CBR 400 for a first bike

[el_oso]

how about it as a cheap run around for the next 3 years years while i am at uni. cant afford to run my car any more so wont be insuring or taxing it any more and im selling my 125 for a faster bike. just wondering how well the CBR 400 will suit this. Been looking at cb500 and gs500's and i think they will not be as fun to ride as my 125 has been even though they will suit my purpose better. im on a restricted licence for just under 2 years and ive found a few of these that are being sold with the restrictors (they may stay in they may not but at least its an easy job taking them in and out) how much more maintenance would the CBR be compared to the CB and GS or even something like the GSX600F.
please no lectures on dropping it and as its a faired bike it will be hard/expensive to replace because im not interested in that side of the argument.
thanks guys and girls

scarface

[Graprilia]

get a cbr400 , it would be ideal.
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Piaggo liberty 125 SOLD - CBR 125 - SOLD Aprilia RS 125 - SOLD CBR 400 NC29 - SOLD ZX6R currently own https://bikepics.com/members/Graprilia/

[Mudskipper]

CBR4's are lovely, I've had two and would have another - but 'cheap runaround' they may not be.

Spares CAN be a bit pricey and hard to find, David Silvers have most but often expensive.

Will you spend a lot of time in heavy traffic/stopping at lights all the time? NC29's don't like sitting around and can overheat, especially in summer.

Defo fun to ride (can't comment on restricted though) but whether it suits your needs I'm not so sure...

If you get one, get one with scabby cracked/scratched panels, cheaper plus you won't be too bothered if you do drop it!

edit* almost forgot, they can be awkward to work on, changing the middle two plugs is a right bitch!
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CBR125|||GSXR400|||CBR400|||CBR400|||CB250RS|||GSXR750|||CB250RS
"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."

[Wafer_Thin_Ham]

If you're commuting on it you'll probably be better off with a CB5, fazer, bandit, hornet etc.

Similar purchase price and insurance, and cheaper/more plentiful spares.

Lots of 400's have had it by now unfortunately and the mint ones are starting to shoot up in price.
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My Flickr

[el_oso]

i have perhaps just over 1000 to spend on a bike + insurance. problem is that most bandits ive found are going for 900-1000. i just don't have that much to spend on a bike. even the cb500's ive seen are going for around 900 on places like ebay for a semi-decent one. dont need anything particularly pretty just as long as its been well looked after and will run reliably.

[ninja_lover]

definatly get the cbr400 aka the babyblade...i got a ninja zx6r but restricted to 33bhp, but yeah so reliable bike!
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is fed up of being on his 50cc durin the winter and also avin many faults:( roll on april wen me ninja comes out:D

[Mudskipper]

I'd find a nice CB500 if you can then.

I found it lovely and smooth to ride for a twin, better than scabby ER5's.

Parts a plenty and will probably be all round more suitable for you at the moment.
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CBR125|||GSXR400|||CBR400|||CBR400|||CB250RS|||GSXR750|||CB250RS
"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."

[Mudskipper]

[Bikeless]

I had a gullarm and to be honest,as much as i liked it,it was cramped,had very soft suspension and the parts were dearer than my blade,i would get a cb500 or something similar.

[Fnatic]

Do eeeeet!



I don't think you'll regret it.

[Mudskipper]

I'm noticing a pattern where those who advise definitely getting a gullarm, don't actually accompany it with any reasons why...
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CBR125|||GSXR400|||CBR400|||CBR400|||CB250RS|||GSXR750|||CB250RS
"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."