wot 400 ????????

[DUG]

ello,my insurance is gonna be up 4 re-newel in april and im thinking of gettin a 400.had a quote on an zxr 400 £750 tpft.can anyone help me decide wot 400 to get?????? cheers.
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COME ON TRY ME....... PLEASE...... NO SERIOUSLY........ SEE IF I GIVE A FCUK!!!!!!!!

[G]

[standard 'G' answer]
Get a 600
[/standard 'G' answer]

[DUG]

gota get a 400 G m8.gota get it restricted to 33bhp anyways.zxr looks the best but wot actually is the best in ur opinion?
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COME ON TRY ME....... PLEASE...... NO SERIOUSLY........ SEE IF I GIVE A FCUK!!!!!!!!

[Keen]

IMO the RVF is definately the best, but thats why they cost the most. I'd consider VFR's and CBR's- they're nearly as good as the RVF but they're cheaper and easier to find.

[drunkstudent]

yep i agree RVF is the best or go for a VFR as they are cheaper
as for insurance try rider direct (there in bike trader)
i got my rvf insured for under 600 quid with no no-claims and more than just a few point on me liscence! and they threw in a rider policy!

[G]

[Keen]

I assume you want a sports bike? otherwise bikes like the 400 bandit and bros can be bought very cheaply.

[DUG]

600 would be gr8.but im only 19 and ive got plenty of time 4 a 600.ive been told either to get an rvf,vfr or a zxr.personaly i would like a zxr.they just look the part and once again its that brilliant kawasaki green .they are supposed to be reliable and the parts are ment to be easy to get hold of.and i dont think u can go wrong with a kawa. .ive got plenty of time to think but i appreciate ur suggestions.any more info would be gr8.
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COME ON TRY ME....... PLEASE...... NO SERIOUSLY........ SEE IF I GIVE A FCUK!!!!!!!!

[G]

While I'd happily have a 400 as a track bike, or as a 'weekend toy' I wouldn't really want to ride one every day because you really have to ring their neck to get decent acceloeration.
While something like a sv650 or unfaired parrelel 4 will mean that you don't have to work hard, if you don't want to.

[Scotty]

Get a 600!!!
Thats what i'm gonna do, i just have to wad around on the NSR for a few Years thats all.
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Regards
Scott

[drunkstudent]

a 400 is a great bike to get around on-they handle well and corner quick!
and theres nothing like embarrasing a bigger big to put a smile on ur face!

[Phoenix]

A 400 will accelerate perfectly fine without wringing it's neck, and it's fine for racing around at the weekend and commuting to work every day. The only plus points of getting a 600 if you're on a restricted licence is they will generally be more comfortable and you will probably not feel the need to buy a bigger bike when your restriction is up. But at 19 600s cost at least £100-200 extra to insure over a 400 and you're still gonna be getting 33bhp so it's pretty pointless.

If I was looking for another 400 now I'd try and get another ZXR or a ZZR, if I had the money the RVF would be my second choice. But the ZXR is perfect imo.

[retrofly]

hi
*sigh* THis is like the millienth (eggagerate) post on which 400 to get,

ME points to G to find all the topics on 400's heres

https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=10228

Luke
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[Keen]

yeah I know what you mean- really the best one to buy is the one you can get the best deal on.

[G]

[WildGoose]

exactly, there is no right or wrong answer, its all down to personal preference

and even mags like ride, who have focused on 400's and similar bikes, they all agree there isnt much in it, its just about the looks you like, and how well you fit that particular bike
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So in other words, he stopped you for being flagrantly in posession of a motorcycle in direct contravention of the Hippies, Darkies and People Whose Face I Don't Like The Look of (Police Powers) Act. 1976

[Stew]

Although I would probably agree with G's typical answer of 'Buy a 600', I cant take away the grin factor of a 400. Having ridden a VFR400 throughout the summer I enjoyed it immensly, after all I broke my knee down virginity on this bike and IMO 130mph is enough speed on our roads.
Although my YZF750 can reach higher speeds and is a bit bigger (so comfier for me) it just isnt as flickable as the little 400.
Don't get me wrong I love my new bike and come summer I'm sure I will have my knee down again, but you just cant knock the 400s.
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"Unlike public school you don't need to have your arse up and your head down to go a long way...."

[Ste]

I *plan* to go straight to a 600, althought this will be in at least 1 yrs time

130mph is enough, but you always want more, no matter what you have. You might as well get the best you can and enjoy it. All we need now is an Autobahn

The advice which I would give, has already been given, and thats to test ride some bikes, get some quotes, and go with what feels best on your budget.

[Robby]

it all depends what you want afterwards here, and what size you are. for me i would have got an older CBR6, but inline 4s sound pathetic compared to V4 or V twin. insurance is higher on 600s generally, but they are more comfortable and after your 2 years of "restriction" your more likely to stick with it.

have a listen to a VFR or RVF with a loud can, then listen to an SV650 with a loud can, and then see how much you want a ZXR400.

[MaRTiN]

You must also take into account how tall you are. Alot of ppl believe that if you are over 6ft tall then a sports 400 will be nasty on the neck and wrists. But again it is all down to personal like and taste.
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What is behind me is not important

[drunkstudent]

Good point martin-these bikes dont fit everyone so it is well worth seing which one is more comfortable for you
However im 6ft2 and i find my rvf quite comfortable-i have riden from surrey to bath(taking the scenic route) with no problems!

[Keen]

testrides would be nice- but will you be able to get one? I would have thought that dealers would be reluctant to give 18 year olds like me a go on their shiny 400's. Plus most will be derestricted (I assume) so legally they won't be insured if you crash it.
I agree testrides are the best way of choosing but I didn't realise it was common, thats all.

[G]

meh ... the 'net connection died while posting and I lost the post

but anyway....
Most garages worth it will be happy to give you a test ride... providing you show some interest etc. If they don't there may well be something dodgy.. I'd say that the garages that don't keep bikes ready to ride etc usually are a lot more bothered by the sale than service.

A place in Colchester even offerend me a test ride thinking I didn't have a CBT certifcate (I did but the bike was derestricted which was why I was questioning if it was okay)

Private sales are also worth asking for test rides... make sure you show interest and they may well want a full deposit. You never know you might like the bike so much you buy it though!

[Phoenix]

Well I will never buy a bike without a test ride, plus I will only buy privately coz there you can expect a ride. I dunno what it's like where you come from, but down here there is no way in hell you'll get a test ride on any bike unless you're 21 and have a full licence. You may get a ride on a CG125 or a scooter if you're younger, but other bikes...no chance..

[G]

Hmmm ... I suppose looking 'mature' has helped me before .
I find the 'shiny' shops are usually relecutant to give out test rides.... and they are usually the sales-focused ones.
Smaller 'local' shops usually seems to be better, especially the sort that are quite willing to give you help even if you aren't a regular customer. These tend to be informal and I can't see many decent shops refusing you a test ride if you can leave the full amount as a deposit.