New Bike: 1991 SRX400

[kmor110]

Sad to see my beauty of a 1996 Hornet 250 up for sale (Trademe) but once I got on this wee beastie I had so much fun I can never look back. The agricultural single cylinder thumping away, the ride position and nimble handling, the slightly rusting patina and uncomplicated engineering. Love it.

Interested to hear if anyone else owns or has owned one of these, and has ideas on what other sort of bikes might appeal to me. I'll be on my full license in 11 months, been looking at the Guzzi's and BMW airheads on short wheel bases.

Here's a pic to prove it's real:
315675

[Banditbandit]

Very nice - well done.

Yes - you will love the Guzzi or BMWs ... I love my IL4s now - but I rode a 400 single for many years and have owned BMWs .. loved them all ...

[puddytat]

A friend of mine has the 600cc version of this bike. Way nicer than the twin shock versions, of which I had a 400.
Get a manual if you can....the 6hundy seemed difficult to get the oil level right, might've been a dry sump?
Make sure you set your sag....makes a big difference.

[kmor110]

Puddytat I have the mono version, suspension is definitely my first thing to look at its made for little Japanese people aND my 80 something kilos is pushing it methinks.

[Akzle]

thems nice.

Ride it until you find the end of it. No need to upgrade bike just because you upgraded paperwork.

Usual story, ride many mounts, and see which you like.

[Berries]

Advice and stuff.
Are you on drugs today?

[Black Knight]

I think the later SRX400's (maybe yours) came with electric start-the 600's don't and can be a pig to get started regardless of which way you hold your mouth.

[ruaphu]

Nice one. Always lusted after one of these after riding one, cracker fun bikes and look darn good too.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[HenryDorsetCase]

I had an SRX600 as my "re-entry" bike after a few years off bikes for lack of money reasons. I really rate them. the twin carb thing is a bit of a pig but a lot of fun and surprisingly quick and nimble. Enjoy

[pritch]

Whatever you ride, as long as you ride it as was intended, you should enjoy it.

Ive never ridden one of those but did like the look.

[J.A.W.]

Are you on drugs today?

How dare you!

Damnable thing to write..

Its.. "Are you on - the - drugs today?" , ok, so - gedddit right..

[J.A.W.]

Sad to see my beauty of a 1996 Hornet 250 up for sale (Trademe) but once I got on this wee beastie I had so much fun I can never look back. The agricultural single cylinder thumping away, the ride position and nimble handling, the slightly rusting patina and uncomplicated engineering. Love it.

Interested to hear if anyone else owns or has owned one of these, and has ideas on what other sort of bikes might appeal to me. I'll be on my full license in 11 months, been looking at the Guzzi's and BMW airheads on short wheel bases.

Here's a pic to prove it's real:
315675


Get a fixer-up RZ 350 to get going by the time you are legal on it..
Many of the Yamaha cycle parts will fit both, & the RZ is much more fun, engine-wise..

[Akzle]

Are you on drugs today?

every day ending with Y.


Fuken jew

[GrayWolf]

Sad to see my beauty of a 1996 Hornet 250 up for sale (Trademe) but once I got on this wee beastie I had so much fun I can never look back. The agricultural single cylinder thumping away, the ride position and nimble handling, the slightly rusting patina and uncomplicated engineering. Love it.

Interested to hear if anyone else owns or has owned one of these, and has ideas on what other sort of bikes might appeal to me. I'll be on my full license in 11 months, been looking at the Guzzi's and BMW airheads on short wheel bases.

Here's a pic to prove it's real:
315675

Shame you had'nt come across one of these... the 'ultimate' incarnation of this bike.....TZR250 frame, XT660 donk.

http://tinyurl.com/nc3wo2h
http://tinyurl.com/pvp2fb4

[J.A.W.]

Ultimate waste of a decent chassis - more like..

[Akzle]

and sfa wrong with a tzr either

[J.A.W.]

and sfa wrong with a tzr either

Sure aint, if its been properly fettled..

[GrayWolf]

Ultimate waste of a decent chassis - more like..

