So I've been going to buy another classic bike for a while. And I bought this instead. Brand new SR400E: leftover 2014 (they havent changed them since 1978 apart from the EFI). Every time went into the shop the deal was better. A combination of some money in the "holiday fund" (no holiday this year for other reasons) and an unexpected work bonus meant that suddenly it "had to be done".
I've done 160 km so far. So, first impressions. The ergos are a perfect fit for me and my fucked lower back. The kickstart is actually easy (so far....) but I think the EFI helps too. but if you follow the procedure it is one kick hot or maybe two cold.
Its light steering, and is accurate. the skinny tyres make direction changes easy. The brake is way better than the brake on any classic bike I have ever ridden. More than powerful enough for this bike. I like the analogue instruments (but then I grew up looking at them) but there is something about a speedo and revcounter that is round and has needles that move (and a speedo cable!) that I find satisfying.
It is still running in, so hence my "slowest bike in the world" comment. I took it out to Little River yesterday and it took like an hour to get there. Being passed by nanas and idiots towing trailers and pushbikes and kids on skateboards is a bit of a worry.
It is great round town and as a work commuter.
It is FAR TOO QUIET.
There are a myriad of customising options.
It has some features that all motorbikes should have but which few do now: it has a passenger seat my better half looked at and said "that looks OK". It has hooks for bungee straps. It has what looks like quality chrome and paint.
And with second hand shitters going for $5995 then why not buy a brand new one?
No buyers regret.
Hopefully once it is run in and uncorked a bit it will happily cruise at ~100kph for the flat boring bits on the way to Akaroa.
Plus I've kept my Street Triple for hooning
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