Best 400

[Bonez]

Amen to that. This is the bike that started the whole 400 sport class !!

I owned one once, had 82,000kms on it and still used to crack that ton.
Never used 10,000rpm as the redline, used 12,000rpm !! (hey, I was 19 !!)
Strong and solid. !!!

What!! You mean didn't explode in a shower of tin foil? My brother use to have one. He and his mate use trundle around the north island two up with a pack on it.

[ben444]

Have owned and ridden most of the Honda 400's. Currently have a pretty trick NC30 race bike, and ride to work on the old school vfr400k nc21(cheap and underrated).... Here is my order of preference....

Number 1: RVF400R NC35. Easily the best. Best looking, best engine, best suspension... but expensive.

Number 2: CBR400RR NC29. The gull arm has tasty looks but budget brakes and suspension. A cheaper option than the RVF and VFR NC30, but will easily keep up with them on the road.

Number 3: CBR400RR NC23. Tri-arm, similar engine to the NC29, but with even more budget suspension, but can be easily sorted. 18 inch rear wheel.

Number 4: VFR400R NC30. Engine is not as road friendly as the RVF/CBR with the close ratio gearbox. 18 inch rear. later models have better suspension, but are way over priced for a 14-18 year old bike. But still a good looker after all this time.

Number 5: VFR400R NC24. Early model. Has pro-arm. ok looks. Comfy to ride. Cheap and reliable. odd ball wheel sizes.

Number 6: CBR400R NC23. Jelly mould. Looks like early model CBR600F1. Rides the same too. Just like a underpowered CBR600. Which it is.

Number 7: VFR400R/Z/K NC21. Same engine as the NC24, but old school double sided swingarm and looks. Crap suspension and brakes. Can pick these up for under $1k and can prove to be a reliable commuter while also do the twistys in the weekend.

[mynameis]

Here is my order of preference....

Number 1: RVF400R NC35. Easily the best. Best looking, best engine, best suspension... but expensive.

Number 2: CBR400RR NC29. The gull arm has tasty looks but budget brakes and suspension. A cheaper option than the RVF and VFR NC30, but will easily keep up with them on the road.

Number 3: CBR400RR NC23. Tri-arm, similar engine to the NC29, but with even more budget suspension, but can be easily sorted. 18 inch rear wheel.

Very interesting post there dood, can I ask how you felt of the clutch of the NC35 ? They are more appealing to me than a NC30 as I am over 6 foot and it feels more comfortable on the RVF. Must say they look better as well but price really puts me off.

Now of the CBR 400's NC 29 and 23 which one of them wasn't for NZ market and were imported? If I do make sense here. Throw some more light on em mate. Cheers

mynameis

[limbimtimwim]

Very interesting post there dood, can I ask how you felt of the clutch of the NC35 ?

Learn not to use it. You only need it for 1st->2nd and 2nd->1st. I used to get a sore clutch hand on the RVF (You change gears a lot) then I stopped using the clutch.

[mynameis]

Learn not to use it. You only need it for 1st->2nd and 2nd->1st. I used to get a sore clutch hand on the RVF (You change gears a lot) then I stopped using the clutch.

Bugger! When I rode one I was like WTF is this lol..um thought changing without clutch wasn't good for whatever reason out of the million floating around.

mynameis

[James Deuce]

Changing without the clutch is generally speaking not that great for the gearbox going down the box. Up is no worries provided you back the power off a little when you weight the gear lever.

Me? It's my gearbox and I have to pay for it when it goes bang, so I use the clutch in both directions.

[limbimtimwim]

Changing without the clutch is generally speaking not that great for the gearbox going down the box. Up is no worries provided you back the power off a little when you weight the gear lever.

RVF400 has a slipper clutch, so did the VFR400. Done correctly it doesn't feel harsh at all, I don't think it is doing any damage on the RVF.

[Citroenjunkie]

Honda CB400/4. No doubt at all.

The man has spoken! I had a VF400 some time ago it was shite. The centre of gravity was too high, you had to rev the balls of it to get any real sense of haste, it used frightening amounts of fuel and I never felt safe riding it.
It was the ONLY bad Honda I've ever ridden, and I owned a C90 and a MB50!

My CB400SF is vastly more powerful, has useable torque from about 3000 RPM is comfortable, economical and is quick enough on the twisty bits too.

And as for the top end......Remember not to drop the soap!

[ben444]

Very interesting post there dood, can I ask how you felt of the clutch of the NC35 ? They are more appealing to me than a NC30 as I am over 6 foot and it feels more comfortable on the RVF. Must say they look better as well but price really puts me off.

Now of the CBR 400's NC 29 and 23 which one of them wasn't for NZ market and were imported? If I do make sense here. Throw some more light on em mate. Cheers

mynameis

The nc30/35 clutchs aren't exactly the strongest on the market.
The 35 uses one less plate but it's plates are thicker.
Because of the ridicously hugely tall first gear on the nc30, they tend to like burning thru them plates when your launching hard/trying to wheelie/burnout etc...
Putting an extra diaphragm spring helps pushin them plates together a bit harder.
And yes it is a slipper clutch, simple but it works.

I'm not sure which CBR was officially imported. I was thinkin they'll be both grey market models(i know mine all have been), but the NC29 is easier to get parts for( alot of stuff transfer over from other models cbr600 etc).
Also the CBR's are really made for people with short legs(low seat height) so if ya over 6 ft you may feel a bit cramped.

Price does put people off the RVF, but it won't lose $2000 as soon as you roll it out off the showroom. Kept tidy RVF400 keep their prices well. You buy one for $7k, don't fuck it and it'll be worth $7k next year.

[nudemetalz]

What!! You mean didn't explode in a shower of tin foil? My brother use to have one. He and his mate use trundle around the north island two up with a pack on it.

No it didn't, surprisingly. I have so many stories of the abuse that was inflicted on that poor little 400/4.
"..Like the peace-symbol burnout done at Midnight up the top of the Port Hills at 12-13K rpm !!..
The clutch did feel a little soggy afterwards..."

Nowadays if I had one, I would restore it and love it (and ride it gently !!).
I went for a ride up the top of the 'Takas today only to see a mint 400/4 pull up.
Great bike.

[garyboy_palaboy]

here's my project bike....

http://tyga-performance.com/site/ind...th=230_564_688

.

[SVboy]

Interesting thread. I have just brought a 91 Suzi GSXR 400r. Hi Kms and Average cond. Currently it is getting camchain etc and carb work-then suspention rebuild. The idea is a fun bike for the track and twisties. Had some KB feedback sofar...but interested to hear your experiences and opinions....