I'd beg to differ on that, look how well received the Enfield Conti GT has been, low power, yes, but a Harris designed frame. and tuned versions of the XT660 dont cab produce around 60-70BHP, hardly a waste of a chassis then.

[nzspokes]

Wouldnt this have less power than a Hornet 250?

[J.A.W.]

I'd beg to differ on that, look how well received the Enfield Conti GT has been, low power, yes, but a Harris designed frame. and tuned versions of the XT660 dont cab produce around 60-70BHP, hardly a waste of a chassis then.


Doubt it.. a soft tuned 4T single is one thing, (slow) but a hard tuned unit is rough, cantankerous, hard starting, quick stalling,noisy & unreliable..
If you stick an RZ 350 mill in that same chassis, it will do most everything better..

[Robbo]

Wouldnt this have less power than a Hornet 250?

Yep, SRX400 around 33HP and Hornet 250 around 40HP. The SRX is an awesome fun bike to ride and handles well.
I used to own one and just love the old thumpers.

[J.A.W.]

Yep, SRX400 around 33HP and Hornet 250 around 40HP. The SRX is an awesome fun bike to ride and handles well.
I used to own one and just love the old thumpers.

Yeah, dunno if a SRX 400 really qualifies as one of "the old thumpers" - an old chuffer, perhaps.. IMO, an old thumper wants some actual 'thump'..

[Robbo]

Yeah, dunno if a SRX 400 really qualifies as one of "the old thumpers" - an old chuffer, perhaps.. IMO, an old thumper wants some actual 'thump'..

Definition of "Thumper" A single cylinder four stroke motorcycle engine regardless of capacity.

[J.A.W.]

Definition of "Thumper" A single cylinder four stroke motorcycle engine regardless of capacity.


Nah.. some are.. a cracking BSA Gold Star, or a Velocette Venom.. maybe even a rorty hotted-up Yamaha TT 500 dirt machine..

But a soft-on chuffer SRX 400.. nah, just not enough actual 'thump'.. & as for CB 125.. def' - no way..

[Robbo]

Nah.. some are.. a cracking BSA Gold Star, or a Velocette Venom.. maybe even a rorty hotted-up Yamaha TT 500 dirt machine..

But a soft-on chuffer SRX 400.. nah, just not enough actual 'thump'.. & as for CB 125.. def' - no way..

I'll try again. You're obviously a little slow.
Definition of a "Thumper" A single cylinder four stroke motorcycle engine,
Definition of a "Chuffer" An opinionated Aussie who's been on a motorcycle
forum for three weeks and knows everything but in reality knows fuck all.

[J.A.W.]

I'll try again. You're obviously a little slow.
Definition of a "Thumper" A single cylinder four stroke motorcycle engine,
Definition of a "Chuffer" An opinionated Aussie who's been on a motorcycle
forum for three weeks and knows everything but in reality knows fuck all.


Sure fella.. & some bozo may've been on a 'forum' since Caesar was a boy, but if he ludicrously rates a CB 125 as a "thumper"..
then his opinion is self-evidently - of little value.. since it is he , who "in reality knows fuck all".. Too funny..

[puddytat]

Don't get sucked in people.....ignore button is your friend.

[Robbo]

Sure fella.. & some bozo may've been on a 'forum' since Caesar was a boy, but if he ludicrously rates a CB 125 as a "thumper"..
then his opinion is self-evidently - of little value.. since it is he , who "in reality knows fuck all".. Too funny..

You're the idiot that keeps raving on about a CB125. Go and look up the correct definition of "Thumper"
and stop trying to be a fuck wit. Do your research before your mother lets you loose on her computer again.

[GrayWolf]

Doubt it.. a soft tuned 4T single is one thing, (slow) but a hard tuned unit is rough, cantankerous, hard starting, quick stalling,noisy & unreliable..
If you stick an RZ 350 mill in that same chassis, it will do most everything better..

You're changing 'tack', your original comment was what a waste of chasis wih that low power motor,,,, You dont HAVE to tune a 660 to the max, the 700cc raptor version is quite 'rorty'..... and it isnt about the HP, it's TORQUE, and a big inch single has oodles of it. You dont need HP, squillion revs, and 300kph to enjoy a well sorted bike on twisty stuff.... On many of the twisty bits here, my MT-01 was quite capable of keeping 600's in 'sight' and was quite difficult to get past with the 'launch' it has out of corners.... straight line? of course it disappears into their rear view mirrors.

