CBR 400 Vs ZZR 400?

[FreQyD]

Currently riding a YBR 125 and soon looking at an upgrade.

Really like the look of both the CBR 400 and the ZZR 400. Both for different reasons and have found two (what appear to be) very nice examples of both bikes.

Comparable mileage on both, price within £300 of each other so really just after some experienced voices of reason for and against either bike. Either that or some amusing rants

It will be an everyday bike for work and I will be using it to travel some reasonable distances (100 miles or so of motorway riding) and I will also most likely pass it on to the Mrs once she's had enough of the YBR as well.

Think that covers it.....
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[Stonefly]

ZZR - Bullet proof engines, very comfortable for longer rides, economical (if you don't thrash it), very forgiving handling and most parts from the 600 fit as the engine is just a sleeved down 600 motor.
I currently have a 600 and after nearly 2 years, I still cant really fault it. Hope that helps
Cheers!
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Current......Kawasaki ZZR1200 C2H and Kawasaki ZZR600 E7
Previous....Yamaha FS1E, Honda SS50, Suzuki AP50, BSA Bantam D14, Honda CD175, Honda CB250N, Kawasaki Z250A3, Yamaha RD250E, Kawasaki Z400, Kawasaki Z500, Kawasaki GPz550, Honda NTV600, Kawasaki GT750, Kawasaki Z1000R, Kawasaki GPX250

[johnsmith222]

If you can go for the ZZR 600 over the 400. I wouldn't fancy losing 200cc as the 400 is just a sleeved down version of the 600.

I've never ridden the CBR400 so I can't comment on that.

[UnspeedySam]

I'll answer your question with a question just to be awkward; why a 400? The ZZR400 is the same as the 600 but with a sleeved down engine, so same weight and less power.

The CBR400 is a great bike, but good examples are hard to come by for sensible money and parts are significantly harder to find/more expensive than a CBR600. For a weekend toy/second bike, sure get a CBR400 but I really wouldn't if this is going to be your sole transport.

To answer your question, CBR400 over the ZZR. But you haven't given us details of the actual bikes in question and condition and price are big factors here.

edit: Actually, looking back at my post I'm being a little stupid here. If the ZZR400 is significantly cheaper than a comparable ZZR600 and the loss of power doesn't bother you it might be a sensible buy as everyday transport. You can just use bits off the ZZR600 for the most part, if it goes wrong.
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Riding: BMW R1150RT `02 bought mildly crashed
Fixing: Also the BMW as I get less broken bits
Gone: ZZR600 '00, TRX850 '97, RXS100 '93, JS125-6B '07, BMW R1100RS '93, Kawasaki ZX-6R-J2 '01, Honda Bros NT400 NC25 '88

[Slacker24seve...]

[FreQyD]

Specifically these two bikes.

Honda CBR 400
https://www.gumtree.com/p/cars-vans-motorbikes/honda-cbr-400-nc23-not-vfr-zxr-gsxr/1031239299

Kawasaki ZZR 400
https://www.gumtree.com/p/cars-vans-motorbikes/kawasaki-zzr-400-700-no-offers/1031042371

Thought a gradual step up would be a better option, especially as the Wifey will most likely be using it after I upgrade again.
I have read through the '400 vs 600' thread on here and other sites (sorry to blasphemy BCFers) and some of the folks preaching '600s' make some very good points.
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[UnspeedySam]

The ZZR is cheap and low mileage with good parts supply and would be more practical for what you want. Worst case scenario; if the engine blows up stick a 600 motor, carbs and cdi in there.

It will be a fairly heavy bike for the power and you could probably find a reasonable, albeit probably higher mileage 600 for the same money. But as a step up bike...it could fit the bill.
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Riding: BMW R1150RT `02 bought mildly crashed
Fixing: Also the BMW as I get less broken bits
Gone: ZZR600 '00, TRX850 '97, RXS100 '93, JS125-6B '07, BMW R1100RS '93, Kawasaki ZX-6R-J2 '01, Honda Bros NT400 NC25 '88

[Matt94]

[UnspeedySam]

[FreQyD]

Had a quick browse through the regular window shopping sites, Autotrader, MCN, Ebay and Gumtree and not a single ZZR 600 within range or within price or I may really have been tempted. Shame.

Thanks to all for the responses so far.

Reckon the options are a 400 for a year gain some experience and a years no claims. New to riding but had a full uk driving licence for nearly 18 years now with no points and no claims (dunno if that makes the slightest bit of difference though).

The ZZR is close to home, reasonable price, not modified in any way and I think it looks like the sort of bike I want to be seen on lol.

If anyone has any other suggestions of ideal first 400's?
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[UnspeedySam]

If you're doing any kind of distance you can rule out the sportier ones; CBR, ZXR, FZR etc

For reliability reasons I'd rule out the XJR and for finding parts reasons I'd rule out the CB400 super fours and CB1.

I've got a Bros 400 and it's great but only makes 30 odd bhp and is a naked bike. They're also pretty hard to come by in decent condition as they went out of production in 1992 and were not officially sold here.

