Choice on 400cc motorbike? [Archive]

vtec

24th July 2008, 14:41

I've heard really bad things about the Ducati 400ss from that era. Lots of issues (reliability), heavy and slow.
http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/motorcyclespecshandbook/ducati/1994-ducati-400SS.htm
Holy shit... 42HP, you'd be much better off with a cbr250rr.
173kgs dry... it's a fucking tank.

Here's some more reasons not to get it
http://www.ducati.ms/forums/showthread.php?p=433784

Reasons for a 400ss... it's rare. It looks the same as the 900 and 750... which is why it's so heavy.

Dream bike... VFR400 single sided swingarm, little light and raceworthy... awesome.

bobsmith

24th July 2008, 14:51

for 4500 you MIGHT be able to pick up a VFR400 which apprently are really great bikes and they look the part too.

I recently picked up my CBR400RR NC23 for 3300 so you can get these bikes for that price. Mine had a mint fairing but I did have to change tyres, chain & sprockets and clutch cable on it (and oil and fuel filter) but none of these cost too much (except for the tyres and chain which you would want to do on a second hand bike anyway)

Anyway any japanese inline 4s are great bike and lots of fun! So take your time and shop around, you'll be able to find something in your budget.

James Deuce

24th July 2008, 14:59

Hi all! Just got my full licence:)
My budget is around $4500 and I'm after a 400cc sport bike. I like Japanese inline 4 but my mate said why not buy a ducati 400ss or monster 400 ? I suppose it would be more expensive and powerless than Japanese, doesn't it?
I've looked on trademe, it seem not many ZXR400, CBR400RR or VFR400 out there.
There is a kawasaki xanthus 400 from Thunderbird Nelson. Is it save to buy from them? Are they good dealer?

Thank you
Bismarck

Keep the 250. It's quicker and more reliable than a Ducati 400.

bismarck

24th July 2008, 15:18

Thanks! now Ducati 400ss is out of my list:oi-grr:
Still looking around for my next wife:2thumbsup

Coyote

24th July 2008, 15:38

VFR400's are excellent bikes. Just don't go for one with higher mileage or you'll end up replacing everything on it. I've spent $6000 ($4000 to get it, $2000 on parts) on mine and I'd only get $2000 if I was to sell it. It's currently sitting in the garage waiting until I have the money to fix it. Don't let that put you off a VFR, it'll be the case with any bike with high mileage. Unless you want a restoration project, the bike is dirt cheap or every worn part has been replaced, avoid anything with 60,000kms+

Watch out for bikes that have been around the clock too.

Koba on here has an NC21 with around 30,000kms (when I last checked) which he got for cheap (had a few scuffs). It's served him very well. My NC30 is nicer looking though, which is really what counts amirite? :p

Str8 Jacket

24th July 2008, 15:51

Koba on here has an NC21 with around 30,000kms (when I last checked) which he got for cheap (had a few scuffs). It's served him very well. My NC30 is nicer looking though, which is really what counts amirite? :p

bismarck, what he's trying to say is that koba's NC21 is faster and runs much better than his. koba has had minimal issues, especially compared to its age than Coyote has had and the NC21 is really nice to ride and kobas is the fastest 400cc at the sprints so far...
What you need to do is check everything yourself or get someone who knows what they are doing to do it. Four cylinder, 4 strokes are really fun lil bikes but like any bike the older ones can have issues. If you find a bike that you like at a reasonable price with minor issues it could run just as well as a bramd spanker (well, kinda). What im trying to say is that any bike can end up being a shitter so have a look around and check the bike out, you might get lucky.

Coyote

24th July 2008, 15:53

bismarck, what he's trying to say is that koba's NC21 is faster and runs much better than his. koba has had minimal issues, especially compared to its age than Coyote has had and the NC21 is really nice to ride and kobas is the fastest 400cc at the sprints so far...
Phff, mine's purdy :D

Str8 Jacket

24th July 2008, 15:56

Phff, mine's purdy :D

So koba's. Anyway, last time I saw your's it was in pretty manky condition...What's ya point??? :p

avgas

24th July 2008, 15:56

ZXR4 is nice, so much that i dropped my misconceptions about 400's as being crap and bought one many moons ago.
However if you have the coin get a GS350 - i didn't but i always wanted one.

