Where are all the 400s?

[tcshred]

Is it just me, or do 400cc (or 500) motorcycles not exist?

I've been on my Scorpio for a while now, and want something a bit bigger, but not 600 big. I mostly use it around town, so a 600cc would be overkill regardless.

So, are these the unicorns of bikes?

[Oakie]

Is it just me, or do 400cc (or 500) motorcycles not exist?

I've been on my Scorpio for a while now, and want something a bit bigger, but not 600 big. I mostly use it around town, so a 600cc would be overkill regardless.

So, are these the unicorns of bikes? Pretty much. They'll become more common now that LAMS is in. Will take a while though. I had a CB400SF. Nice bike.

[James Deuce]

There's some idiot selling a CB400SF B'ol Dor for $8500 on Tardme. I'm tempted, but not 50% overpriced tempted.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-791272452.htm

I think 400s are a really good blend of capabilities. They're usually light enough to be easy to use and fast enough to humble from time to time.

[Waihou Thumper]

Just had this serviced, wheel bearings all good, new tyres, chain and grips - KTM ones..
New Warrant of Fitness. Has only done just over 600 kms from new! It was from a deceased estate. Reg on hold, will put reg on for the right price...
I will be putting it on Trade Me :)
Price? unknown at this stage.....

[JimO]

what has been going on regarding overpriced 250s is now happening with anything lams approved

[MisterD]

Pretty much. They'll become more common now that LAMS is in.

It seems to be other territories' legislative environments that create 400s, my SR owes its continuing existence to Japan's regulations and KTM's 390 pair are aimed at "Emerging Markets" which is code for India isn't it? LAMS is creating stuff like Triumph's Shrunk Triple.

[breakaway]

There weren't a great deal of 400s to start with. It was a bracket that didn't really have a demand in the market pre-LAMS days.

Most people did their time on 250s then thought "Fuck buying a 400, I'm going straight to a 600". As a result, 400s were quite a lot cheaper than even bigger bikes, because no one wanted them.

What few there were have been crashed on run into the ground and the very small portion of ones that remain are listed up for more money than a 2004-6 600/1000.

A modern 600 will be better in every way.

** All the above assuming you are talking about high value 400s like CBR/VFR/RVF.

[Marmoot]

Look, a very good price
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-807788555.htm

If you don't like that colour, I might have a CBR400RR for sale if the price is right.
Definitely not that low, though.

[98tls]

There's some idiot selling a CB400SF B'ol Dor for $8500 on Tardme. I'm tempted, but not 50% overpriced tempted.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/sports/auction-791272452.htm

I think 400s are a really good blend of capabilities. They're usually light enough to be easy to use and fast enough to humble from time to time.

Agreed but hardly fashionable these days eh.Tis all about perceived ability.

[Murray]

Agreed but hardly fashionable these days eh.Tis all about perceived ability.

Just had new rings, cam chain and a few other bits done on the wifes GB400. jeez what a rocket. bloody hard to kick over now thank god the electric start still works cause if it didnt she wouldnt be able to kick start it, super cool bike. Followed her on the weekend and she said it felt really good and she was going to open it out but thought better of it since the repairs were only just done. I was following and she was already doing 120-130. no smoke no oil usage. shes a keeper

[mossy1200]

I used to have a zxr400 and it was a good bike. Never had a failure while I owned it. Was just large enough to do some long rides on.

[Paul in NZ]

I sold my FZR400R because it was cursed by STR8jacket and if I'd kept it any longer I'd be dead now.... Apparently I have a major problem with temptation... 14,000rpm... drooooolllllllll... oh... sorry...

Fuck it was fun though

[ktm84mxc]

The 400's are great bikes esp the 4 cylinder jobbies , heaps of revs & sounds , light and nimble , easy on tires etc
But they've fallen pray to ur wish to ride big bikes in NZ and the good ones aren't LAMS compliant something about power to weight ratio.
Honda's CBR rr , RVF, Kawa ZXR, Suzi GSXR , Yam FZR rr all great bikes . Made for the Japanese market and since imported as used to ur markets though some were sold here new.

[BlackSheepLogic]

I've been on my Scorpio for a while now, and want something a bit bigger, but not 600 big. I mostly use it around town, so a 600cc would be overkill regardless.

Nothing wrong with a 600 in town, I used to ride a 600 around Auckland, they are a good size do it all bike. Take a look at the older 600's (example CBR600F) which were comfortable good all rounders. The CBR650F if you are looking for something newer.

I have been looking for a CBR600Fi and would buy it if I could find one for sale. The older CBR600F's from the late 90's are also really good bikes to step up into.

[avgas]

I used to buy 400's because they fitted what I was willing to pay.
GB's (3), ZXR's (2), FZR, SRX....they were all fun to own.

But if I had the choice between a 400 and a 600 for same price....I would have got the 600. Just saying.

[corsaro128]

I used to have a VFR 400 street fighter. Super fun bike. Such a low center of gravity. Could get my knee down on it everywhere. Loved it. Had a crazy exhaust on it. Bought It for 800 quid, snapped the chain and broke the motor. Bought a new motor for 100 quid.

[AllanB]

400's were big deals decades back, also back in the day in Japan 400cc was a classification for licensing that was easily achievable if you wanted to go larger the cost in compliance or something was huge.

Picture your favourite 80's -90's jap superbike and there was a scaled down replica version at 400cc in Japan.

[Murray]

Get something like a Suzuki SV650 Vstrom. While they are 650 they handle good around town and will not freak you out power wise like a 650 sports bike.

What you talking about and who too?? This is a thread about 400's not what 650 to get??

[avgas]

I'll just leave this here http://www.swm-motorcycles.it/old_fashion.html

[James Deuce]

I'll just leave this here http://www.swm-motorcycles.it/old_fashion.html

Good. Perfectly positioned for me to back over it.

[Daffyd]

It seems to be other territories' legislative environments that create 400s, my SR owes its continuing existence to Japan's regulations and KTM's 390 pair are aimed at "Emerging Markets" which is code for India isn't it? LAMS is creating stuff like Triumph's Shrunk Triple.

The KTM 390's are selling well in the Philippines too. The biggest problem for them here is expressways prohibit anything under 400cc.