Looking at upgrading to a 400

[Darryboy]

Hi Everyone,

I've decided to alter my original (legal) plan of getting a 600 once I received my full and am now wanting to upgrade to a 400 in about a month or two ('cough' for track use only of course).

Now I'm open to suggestion but I like the look of the VFR400 (esp this NC30?: http://www.bikepoint.co.nz/DesktopDe...as=bikepointnz )

I know I've already binned twice but both were from inexperienced braking practices which I've learned immensly from.

I feel if I do not upgrade soon I will become complacent from the lack off power because as it is I don't have to worry about throttle control unless it's wet or for some reason i'm on gravel.

The bike in the link above would be mega sweet but that relies on a bit more cash. Are the NC24's much of a step down (other than looks)?
http://www.trademe.co.nz/structure/a...sp?id=17718125

Opinions?

[Coldkiwi]

I'll let more knowledgeable people rave about the Honda's but I wouldn't worry about 'getting complacent with the throttle' issue for a while. With decent tyres on I actually have a hard time getting the rear end to break loose on my 600 in the dry and you just learn to expect it a little earlier in the wet (believe me, I do try!).
I'm sure your riding style will adjust to suit your bike whenever you decide to get more cc's so I don't think you need to be in any great hurry for that reason.

[Posh Tourer :P]

I feel if I do not upgrade soon I will become complacent from the lack off power because as it is I don't have to worry about throttle control unless it's wet or for some reason i'm on gravel.

If you want to learn about going fast,.....

Don't worry about upgrading. Theres a hell of a lot to learn besides throttle control, and if you arent as fast as TS on his 150, you've still got learning to do....
Once you get that fast, I'd say maybe its a good idea to get a bigger bike if you want to learn more.... In the mean time, follow more people and try to learn about pushing a small bike to keep up with the larger ones. It'll teach you one hell of a lot more than just blasting along on a bigger bike.

[sAsLEX]

and if you arent as fast as TS on his 150, you've still got learning to do....

that would describe most riders out there from 100 through to 1000cc riders

[Posh Tourer :P]

that would describe most riders out there from 100 through to 1000cc riders

Thats exactly my point.....

Lotsa learning to do on any bike....

Actually I'm probably exaggerating a bit cos "some" of what TS does (on the road) he describes as "stupid"..... I wouldnt advocate trying to go as fast as he does on that thing.... Not that I see much of it cos I'm always waaaay behind

[aff-man]

Go the 400's mate believe me you'll jump on a 600 and they are quite a bit bigger and not as easy to throw around. But yeh zxr's are the most powerfull of the 3 if you looking at the early 90's models but i think the vfr's handel better. (plus honda's break down every 5 mins aye KK )

[ALTRON]

Well I have had my NC30 for over years now and the only tech prob I ever had was the regulator/rectifier blowing out (this is a common problem with NC's. Apart for that its a really tough machine

[Blakamin]

My cbr400 was a cool bike for throwing around.... (to the point that one of the mechanics where i traded it in has taken it over Pie-Cock a few times)
the rectifier had a few melted bits, but it worked!
i'm a bit nicer to the duc and glad i didnt got straight from my 250 to her or i woulda missed the honda fun factor!

[SPORK]

Is it very easy to switch from a 250 to a 600? I know that you should learn as much as possibl etc, etc... BUT, ONCE I acheive Oneness with the road and bike on my patented SoonToBeTwoFiftyButIAmStillWorkingOnTheFunds, would it be a rather SAFE leap to say, a CBR600RR? *DROOOOOL*

[2_SL0]

Im with Madcat on this I would like to know who has done the jump from 250 to 600. I plan to do this BUT Im happy to stick with the 250 for a good while until Im really comfortable before I move. I have along way to go yet. :spudbooge

[Two Smoker]

Hey Darryboy, yep a 400 is an awesome bike, and the power is very manageable after riding a 400... where jumping onto a 600 you get a very big fright from the first time you open the throttle fully (and this doesnt subside for quite a while.....) Where the 400 you still get a buzz from the power and you can still concentrate on what is happening..... where the 600 you have to think VERY fast....

Before you go out and grab a 400... try putting on some decent tyres on the GSX250..... You will be amazed at the difference.... Give that a couple of months and see what you think then you should be ready for the jump to a 400....

If you have any questions about VFR's, ask KK as he has had a NC24, NC30 (and sort of has a NC35)....

[Two Smoker]

Im with Madcat on this I would like to know who has done the jump from 250 to 600. I plan to do this BUT Im happy to stick with the 250 for a good while until Im really comfortable before I move. I have along way to go yet. :spudbooge

The jump is quite large...... it depends on your riding style, if you want to be able to ride very quick and push the bike, then going to a 400 after the 250 would be better (unless your an awesome rider like CK)

But if you want the 600 for a bit of power when overtaking other vehicles on straights and not to push the bike to its limits a 600 is a good size..... The power is managable on a 600, but takes a little while to get used to...

Best bet is to get your full, ride a 400 and a 600 and see what you like... The only times when i wish i had more power on the 400 is when im going absolutely balls out on the road....

[k14]

Have you considered maybe going to a CBR250 or ZXR250. I had a VT250 and went to the CBR nearly a year ago and I still find it fun to ride. There was a big change from the more commuter aimed bike (eg VT250, similar to the GSX) to a sports bike. There was a big power difference aswell, although it is still very easy to control.

I've never ridden a 400 or 600 sports bike, so can't comment on that, but it is another option.

What licence are you on? Can you get your full soon?

[aff-man]

Have you considered maybe going to a CBR250 or ZXR250. I had a VT250 and went to the CBR nearly a year ago and I still find it fun to ride. There was a big change from the more commuter aimed bike (eg VT250, similar to the GSX) to a sports bike. There was a big power difference aswell, although it is still very easy to control.

I've never ridden a 400 or 600 sports bike, so can't comment on that, but it is another option.

What licence are you on? Can you get your full soon?

Hell yes when i went from thw vt250 to the zxr250 i couldn't believe how much faster / more power/ better handeling it had. the zxr begged to be riddn hard but the vt didn't

[aff-man]

Well I have had my NC30 for over years now and the only tech prob I ever had was the regulator/rectifier blowing out (this is a common problem with NC's. Apart for that its a really tough machine

Hahahah yip had to try help this chick today walking her bike home (NC30). After trying to jump it (and a little investigation) i came to the conclusion that the reg/rec had gone poof.