Help me with a 400!

[Loretta]

Hello!
I'm 21 and just a tiny bit under 5'2".
I've not long passed my test and am pretty new to this bike malarky! None of my friends are into bikes in the slightest so it's hard for me to get any sound advise!
Been looking around at bikes and have pretty much decided that a little 400 is what I want... The CBR and VFR were both about right in size and weight as was a GSXR and the FZR, but I think I prefer the 'look' of the Honda's.
So can anyone give me some (good!) advise on what's the best? Bearing in mind insurance, availability, etc... I don't really want to pay more then £2500 - £3000 for the whole lot...
Also, where's good to get one from? (Private sale or shop?) Most of the time when I walk into a shop, they expect me to be after a scooter or something (I only look about 17 sometimes!!!) and it takes me 5 minutes to convince them that I want a 'proper' bike!!!
Any words of wisdom will be very much appreciated!
LorettaxXx

[TiN]

Since this will be your first bike, I'd advise that you buy from a reputable dealer (if they exist )...

I think that you are wise to prefer the Hondas, but they tend to be most expensive...having said that, you should be able to pick up a fairly decent VFR for less than £2500, and then TPO insurance for around £500...

Oh, and well done for passing your test!...I'm assuming that you did Direct Access?...I failed my first test, and my second one was cancelled at the last minute!...I've got arrange another date now...grr...

A few of the guys here are quite local to the Croydon area, so they might be able to help you out a bit more...

Tin

[Demonic69]

Personally I wouldn't recommend a 400 as your 1st bike. I think a 125 or 250 would serve better and would also give 1yrs no claims a little easier too.
Saying that the 400'sa re really nice.
Check out
https://www.performancemotorcycles.co.uk
https://www.batmotorcycles.co.uk
or Yahoo auctions
for some good deals on 400's. Performance seem to do quite a lot.
And their prices aren't as silly as some private sales.
Good luck
____________________
Back on a Blade. Just feels so right.

[G]

There's quite a few people from croydon on here, so you could probably convince some of them to go with you and have a look at bikes. If at all possible, get a test ride, which will tell you if the bikes right for you, not us.
You could also consider the SV650... I'm told it's got a pretty low seat height and it's considered to be learner friendly.

[Zimma]

i wouldnt and i stress wouldnt, get a 125 or 250 as ur first bike... unless of course you have money to throw at biking 400's are perfect for first bikes, they have nice handling, nice acceleration, and nice stopping power and seeing as your a girl (no offence) your less likely to be a kamikaze missile on a bike (unlike us boys) ... i would personally reccomend the zxr4 but the "V4" kru would probably dissagree
performance between the 400's is almost the same, with each bike having their own good and bad points. ill leave you to decide

oh, and welcome to the bikechatforums!!
____________________
-Zimma

[Demonic69]

Zim, you only recommend bigger bikes cuz ur a nutter!!!
____________________
Back on a Blade. Just feels so right.

[TiN]

I would only get a 125 if I didn't intend to lose the L plates anytime soon...but since you've already passed your test, you'll be in a different market...

There seems to be a common perception that you have to go fast just 'cos you're on a bigger bike, which is bollocks!...from my personal experience, the Honda V4s are much nicer to bumble around town with than the NSR...if you did DAS, then you can jump on a 400 without any problems, but if you've only been on a 125, then I'd advise spending a few moments in a quiet area to familiarise yourself with the power delivery...

The Honda 400s are actually heavier than most bigger sportsbikes, but are very chuckable 'cos of the weight distribution and low C of G...The ZXR4 and SV650s are much lighter, but are physically bigger...

Tin

[Dan]

i 125 or 250 are good for getting used to bikes

[G]

What Zim said.

Personally I think it's more important to have a 'friendly' power delivery than a small one. Providing you can control yourself in the first month or so to not just crack the throttle open you should be okay.

Someone I know who can't put his foot flat on the ground on an R6 (not exactly a big bike) is fine on his SV... I think you can get the seat foam cut out as well as it's fairly well padded (he hasn't though)

[Zimma]

cheers g... thats exactly what im saying, just because the power is there, doesnt mean u have to use it, it just makes it a lot easier not to be hammering the shit out the bike all the time and therefore an easier/ more comfortable ride!

now throw in the fact that its a girl riding, and theres gonna be no probs at all (cos girls arent exactly renowned for their crazyness/stupidity on motorbikes)

alls youve gotta remember is to take it easy for a bit and get used to the bike, then the rest is practice
____________________
-Zimma

[Dan]

thats true u need to get used to it then u r sound, same with everything i spose. never tried a 400 but i understand what u mean u don't need to use the power and u don't loose ur hearing from the loverly 2 stroke noise

[Korn]

[Zimma]

nah u just loose it from that lovely blueflame sound
____________________
-Zimma

[Zimma]

[WildGoose]

lol zimm

and also, i have decided after much MUCH backwards and forwardsness, to go for the 125, make of that what you will

regards

[retrofly]

hi
dont listen to zim he's only saying get a ZXR 400 cause hes got one and he dosnt want ot be a loaner. Ive got an NSR 125 at the mo and i am also getting either a VFR/CBR in the summer. The zxr 400 is to fat and bulky for a first bike but the VFR/CBR is small and petite, i am also a small geezer and the VFR/CBR's fit me purfect, and the power/speed is a goos as any 400 (so im told) and the looks are just ausome.
Try www.boxhillmotorcycles.com too or even better try and get to dorking and check em out. Some pple slag box hill motorcycle's off but a few pple i know have bought their 400's from there so u should be ok


Luke
____________________
"The food was not undelicious"
-Homer Simpson (Exceptional beast : Underachiving Human)
www.geocities.com/retrofly

[Korn]

Box Hill Motorcycles are a good dealer, but not so good for servicing and parts. To be fair they're mainly about selling bikes and they do it well.

For servicing 400 grey imports I'd recommend Elliott Motorcycles near Swindon, they really know their stuff especially when it comes to the Honda V4's.

[retrofly]

Hi
Kornel is it possible to haggle with the dealers at box hill?

Luke
____________________
"The food was not undelicious"
-Homer Simpson (Exceptional beast : Underachiving Human)
www.geocities.com/retrofly

[Demonic69]

Bat Motorcycles
Performance Bikes

Both of these are pretty good for 4's
____________________
Back on a Blade. Just feels so right.

[Korn]

Retro yeah it's possible same as any other place I suppose. I got my 33bhp kit thrown into the sale price of the bike and an extra 6 months warranty for half price when I bought my RVF.