Squiggles

24th July 2008, 16:26

Monsters go for around 5-5.5

Coyote

24th July 2008, 16:27

So koba's. Anyway, last time I saw your's it was in pretty manky condition...What's ya point??? :p
Well actually it's worse since some inconsiderate person backed into it and scarpered. A week after I painted it's tail and polished it too :(

Next time you'll see it, it should be orange. Or purple. Haven't decided yet.

And my point was looks are everything. Course I was joking. Afterall, Koba's bike has always been in better condition than mine...sigh...

NZsarge

24th July 2008, 16:43

Next time you'll see it, it should be orange. Or purple. Haven't decided yet.
[/SIZE]sigh...

Reckon a nice burnt orange would suit that bike.

Coyote

24th July 2008, 16:52

Reckon a nice burnt orange would suit that bike.
I'm keen on bright orange. And possibly black 'realistic' flames inside a Honda wing, or just wherever.

Or classic RC/NC30 colours (red and blue on white) only brighter. Have the blue on top as usual but have the Red as a Honda wing on the side. I've drawn this and it looks quite good.

Or metallic purple, to be a bit different.

I have access to Auto paints so I can do whatever I want. I'll spray some schemes onto a panel and see what effects I can get. Want to see how much pearls will change a colour. I was hoping a green pearl on bright orange will only be seen where the sun hits rather than turning the orange a putrid colour (from what I know the former is what happens but I'll have to see it for myself. Could work but look crap :p).

MaxCannon

24th July 2008, 16:54

I picked up my ZZR400 for under $2K

It needed new tyres, a tune up and a shock rebuild (which hasn't happened yet)

I stepped off a GN250 and the weight difference was the biggest issue.
I'm used to it now but in the first week saw me drop it (a very controlled drop as I was putting it on the stand - no damage).

It's sporty enough for me, although I do find myself wanting greater flexibility, bottom end torque is not it's strong suit.

It's comfy around town and on long distances, and pretty agile. I can thread it through the same gaps I put the GN into.

If I had a bit more cash to spend I'd look closely at the ZZR600
A lot more grunt for not much more cash.

Qkchk

24th July 2008, 16:54

VFR400
VFR400
VFR400
VFR400
VFR400
VFR400
VFR400
VFR400

Did I mention VFR400?

NZsarge

24th July 2008, 16:56

I have access to Auto paints so I can do whatever I want. I'll spray some schemes onto a panel and see what effects I can get. Want to see how much pearls will change a colour.

Good scheme. :niceone:

Coyote

24th July 2008, 17:03

VFR400
VFR400
VFR400
VFR400
VFR400
VFR400
VFR400
VFR400

Did I mention VFR400?
No?

10 characters

mark247

24th July 2008, 17:12

Top of the list is certainly the VFR400R NC30. I have owned a few 400cc bikes and they are awesome. Second choice would be the NC29 CBR400 and the ZXR400, both of them are great bikes as well. The FZR400 is not too bad, i owned one of them, they have NO torque.

The cool thing about the NC30 is there are a few really cool paint schemes they came in, the Black and silver ( like mine ) and the red and black really look awesome in my opinion.

scracha

24th July 2008, 19:26

NC29 would be top of my list (cheaper servicing than the viffer for starters) possibly followed by the ZXR400.

Then again, for similar money you can pickup very cheap VFR750's, Thundercats, SV650's, hyobag 650's etc so why go with a nearly 20 year old jap 400?

BadCompany

24th July 2008, 19:48

Hi all! Just got my full licence:)
My budget is around $4500 and I'm after a 400cc sport bike. I like Japanese inline 4 but my mate said why not buy a ducati 400ss or monster 400 ? I suppose it would be more expensive and powerless than Japanese, doesn't it?
I've looked on trademe, it seem not many ZXR400, CBR400RR or VFR400 out there.
There is a kawasaki xanthus 400 from Thunderbird Nelson. Is it save to buy from them? Are they good dealer?

