Choices, choices...

[.Chris.]

Took my CD200 out for a good ride today and pretty much instantly decided I need a new bike, it's just too damn slow. I was constantly ragging the crap out of it and still only managing (just) to maintain 45mph on the hills.

So, went to a local bike breakers and they have 2 bikes that take my fancy...

Honda CD250U - can't believe I managed to find one, basically the CD200 with 50 extra cc (21bhp instead of 16), 5-speed box and a front disc. This one has a massive dent in the tank but apart from that looks pretty good. Not sure on the price but can't be more than a few hundred.

Yamaha XS400 Custom - very good condition with a nice motad exhaust. Felt pretty nice sitting on it with a comfy riding position although the rubber-mounted bars feel a bit strange. Only 25k miles on the clock, they want £550 for it.

I can't decide which one... I'm leaning towards the CD250U (having wanted one ever since I got the CD200) but I don't know if it might not be much of a step up. The XS400 is a much bigger bike but then again much more powerful.

Help me!
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Chris
1985 Kawasaki Z550F

[ram_doom]

SZR660, you know you want it, you crazy eccentric fellow
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TL1000s, KDX200

[St0rmer66]

Gotta be the 400 IMO. If you could sell the CD200 and buy the 250 as well though that would be better . Then you have 2 bikes! woo.
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:: Honda XR 125 L ('53) => Kawasaki GPZ 500S ('02) => Suzuki SV650S ('00) => Aprilia RSV-R ('51) ::

[panrider_uk]

Is there a problem with the CD200? My CD185T used to do 70+

Mark
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Current bikes: Honda ST1100 Pan European. Moto Guzzi V85 TT Travel

[St0rmer66]

[panrider_uk]

I'm fairly sure I went up hill without mopeds overtaking me

Mark
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Current bikes: Honda ST1100 Pan European. Moto Guzzi V85 TT Travel

[.Chris.]

[ms51ves3]

Did your RX-S go faster than the CD?

[.Chris.]

Not a great deal of overall difference to be honest but they are both quite different bikes to ride.

The CD200 has much more low-end pull that makes it very pleasant to ride around town, but it doesn't respond particularly well to being thrashed. It's got a surprisingly meaty sound to it for such a small bike.

The RXS is more peaky which means you have to keep the revs higher, with more gear-changing and clutch slipping required. It seems to adore being thrashed to within an inch of its life, which makes it very fun when in the mood. If anything I'd say it accelerates a bit quicker than the CD if you get the takeoff and all the gearchanges spot on. You'll enjoy yours


I'm seriously considering buying both of the bikes and seeing which one I like the best, although that depends on the price of the CD250. I suppose it's the only way I'll know which one I prefer...
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Chris
1985 Kawasaki Z550F

[Blau Zedong]

The CD250U isn't a bad bike - a grown up version of the CD185 / 200 with 12V electrics and a bit more oomph. Keep it fed clean oil and the engine will still be here long after the rest has rotted away.

The XS400 is a bike Yamaha made because they had to, not cause they wanted to. Chalk to the RD's two stroke cheese. Engine spares wil be an issue. Rot to bits, if the engine is anything like they don't go too badly mind.
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18:54:48 Rob Fzs: jews don't give away stuff for free

18:54:59 Rob Fzs: unless its their clothes/ hair/ golden teeth