CB400 vs RD350?

[Stanley]

I am in India. I am thinking of buying a second bike. So, it has to be fast but cheap. Just for racing.

I just want someone to compare the performance figures of Honda CB400 Hawk and Yamaha RD350. Which has better figures. Which has better mileage. And, most importantly, which gives you more joy of riding.

Stan.

[froggy128]

i went on my mates RD350 pv and there bloody fast! He has had no re build the engine so i would say the running costs would be higher also there not as good on petrol but i guess its not as expencive where you are.

[Stanley]

Nope. They are actually cheaper. A 20 year old RD 350 (NON LC) costs Rs.30k to 50k. While a 25 year old CB400 Hawk costs around Rs.50k.

[Kickstart]

Hi

Standard not likely to be that much in it (but will depend greatly on the state of tune that they were made to in India). However likely to be very easy to get the RD to go far quicker.

All the best

Keith
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Traxpics, track day and racing photographs - Bimota Forum - Bike performance / thrust graphs for choosing gearing

[gavin]

being a 2stroke nut, i'd say the rd is the way to go.

you need to speak to Ron Chinoy....he's in cooke town, bangalore..


www.eindiancompanies.com

https://www.rddreams.com/rddreams/html/

[Stanley]

But aren't two-strokes generally more fuel guzzlers as well? I am not talking about out and out mileage, but something around 20-25kmpl? Which of the two will give me that? I am looking at highway riding of around 300kms a week...

[Josh|RD125LC]

Will guzzle more if you thrash it around more. My RD drinks petrol like theres not tomorrow, but thats only because I do thrash it around a bit. If you take it steady on the RD350, I'm sure it will be sufficient enough to be more economical.
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Honda MBX50 | Yamaha RD125LC | Suzuki RG125F Lucky Strike | Suzuki GSF600S
RD125LC Pictures

[Kickstart]

[stinkwheel]

CB400 hawk (twin) 43hp, 110mph, 50mpg.

RD350 36hp, 105mph, 45mpg.

BUT... RD350 is a 2-stroke and so has a powerband to play in. They are also easy to work on and easily tuned. When you say you are racing, I would imagine you could run the RD in a classic series which go up to 350 or up to 500. Much more fun to ride, rewarding to thrash. I know which I would rather ride!

Have you considered a 350 powervalve? Much fun to be had, brutal acceleration, garanteed to put a grin on your face 59hp, 120mph, 45mpg(in your dreams! make that closer to 20mpg). Or even just an ordinary 250/350LC. There is a massive array of tuning knowledge and racing/performance parts for these bikes.

The liquid cooled Yamahas are on a different planet to the air cooled ones, monoshock suspension, decent brakes, cast wheels, fairings etc.
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[Dark]

Theres no competition! 350LC it is!! but thats pure nostalgia though
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My Bikes in order:- Yamaha RXS100 / Suzuki X7 250 / Yamaha RD350LC / Kawasaki
KR1S 250 / Kawasaki ZXR750 H2 / Honda C50 / Kawasaki ZX7R P5 / Kawasaki ZX10R / Suzuki GSXR 400 / Honda CBR1100 Blackbird & Yamaha FZR 600

[stinkwheel]

For clarity.

The honda CB400 hawk is an air cooled twin from the early 80s (think superdream).

I am pretty sure he is talking about an air cooled RD350 which is of a similar vintage.

The RD is definately the one to go for if you are wanting to wazz about on it. It will probably be in a better state of repair given the age of the bikes you are looking at too. Certainly cheaper and easier to fix if it does go wrong.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[Stanley]

Thanks everyone! I have decided. Started the hunt for a nice RD350 (yea, air-cooled)!