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Graham88
World Chat Champion



Joined: 03 May 2006
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PostPosted: 14:20 - 13 Sep 2007    Post subject: Reply with quote

It's definetly an experience. I'm glad I didn't go straight to a 6. It also shocks a few people.
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getyerkneedow...
Trackday Trickster



Joined: 25 Aug 2004
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PostPosted: 15:20 - 13 Sep 2007    Post subject: Reply with quote

Had a T plate CBR400 NC29... one of the last of the production line before they were discontinued.

Awesome little machine. Handled like a dream. It was in mint condition, and i sold it in July 05 after getting banned (again) for speeding.

Could keep up with my friends on bigger bikes on all but the straightest of roads. On the twisties it was a gem, could use all of the power, most of the time, whilst your mates on 600's and thou's were struggling to use 30% of their power most of the time.

Miss it big time. I sold it as i was looking at atleast a 6 month ban.. as it happened, i only got 6 weeks.. but by then the bike was gone. Crying or Very sad

https://photos-372.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-sctm/v71/18/2/530406372/n530406372_84196_4477.jpg

Plus, in terms of sheer grin factor, can't beat them either. I mean, the red line was right the way around at 15,000rpm... nothing better than bouncing it off the limiter at 17,000rpm!! Evil or Very Mad
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Barney
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Joined: 17 Jun 2005
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PostPosted: 19:10 - 13 Sep 2007    Post subject: Reply with quote

I loved my 400, learn't so much on it, especially corner speed. But it just wasn't practical for the high motorway mileage I do now.

I'm certain to buy another 400 oneday when I can afford two bikes.
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FifiTRXibelle
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Joined: 27 Jan 2006
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PostPosted: 20:44 - 13 Sep 2007    Post subject: Reply with quote

I loved my 400...i'd even swap my VTR for one!!!!!...just loved the whole package of the 400's..i had a GSXR400 Very Happy
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Itchy
Super Spammer



Joined: 07 Apr 2005
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PostPosted: 20:51 - 13 Sep 2007    Post subject: Reply with quote

there is also Doug Hacking in Bolton , should go there on the way to Performance , performance is a bit crap though,
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01dabreoo
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Joined: 11 Apr 2006
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PostPosted: 10:04 - 14 Sep 2007    Post subject: Reply with quote

FifiTRXibelle wrote:
I loved my 400...i'd even swap my VTR for one!!!!!...just loved the whole package of the 400's..i had a GSXR400 Very Happy

You've got a deal! Razz
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akaDAVE
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Joined: 01 Sep 2005
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PostPosted: 11:13 - 14 Sep 2007    Post subject: Reply with quote

I have always had the intention of moving onto a 600 from my zxr400 but still 2 years later I'm finding I've got a lot to learn and am still improving steadily.
I'll get to the point of being bored and then discover a whole new level to explore.
The thing that will make me sell mine is to get a decent price before I run it into the ground.
I also really want to just try something else and see how other bikes handle that aren't so rock hard over the bumps. I'm sure after doing that I would want to get back on a 400 for old times sake and see what I can do.
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johnsilva
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Joined: 11 Mar 2005
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PostPosted: 12:03 - 14 Sep 2007    Post subject: Reply with quote

I totally loved the 400 (gull arm) when I had it.

I got a 7r - and still remembered the 400 as a great bike.

But i rode the 400 again this week- and all I could think about was how much better my 7R is
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MarJay
But it's British!



Joined: 15 Sep 2003
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PostPosted: 12:45 - 14 Sep 2007    Post subject: Reply with quote

I'm currently selling my Buell and have just purchased a '95 NC30.

This is mainly because I can't afford to have a 2k+ bike sitting in my garage because my missus is leaving full time work to go back to university.

I am however, happy with my choice as the Buell wasn't the fastest bike in a straight line, and handled well. Nominally the 400 should match the Buell as well as any bike which costs around a fifth of what I paid for the Buell.

I've always loved smaller bikes, hence I have the NC30 and the RGV250, and actually I think they are more fun for me even on the track than a bigger (600+) bike. It took me a few years to realise it, but I just plain had more fun on my old VFR400NC21 than I did on my Daytona 955i. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't that the Daytona wasn't fun, it was more that the NC21 was cheap so I didn't care about it quite as much and that I could rag it everywhere without it getting me into trouble. I also realise now that smaller bikes just suit me (and my physical size) better.

If you've never ridden anything smaller than a 600 then I'd try something out soon, because they have charms which are much more subtle, and much more long lasting than the 'twist of the wrist power' given by a 600 or 1000cc bike.

