Buying a 400cc Motorcycle

[Fowlersrs]

Im thinking this summer it might be time for a bit of change, I currently have a nice condition speed four 600cc bike that im really enjoying but tbh for the amount I use it im getting a little bored of it.

I am considering perhaps putting her up for sale when I get 12 months mot on it and then look at investing in a 400cc bike, anyone got any recommendations on models? what should I look to spend? Ive heard theres alot of dogs out there as they have been ragged, is this true, does this mean my chances of finding a minter a tough challenge?

Also what are they like on insurance, are they likely to be steeper than a 600cc naked/sports bike?

[BakesBeans]

My first proper bike was a VFR400 NC30, great machine and I love the sound. It's 20years old now, but still turns heads! Although, I'm now selling it because I want something faster (it's up for sale in the classified forum).
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Current: Kawasaki ZX636
Previous Bike: Honda CBR600F ABS, Yamaha XJ6 F Diversion ABS, Honda VFR400 NC30

[P.]

Insurance was nothing, but most 400s have been ragged.

Never buy a Bandit 400.

[instigator]

'Invest'? Do you expect to make any profit on an aging 400? I doubt you'll manage it unless you find an RVF400 with less than 1k on the clocks. And chances are, that will be overpriced anyway.

Insurance change will be minimal against your Speed Four I suspect. Personally, I'd recommend (in this order):

Honda CB-1 NC27 (currently own one and without doubt, the most fun bike I've ever owned).
https://cdn.bikechatforums.com/files/cb1.jpg
VFR400 NC30
CB400 SF (havent' owned this one but would happily buy one based on reviews)

Despite always having wanted one, I'd steer clear of any ZXR400's simply due to their reliability. As well as the bandit 400.

[BakesBeans]

Oh, my insurance was £130 per year TPF&T.
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Current: Kawasaki ZX636
Previous Bike: Honda CBR600F ABS, Yamaha XJ6 F Diversion ABS, Honda VFR400 NC30

[thomp1983]

buying a 400 is no different to any other bike, buy the best example you can find with paperwork to support. i bought the best zxr400 i could find 2 years ago, stacks of paperwork with it and on the whole it's been fine, yes it blew it's headgasket but this is a known issue with them at a certain mileage it was still cheap enough to repair and outside of that has been faultless and is still a really nice bike.

the only downside with 400's is they are all 15-20 years old now and whilst maintenance wise there no real different to newer bikes you will find other not so run of the mill things need doing, for example my zxr has just had new throttle/clutch grips and new levers as the old ones were looking worn again not expensive but not something you'd probably need to replace on a 5-10 year old bike.

other thing to note would be size, the zxr400 is the biggest of the lot and was fine for me at 5ft 10 so if your any bigger id make sure you sit on a few before commiting.

oh and this is/was my 400 it'll be for sale when i find 5 minutes to get an mot on it and give it a service

https://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f109/thomp1983/20110719_002.jpg

chris

[Seb]

The little jap market 400 IL4s are more fun than they have any right to be imo. If you ride a bike for the rocket ship acceleration you'll get bored senseless in no time. If you ride for the drama and noise, chances are you'll be hooked.

My choice was an XJR 400, better looking than the Hondas and properly proportioned unlike the Kwak, I'd say it was down 5-10bhp on a CB-1 or Superfour mind. If I could have found a decent CB400 Superfour that's likely the way I would have gone although don't discount the CB-1 as it's got arguably the best motor of the lot.

I was a bit of a mug for selling mine on, if it hadn't have been for odd circumstances I'd happily still have it today.

https://imageshack.us/a/img831/3941/pa280052.jpg
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2010 Triumph 1050 Sprint ST

[andys675]

most 400s are imports and 20 years old, stick with the speed 4 if its healthy, after all you do know your own bike, why change it for something slower? you're taking a chance buying something you don't know the history of

if you're getting bored, by a tooth smaller front sprocket and some decent tyres, think about having the suspension set-up at a specialists
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Some people feel the rain, others just get wet.

[Matt94]

Has anyone seen/heard of the Kawasaki Xanthus? I believe it's quite a rare bike here in the UK although there's sometimes one knocking about on eBay.. Weirdly attractive bike
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current; beemer 5 series!

[salty21]

[damz]

If you find a good one then buy it, try for honda's, they seem to be indestructible in those days. My RVF has never had a problem where as my uk spec newer zx7r has had nothing but problems.

Insurance wise it's not too bad, tax is £33 a year
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Current Bikes RVF400 - 94
Cars: RX7 FD, Eunos Roadster
Former Bikes: FZR 250R 89, ZX7R 98

[Al]

[BakesBeans]

[andys675]