Thank you
Bismarck

Bad tiime to look on trademe I guess. Before the cold came there was alot of VFR's on TradeMe.

lostinflyz

24th July 2008, 19:59

vfr400 is the best bike but is a farkin nightmare to maintain, the japanese dont understand that somedays you might need to remove some of those screws. dont pay more than 4g for a nice example (people ask the dumbest money for them). I have owned several (3 in the garage). Make sure they run good. cause u dont wanna try tuning them.

if you not so keen on work then the cbr zxr's are pretty good. GSXR 400s are real nice to but rare as and good luck finding parts.

but again with all them make sure they run perfect. and have complete fairings. you can often get a deal on one thats been dropped (they all have been no matter what people say, or you might as well assume it has) and its not too much to get them repaired or/and repainted (chch has a great guy for fairing repairs and paint). Then it will run and look perfect.

marty

24th July 2008, 20:17

i had a gixxer 400. great bike - bit heavy but loved to rev, sounded great, and looked not too bad in blue/silver

LittleJohn

24th July 2008, 20:22

I have a zxr400, goes like a dream. Easy maintenance and picked it up cheap. It was orange when I got it as the previous owner wanted a different new bike that was orange but couldn't afford it so gave this a rather crap paint job. Had some luck when a ladie decided to pull out in front of me and scrap the side of my fairing, meant I got a full custom paint job for cheap as chips. Added about 2K to the value of my bike. Happy hunting and try and find something with lower k's.

Skunk

24th July 2008, 20:31

ZXR400 tended to be raced so good luck finding one.

Any reason not to get an older 600? I did the 250 - 400 - 600 thing and only kept the 400 for two years. I was pretty much over it soon after I got it.

At the end of the day YOU must be happy with what you buy.

bismarck

24th July 2008, 21:31

I wouldn't mind to get a bigger bike, but I'm still a student and I'm not tall (166cm<_<) I think 400cc bike would be better for me to ride.
btw the weather is horrible, cold and wet:no:

puddytat

24th July 2008, 22:21

How about the awesome Honda Bros...comes in a 400 & 650 version,bomb proof V-twin motor, RC frame & the beauty of a single sided swingarm.
I got mine for 4 grand & 23000k's...

Chrislost

24th July 2008, 22:34

Hi all! Just got my full licence:)
My budget is around $4500 and I'm after a 400cc sport bike. I like Japanese inline 4 but my mate said why not buy a ducati 400ss or monster 400 ? I suppose it would be more expensive and powerless than Japanese, doesn't it?
I've looked on trademe, it seem not many ZXR400, CBR400RR or VFR400 out there.
There is a kawasaki xanthus 400 from Thunderbird Nelson. Is it save to buy from them? Are they good dealer?

Thank you
Bismarck

get the VFR400 (NC30 version)or the CBR400(NC29 version).
in that order. the older model VFRs are not that great and the older CBRs (IMO) are fugly
i got my CBR for 3200 and my VFR for 3600.
both in mint(pre me) condition.
the VFR is now my track bike and it is mint at that too.

digsaw

24th July 2008, 22:52

CBR 400 aero 45k good nick go like stink, make a good offer:bleh:

bismarck

24th July 2008, 23:05

lostinflyz

25th July 2008, 00:00

get the VFR400 (NC30 version)or the CBR400(NC29 version).
in that order. the older model VFRs are not that great and the older CBRs (IMO) are fugly
i got my CBR for 3200 and my VFR for 3600.
both in mint(pre me) condition.
the VFR is now my track bike and it is mint at that too.

in contrast my nc21 (oldest) VFR is a demon and about on pace with my nc30 race bike. The NC21 engine isn't as revvy as the 30 but pulls nicer, pretty certain cause its gotta a more intelligent set of gears. for the road at least.

21 also has a nicer rear end than the early 30's. personal opinion

and the 21 sounds better (different crank design). But the 30 is purdy.

jrandom

25th July 2008, 00:09

What do you want a 400 for? That's 1000 too few cubic centimetres.