[J.A.W.]

You're the idiot that keeps raving on about a CB125. Go and look up the correct definition of "Thumper"
and stop trying to be a fuck wit. Do your research before your mother lets you loose on her computer again.

Well "idiot" - your nonsensical definition of "thumper" obviously includes the CB 125, since it is a "4T single".. & only a "fuck wit" would agree with that.. too funny..

[J.A.W.]

You're changing 'tack', your original comment was what a waste of chasis wih that low power motor,,,, You dont HAVE to tune a 660 to the max, the 700cc raptor version is quite 'rorty'..... and it isnt about the HP, it's TORQUE, and a big inch single has oodles of it. You dont need HP, squillion revs, and 300kph to enjoy a well sorted bike on twisty stuff.... On many of the twisty bits here, my MT-01 was quite capable of keeping 600's in 'sight' and was quite difficult to get past with the 'launch' it has out of corners.... straight line? of course it disappears into their rear view mirrors.

I am not changing 'tack' - it's a waste of a chassis with that horrible lump, full stop..
An MT-03 would be shitted upon - in all practicable road riding - by a 30 year old RZ 350.. which aslo does not need a "squillion revs" either, it uses what has..
( FYI - an RZ 350 would also edge out that bloody gargantuan MT-01 porker - even in a 1/4 mile flog)..

[Madness]

You're changing 'tack'


I am not changing 'tack'

Aah, so you've found each other then. Excellent.




:corn:

[J.A.W.]

Aah, so you've found each other then. Excellent.




:corn:

Try some hard 'tack'.. 'stead of poop corn, & yeah, its much crunchier for clowns.. ( "excellent" is always good, though - so fair'n'uff call there)..

[HenryDorsetCase]

There's an SRX600 on tard me at present. Ugliest seat in the world but.

[J.A.W.]

There's an SRX600 on tard me at present. Ugliest seat in the world but.


That a BIG call HDC.. there are some real fugly seats out there.. & it might make a disgusting thread topic of its own..

Is it like dogs & owners? Ugly dog, ugly owner & ugly seat, ugly butt.. yep, could be..

[FJRider]

.. & it might make a disgusting thread topic of its own..

So might one ... on the good points of Australians ...


Disgusting ... but brief.

Two posts should cover it ...


Is it like dogs & owners? Ugly dog, ugly owner & ugly seat, ugly butt.. yep, could be..

Could be indeed ...

[J.A.W.]

So might one ... on the good points of Australians ...


Disgusting ... but brief.

Two posts should cover it ...

Two posts? Two words would.. Miranda Kerr..

[FJRider]

Two posts? Two words would.. Miranda Kerr..

She's actually a Kiwi ... :bleh:

[J.A.W.]

Duh, who aint..
Lots of talented Australians are/were.. Jim Richards, Ed Hillary, Graeme Crosby, Rebecca Gibney, Bruno Lawrence, Neil Finn, John Clarke.. et al..

[Robbo]

Well "idiot" - your nonsensical definition of "thumper" obviously includes the CB 125, since it is a "4T single".. & only a "fuck wit" would agree with that.. too funny..

You're an ignorant moron are'nt you. You clearly did'nt bother to look up the correct definition of a Thumper. It clearly states that ALL four stroke single cylinder engines are referred to as Thumpers. And if you want to harp on about a CB 125 it is also included. My original post referred to a 400cc single.
This term originated decades ago way before your time so you know jack shit, so stop digging yourself a deeper hole and go back and play in your sandpit.

[J.A.W.]

You're an ignorant moron are'nt you. You clearly did'nt bother to look up the correct definition of a Thumper. It clearly states that ALL four stroke single cylinder engines are referred to as Thumpers. And if you want to harp on about a CB 125 it is also included. My original post referred to a 400cc single.
This term originated decades ago way before your time so you know jack shit, so stop digging yourself a deeper hole and go back and play in your sandpit.


