CB400 Super Four

[Glowerss]

I actually like my GN: It's a light weight, I can get my feet on the ground, it doesn't mind 1400 km touring on a long weekend and it's fun around corners. But a little bit more acceleration would be great. So I looked up the Hornet 250 and Wiki said it can accelerate from 0 to 100 km in 5.8 seconds. We all know that wiki is always right, but just in case: Is that right? That would make it more than twice as fast as the GN...

Hehe, re that CB1. I've seen it on Tm, but all I can do on my bike is change the oil and - if my bike doesn't explode when I start it tomorrow morning - clean the air filter. I think a 23 year old bike might be a bit too much maintenance for me.

It's a 250 Inline 4. It has a 16,000 RPM redline, but little power under say 6kpm and it doesn't start really cooking till over 12.

So if you're bashing it into the redline constantly (and weigh 40kg) it might do 0-100 kph in 6 seconds. 7-8ish seconds is more like it if you're giving it a bit of willy (say, changing up at 12ishk RPM).

The biggest differences between the hornet and the GN will definitely be some extra power, but mostly handling and a lot more flexibility in the motor. It's a personal thing,but I love that spread of RPM to play with

[Grashopper]

This Hornet looks nice: http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...-599890990.htm

But I always wonder about bikes that are that old and don't have many kms down. Maybe they've been around the clock or they are a shitty ride.

[Grashopper]

So if you're bashing it into the redline constantly (and weigh 40kg) it might do 0-100 kph in 6 seconds. 7-8ish seconds is more like it if you're giving it a bit of willy (say, changing up at 12ishk RPM).

Lol, the GN spec say it take 13 sec from 0-100... so yes, twice as fast

The biggest differences between the hornet and the GN will definitely be some extra power, but mostly handling and a lot more flexibility in the motor. It's a personal thing,but I love that spread of RPM to play with

And probably won't sound like you're torturing it when you finally get to the 100 km/h...

[xXGIBBOXx]

Sounds good. What's the fuel consumption like?

tank is just over 17 litres ( 2 litre reserve ) best was 320 km , mostly motorway runs . 280 km if i vtec the the shit out of first and second , which i do now it has a new exhaust . It sounds like a worked type r civic . 100 kms is round 6000rpm in sixth gear , just a little twist will get it to vtec and pass what ya need. (redline is 13000 rpm )

[nzspokes]

Both bikes, Hornet 250 and Cb400 were never sold new here. So some parts would need to be imported if needed.

If you can get one for the right money I would go the 400. I have seen Gixbbox and its a very nice bike with a low seat height for you. Hornet is taller. I see the 400 being a bike you may just keep when you go for your full as it would be a good size for you with good power. I would normally say go for the Hornet but that would be for a taller male due to fit and the Hornets hoon factor.

[HenryDorsetCase]

I actually like my GN: It's a light weight, I can get my feet on the ground, it doesn't mind 1400 km touring on a long weekend and it's fun around corners. But a little bit more acceleration would be great. So I looked up the Hornet 250 and Wiki said it can accelerate from 0 to 100 km in 5.8 seconds. We all know that wiki is always right, but just in case: Is that right? That would make it more than twice as fast as the GN...

Hehe, re that CB1. I've seen it on Tm, but all I can do on my bike is change the oil and - if my bike doesn't explode when I start it tomorrow morning - clean the air filter. I think a 23 year old bike might be a bit too much maintenance for me.

realistically all you would have to do on the CB1 would be chainge the oil and filter and maybe air filter and spark plugs and other consumables as you would have to on any bike.

And the Honda reputation for reliability was built on (wait for it) actual reliability. I love Hondas.* Buy that CB1. or any VTR250 (the naked V Twin that looks like a mini Ducati Monster) I think you might be pleasantly surprised at the vehicle dynamics compared to teh mighty GN. Just saying. All bikes are fun, thats the point, but some are more funner than others.





*lame gay joke in 3,2,1...........

[HenryDorsetCase]

Both bikes, Hornet 250 and Cb400 were never sold new here. So some parts would need to be imported if needed.

If you can get one for the right money I would go the 400. I have seen Gixbbox and its a very nice bike with a low seat height for you. Hornet is taller. I see the 400 being a bike you may just keep when you go for your full as it would be a good size for you with good power. I would normally say go for the Hornet but that would be for a taller male due to fit and the Hornets hoon factor.

Parts for obscure Hondas are piss easy to source on the interwebs and reasonably priced.

www.davidsilverspares.co.uk.

cmnsl.

[HenryDorsetCase]

This Hornet looks nice: http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...-599890990.htm

But I always wonder about bikes that are that old and don't have many kms down. Maybe they've been around the clock or they are a shitty ride.

You will be able to tell from a close look at it. Most Japan imports dont do that many k's (and they are NOT generally well looked after in Nihon: be aware)...

that looks tidy to me. Also, the Hornet 900 (I owned one) was a great bike because it was physically small: like a 600. That might be physically quite a small bike.