:blink:

owner

25th July 2008, 00:35

Dont buy a time bomb! 1990's 4, Please Please Wait for while keep saving and buy something 2003+
anything
The best purchase I have ever made was a brand new 600RR for 12000$
2year warranty and 15 trackdays 30000kms in 12months still no problems

Worst purchase I ever made mint 92 GSXR400 for 4550$ 3 road rides 2weeks and it exploded sold it after a year looking for second hand engine I gave up and sold it for 800$

Not tryn to scare you, thats just my story can you hear the violins in the backround?

xwhatsit

25th July 2008, 01:47

Dont buy a time bomb! 1990's 4, Please Please Wait for while keep saving and buy something 2003+
Yeah but they don't make frigging 250-400 screamers any more, dunnit? All bloody silly 600cc ones and thous, all you get in 400ccs any more is dirt bikes and obscure rare Jap imports like CB400SSs.

JeremyW

25th July 2008, 06:18

I love my 400, was selling it but have decided to keep it because I cant justify the extra money when it will keep up with anything with the right rider onboard. Still quick enough to get yourself into some serious trouble....

mctshirt

25th July 2008, 06:50

I use and reccommend the 400 bandit - fun, fun, fun!

Patch

25th July 2008, 07:53

I love my 400, it will keep up with anything with the right rider onboard
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: you're kidding right?

Unless you're a short arse pint sized peanut, go with a late 80's early 90's 6 hundy. e.g. GPZ600R etc.
Similar power etc to 400 but a crap load more comfortable.

Who wants to ride a glorified 250 anyway :motu:

JeremyW

25th July 2008, 08:10

GPZ600R = 208kg = :gob:......poor example maybe. Some of the 600+ of the time were not really considered too sporty and they carry some serious weight. If it is comfort you are after then those aforementioned bikes would be ideal. For the money some of the 400 are going for there are some bargins to be had.

Just going on personal experience....Im happy to be proved wrong....

xwhatsit

26th July 2008, 00:11

Who wants to ride a glorified 250 anyway :motu:
Me -- I'm of the opinion something around 350 to 450ccs is perfect. Lightweight like a 250, superb handling, enough grunt over a 250 to make hills and long straight bits of road less of a chore, yet not so much power that it's frustrating to have to control it.

Plus nobody buys 400s here. Things like CBR400s and ZXR400s sell for stupidly low amounts on Tardme. GB400s frequently sell for a grand less than similar GB500s despite nearly identical performance.

Patch

26th July 2008, 03:34

poor example maybe.
unless you know the bike, then how would you know??

200 odd kg in/on/over a bike - so what?? most bikes are around that weight, so I don't quite see your point.

mark247

26th July 2008, 08:32

This shit about early 90's bikes being 'time bombs' is a load of crap. A lot of the older bikes are better made than some new ones as well. The parts are cheaper too. If you are going to buy a shitter then its going to explode, but if you spend say $4000 on a ZXR400 or a VFR400 or something like that it will be a great bike ( obviously with some exceptions ).

I paid $3900 for mine, its nearly done 60,000km and its 100% reliable. Goes like a cut cat as well and its a HELL of a lot of fun to ride because you can just thrash it and thrash it and thrash it and it loves every moment of it.

JeremyW

26th July 2008, 13:11

unless you know the bike, then how would you know??

200 odd kg in/on/over a bike - so what?? most bikes are around that weight, so I don't quite see your point.

I was meaning the ZZ6600 was a poor example on your behalf.... Im not sure what 400s you are talking about but I am sure they are not 220+kg fueled and oiled.

xwhatsit

26th July 2008, 15:23

200 odd kg in/on/over a bike - so what?? most bikes are around that weight, so I don't quite see your point.
Hell no. VFR400 is supposed to be 164kg dry, compared to your GPZ600R being 195kg dry. Power not too far behind, 60-odd hp vs 75hp.. I know what I'd rather be riding. Even a GB500 comes in around 160kg dry (well, it's 180kg wet anyway, which is less than a wet VFR400).

Some people don't want to ride a `comfortable' bike. Comfortable normally means lard-arsed and clumsy when confronted by the slightest kink in the road, unless you get something modern and expensive. At the end of the day, what I really want is a fleshed-out, motorised mountain bike; something along the lines of a motard or a sub-400cc road bike suffices quite nicely.

