400cc bikes again...

[RaIo]

Okay, so there have been a decent number of topics on this same topic, and I did look through most of them, however, what my questions weren't really answered by reading through the posts.

Until recently I was considering getting a Suzuki GS500F as a first bike, probably a bran new one or a second hand 2004 model. This would be for when I get my license, so it would have been my first bike too.

I started thinking about other bikes too, and looked at 400s. Especially the Honda RVF400 and the Kawasaki ZXR400 – I suppose the Honda VFR400 NC30 would do too, but the reason I excluded most other 400 bikes is that I really dislike how they look, including the NC30 from which I dislike the front most notably. Not to mention most other 400s would be pretty beaten up too. There's always the chance of getting a rubbish NC35 or a ZXR400, but probably a smaller one that most of the rest.

So, I have a few questions regarding the aforementioned bikes, namely:

1) How large are they, physically? I am a fairly small person (172 cm) so I want a bike that fits me just right, not something I can't reach the ground when sitting on it.

2) What's the insurance on these things for someone like me, who would have no experience and need to run it restricted for a year and a half or so? Yes, yes, I'll call up some places, but after I get my license. Edit: D'oh - I forgot, I'm 19.

3) Why the hell are they so expensive to buy? They range from £500 to £4500. Obviously the really cheap ones are history if you don't know how to work on them. Does it have to do with the fact they grey imports, or are they genuinely that good?

4) Are they actually a suitable bike for a first bike? I know everything's tame at 33 bhp, but they don’t behave badly when restricted, do they?

Obviously, it will come down to actually test riding machines like these when and if I decide to buy something like that.

Oh, and I’ll be using it mainly to ride around London and very unlikely I'll take it "touring" or something like that.

And yes, I read that 400cc FAQ.

[Robby]

The first thing here is to look at what you want the bike to do.

You say you plan on keeping it restricted, and do most of your riding around london. A lot of 400s really don't take the restriction at all well - they make their power high up in the rev range, and some just run poorly with it.
Also a sports 400 is generally a copy of a mid 80s supersport 750 with a small engine. That means uncomfortable, but great handling.

If you have your heart set on a 400, they all do the same thing in the same way, so go for whatever takes your fancy. If you are still undecided, I'd recommend a 500 twin such as a GS500 or CB500, or a big single trailie. These both make their power much lower down the rev range, and will take the restriction much better.

[Silver]

[8316]

[Flip]

Although the ZXR is bigger then a NSR125, the seat height is actually lower (how mad is that!) I'm 5'8 and fit a ZXR400 perfectly. I pay £390 full comp but I'm 29 and had a full licence for over a year. (Been riding for over three). 400s are only mental when you want them to be Resrticted ones should be safe

[Going2fast]

I'm 5'7 and have a RVF400 and its perfect for me
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[RaIo]

[Annabella]

At nineteen, with only one years no claims bonus, I was paying around £500 for my CBR400.


By the way - you really aren't small! I'm 5' and am limited to a 400 as I really can't touch the floor off anything else. If I can manage one - I'm sure you can!
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[cunni]

Have you thought about looking into getting an Aprilia RS250? they are a good starting place, you'll get a mad power burst, great handling, they are nice and small and they are razor sharp. you can learn anything you want on these, what ever your riding style.

Also, when you do up to a bigger bike, you'll have already fine tuned your right hand control, so the massive power increase won't overwelm you and you will be able to carry more corner speed, if that's what you are after. I've personally found 400's to be a bit top heavy.

However, This is all dependant on you having the full road licence, if not, get the RS125! Still beats a restricted 400!
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[Visitor Q]

[cunni]

I brought a de-restricted Aprilia RS125 after riding a Hornet 600 and a VTR1000F for a few months each.

Thought it would be absolutly crap, but I was suprised. It was dam light, a little un-nerving at first, but great in the long run. was fast enough for the road really, but gutless below 6000rpm, so you had to basically rag the thing, which felt good. I learnt how to corner faster and get me knee down on it in preparation for the TL1000R. But the best bit, I sold it at a £900 profit! People are crying for them, especially 17 year olds who have a CBT.

You learn the basics without killing yourself, and as long as you don't red line it all the time, you will make money on a good, clean cheap one. Most youngsters don't realise what they are worth when cleaned and just want the money for a Nova or other such rust bucket when they turn 18 (Not stereotyping much then?!)

Anyway, it is nothing like riding a 4 stroke, but it's definitely a mind opener! They look a little better than a 400 as well, but sounds aweful.
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[Visitor Q]

[cunni]

Indeed you are right. With regard to being too fast and the example of the chap who died after one day, any bike will kill you if you just let it rip without learning to ride first. cornering is the biggest thing.

Maybe a 400 would be the better option, but I wouldn't restrict it just to un-restrict it again, simply restrict the amount of throttle you give it. The more controlled and disciplined you are, the better rider you'll become!
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[RaIo]

[Dom_]

Thank god, im not the only shortarse on here.

Im 5'7" and i fit on my mates zxr400 ok, it has a low center of gravity too, so it doesnt seem like it weighs much at all.

[cunni]

Well, Don't go getting a 600 if you think you might be a bit right hand crazy! I had a CB600 Hornet as my first bike, learn to ride by making mistakes and had one crash, didn't damage the bike though. Then I put in for my CBT. Stupidest thing I ever did and in hiensight, definatly not wise. How I'm still alive I'll never know.

Anyway, I can tell you, looking at a 400 or smaller is definitely a great idea, the 600 of mine had around 96bhp and was bl00dy mental.

Best 400 I've seen was the NC30, seems like the best all rounder, although the Zawasaki does look good!
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[K!K @]

Is It possible to get a new GS500F restricted to 33bhp then ?
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[Jrod]

Check out the https://www.fiinternational.com/Restrictors.asp site.

[wigwam]

I have a honda bros 400 it is 33hp so no no need to mess with restrictions and is a lovely bike to ride. I have short legs but this is fine for me and it is cheap to insure around £100 tpft.

[Going2fast]

[Claud 14.7 to 1]

[Going2fast]

I believe the Bros is 33bhp Claud, you would think it would have more power?
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BikePics Profile ||| 96' RVF 400 ||| 01' CBR 600 F Sport ||| 2009 Yamaha YZF-R6 Delivered 23/06/09
/-\ndy

[RaIo]

[WildGoose]

[tony532]

had a rs125 de-restricted they make about 26-28bhp standard

now have a gsxr400sp restricted to 33bhp

and it handles better than the rs

feels more planted on the road

rs felt too light a bit like a toy (no offence meant by that )