Life after the 250.....

[Bullitt]

The problem Im finding with looking for a 400 (admitedly more a naked bike rather than a sportsbike) is theyre all late 80s/early 90s but still wanting comparatively big money. To my mind 5 grand or more for a 17-20 yo 400cc is pretty high

[imdying]

Small contradiction there in your posting.

Yep, it was a nod to the fact they're (big bikes) not killers in the right hands. It's not the size of the bike that worries me, I just need to get a little more of feel about a person before I'd recommend something potentially unsuitable... the way I figure it, two kids and not phased by KB, he'll probably be fine

[Roj]

For a quick comparison, a 2000 600 suzuki bandit does not have the same punch as a kwaka ZXR400, my lady has owned and ridden both.

My lady went from a suzuki A100 to the ZXR 400, it was a hell of step between the 2, she learnt alot about riding since there was such a difference but found that touring on the ZXR was a problem due to riding position, a 3-4 hour ride would give her some serious back pain, she then went to the Bandit 600, not as much punch to it but a lot easier to ride.

What I would do is work out your budget, make a list of the various bikes that have been suggested and anything you like, take as many as you can for a test ride, then start narrowing it down to what you can afford and fit your requirements

Oh did I mention start with a budget?

[inlinefour]

Hi guys & girls,

my time on the 250cc machine is nearing an end, this is a good thing, very happy times, there is one problem though, i am unsure of the next step to take i.e. what size/type of bike would best suit the next level.

Hopefully some of you have some recommendations/suggestions on what bikes to look out for from your vast experience.

I am a big guy so need something to haul my overweight ass around the place

appreciate any help

I had a 2004 DRZ400 that was road legal and possibly the sort of thing your after by looking at what your riding at the moment. I understand that the Kawasaki KLX400 is pretty much the same sort of bike and in the past Kawasaki and Suzuki made the bikes as a joint venture. But alas that arrangement came to an end after some sort of a disagreement. Now I'm six foot two and back before my accident I was 116kg (yes I was a fat bastard, but are only 85kg now, but do not reccomend my weight loss program) and the DRZ was both the right sized bike physically and it had plenty of get up and go. I must admit that a few things was tweaked to make it go somewhat faster than the standard bike, to the point that a few friends took it for a ride and it scared the shyte outta them. But I believe that it would be an excellent bike for you. I also had a 2005 CBR600RR for the times I wnted to go that bit faster and it was also a good sized bike for my needs and had plenty of grunt. At the end of the day I recommend that you put some thought into exactly what it is that you want from a bike. Then identify everything that fits that description and test pilot them out. Once you have done that you can make an informed decision on what it is that you are going to buy. Just remember this, the factory settings on the engine, suspension and other bits are generally not right for the rider and can be quite easily changed to suit. Good luck and let us know what it is that you decide to get. IL4 out.

[marc34]

Thanks for all the great suggestions, i am leaning towards the Honda VFR800 at the moment, but this is only based really on looks, i will def be riding this and many others before i decide!

Any thoughts of the VFR as a choice? id probably be aiming for a 2002 model

[jim.cox]

Any thoughts of the VFR as a choice? id probably be aiming for a 2002 model

Pro:
Its a Honda - with all that that brings

Con:
Its a Honda - with all that that brings

Good honest reliable boring rice-burner bikes....

[more_fasterer]

Any thoughts of the VFR as a choice? id probably be aiming for a 2002 model

Try the last of the 750 models too, and if you get a VFR (regardless of age) put a loud exhaust on it!

[vifferman]

VFR?
You (allegedly) have to own a pipe and slippers to buy one, or at least be prepared to buy one within the first year of ownership.

I'm sure the 23 year old in Mrka with a blown VFR800 cranking out 140 rear-wheel HP doesn't own any of these things...

Bare in mind that although the VFR is an excellent all-rounder, they tend to sell for more than comparable bikes of other makes. Offsetting that, they tend to keep their value well.


The '02 model of VFR may not be the best one to get; of all the VFRs, they have the greatest share of problems, due to being the first of the VTecs. Against that, the VTec model does have the best suspension and handling, and the highest top end power.

If you DO eventually decide on one of those, see if you can get proof of it having had the stator upgrade, the front wiring loom replaced (they fail near the headstock), and the brakes attended to (there was a warning or recall for faulty components in the proportioning valve or somesuch).