bigger bore and injection will need a bit of thought? Dont think EJK or Dynajet have brought out a fueller for it yet either.