Hidalgo

26th July 2008, 15:51

keep the 250, and in the meantime save some more $$ and than go for 600 or More. they have better resale than 400.
cheers

Dargor

26th July 2008, 16:04

mark247

26th July 2008, 16:12

keep the 250, and in the meantime save some more $$ and than go for 600 or More. they have better resale than 400.
cheers

Well no not really. I paid $4000 for my 400 at the start of the year and look how much they are worth now. My mate bought an nc30 4 years ago for $4000 as well with low k's, he would of made money on his.

mark247

26th July 2008, 16:14

Get a fzr400, the look cool.
As for no low range torque. Meh, who wants low revs, you should be going fast.
I got mine for $2200, good condition. You dont need to wait till you have $15k to a cool bike. And if it does break it only cost a 7th of your $15k bike.

You have to be careful with FZR400's though, their inlet valves are notorious for pulling through and loosing compression etc.. But in saying that if you get a low k's one or one that has regularly been serviced and had shims checked, you should be fine.

bobsmith

26th July 2008, 16:15

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: you're kidding right?

Unless you're a short arse pint sized peanut, go with a late 80's early 90's 6 hundy. e.g. GPZ600R etc.
Similar power etc to 400 but a crap load more comfortable.

Who wants to ride a glorified 250 anyway :motu:

Crap.....

My CBR400RRJ NC23 is about as tall as I'd ever want my bike to be... I'm on tip toes on my bike with both feet down... :weep: :crybaby:

lostinflyz

26th July 2008, 19:22

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: you're kidding right?

Unless you're a short arse pint sized peanut, go with a late 80's early 90's 6 hundy. e.g. GPZ600R etc.
Similar power etc to 400 but a crap load more comfortable.

Who wants to ride a glorified 250 anyway :motu:

Old 600's are tourers really. the VFR is a pint sized RC30. These are made to be uncomfortable as hell cause they were made with going like a bat outta hell in mind. Most the other 400's have a similar feel too.

All depends how you ride really though. but engine size doesn't make them a better option. (Or harleys would be the best bike on the market)

Patch

27th July 2008, 10:42

I was meaning the ZZ6600 was a poor example on your behalf.... Im not sure what 400s you are talking about but I am sure they are not 220+kg fueled and oiled.
a ZZ6600 wtf is that?

It doesn't really matter what the weight of the bike is, as all riders are not the same. Put a 20 kilo heavier rider on a lighter bike and the gross weights are not much different.

Being comfortable is about the rider not the bike. I'm too cramped on 400's and even some 600 hundys. A friend of mine can't touch the ground sitting on a TL but the SV suits him more hence why he bought one.

Its all about the rider not the bike.

mark247

27th July 2008, 11:00

I'm too cramped on 400's and even some 600 hundys.

Im 6 foot 2 and I dont have any pain on long trips on my nc30 at all, but in saying that, im only like 65kg =P

geoffc

27th July 2008, 11:34

Hi, I haven't read through all the posts but I think that if you are up-sizing now you have your full licence, consider the range 500 to 600 cc bikes instead of 400. They don't need to rev so hard and are just better bikes on the open road. Price wise they are probably not much different. Personally I think you will end up being disappointed with a 400cc machine & wanting a change sooner than you think. I like Suzuki's SV 650 or Honda CB 500. Not high powered but light, reliable, good fun & cheap to run.

mark247

27th July 2008, 11:49

Patch

27th July 2008, 11:51

How can you say that when a CB500 has less horsepower than pretty much all 4 cylinder 400cc bikes?
its how it uses it.

There is life after a little 4 pot screamer.

geoffc

27th July 2008, 12:03

How can you say that when a CB500 has less horsepower than pretty much all 4 cylinder 400cc bikes?

Reliable, cheap, comfy, well built, good handler. Given top 5 star rating for used bikes in Britain's best selling bike mag 'Bike.' Good torque without having to rev high. Certainly there are many speeder machines but is this what Bismarck wants? Not sure.

mark247

27th July 2008, 12:07

Reliable, cheap, comfy, well built, good handler. Given top 5 star rating for used bikes in Britain's best selling bike mag 'Bike.' Good torque without having to rev high. Certainly there are many speeder machines but is this what Bismarck wants? Not sure.

You are not wrong there.

But the thing is, all those attributes point towards a VFR400 as well lol.

