I had a ZXR400RR which I raced. Beautiful, lovely bike. A bugger to pull away as it had a close ratio box with a loooong 1st gear, also different carbs and it went like crazy ! The CBR400 could'nt stay with it. I loved that it revved forever and I had an open pipe and it sang !!!
Those were the days, when riders were riders and bikes were bikes....none of all that tech nonsense today's bikes have wot with traction control, launch control, multi riding modes, etc that today's bikes are infested with.......
@@darrenmcphillips4706 Loved mine too, was my first sports bike at the time and I couldn't appreciate it for what it was back then. A few bikes like the VTR1000 SP1, Fireblades, and Ducati superbikes later, I can.
The 400cc JDM had a lot of interesting models that luckily made it to the UK back in the grey import days many of which I wish I had owned, I do have a 1996 Honda CBRR 400 Fireblade, 2001 NC35 400 Honda RVF and a 1997 250 Hornet.
Im sure it was ian duffusi saw or hutchy at knockhill circuit , win a race a piece . ,if i could afford one thojgh id buy the little gsxr with the twin lights , a photogenic little rocket in gun metal grey, and red !
Took some doing this one but it needed doing 😊 cheers for the support 😊 just hoping RUclips doesn’t crucify me too much because the only want 20 minute videos now
Over time, and eschewing dogma, the same model asserts itself continuously; up to 60hp- 350lbs and as sharp a chassis as the available tires allow for. From Cammy Nortons, through Guzzi Bicylindrica's and anything in the Turner (and etc.) Twins gene pool, right up to the modern day- on public roads, less *is* more.
The NC35 was built for a more broader spread of power, with longer duration cams but smaller carbs. Chucking the cams into the NC30 gave it a bit of a boost and made better use of the bigger carbs and slightly bigger inlet valves. I had an NC30 with a full Yamamoto system. Sounded awesome
Had a UK spec FZR400RR for 7 years, same as the one in the video - it ran faultlessly and was great bike for the roads with Maxton TT spec forks. While it was off the road after a car knocked me off I had an NC30 with a standard silencer modified to run a straight through baffle like a race can. Sounded awesome! The Honda felt more powerful than the Yamaha but actually wasn’t, and the Yamaha handled better. The UK FZR400RR cost more than the FZR600 but you could see why with the much better finish and chunky aluminium chassis. The RRSP model cost even more but most of those went on the track I think
As a freshly minted young rider in the 80's, with limited funds and parents to persuade, smaller capacity bikes were always where it was at for me. I distinctly remember poring over the mags at these bikes with my mates, debating endlessly the 1 or 2 hp or kg differences between these machines and how that might influence which one you'd choose. It was a great time to be into bikes, with manufacturers pushing eachnother to ever higher levels of excellence and almost unimaginable performance. As I got older and the practical concerns around bike ownership largely went away, my tastes did not change. I still get more excited over big 2 & smaller capacity 4 stroke bikes than any others. Thank you for this wonderful video, and all the best!
The only one of these bikes that we got in the States was the FZR400. I raced one for years, culminating with running a team in the last motorcycle 24-hour endurance race in the U.S. in 1993. There was no lightweight category at that time, so we ran it in Middleweight Production and took 3rd place, beating all but two of the 600's. The trophy is behind me in my office right now.
Cheers for sharing mate. That must have been fantastic to watch. And a credit to you for bringing home a trophy 😊💪👌 as I said. Bigger isn’t always better 😊
@@barebonesmc If you search RUclips for "Nelson Ledges 24-hour" you'll find a 2-part video that someone shot of this event and put on line just a couple of years ago. At 25:55 in the second video you can see my team in post-race celebration.
I owned a Honda NS400R back in the day and absolutely loved it! I had gone from an RD350Lc which was fantastic to a GPZ 600R which I was a bit disappointed with so in 1988 I found a two year old NS 400 and traded the Kawasaki in. To be back on a two stroke was epic and the NS sounded brilliant too! I love the smell of two strokes and I remember that I used to come home smelling much more from the NS with it's high level exhaust, happy days! I love lightweight bikes and went from that to a KR1 250 then two RGV 250s.:)
I loved my CB400/4. Did everything I wanted at a reasonable cost. The RD400 was the hero bike at the time. It just begged to be thrashed all the time. Owning the Honda probably saved my license, and almost certainly my life. I had to use a car by the time the bikes you featured here (work and wife , you know).
My first road bike was a gsxr 400 on a 1990 plate. Loved that bike was such a involving ride. Followed by a RGV 250 n ad have the 400 over it every day of the week.
NC30 has always been a nearly. Had through choice RD500LC,FZR1000,GSXR750J.FZX750, '85 FJ1200. NS was nikasil bores. Never owned a kawasaki. Didn't want an RC30 at the price, ow01 was more than I could afford. GSXR1100 was too much. FZR1000 exup frame Didn't fit. Then I got a Harley 883 because I couldn't find a black shadow at the time, still wanted a Vincent until I got my '99 Harley twin cam FXDL. Now I get to shower it with shiny gifts and anyone who says they can hang on to buckhorns and forward controls into a gentle breeze past 130 is probably full of crap. Got 170+ out of the '85 FJ12 35 years ago,my brother still owns it. 155 on an FZX750 without a fairing was uncomfortable.
