400cc - VFR vs GSXR

[Deftones]

My bike is about to be sold and im looking at getting a 400cc bike. Everyone raves about the hondas (nc30 and 35), and i have ridden a nc24 and 35 - very nice.

Iv also ridden the GSXR400 GK76 which i think is a fantastic bike, while the honda's V4s seem to provide solid linear power delivery. Comparatively I found the GSXR engine silky smooth and quite powerless at low revs.

I need a bike mainly for commuting, some highway, but not that much, so comfort is important. Apparently the GSX is too race-focused and low on comfort - I couldnt tell after 5 minutes on it.It seemed lower than the high seat of the nc35.

So anyone got any insights into these bikes??? Reliability (NB!!!), comfort, performance, petrol consumption and maintenance(incl spares) are the salient issues.

Appreciate the input

[Andy C]

I was going to buy a RVF400 last weekend (i cant ride for 7 months now due to major off and only found out last week ) but everyone said they are great bikes and i dont like the styling of VFR or CBR so went for RVF, the USD forks also a bonus

If not that i would have gone for ZXR based on looks but not meant to be a as good as hondas contibution i was told.

Never looked much as the GSXR400 so cant comment

Also, i love Deftones, good choice of name Adrenaline is my favourite album i think, though there moods when i have to listen to white pony!
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99 RS125 --> 02 SV650s --> 03 Speed Four --> 92 RXS100 --> 93 CB400sf --> 01 CB600f Hornet

[Davo]

Take a look at this link, you'll probably find it quite helpful

https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=30791

[Misc]

I used to like the Rvf/Vfr's until i heard the engines, they still look great but that noise was off putting.

[NC30UK]

You learn to love it

race pipe makes it better, sounds like a superbike from back when i were a lad

RVF's look nice but are basically the same bike, so your paying alot just for a different appearance.

Still solid bikes if they don't have the original reg/rec, though the 18" back wheel is a bit of an arse, looks sexy though!

GSXR's have a reputation for being hard to get parts for and quite fragile. get one thats been looked after and treat it well and it'll be great, but good ones can be pricey.

ZXR's might be worth a look, but avoid a high milage one, they tend to eat cam chains, otherwise age doesnt matter.

FZR isnt really a consideration unless you happen to find a good one.

[NSR Mick]

GSXR's are superb and as for comfort goes I rode mine from Preston (northwest England) to southern holland in one go (except fag and fuel stops) and I can assure you I'll not be doing that again allthough it all depends on how far your commute is. As NC30UK says parts are getting harder to find for the GSXR's now and second hand engines are like hens teeth should you ever need one.

I would advise a good NC30 or 35 as you may find a good 76a hard to come by.
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If you dont like the way that I ride.......Stop trying to keep up!!!

[Deftones]

thx for advice all. gsxr's are more expensive plus from the info iv gathered, more costly to maintain. seems like the hondas, nc30 and 35, are the best bet for a 400.

next thing i wana query is their lifespan - obviously it depends on how they're ridden, but generally speaking wot kinda mileage can i expect out of a honda nc30 or 35? there is 30 for sale with 57000kms on it, gona go check it out. also do the bikes start chewing up parts and need more expensive maintenance as they get older?

(andy c, adrenaline is so aggro and raw. gotta be in the mood!!! im really into white pony and self-titled.wait..theyr all awesome!!!)

[ProXimaCore]

I had a gsxr, didn't last very long after I bought it. Awesome handling. One of the best looking 400s IMO. They're known to pop the engine at about 20,000 miles. Mine did too!

Parts are more rare on the gsxr also.

VFR is probably the one I'd go for. I'm thinking about getting one even though I've already got a new zx6r.
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Honda NSR125R -> Suzuki GSXR400R GK76a -> Kawasaki ZX636 B1H -> Honda CBR400RR NC29 -> Nothing

[TOM M]

Go for the zxr400, i know of one for sale
Pm for details
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Now owner of a 1200 Bandit

[tony532]

i had a gsxr400rrsp 1990 model.

the best one in my opinion.

superb handling and the only problem that i had with the bike was a blowing exhaust.

it was a bit too small for me to commute 180 miles every weekend on though .


i loved that bike though and had to sell it .
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bikes owned :-

aprilia rs125 - suzuki gsxr400rrsp 1990 - yamaha yzf600r thundercat - honda hornet 6

[kn76cbr]

You don't say if size matters i'm 6'3 and have tryed to get on rvf,vfr,cbr,gsxr,fzr and zxr and the only one i fit on (just) is the zxr

[tony532]

you want to be riding a sports tourer if you are 6' 3"

not a midget jap 400.



although people will write that they are 6' 4" and can ride a 400 for 300 miles and dont cramp up which is total rubbish b.t.w
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bikes owned :-

aprilia rs125 - suzuki gsxr400rrsp 1990 - yamaha yzf600r thundercat - honda hornet 6

[Andy C]

[Deftones]

i read an article about the new album, may be called saturday night wrist. You got their B-Sides DVD? still isnt out here

i believe the USD forks on the RVF are better. But people also rate the GSX GK76's suspension as very good (USD forks too)

about size, i talked to a guy who rides a GSX400 GK76 and he thinks its fine to commute on. the guy was 5'7 and lean.

[Andy C]

[slash]

just get a honda cb-1 and join in with the rest of us cb-1 owners on the forum!! performance has surprised many of the SE clique so far!! ( although that might just be the lunatics riding them!!!!! )

[Deftones]

a a

[Deftones]

Been looking into the honda nc29. Any input on that bike?

Seems like a very good bike, exceptions being an easily-breakable gearbox (apparently).

As a commutter, and what is it's fuel consumption performance etc.??
thx

[Deftones]

Going to look at a 1998 GSXR400 gk76 with 18500kms tomorrow.

What should I be looking out for?? And when I ride it??

[Squiffy_The_Wombat]

[ram_doom]