honda vfr 400

[nb428]

Hi. 20 yr old. Had car liscence for just over 2 years and now thinking of getting a bike. Have seen places where I can get a1 (?) restricted liscence as a 3 days course. Is this a good way of doing it rather than getting learning bikes etc??

Secondly have been looking at a honda vfr 400, and getting it restriced. Ok as a first bike? Seem to be quick and not to pricey, yet pretty sturdy.

Any comments. Cheers

[phantomtek]

[Davo]

Hi

Firstly you need to do the A2 licence as the A1 licence only allows you to ride the 125cc bikes without L plates. I did my direct access through an intensive course similar to the one your thinking off. I did the 5 day one but could have probably got away with the three day course as a lot of it was teaching people certain road rules, which I was aware of being a car driver.

Honda VFR 400's appear to be a very popular choice for people who've just passed their test, they handle well, appear to restrict ok etc.. they are physically small bikes though.

How long is it before you turn 21? If not too long it may be worth waiting for you to turn 21 and do the Direct Access route, as you won't have to worry about getting a bike derestricted.

Hope this helps

Davo

[nb428]

cheers guys. v.quick response. About 11 months till I'm 21 so a while to wait. Dont mind about them being small bikes.. im only 5'7/5'8. Wasn't sure originally if it would have been a bit too much, but sounds good.

[bidman]

Hey i think if you pass your restricted licence now once you have turned 21 you are no longer restricted to the 33bhp, as you either hold the 33bhp licence for 2 years or until you turn 21 which ever comes first. If i'm right i would do your test now because its a shame to have such a nice bike and not be riding it , Dan
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Don't ride it, RAG IT!!

[antonfrompres...]

The restriction is still applicable until the two years have passed. Otherwise you could take your test on a 125 the day before turning 21 and then jump on an R1. They would not test you on a 125 and let you jump on a much larger bike the day after.

[monkeymagic]

i thought about getting a 400 but i know i'd just end up wanting a bigger bike soon after.

[numark1]

[Andy C]

i wouldnt say a 400 is a bad place to start, i have a 650 V-twin which has simular power to a IL400 (or V4 like the VFR400 is) and was a good first "big bike" for me and insurance was good.

Sometimes you want a bigger bike but if you were to pass your test and get a GSXR1000, i think its better to get bored of bikes and go up to the next step and think "wow" get bored of that then go up again.

So yea i think it sounds a good plan

Oh and some poeple dont restrict there bikes (mine isnt) as 33bhp is quite slow but its up to each person but after a few month you may choose to..
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99 RS125 --> 02 SV650s --> 03 Speed Four --> 92 RXS100 --> 93 CB400sf --> 01 CB600f Hornet

[NC30UK]

A 400 is a quick bike when you know what your doing.

But when you don't they arn't quite so harsh as to punish you for every mistake.

I've let people who have only ridden 125's have a go on my bike and they were fine. the thing revs so high that then its not revved hard the power delivery is smooth and gentle.

They are quite small too, only bad thing is that they are heavy and can be difficult to work on, but no bike is perfect.

[ducati455]

This year am going to do my A2 test, I’ve rode a whole range of 125's
and was wondering would it be a good idea to jump on a 400 or would I be better off getting a 250.

And does it do a 400 any good Restricting it to 33bhp

[phantomtek]

In all fairness it doesn't do any bike good to restrict it's BHP to 33.

But it works.

Also it depends which 250 you are wanting, a 4 stroke 250 is better for 33bhp because it can be restricted, but a 2 stroke 250 has no chance without it messing all the fueling up.

Most 400s are getting on in age now so you will be hard pushed to find a clean example for a reasonable amount of money.

But if you are going to restrict it I would say go for the 400 because you will have more BHP when the restrictors come out

[EuropeanNC30R...]

[Jrod]

I'm only a year and a half on but still love it.

[fuzz]

[antonfrompres...]

[fuzz]

Yes you're right. I was just giving further info. Jeez
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https://www.bikepics.com/members/fuzzbcf/
Bikes: '99 NSR125R, '00 SV650S, K1 GSX-R600, '97 CB500, K3 SV1000S, '16 VFR800