Opinions on RF400?

[merka685]

Thinking seriously about getting a '95 Suzuki RF400 :drool:. Anyone want to comment on this bike, perhaps you've owned one.

[Katman]

One of the most valuable things to get when considering buying a second hand bike is proof of service history.

Those anal owners that keep every receipt are doing themselves a big favour when it comes time to sell.

[vgcspares]

then again in a perfect world you could just get them to dump the sump into a bucket - that would tell you a lot

[SPman]

The vtec one?
I have ridden one a bit - quite pleasant - can do 170k 2 up if need be - big and roomy for the size - not especially brilliant handling, but can be punted along reasonably quickly - better for touring than most other 400's - like a down powered RF600/900, really....

[Mully]

170km/h two-up on an RF 400??

You cruel man.

[Pwalo]

I'm pretty sure that Suzuki only officially imported the VTec model into NZ (along with the SG350) for a year or so, in the 2000's.

They seemed to get a reasonable write up at the time, but like a lot of the 400s are pretty rare outside Japan.

As has already been said a service history would good, otherwise the best guide will be the general condition of the bike itself. To the best of my knowledge there weren't any glaring faults with the 400s.

Do a google search. No doubt some one has a site with info about every Suzuki ever produced (actually there is a Finnish bloke who does, I just can't remember his name).

[Mully]

I thought vtec was a Honda invention - is there a Suzuki version too?

[quickbuck]

I thought vtec was a Honda invention - is there a Suzuki version too?

Vtec is a Honda invention. Suzuki do the same thing but call it something else... copyright/ patients and all that....
Anyhow, the RF400 is the same bike as a RF600 physically, but with a smaller mill in it.

Tour well, and make around 55hp at a guess.

Won't keep up with an NC30, but heck you will cover more k's in a day on a tour.....

As for reliability, all bikes are if looked after......
If you ride and like it, then it could be for you.
As said, if there are receipts, or proof of regular servicings, then it may very well be a good bike.
Check out the rubber components under the fairings for perishing.
The tyres will give a good indicator of what type of rider the owner is too....