400cc naked bikes

[Bullitt]

Having been a member on here for years and never posting thought Id start.

Ive previously had an SR250 for almost 5 years (full licence for most of them) but havnt ridden a bike more than about 500m since I sold it almost 3 years ago.

Anyway Im thinking its time I bought another one, mostly as a toy (im only 10 min walk from work and have car etc).

What Im looking for is a 400ccish naked bike, Im 5'10" 60kg so can handle a relatively heavy bike but Id still rather not if I can avoid it. My thoughts are

Suzuki Goose - Love the styling, I know it wont be fast but still more so than an SR, could be difficult to find

250 bandit - probably could get away with 250 but I have a full licence so it seems kinda silly

400 bandit - thinking it could be ideal, though dont seem to be as common as the 250 or 600. What are my chances of finding a nice one? think compared to a 600 should be lighter, cheaper to buy, cheaper to run? I see theres one on trademe atm but auckland seems along way away

600 something - have alot of people telling me to go to a 600 but to me they seem a big step and just paying more money for something that wont make me any better off plus more weight etc.

Apoligies if this is a noobie kinda post but I couldnt find much info on here about 400s.

[xwhatsit]

Well, the obvious choice...

SR400!!!

There's the GB400/500 too. These options are if you love singles, like every gentleman should :love:

[Drum]

250's tend to be more expensive to buy than many 400's and 600's due to the learner rider requirements.

See if you can get a nice Bandit 600 or similar. With a little restraint early on, you'll be surprised how quickly you get back into it.

Theres also the Suzi GS500, which seems to get good feedback.

Edit:Hornets too....sexy time!



http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-102426905.htm?p=1

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-102413841.htm?p=2

[kickingzebra]

the bikes in the 250 to 600 cc range should only be as expensive to run as you let them be. On my zzr 250, I regularly used to achieve 18 to 22 KM per litre.

On the thousand, going gentle, I can still easily achieve 18 km per litre, probably better if I didn't like wheelies so much.

600 was much of a muchness, 18 km p l was average running, on the track it could drop as low as 5 km per litre.

[James Deuce]

I just bought a 400cc Katana for commuting duties.

<img src=http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/photopost/data/529/Kat_400.JPG>

I really like 400cc IL4s and this one has HEAPS of character as well as being practical and capable of touring the country. The narrow 18 inch front works well on gravel too.

[Insanity_rules]

I'm a big fan of naked toys. Oh and I like bike too!

[Bullitt]

I do like GB400/500s but think theyre getting abit old compraed to what else im considering

The hornet is definately something I should keep an eye out for as well

GS500 I dont like so much, dont like the main part of the fram right through the middle of the bike.

I cant say I liked the look of the Katana in photos but ive been walking home past one the last few days on abel smith street (yours?) and I do like it in the flesh...dont think its for me though.

In the process of getting all my bike gear sent up from my parents down south so now just have to wait for the right bike to turn up :)

[James Deuce]

I cant say I liked the look of the Katana in photos but ive been walking home past one the last few days on abel smith street (yours?) and I do like it in the flesh...dont think its for me though.


Yep, that's it!

Come on, the KKKK needs more members! :)

[JeremyW]

I have just purchased an SRX400 and I think it is great! I came off a street magic and only had a very small bit of dirt riding and I havent found it difficult or intimidating.

They are an old reliable torqey single with a sweet sound and I reakon look pretty nice. I have attached some photos.

If you are in Aux your welcome to have a ride and see if you like them.

[Bullitt]

Im not sure whether ive ever seen an SRX400 before but it does look nice.

Just looking on trademe I see Ducati Monsters are cheaper than I thought they were. Hadnt considered them as I thought they were more than I wanted to spend, but could be fun:rockon:

[Coyote]

Im not sure whether ive ever seen an SRX400 before but it does look nice.

Just looking on trademe I see Ducati Monsters are cheaper than I thought they were. Hadnt considered them as I thought they were more than I wanted to spend, but could be fun:rockon:
I rode an M900 and I thought it felt like a tractor.

I'm getting a VFR400 on Tuesday :2thumbsup

[Bonez]

GS500 I dont like so much, dont like the main part of the fram right through the middle of the bike.Try riding one. You may be plesently surprised.

[xwhatsit]

I rode an M900 and I thought it felt like a tractor.

I'm getting a VFR400 on Tuesday :2thumbsup

Heathen. One can't live on two-strokes and inline-fours forever.

[Deviant Esq]

Hey Bullitt, good to see you on KB. Didn't know you were into bikes too! Not sure if you'll recognise me in KB form - I'm SiRedge from NZH - not that I've been on there for many years. The EF3 is gone, replaced with an EF9 that I haven't seen for months as it needs a little attention.

For what it's worth I didn't think much of the GS500 when I rode it... but having said that it wasn't exactly a stock example. Best piece of advice is to get out there and take anything and everything for a test ride to figure out what you like best. You might surprise yourself and buy a 600 or something... you'll buy more on feel than on looks then! ;)

Good luck.

Heathen. One can't live on two-strokes and inline-fours forever.
Good thing the VFR400 isn't an inline four then, isn't it? ;)

[xwhatsit]

Good thing the VFR400 isn't an inline four then, isn't it? ;)

Quiet down the front! You knew what I meant. :innocent:

[Deviant Esq]

Quiet down the front! You knew what I meant. :innocent:
Also quiet in the cheap seats? *Looks at his seat* Shit. :mellow:

[Bullitt]

Yeah I remember you Ryan, recognised your nic when I saw it before.
Remember coming down to see me when I used to own this? :scooter:

[Deviant Esq]

Actually now you mention it, I do vaguely remember that sitting in your garage. Didn't really pay too much attention to it at the time though, because I wasn't interested in bikes at all at that stage. Funny you should bring that up, I actually spotted a couple of the photos I took that day about a week ago, our cars parked on the grass verge outside your parents' place. Nice place, that. Are they still there?

So what's got you back into bikes then, after such a long layoff? I only got into bikes just over 18 months ago, because of renting a scooter during a trip to Rarotonga. Came back to New Zealand, passed my BHS, got my learners, and bought a bike all in pretty short order. Pic of it in my profile. Still on my restricted, bugger it, I've been hanging out for a bigger bike for a little while, but I have to wait until November *sigh*

You remember GR81, right? He's on here too.

[Coyote]

Heathen. One can't live on two-strokes and inline-fours forever.
My first bike has a CRF150, an air-cooled 4 stroke single. That was cool, I could see myself getting an XR in the future. I love all engine types but 2 strokes and 4 cylinders 4 strokes are still my style, however the Aprlia RSV and the Honda SP are dream bikes of mine

If you rode a VFR I'm sure you'd like it. They have a unique sound, it's great. Plus they feel light (200kgs but a low center of gravity) and they're quick

[ben444]

I have a naked VFR... better bike than it should be...

[Chrislost]

Heathen. One can't live on two-strokes and inline-fours forever.

V4 FTW
V4 2 smoker= scary tho

[wildpudding]

The GSX400X impulses are nice in their own unique way. The engines are great, very torquey and also have pretty good fuel consumption(22k/L usually).

Though these bikes are getting on in terms of age, and the electrics are a known weakness, but they are usually pretty cheap for something in ok condition.

Stefan