I supposes at the end of the day it will come down to what bismarck wants, you are right, but he did state "400cc"

bismarck

27th July 2008, 15:21

most of 600cc bikes has high milage of below $6K which I have to save for a while. Um...dunno 600cc would suit me or not

lostinflyz

27th July 2008, 17:10

i never worry too much about the mileage of bikes. one thats done a 100000k's thats been kept to spec by someone who knows what an engine is will always be better than a bike with 20000k that sat in a garage for 10 years and was put back on the road by someone who struggles to figure out how to open a can.

but you always end up getting ones that run for a bit then die but its not usually a function of distance. its usually related to luck.

Wannabiker

27th July 2008, 17:44

Depending on just how "sporty"you want it...there is always a Suzuki RVF400.....?

Oakie

27th July 2008, 20:15

Hmmm. My CB400 (in-line 4) was for sale about 5 months ago. Had it listed for just two weeks and there was no interest so I decided to keep it for another winter. Would I sell it now? Dunno. Try me. I can't even remember what I wanted for it.

Squiggles

27th July 2008, 20:41

I'm keen on bright orange.

seen the colour of my tl? thats a luuurvly orange :D

Coyote

28th July 2008, 18:57

seen the colour of my tl? thats a luuurvly orange :D
That is a nice colour (seeing your profile album pic). I'm thinking of slightly redder (course I know photos won't be doing your bike justice and it may be closer or exactly what I want).

FiBee

28th July 2008, 19:06

hiya
selling my cbr400 for $3900 or near offer - check out the trade me link (also on KB M/Cycle Trader pages :scooter:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=164291672

CookMySock

28th July 2008, 21:03

most of 600cc bikes has high milage of below $6K which I have to save for a while. Um...dunno 600cc would suit me or notHello Bismarck, do you like the south island ?

You should have looked at my bike. 650 vtwin and I paid $6,000 for it, with less than 1,000km on the speedo - nearly new! You will like 600cc very much!

Steve

musicman

3rd August 2008, 21:16

Yeah but they don't make frigging 250-400 screamers any more, dunnit? All bloody silly 600cc ones and thous, all you get in 400ccs any more is dirt bikes and obscure rare Jap imports like CB400SSs.

I thought Japan still makes 400s? If I recall correctly, due to Japan's licence levels, 400cc bikes are extremely popular and there a plenty of new 400s, it's just 400s are not very popular in NZ so they aren't brought in much.

bismarck

3rd August 2008, 23:05

breakaway

3rd August 2008, 23:38

I've got a NC23. It is definitely the 'sweet spot' bike. power comparable to a 600 (When I upgraded to my GSX-R 600 it felt like it wasn't THAT big a step up) and good on fuel (200 km for $20 of gas).

I would also be considering SV650 / SV650S. They have usable power anywhere in the rev range. But then again so does the NC23. The NC23 is no where near as 'peaky' as my GSX-R 600.

Suzuki RVF400.....?

Sorry, what?

xwhatsit

4th August 2008, 00:24

I thought Japan still makes 400s? If I recall correctly, due to Japan's licence levels, 400cc bikes are extremely popular and there a plenty of new 400s, it's just 400s are not very popular in NZ so they aren't brought in much.
Exactly, the CB400SF is a pearler of a bike, but do you think Blue Wing will import it here? Ridiculous. You can't buy these bikes new. Struggling hard to think of anything else available here from any of the other manufacturers either, apart from dirt bikes/motards like the DR-Z400

motorbyclist

4th August 2008, 02:13

NC30 (VFR400R), or if you're feeling wealthy an NC35 (RVF400)

renowned as the best bike under 600cc money can buy (arguable if you consider the 2-smoke RS250). will keep up with an R6 no probs on a windy road and is still practical to commute on with plenty of low down grunt. plus they look cooler than the cbr/fzr/zxr:bleh:

mops up a cbr as it should - cbr is honda's street division, vfr is HRC made for top performance and reliability:D

mate just bought a minter for $3500. saw one in tauranga not reach reserve of $3k

got my crashed/stolen/crashed again one for $2500 as a project and spent another $2500 getting it fresh paint/fairings/new ignition/chain/sprockets

and here's (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=165111884) one for $4k - needs new plugs and/or the carbies need cleaning, there's a flat spot at 5k anyway with these engines so it might not even have a problem

as for earlier comments about high k's - these are mechanically bomb-proof. just make sure you check it hasn't been badly abused and everything chassis wise is still bolted on - which is the same story for buying ANY bike but this one doesn't have a cam chain to worry about