You really are like the nasty lump of toxo-parasite infested cat shit in the sandpit aren't you - "Robbo" - you "ignorant moron"..
& if you do seriously imagine that a CB 125 is a 'thumper' - because some stupid/sarcastic wiki-type idiot wrote it down.. you need to find a deeper hole.. dig it..

[GrayWolf]

I am not changing 'tack' - it's a waste of a chassis with that horrible lump, full stop..
An MT-03 would be shitted upon - in all practicable road riding - by a 30 year old RZ 350.. which aslo does not need a "squillion revs" either, it uses what has..
( FYI - an RZ 350 would also edge out that bloody gargantuan MT-01 porker - even in a 1/4 mile flog)..

who cares if an RZ can edge out the 'porker' MT-01? and compared to it? The RZ has high revs, 5.5k vs 10k rpm? I owned RD's, LC's in the 1980's and a H1a triple, yes they are very quick, but peaky, the RZ 'powervalve' allowed a higher state of tune, but still retained some 'bottom end' with the valve {port} closed up a little.
Cant see why you needed to include the MT-03? it is nothing like an SZR, apart from the same motor. We arent talking 1/4 mile drags, ffs, real world riding has no comparison to race type, oh and if the 660 is so shit? Why have yamaha re-issued the SR400? Enjoying a 'brisk' ride isnt alays about HP/speed/ penis bragging rights, and that wee SZR will embarrass a few much larger bikes over twisty bits.

[kmor110]

There's an SRX600 on tard me at present. Ugliest seat in the world but.

Agree that seat is fugly as...the perils of buying online.

I also bought a cb400sf that came up this weekend...I am in a strange head space ATM.

PS this battle has turned up some relevant info thanks for keeping on topic even if it's decorated with Trans Tasmania themed expletives.

[Black Knight]

One problem with the SRX600's is that they are 604cc,and guess which rego category they fall into-Bastards.

[J.A.W.]

who cares if an RZ can edge out the 'porker' MT-01? and compared to it? The RZ has high revs, 5.5k vs 10k rpm? I owned RD's, LC's in the 1980's and a H1a triple, yes they are very quick, but peaky, the RZ 'powervalve' allowed a higher state of tune, but still retained some 'bottom end' with the valve {port} closed up a little.
Cant see why you needed to include the MT-03? it is nothing like an SZR, apart from the same motor. We arent talking 1/4 mile drags, ffs, real world riding has no comparison to race type, oh and if the 660 is so shit? Why have yamaha re-issued the SR400? Enjoying a 'brisk' ride isnt alays about HP/speed/ penis bragging rights, and that wee SZR will embarrass a few much larger bikes over twisty bits.


Too funny.. since you were previously comparing the porker MT-01 to 15,000+ rpm 600/4s..

& the RZ aint so 'peaky', it simply has a wider useful rpm/power range - the PV system modulates the torque output, check the dyno chart..
Here.. www.rd350lc.net/Magazine/MCI0986-5.jpg

As for "nothing like an SZR, apart from the same motor" - hilarious.. that obviously has to make it - quite a bit alike - does it not?

SR 400 has been re-introduced to certain markets - as a retro-style profit-cow.. & dynamically its the same old `70s gutless shit..

My point about the SZR being a waste of a chassis stands.. since compared with the proper mill, the 600 is the big lazy lump,
whereas the 2T will wee on it.. including in the "twisty bits" - if you have any riding skill..

[HenryDorsetCase]

SR 400 has been re-introduced to certain markets - as a retro-style profit-cow.. & dynamically its the same old `70s gutless shit..
..

SR400 is available new here: that is the most desirable model to me in the current Yamaha lineup. Who cares about any of that other stuff.....

[J.A.W.]

SR400 is available new here: that is the most desirable model to me in the current Yamaha lineup. Who cares about any of that other stuff.....


Other stuff?
Like the ludicrous price?
Frankly, the list of deal breakers starts with that & rapidly escalates from there..

[HenryDorsetCase]

Other stuff?
Like the ludicrous price?
Frankly, the list of deal breakers starts with that & rapidly escalates from there..

