400cc

[DanieS]

Hi all,

For some reason I look at bikes and come back to a 400.
I had an NC24 was very happy with it but it was an old track bike so had lots of issues with it and I actually wanted an NC30 but it was not my decision.

So now looking for a bike I still want a 400.
I will only use it from my house to work and that is in PTA CBD and occasionally I will go on a BF run.

I had a BMW F650GS but needed to sell because needed cash for buying a house.

Looking at the specks of the BMW and say a VFR 400 power to weight is more on the 400 well everything is more on the 400 than the BMW.
I even looked at Honda CBR 500 but even with FI and all the VFR 400 and CBR 400 makes more power.

So now what models are good to look at.
The ZZR 400 was heavy and slow didn't like it much.

Honda VFR 400
Honda CBR 400
Kawa ZXR 400
Suzuki GSX 400

I like the VFR 400 NC30 probabley because I always wanted on but have to make a decision on parts available knowing that it is a grey import.

Than also where to start looking for one. I would much rather buy at some sort of dealer like Raceway but don't know if they still exist.

[SandyN]

Off the top of my head I would suggest looking in the 600cc range because, as you say, the spares availability on grey bikes may be a problem.

My suggestions would be, based on your preferences above, (in line 4 motors) and usage (commuting and breakfast runs), for a more comfortable ride: -

Yamaha: FZ6 Fazer (98 hp) or FZ6R (75 hp) faired, down on top end power but very rideable.
Honda: CBF600S
Suzuki GSR600 (unfaired) or GSR650F
Kawasaki ER650F (although a twin, has good performance.

I'm sure others will also steer you away from the 400's and make other suggestions. The other advice would be to ride each bike and see which one "speaks" to you the most.

Good luck!

[AMZ]

I would avoid all the 400cc bikes since they are now very old and the stock of grey parts are becoming more and more difficult to source.

[-Az-]

You can't buy a 400 based on how much power they say it had 30yrs ago.

[DanieS]

The other bike I was also looking at was the Suzuki SV650 but I am not a naked bike fan so would like a full fairing.
There were some SV650's with full fairings.

[SandyN]

You seem to be a Honda fan: the other bike I forgot and failed to recommend is the CBR600F - fully faired...

[DanieS]

Yes I am, I can also look at one of those yes. My brother had a SV650 and sold it because he could only get front brake disc from Suzuki at R7000.
So parts on the SV is expensive.

[bksrdr]

The other bike I was also looking at was the Suzuki SV650 but I am not a naked bike fan so would like a full fairing.
There were some SV650's with full fairings.

Would also avoid a 400. Had one a few years back. Sold it to a friend who later on had to write it off as he could not find spares. I also had a SV-1000s with a full fairing which was a great bike. I would suggest going for a test ride to see if you like it.

[SandyN]

Yes I am, I can also look at one of those yes.

Good Luck finding one; the guys who have them don't readily sell them...

[AMZ]

Yes I am, I can also look at one of those yes. My brother had a SV650 and sold it because he could only get front brake disc from Suzuki at R7000.
So parts on the SV is expensive.

No more so than on any other bike. There is a nice one for sale in the FOR SALE section.

http://forum.thinkbike.co.za/showthr...-Suzuki-sv650s

[-Az-]

sold it because he could only get front brake disc from Suzuki at R7000.

There are a few high quality aftermarket brands (NG and MetalGear to name two) that sell discs at half that price.