ZK's search for a stepping-up bike.

[ZK-Awesome]

Currently riding a Honda GB250, it's been a good learner bike but it doesn't have quite enough go for me these days, and it's not overly comfortable doing anything past a 200km day's riding. I got my full license a few days ago so it's time to look at upgrading.

My riding is a mix of commuting, pootling round the backroads and highway riding- not carving up the corners at well over the speed limit. I'm fairly short so that rules out go-anywhere bikes like the V-strom, adventure bikes etc - I stick to sealed roads mostly anyway. I'm not keen on the sport 600's either - probably a bit quick for me yet. So I'm looking at bikes in the 400-600cc range (staying below 600 for rego reasons).

I'm thinking of bikes like the GPZ500, GS500, CB400 super four, RF400.

Budget? Don't want to go over $3k. Tight I know, so I'll be looking at older bikes. However I want to stay away from 80's bikes this time around.

I'll use this thread to chronicle my test-rides and impressions of the different bikes I try out as I look for a new bike.

[MSTRS:Me]

You could do a lot worse than a mid 90s EX500. Can pick up good ones between 2500-3000. Better than the GS500, and perhaps better than a 4 for commuting.

[ZK-Awesome]

Test-ride of a 1993 Kawasaki GPZ500.

Started instantaneously with no choke. The low seat height allowed me to flat-foot fine. The engine was very smooth, heaps more power than the GB. 110kph was very comfortable (didnt go past 110), though I'd try and find some lower bar risers to be leaned forward a bit more. Felt very planted through the corners at high speed. I think I would be very happy on a GPZ.

However, this example was quite rough. It's done 53000k's. Dented tank, paint scratches, paint on fork sliders peeling, screen filthy and loose.

He's asking for $2000, but says $1800 would be fine. However the reg & wof were about to run out. Something to think about, anyway.

Next on the list is a CB400 super-four, to test-ride tonight supposedly a bit less power, but same torque and lighter.

[CookMySock]

...staying below 600 for rego reasons..

Don't want to go over $3k.

Test ride some of the vtwin 650's. Yeah I know they are over 600cc, but ride them even if just for the experience. You might just get one for 3k if you are lucky. No harm in asking them.

Steve

[R6_kid:Me]

CB400 is an awesome bike - that'd be my pick of bunch you've listed for the amount of fun you'll have while still looking somewhat sensible!

[ZK-Awesome]

Test ride some of the vtwin 650's. Yeah I know they are over 600cc, but ride them even if just for the experience. You might just get one for 3k if you are lucky. No harm in asking them.

Steve

If any pop up then I'll bear that in mind.

CB400 is an awesome bike - that'd be my pick of bunch you've listed for the amount of fun you'll have while still looking somewhat sensible!

It is. (Review follows):

The CB400 super four felt slightly smaller than the GPZ, maybe just cos it's naked. It started easily with no choke (I think it was warm already). The engine was even smoother than the GPZ (on account of it being a four cyl) which was nice. It handled more finely than the GPZ - perhaps due to the bigger wheels (cb400 17", GPZ 16"). It also had Hagon rear shocks - are these aftermarket?

The engine was more typical of a four - not much punch until the revs are up a bit. I felt the power wasn't as useable as the GPZ's, as it was developed much higher in the rev range. It felt strange having the revs so high, but I guess this is just what they're designed to do? In any case I could learn to be content with this. It also had Hagon rear shocks - are these aftermarket?

I spose one would describe the GPZ as a "big hammer" whereas the CB400 was a "little hammer".

They were asking $2700, with 4 months reg, and spare brake pads. The bike's condition was a bit rough as well - the triple tree's were rusting, various other bits of rust, and scratches on the tank. Also the rear brake squeaked - the owners put this down to the brake piston needing a bit of oil, does that sound right?

I'm thinking that if I could get this for $2500 then I'd only have spent a tad more than if I got the GPZ, once one sorts out reg etc. I'm also mindful that the GPZ was built as a budget bike whereas the CB was built as a top of the line learner bike.

[JATZ]

"Brake piston needing a bit of oil" Ummmm no... it's lubricated by the brake fluid. I don't think oil around the brake area is a good thing
Shame you havn't got a wee bit more coin, I know of a nice Triumph that could be up for grabs at the right price

[ZK-Awesome]

"Brake piston needing a bit of oil" Ummmm no... it's lubricated by the brake fluid. I don't think oil around the brake area is a good thing
Shame you havn't got a wee bit more coin, I know of a nice Triumph that could be up for grabs at the right price

Mmm yeah I was thinking that their explanation didn't sound quite right...
The triumph is probably a bit big for what I'm after anyway

Still not sure whether I like the CB or GPZ. The CB is more of a fun bike with it's power up high, whereas the GPZ seems better for all-round use with more pull lower down.

[MSTRS:Me]

I'll just say again...a 500 twin will have all the power you need or want (at this stage) and will be the better commuter.

[Mully]

Gsx600f
rf600

[CookMySock]

the rear brake squeaked - the owners put this down to the brake piston needing a bit of oil, does that sound right?

It's normal for the brake to give a wee squeak or squeal at low speed.

If the piston is a little stuck in its cylinder, its perfectly trivial to disassemble and free it up, often with no parts required at all.

Steve

[ZK-Awesome]

Test ride: Honda NT650 Bros

Pulling out of the driveway was effortless, and the motor was very smooth (though not as smooth as the CB400). I found myself riding around in 2nd gear most of the time in the 50 zones- it isn't a revvy bike by any means. it cornered well and had plenty of pulling power throughout the rev range. The brakes were very powerful, however the front brake had a pronounced shuddering/pulsing to it - warped disc? The riding position was very much lying on the tank, due to the lowered clip-ons that the owner had installed. This would probably become uncomfortable on long trips, but was good for the test-ride.

So far the Bros has been my favourite - it such a tidy bike, and it doesn't need to be revved to a squillion revs to get anywhere. It is also more modern and better engineered than the GPZ.

Asking price is $3k- if the brake disc needs replacing then it looks like that would cost $400ish though If I could get it for $2800 or so it might be alright. I spose the other option is to get the disc straightened somehow?

I'm heading up to Auckland tomorrow on a family trip, the plan is to go and see this 1992 Suzuki GSX400 Impulse at Holeshot.

[ZK-Awesome]

No go on the Bros - checked out thoroughly by Morleys revealing low engine compression - 135psi, should be 192 +/- 28. Rear cylinder had very oily plugs. Front disc needs replacing. Too much wrong with it for me to bother I think. Back to the drawing board!

[MSTRS:Me]

Make the stretch