I also guarantee that when you first ride a smaller bike (after being used to a 600) you'll probably hate it, but it takes time to realise exactly why they have so much appeal. I'm also fairly certain that you'll learn a lot more about riding from a year on a 400 than a year on a 600. Karma
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British beauty: Triumph Street Triple R; Loony stroker: KR1S; Track fun: GSXR750 L1; Commuter Missile: GSX-S1000F; Cheap project: CBR900RR FireBlade
Remember kids, bikes aren't like lego. You can't easily take a part from one bike and then fit it to another.
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mattgt
Nitrous Nuisance



Joined: 18 Feb 2005
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PostPosted: 15:27 - 14 Sep 2007    Post subject: Reply with quote

I've got to sell mine (going to spain for a year) as I think it will lose all value whatsoever. I'm going to miss it, I can't see myself being happer with any other bike. I don't even use all of the throttle most of the time (live in london) but the sound of the 400 i think is the most unique sounding bike out there. the girlfriend meets me at the bottom of her flats as she can here me coming from miles off! Definately worth the money, great fun.
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craigs23
Mr Muscle



Joined: 08 Jun 2005
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PostPosted: 19:34 - 14 Sep 2007    Post subject: Reply with quote

Bang on the money Marjay. Thumbs Up
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ncrn
World Chat Champion



Joined: 24 May 2006
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PostPosted: 20:01 - 14 Sep 2007    Post subject: Reply with quote

I been thinking about this sorta thing recently. I want to get a bigger bike, but I don't see that happening for at least another 2 years.

By then some 400's will be getting to 20 years old, I mean I did nearly buy a 400 near me that was older than me.. Makes me wonder if its even going to be an option a few years down the line.

I imagine I'll end up getting an SV650 just cause I love the bike and its not too powerful, that and I love my dad's SV.

Though I'd love an insanely high revving bike like some of the 400's, or a cbr250. I love riding my NSR at 11,000rpm just for the sheer noise. It's always fun riding round town in 1st gear and everyone looking at you like what the hell are you doing?
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olionel
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Joined: 22 Dec 2006
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PostPosted: 20:13 - 14 Sep 2007    Post subject: Reply with quote

I love my 400.. am not going to change bike (unless I write it off or get it nicked) until I can do it justice and ride it really really well. Its a lot faster than my CG125 so ye.. its the best bike Ive ridden... altho the cbr600f of my mates i tried felt awsome... meh I like my 400, I think everybody in the world should have 400's
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1989 CG125 - Childhood Sweetheart (she got kidnapped by baddies)
1998 ZXR400 - Teenage Love (lasted three years, then she turned lesbian and left me)
2001 XRV750 - Wife Material (still getting to know her but head over heels in love)
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Dav1son
Trackday Trickster



Joined: 24 Jun 2006
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PostPosted: 18:57 - 18 Sep 2007    Post subject: Reply with quote

i miss the light handling of my babyblade but iv jumped straight from that to a tl1000r.
just lil toys now looking back
good fun thou Thumbs Up
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Future: ....
Present: GSXR-750 L0
Past: ZX10R C2H, TL1000R, CBR400 NC29, GPR50RR/RS50
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Dom_
Points Mean Prizes



Joined: 02 Aug 2004
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PostPosted: 20:57 - 18 Sep 2007    Post subject: Reply with quote

getyerkneedown wrote:
.. nothing better than bouncing it off the limiter at 17,000rpm!! Evil or Very Mad


NC29's limiter is at 15,500rpm.

I will get another 400 for the main reason its all i can afford with my points.
My 400 matched a srad 600 from 0-100 which is plenty quick enough, if only they had a bit more top end it would be a perfect bike.
Infact there hasn't been one occasion when another bike has come past me.

They handle brilliantly and inspire so much confidence, teach you to ride a bike properly too.

I really miss mine, i sold it to my mate but he fucked it and snapped a camshaft when putting the head back on, now its just rotting in his back garden.
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carsounds_dan
Nitrous Nuisance



Joined: 13 Jul 2006
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PostPosted: 21:27 - 18 Sep 2007    Post subject: Reply with quote

ive got my ZXR400 sat in the garage, im restoring it over the winter. but i can just tell after sitting on LOADS of other bikes that it fits like a glove. I'll be 18 by the time i get it on the road and all insurance quotes are stonking cheap, the tax is cheap, only thing thats a bit dear is parts.. but at the end of the day it'll be worth it im sure
cheers
dan
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Aikman666
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Joined: 20 Dec 2004
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PostPosted: 23:56 - 18 Sep 2007    Post subject: Reply with quote

Well for those of us who dont know, Ive just rebuilt and now ride my lovely CBR400. Ive found this bike to be the absolute fucking nuts. This is the bike that really taught me how to ride, and so far ive done over 5,000miles on it. there is just about no chickenstrips on my tyres (those are touring tyres btw - not sports). The bike has a punchy motor with more than adequate (generally) linear power delivery BUT with a nice punch reaching from about 7k up to the redline (14k if memory serves). The suspension on mine has been upgraded from stock so I cant comment, but obviously the bike feels heavier than most modern day 600's HOWEVER I like this in a bike, feels 'planted' as I like to call it. This bike with a decent rider at the helm will also keep up with its modern day 600cc counterparts, even with my experience level I can keep up with 600's quite easily! Mechanically, it speaks for itself, my bike has been running 18 years (thats longer than I've been running by the way!) , been through numerous crashes and around 70,000km but the engine is showing no signs of giving up, even after i boiled it on the Highland Tour this year.