Basically, if you don't want a 600 then buy the ZZR which is probably going to be a decent bike that you'll make your money back on when it is time to sell up. Or maybe look at twins like the Honda CB500 or possibly the NTV650/600, the Kawasaki GPZ500 might also fit here? Won't be as exciting the ZZR400 but similar kind of power output and lower running costs.
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Riding: BMW R1150RT `02 bought mildly crashed
Fixing: Also the BMW as I get less broken bits
Gone: ZZR600 '00, TRX850 '97, RXS100 '93, JS125-6B '07, BMW R1100RS '93, Kawasaki ZX-6R-J2 '01, Honda Bros NT400 NC25 '88

[Wonko The Sane]

if it's any help as advice, I have a ZZR600 on a 33bhp restriction and it still shifts when asked to!

My first big bike after a 125 varadero, took a bit of getting used to as they are very different bikes.

I use it for daily transport, generally bezzing round the motorway to get to work, but often go through the centre in traffic,

I get a bit of cramp in my clutch hand if I'm in very heavy traffic, but nothing too bad.

Just got back from an hour and a half trip there and back to visit friends with a mix of motorway and steep twisty roads.

I've thought of selling mine and getting a car or a different bike, but whenever I start seriously thinking about it I have a great ride on it and decide to keep it.


One thing to note, popular oppinion is that the front brakes are crap so it's common to fit calipers from a fireblade, make sure it's been done properly, you should NEVER sleeve the bolts.
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[Seb]

[SteveZZR]

The ZZR will be easier to get parts for as the 600 ran from 93-2006 barely changing at all so lots of parts available.


Thing is, if you're not being forced by a 47bhp license you may as well have the 600.
I'll sell you my 33bhp washers for a tenner if you're worried the 600 is too much but having owned and ridden both a 400 and 600 ZZR I will say they're very much the same below 5krpm. The 400 is actually heavier as there is more metal in the top end.


TL;DR buy a zzr 600 and fit restriction washers if you're worried about power. Can always drill washers bigger to give more power over time. Personally I think you'll be fine as the ZZR is very docile unless you try to hammer it.

I've owned three 600's and one 400 so far by the way.

[CaNsA]

400cc sport bikes are toys.

get a 600.

[Amber Phoenix]

Wife has a ZZR400 '93 model (later Ram Air version). . However she's not getting on well with it, she's too short for it and some long term back problems are being aggravated by the hunched over race position. Looking to sell it on shortly, and find something more upright for her.

I find the bike fine personally, tiny bit cramped on my ankles (particularly the when covering the back brake), but then I'm 6'1" tall.

Yep, stock brakes are naff, but thankfully last owner replaced with up rated Nissin brakes, much better. Loads of spares on ebay cheap.
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Beginner Biker Adventures Blog
Yamaha FZ6 S2 2007

[Wozza]

What about a 250?

[RhynoCZ]

Get CB-1, I had one and the only real problem I had was stupid previous owner.

EDIT: You can put in CBR cams and some other bits, some made the CB-1 go even over 220kph. Mine did 190+kph
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'87 Honda XBR 500, '96 Kawasaki ZX7R P1, '90 Honda CB-1, '88 Kawasaki GPz550, MZ 150 ETZ
'95 Mercedes-Benz w202 C200 CGI, '98 Mercedes-Benz w210 E200 Kompressor

[RhynoCZ]

[N cee thirty]

what is your budget? if its under a grand, get a 600 and not a clapped out ragged 400 you're not willing to spend money on.
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'00 Aprilia RS50 > '92 Honda CG > '99 Yamaha Fazer > '91 Yamaha RXS > '79 Suzuki X5 > 01' Honda Cg > 07' Honda Cg > 82' Kawasaki Z200 > suzuki gsxr 400 gk73a > honda vfr 400 NC30 Mod 2 Passed 09/06/2011

Jewlio Iglesias wrote: I actually did vote BNP once

[FreQyD]

Most of the time it'll be for work run and local country roads. About once a month will be a 200 mile round trip.

Budget will be about a grand depending on how much I can get for my car.
I am heavy handed (heavy footed in the car if you get me) so honestly believe a 250 just wouldn't cut it.

Appreciate everyone's input though
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[N cee thirty]

fazer 600 if you want a 2 wheel car, 60+mpg for around a grand
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'00 Aprilia RS50 > '92 Honda CG > '99 Yamaha Fazer > '91 Yamaha RXS > '79 Suzuki X5 > 01' Honda Cg > 07' Honda Cg > 82' Kawasaki Z200 > suzuki gsxr 400 gk73a > honda vfr 400 NC30 Mod 2 Passed 09/06/2011

Jewlio Iglesias wrote: I actually did vote BNP once

[johnsmith222]

[UnspeedySam]

Yeah the MPG thing is a bit random really. The Bros 400 gets 60-70mpg. Mr ZX6R gets about 50-55mpg. But Paddy's CBR600 did about 30mpg or something horrible like that.
____________________
Riding: BMW R1150RT `02 bought mildly crashed
Fixing: Also the BMW as I get less broken bits
Gone: ZZR600 '00, TRX850 '97, RXS100 '93, JS125-6B '07, BMW R1100RS '93, Kawasaki ZX-6R-J2 '01, Honda Bros NT400 NC25 '88

[ThoughtContro...]