The ZXR is also a very viable option along with the cbr, the fzr a bit less preferable but still ok if you get a good one, gsxr should be sold for scrap.

omg there's alot of shit in this thread
-my 400cc nc30 will keep up and even pass most you slow pokes on your 600 to 1400cc bikes. might not be as fast in a straight line but corners just as well, does the sub 100kph corners better, and isn't going to flick you off anywhere near as easily. it is always more fun to thrash a bike slow than half thrash a bike fast, and even more fun when you thrash faster than the guys on brand new yzfr/cbr/gsxr/zxr:D
-it's 10% bike and 90% rider
-just had the offer to have an '03 r6 in exchange for insurance payout on dropped vfr. after a week of riding i've decided to keep the munted nc30. more fun, better in the corners, can afford to drop it, gives plenty of warning before sliding whereas the r6 just flicks out

-we can't all afford new bikes
-400s hold resale value just fine provided you don't crash em
-they depreciate much less than a new bike
-a modern IL4 600 or 100 has more power than traction, is built for a racetrack not a windy NZ road with 100kph speed limit, and in the case of many riders they have more power than skill
-MANY older bikes are VERY reliable, particuarly the cbr, vfr and zxr models. if you're unfourtunate enough to buy an old GSXR expect problems, i'd know.
-OP specified 400cc japanese sports, so where all this talk of tourers, motards and comfort issues are arising from is beyond me

mark247

4th August 2008, 09:41

gsxr should be sold for scrap.

Iv got an old bike mag from when all the 400cc 4cyl were new back in 1992 and it has a big review comparing them all. It said the that gsxr400 absolutely cleaned up in the corners.( if i remember correctly )

If you would like to read it I could scan it up and post it on here.

xwhatsit

4th August 2008, 16:24

Iv got an old bike mag from when all the 400cc 4cyl were new back in 1992 and it has a big review comparing them all. It said the that gsxr400 absolutely cleaned up in the corners.( if i remember correctly )

If you would like to read it I could scan it up and post it on here.
That would be pretty cool to read :)

I suppose if I were buying one, my problem would be, if they're anything like the GSXR250 (and one would assume so, given the dearth of them on the roads today), anecdotally at least, they don't seem to have stood up to the decades of squid abuse quite so well as the ZXR, VFR, CBR et al. It seems every other week there's somebody on here with one of the old small GSXR variety complaining about no compression, bent valves, bottom end gone missing etc.

S'all intarweb stories of course, but there seems to be a hell of a lot of gorgeous VFRs blasting up and down Auckland roads having a fine time.

Ragingrob

4th August 2008, 17:01

mate just bought a minter for $3500.

:shifty:

<img src=http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=99456&d=1214973554> </img>

bismarck

4th August 2008, 17:45

gsxr should be sold for scrap.

Why is that? Any reasons for that?

breakaway

4th August 2008, 17:53

Why is that? Any reasons for that?

How many of them do you see around?

mark247

4th August 2008, 17:59

That would be pretty cool to read :)

I suppose if I were buying one, my problem would be, if they're anything like the GSXR250 (and one would assume so, given the dearth of them on the roads today), anecdotally at least, they don't seem to have stood up to the decades of squid abuse quite so well as the ZXR, VFR, CBR et al. It seems every other week there's somebody on here with one of the old small GSXR variety complaining about no compression, bent valves, bottom end gone missing etc.

S'all intarweb stories of course, but there seems to be a hell of a lot of gorgeous VFRs blasting up and down Auckland roads having a fine time.

This article is from the June 1994 edition of the Fast Bikes mag. I found I actually have two articles like this, this one, and one from September 1992 as well. But for now i can only be bothered scanning one =P

If you are really interested I might find the time tomorrow to scan the other.

This article starts by saying "The 250/400 division is teh most exciting and dynamic class in motor-cycling. It's also affordable. CBR400RR v GSXR400R v ZXR400 v FZR400 v RF400 v VFR400 v NSR400R v RGV250 v TZR250 (and one dead ZZR)

mark247

4th August 2008, 18:05