[Grashopper]

The Insurance FROM $7.71 a week. Do the maths for 52 weeks per year and multiply by the total years of the repayments ... but be aware that rate would be for experienced full licensed riders ... and probably over 25 years of age too.
And don't forget to add (find out) the interest (18% maybe more .. ???) to add to the listed price (do the maths on that too).

Didn't even think of finance. You always pay a lot more at the end.

And find out what Trade in price for the GN they'll give you.

I expect the trade in price for a GN is extremely low. I might have to pay them if they take it at all

I saw one from a distance at the supermarket last week, I immediately thought 'CB1300', but when I pulled up next to it on the XJR it looked like it had shrunk in the wash! I had a blink and had to check the rego tag to ensure that I wasnt mad

Lol, I did exactly the opposite today. Saw a CB1300 at a local dealership and immededtly thought CB400...

tank is just over 17 litres ( 2 litre reserve ) best was 320 km , mostly motorway runs . 280 km if i vtec the the shit out of first and second , which i do now it has a new exhaust . It sounds like a worked type r civic . 100 kms is round 6000rpm in sixth gear , just a little twist will get it to vtec and pass what ya need. (redline is 13000 rpm )

Cool. That sounds pretty good.

If you can get one for the right money I would go the 400. I have seen Gixbbox and its a very nice bike with a low seat height for you. Hornet is taller. I see the 400 being a bike you may just keep when you go for your full as it would be a good size for you with good power. I would normally say go for the Hornet but that would be for a taller male due to fit and the Hornets hoon factor.

Totally clueless here. What do you mean with 'hoon factor"?

realistically all you would have to do on the CB1 would be chainge the oil and filter and maybe air filter and spark plugs and other consumables as you would have to on any bike.

And the Honda reputation for reliability was built on (wait for it) actual reliability. I love Hondas.* Buy that CB1. or any VTR250 (the naked V Twin that looks like a mini Ducati Monster) I think you might be pleasantly surprised at the vehicle dynamics compared to teh mighty GN. Just saying. All bikes are fun, thats the point, but some are more funner than others.

Funny you should say that. Just stumbled over this one and now I want it:-) http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...-598075075.htm Ah well, currently also out of reach. But will keep my eye out. Also not sure you could put saddle bags or a pack rack on that one anyway.

[Glowerss]

Funny you should say that. Just stumbled over this one and now I want it:-) http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...-598075075.htm Ah well, currently also out of reach. But will keep my eye out. Also not sure you could put saddle bags or a pack rack on that one anyway.

You can put a pack rack on almost anything. VTR's are popular enough I'm sure something exists for em.

You can find a good VTR for a shit of a lot less than that. Probably around hornet pricing ($3500-$4000 or so). Now doesn't seem to be a great time to be buying (or looking) though. Not a lot out there for sale and most people seem to want far too much for things just this very moment.

And by hoon factor he just means how much fun it is to ride the thing around with it screaming it's wee little head off

[HenryDorsetCase]

Funny you should say that. Just stumbled over this one and now I want it:-) http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...-598075075.htm Ah well, currently also out of reach. But will keep my eye out. Also not sure you could put saddle bags or a pack rack on that one anyway.

Its $1500 too dear even accounting for the low k's and late model year.

MHO of course.

[FJRider]

Didn't even think of finance. You always pay a lot more at the end.

Actually ... you pay more during the payment period. But many don't know (or realize) until later ...

Before you agree to finance ... talk to your own bank regards a loan for the required amount (less trade in value) as the interest rate may be cheaper. Shop around for insurance too ...

I expect the trade in price for a GN is extremely low. I might have to pay them if they take it at all

It may surprise you what they may offer to get the sale. Never hurts to ask.

Totally clueless here. What do you mean with 'hoon factor"?

Think "Boyracer" potential ...

[Grashopper]

Now doesn't seem to be a great time to be buying (or looking) though. Not a lot out there for sale and most people seem to want far too much for things just this very moment.

I did notice though that quite a few bikes have been on Trademe for a while already. Would be great if there was a way to find out how long something has been listed, or relisted, already.

Its $1500 too dear even accounting for the low k's and late model year.

MHO of course.

Lol, yeah, that's my 'expert' opinion, too

It may surprise you what they may offer to get the sale. Never hurts to ask.

It might though, if they break a rib from laughing so hard when I ask how much they will give me for my GN...

I see so many GNs on Trademe. Is anyone actually still buying them?

Argh, I really should stop looking. Found something interesting again. http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...-606031320.htm

Can someone please buy this so I'm not tempted anymore?

It's too far away anyway. Can't just go for a test ride. And i probably shouldn't buy another 250 anyway either. But it looks nice and it even has a pack rack already. And it might not be too expensive...

[nerrrd]

I really liked my vt250, still the bike I've owned the longest, but they were a bit different back then...

[unstuck]

I really liked my vt250, still the bike I've owned the longest, but they were a bit different back then...

That looks like a baby version of my VF.