Bad points? Well if you buy a bike like mine you NEED to keep ontop of the maintenence or it will kick you in the nuts for it.

Main good points: Cheap insurance, cheap parts (mostly), nice and sturdy and not enough power to get you deeply in trouble unless you want too, but enough power to get you out of it.

Would I trade mine for a 600? Would i fuck.
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gmanxiii
World Chat Champion



Joined: 20 Nov 2006
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PostPosted: 11:29 - 19 Sep 2007    Post subject: Reply with quote

well ive made a decision and going to stick to it, so the 600 will have to wait...

Main reason, although me and stiffler was drooling over Shiny CBR600rr's and ZX6R's last saturday, i went back to me mums on the sunday to get my bike cleaning stuff. When i opened the garage my little crashed 400 stole my heart again! Took it for a spin and thought this is all I need for now. Maybe next march i might treat myself to a nice birthday present... Very Happy
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I kills hondas

VFR400NC30 > ZZR600 > CBR600FX > CBR1000rr
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Old Thread Alert!

There is a gap of 193 days between these two posts...

rorybum
L Plate Warrior



Joined: 14 Mar 2008
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PostPosted: 16:52 - 30 Mar 2008    Post subject: Reply with quote

i own a 1996 ZX6R and a 1991 FZR400.
And i mus say that i lurve! riding the 400, so much fun and handle like a train!

Although i do like the grunt of the ninja, on twisty tight corners id stick with my 400 all day long.

Im thinking of selling the FZR, but me being me will run straight out and buy another 400 of some kind lol
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gmanxiii
World Chat Champion



Joined: 20 Nov 2006
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PostPosted: 19:47 - 30 Mar 2008    Post subject: Reply with quote

Smile forgot i started this thread it's been a while.... funny you should bring it back up today of all days. Well ive enjoyed the 400 since getting it however its abit dead at the moment and with it being my birthday weekend...

im split over letting the nc30 go or pour more time and money into trying to resurrect her....
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VFR400NC30 > ZZR600 > CBR600FX > CBR1000rr
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Mudskipper
World Chat Champion



Joined: 22 Aug 2006
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PostPosted: 21:17 - 30 Mar 2008    Post subject: Reply with quote

Love my NC29, gives me all I need.

Yes, I could get more from a 6 or more, but height is a big deal for me and I can flatfoot it, get 0-60 in daft time against lights/overtaking and can 125mph it on motorways...

I REALLY don't need owt more!! Very Happy
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CBR125|||GSXR400|||CBR400|||CBR400|||CB250RS|||GSXR750|||CB250RS Mr. Green
"You're clumsy, you eat too much and you behave like a 12 year old boy. But you know what? Every once in a while, you find a thumb."
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MarJay
But it's British!



Joined: 15 Sep 2003
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PostPosted: 23:45 - 30 Mar 2008    Post subject: Reply with quote

LukeVFR wrote:

How exactly?


Because with a 600 you've got enough power that you can pootle through corners or square them off and use the power to get up to a decent pace again quickly. With a 400 you don't have this option and so don't have the option to be lazy. You have to use corner speed in order to not get bogged down. Similar to riding a 125 really.
____________________
British beauty: Triumph Street Triple R; Loony stroker: KR1S; Track fun: GSXR750 L1; Commuter Missile: GSX-S1000F; Cheap project: CBR900RR FireBlade
Remember kids, bikes aren't like lego. You can't easily take a part from one bike and then fit it to another.
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MarJay
But it's British!



Joined: 15 Sep 2003
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PostPosted: 09:41 - 31 Mar 2008    Post subject: Reply with quote

LukeVFR wrote:

But you don't have to. I'd sooner take the corner quick as fuck, and use the power to get to an even quicker pace. If you go by that logic, then an RS50 would be better and teach you more than a 400cc sportsbike, which really isn't true.


You'd sooner take the corner quick as fuck, but your average rider probably wouldn't.

Also, I reckon you learned to take the corner 'quick as fuck' on your 400!

An RS50 would teach you a lot, but there is a limit. You can't go faster than 60 or something so you'd lose out there. A 400 is the best compromise between power and useability for learning to corner IMO.

Saying that, my RGV250 is pretty good too!! Smile
____________________
British beauty: Triumph Street Triple R; Loony stroker: KR1S; Track fun: GSXR750 L1; Commuter Missile: GSX-S1000F; Cheap project: CBR900RR FireBlade
Remember kids, bikes aren't like lego. You can't easily take a part from one bike and then fit it to another.
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rossidude46
Borekit Bruiser



Joined: 21 Feb 2005
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PostPosted: 14:26 - 31 Mar 2008    Post subject: Reply with quote

I had my right hip replaced so a sports 600 was too painful even to sit on. In 2002 I ended up buying the newest lowest millage RVF I could find and probably paid as much for it as a 600 but have no regrets. of course If there was a way of putting a VFR750 engine in it then of course I would Very Happy
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Old Thread Alert!

The last post was made 18 years, 150 days ago. Instead of replying here, would creating a new thread be more useful?
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