For you maybe. I look at it and go "brand new motorbike with fun written all over it. under $10k and from a reputable manufacturer I have heard of. Bargain".

So its not a bike you'd ride: So what? Doesnt make it a bad bike by any means. I'd have one. or a W650, or a modern Triumph Bonnie or a Harley Sportster.... and very happily ride them all wearing my Freddie Spencer rep Arai.

[J.A.W.]

For you maybe. I look at it and go "brand new motorbike with fun written all over it. under $10k and from a reputable manufacturer I have heard of. Bargain".

So its not a bike you'd ride: So what? Doesnt make it a bad bike by any means. I'd have one. or a W650, or a modern Triumph Bonnie or a Harley Sportster.... and very happily ride them all wearing my Freddie Spencer rep Arai.


I'd ride it.. sure, why not.. its not a CB 125.. but buy it for 10 grand.. forget about it.. & I dunno if I'd ride with a 30 year old helmet though..

[HenryDorsetCase]

I'd ride it.. sure, why not.. its not a CB 125.. but buy it for 10 grand.. forget about it.. & I dunno if I'd ride with a 30 year old helmet though..

you can get them new :) Mine is a Vector.

[GrayWolf]

For you maybe. I look at it and go "brand new motorbike with fun written all over it. under $10k and from a reputable manufacturer I have heard of. Bargain".

So its not a bike you'd ride: So what? Doesnt make it a bad bike by any means. I'd have one. or a W650, or a modern Triumph Bonnie or a Harley Sportster.... and very happily ride them all wearing my Freddie Spencer rep Arai.

Sorry Henry, but for the 10k price? I'd rather go the Enfield GT 500 continental, THAT has fun written all over it, and has the same performance as the SR400

[GrayWolf]

Too funny.. since you were previously comparing the porker MT-01 to 15,000+ rpm 600/4s..

& the RZ aint so 'peaky', it simply has a wider useful rpm/power range - the PV system modulates the torque output, check the dyno chart..
Here.. www.rd350lc.net/Magazine/MCI0986-5.jpg

As for "nothing like an SZR, apart from the same motor" - hilarious.. that obviously has to make it - quite a bit alike - does it not?

SR 400 has been re-introduced to certain markets - as a retro-style profit-cow.. & dynamically its the same old `70s gutless shit..

My point about the SZR being a waste of a chassis stands.. since compared with the proper mill, the 600 is the big lazy lump,
whereas the 2T will wee on it.. including in the "twisty bits" - if you have any riding skill..

You were the one who introduced comparing the MT to the RZ, as you say too funny, you forgot that. Porker or not, the MT is a good ride, IF you get it. The RZ may not be AS peaky, but it's still a 'power banded' 2T, low down power is NOT it's forte. As I said I owned an H1a, (notice you own a H2) I also had a stan stephens tuned 350 elsie, and that was quicker than the H1, and would have taken out a standard 'power valve', in fact i would have been interested to see if a 350 ypvs could have beaten the H1a...
hilarious that theMt-03 isnt like the SZR? well duh, one is a trial/adventure style bike, the other is a ' canyon carver', so no, they are not alike, anymore than a TDM 250 is the same as an RZ250, just because they share a common motor. Different frame/handling characteristics.
The ypvs would have 'weed' on most bikes in the twisties, it's light,good frame geometry/suspension for it's day, and a 2T, so yes compared to an SZR it would, two light agilr bikes with completely different motors...... I dont know why you are arguing a pointless point, you're comparing oranges to apples for the sake of it..

[J.A.W.]

You were the one who introduced comparing the MT to the RZ, as you say too funny, you forgot that. Porker or not, the MT is a good ride, IF you get it. The RZ may not be AS peaky, but it's still a 'power banded' 2T, low down power is NOT it's forte. As I said I owned an H1a, (notice you own a H2) I also had a stan stephens tuned 350 elsie, and that was quicker than the H1, and would have taken out a standard 'power valve', in fact i would have been interested to see if a 350 ypvs could have beaten the H1a...
hilarious that theMt-03 isnt like the SZR? well duh, one is a trial/adventure style bike, the other is a ' canyon carver', so no, they are not alike, anymore than a TDM 250 is the same as an RZ250, just because they share a common motor. Different frame/handling characteristics.
The ypvs would have 'weed' on most bikes in the twisties, it's light,good frame geometry/suspension for it's day, and a 2T, so yes compared to an SZR it would, two light agilr bikes with completely different motors...... I dont know why you are arguing a pointless point, you're comparing oranges to apples for the sake of it..

