87 gsxr400

[McDuck]

Yo. What are they like? This one has done about 60 000kms etc. What do you think of them? Large enough for a bigger person?

[Cruisin' Craig]

Yo. What are they like? This one has done about 60 000kms etc. What do you think of them? Large enough for a bigger person?

I used to own one, and rode it for about four years.

During this time I took the mileage from 37k, up to over 100k.
In all that time, I once had the solenoid replaced, and that was all the trouble it gave me.

If I recall correctly, it revs to a 14000 rpm redline, producing about 60hp, and weighs 163kg. That makes it plenty quick for such a little bike. I never had too much trouble keeping up with other motorcyclists.

I think it lacks torque compared to some other old 400 sports bikes (less torgue than an early nineties VFR400NC30 I rode, and less than an 89ZXR400 I also rode). So I guess maybe it's not the bike for you if you're like 130kg or something. But I'm 85kg at 6'2", and I thought it was great.

It was quicker in a straight line than my mates 1993 (or was it 1992?) VFR400NC30.

I warped the brake discs on mine, and it ruined the braking. If I bought one now I'd be sure to thoroughly test the brakes in case they are highly prone to this.

It had a nasty cam chain rattle when I bought it. I never did anything about it, and it was still rattling just the same over sixty thousand km later.

All in all, I have extremely fond memories of this bike, and am really glad I bought it. I've had more fun on this bike than any other that I have owned, and other people I've spoken to who have owned this bike have generally agreed with me.

I remember figuring it had about a 200km/h top speed, although this was guesswork as the clock only went up to 180km/h.

I hope some of these memories are useful to you, I'm getting a little misty eyed thinking of my long lost Yammy:weep:

[FilthyLuka]

Yo. What are they like? This one has done about 60 000kms etc. What do you think of them? Large enough for a bigger person?

Good bikes, i'd just hold out and go for a gsxr750 or 1100 of the same vintage. Not much bigger, kick arse solid engines and not that expensive. You can find a decent gsxr750 for under 3k if your patient

As for the 400, it should be comfortable enough for a person who's a bit bigger, but it will feel cramped and what not.

Go the 750, something like this

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-138240941.htm

its expensive for what it is, would go for one with a bit higher k's and lot less money

Who is the 400 for? you?

[James Deuce]

It doesn't have noticeably less torque than any other sports 400, it's torque curve is really peaky and follows the power curve making it feel like it has less torque. Torque is a function of engine capacity rather than layout. HP is down to revs.

My Katana has noticeably more torque lower down the range than any other 400 I've ridden, but that's a function of ignition curve, cam profile and fuelling. It pulls cleanly in top from 50 km/hr to 100 km/hr, but it redlines 2500rpm lower than the donor bike the engine comes from.

Personally I don't reckon it will feel any roomier than the Katana 250.

400s make way more sense in NZ than 750s or 1100s (or indeed 600s and 1000s). You can ring their neck, lean until you puke and still get home with your license intact.

But of course that's not cool.

[McDuck]

Yea, this is why i want one. I also dont care to much about being scwashed up a little, but i do care about not bottemign the shocks out :shit:

Maby i should just keep an eye out for a katana 400?

[Squiggles]

parts seem hard to come by (an observation from a few recent threads) especially for the gk71 model (if memory serves me correct)

[James Deuce]

parts seem hard to come by (an observation from a few recent threads) especially for the gk71 model (if memory serves me correct)

There's a few 71 parts and a few 77 parts on my Kat 400. No drama. 4 weeks ex-Japan, maximum.

You have to be patient and use the channels, not flail about ranting at innocent bike shop parts guys who don't know what you're after because you don't have the right part number.

[Swoop]

But of course that's not cool.
In fact it is positively chilly. Unless you are on KB...

I'm always surprised by those who state they will not go back to a smaller bike.
Missing out on so much fun.

[kiwifruit]

get an impulse instead, they are way cooler :headbang:


<img src="http://i30.tinypic.com/i58wpe.jpg"/>

[James Deuce]

Goooo Repulse!

Oops.

I've seen a few for sale but they don't seem to get looked after. Mind you a bit of TLC can be fun.

[LukeChCh]

Goooo Repulse!

Oops.

I've seen a few for sale but they don't seem to get looked after. Mind you a bit of TLC can be fun.

You can only call it a Repulse if you owned one.

I did .. so I will :-)

It sure was a good bike .. brings back memories.
It had a top speed of around "F". (thats "F" on the fuel guage from memory, coz it only went to 180, and the fuel gage was below the speedo). I think that was around 200/205. To get there one had to lie on the tank .. and WAIT and WAIT .. and 5th was better than 6th for this from memory.

Ok .. it was in my "I was a boi" days.

[bungbung]

I had an impulse, same motor as the gsxr but with less handling.
I had a rattly camchain, after the tensioner let go it made even more rattles.
It died at about 88,000km from total wear out.