Evidently you haven't fanged an RZ then, & do you read the links?
See here.. www.rd350lc.net/Magazine/CC_7_83_8full.jpg did a 12.66 sec 1/4 mile.. better than a stock `69 H1 (the quickest)..

& this one - which does show the non-peaky ( unlike the earlier LC) RZ 350 power out-put.. www.rd350lc.net/Magazine/MCI0986-5.jpg

Once you've taken those facts on board.. go back & read post # 45 properly, since the rest of your "pointless" blather - has already been addressed there.

Bikes are bikes.. you were comparing an MT-01 will 600/4s & now you claim " apples to oranges"? Well, again, bikes are bikes, & esp' on the road.. so, yeah, too bloody funny..

You can post up the comparative dimensional figures of the SZR VS MT-03 if you like, & show how alike they really are.. other than having the same mill, of course..

[neels]

How the fuck did a thread about having purchased a SRX400 turn into a wankfest about how a RZ350 compares with other bikes?

Anyway, SRX400 is a great fun little bike, hopefully the OP (who I would assume has lost interest and wandered off shaking their head by now) enjoys their new bike.

[kmor110]

Such a fun bike! Did buy a cb400 super four though... for longer rides as srx is a bit small for me even at 175cm.

[J.A.W.]

How the fuck did a thread about having purchased a SRX400 turn into a wankfest about how a RZ350 compares with other bikes?

Anyway, SRX400 is a great fun little bike, hopefully the OP (who I would assume has lost interest and wandered off shaking their head by now) enjoys their new bike.


Well duh, if - instead of making wanky assumptions - you'd read the OP's OP, you'd know that he was interested in alternative bikes, such as the RZ - for when he is unrestricted..

[Icemaestro]

I have an srx600 1991 (Monoshock). Rego is in the under 600cc bracket - maybe someone registered it wrong :-D cause it def says 608cc on the engine.

If you find a workshop manual or parts manual for these later models (yours or mine) I'd be keen, only one I can find is in Japanese. Mine's still in the works at the moment :-( needs a carb clean to get started!

[Robbo]

I have an srx600 1991 (Monoshock). Rego is in the under 600cc bracket - maybe someone registered it wrong :-D cause it def says 608cc on the engine.

If you find a workshop manual or parts manual for these later models (yours or mine) I'd be keen, only one I can find is in Japanese. Mine's still in the works at the moment :-( needs a carb clean to get started!

Have a look at this site, you may find it helpful

http://www.srx600.net/

Although it's not a manual id does have some good information

Cheers

[HenryDorsetCase]

I actually rode an RZ350 fairly extensively in the 80s. IMHO the closest functioal equivalent today is the Street Triple. Middleweight, powerful (and with a fun powerband but not as pronounced. Light. Agile. Capable.

So clearly OP should buy one of them

[kmor110]

Definitely on my list... has been for a long time.

[Icemaestro]

Have a look at this site, you may find it helpful

http://www.srx600.net/

Although it's not a manual id does have some good information

Cheers

Not really for the later model :-) too much different. There's a facebook group with really knowledgeable people from around the world though.

[Daffyd]

I had a '90 SRX400 mono shock as my returning to biking steed. 'Twas a great wee bike and I did a lot of kms on it, including a South Island circumnavigation with three of my sons, all riding bikes 750 and up. While they weren't riding all that fast, I had little trouble keeping up with them. I did send them on ahead on one segment so they could have a thrash, from Murchison to the Kohatu Pub. They had bought their first beer and just walked outside when I pulled up. They were quite impressed.

[kmor110]

So my friend wanted to get in to biking and since i bought the srx cheap off another friend i figured i would 'pass it on' now riding a 79 guzzi v50 which is an interesting transition! 316816