Yep. Anything over 125 mph without some sort of screen is hard work lol. One of my exup 1000s has a YZF750 swingarm and cams 🤣🤣🤣 they are a big beast though 😊
Such a great time in motorcycle history with the 400 screamers. We got cheated out of the majority of them over here in the US. But i read all the magazines as a kid and remember having that baby blade poster in my bedroom. The good old days. I was blessed to have grown up when i did because these kids now are really missing out. It looks like Japan just doesn't need to constantly battle it out between the big 4 when it comes to speed and performance anymore. I have high hopes for CF Moto and i never ever in a million years thought id be saying that. It doesn't even feel right.
@@barebonesmc Agreed, the CB-1 didn't catch on at all in the US - to our loss. I think that early small Bandit was one of the early open trellis bikes too.
I had a stock Bandit 400, and one with 1990 GSXR750 shock, forks, clamps, gauges, clipons, 6 piston Tokico calipers, and a high mount pipe. That bike was a blast!!!
I owned a FZ400 then a CBR400RR both great bikes, the FZ would wind off the clock in 5th with a gear to go, and my CBR used leave my old mates Ducati 750 sport in the dust. Thank you for the memories 👍
I always thought the 400cc bikes were the perfect size and power and it really bothers that nobody really makes an inline 4-cylinder 400cc 4-stroke anymore. All I can find here in the states is two cylinders that sound like a thumping helicopter and not pleasant. Need a screaming 4-stroke 4-cylinder and nobody really makes a modern version that's not a twin, or a zillion dollars. What a bummer.
I had a suzuki impulse 400 basically a gsxr without the fairing a import model I was going through bad time it help me through if could find another I would definitely buy
I loved my 83 cbx 400 f it was fun i rode one time and stones sticking to the tires 13,500 redline .i love to buy a cbr 400 rr i have a cbr 900 rr sc 33 i hardly get move the throttle 400 be way more fun.
As always a great video the 400" are one bike i simply never got the chance ride sadly, but I've still got my Suzuki RG500, and seeing this footage of the 400 and someone tucked behind the fairying at full song & that wonderful sound certainly bought back some good memories. To be honest I don't buy anything over 650 I can't see the point of haveing more CC's along with more weight ,when you can get more bang for your buck, and more fun from these bike's they are much more enjoyable to ride in the Twisties. And not a great deal slower overall anyway 💯 👑👍
the first FZ400 sported an old air cooled lump an XJ derivative I think 2 valve heads and humble box section steel cradle but was regarded as an absolute blade for handling
My favourite is the VFR400R looks just like an RC30 my all time favourite super bike, we did get some of these bikes in Australia but unfortunately not all and today there worth as much as newer super bikes. Excellent video as usual 👍🇦🇺
The NS400R wins as the only motorbike in the class with a faired in sidestand. I know these are all quicker than the 400 class of today, but I will attest to the huge amounts of fun I have on my little KTM RC390. It's renewed the joy in riding that started to wane away after decades on big bikes. I'm giggling inside my helmet on a regular basis.
I nearly bought a CBR400rrrrrrrrrr but figured out every ride would have been trying to hit that mental red line and would sooner rather than later have me piloting it into the scenery. What a toy!
Another excellent video with great footage and as always, all the appropriate facts delivered by a human being - a rare treat in these days of AI infestation. I do feel that Honda’s domestic market CB-1 deserves at least an honourable mention here. Although it’s a naked sports bike (arguably the first - predating the Ducati Monster), a heavier tubular steel perimeter frame, basic rectangular steel swing arm, and comically heavy wheels, top speed (perhaps thanks to gearing) is equal to its CBR400 bothers. Some people even race them. The export model with Smurf blue or yellow tanks, was less well equipped with a black painted mild steel exhaust, and basic foot pegs (in place of the Japanese model’s very high quality stainless steel and bolted-on aluminium ones) and detuned for the Kommunist state of Kalifornia. Somewhere I have a couple of them, maybe two and a half or three. They best suit the smaller lighter rider, mainly due to the foot peg position and the rear shock. Sadly the online forum is run by a tyrant who’s apparently more interested in the ad revenue than allowing free debate. But that’s another story. Ride safe Choose your flags wisely Peace 🏴
A red dragon is always a good ally 😊 I had the cb1 and others in. But it didn’t quite fit here as I wanted so it will follow later 😊 have a good un mate
As you said at the beginning, handling/cornering is the most fun. Drag racing,, ah boring. Every ride from skis, skate boards to military fighter jets, everything in between handling is #1. It's kind of like duct tape & zip ties, you just can't live without it/them. Thanks for another great video. Going out for a ride on my 398cc now
I had the Honda NC30 in Taiwan. Fitted a Tyga Maggot pipe and rear-sets. Would embarrass many large bikes in the mountains there. I geared it down as it was too long legged for those mountains
Rode and club racd an Aprilia RS250. Really moved around corners! Alas, I had a TBI and failed to move onto my RC3? bike. My TBI was at over 120mph, coming out of the first, huge sweepnig right hander at Mallory Park. Long since recovered and back on bikes... more post TBI than before -- 18 or 19 in total, so far.
400cc bikes I've owned - an NC24 (which was my first sports bike), an NC30 (a rare UK model sadly stolen), an NC35 (a bloody fast bike and a tad better than the NC30 (and 17" rubber)), and an (probably 1992) FZR400. They were all great bikes. I'd have an NC35 again if I had spare money and garage space, or maybe the baby blade. As it is, I'm considering doing something daft and getting a new ZX4RR on PCP 🤣
Nice one mate, I do hope you’re well. We did get these in a very limited quantity in Australia regarding the larger 2-strokes. However, the bike that bred about 8 Australian World Champions and many more racers in the big leagues was the RGV-250 which dominated the 250 cc Production Series in Australia from 1888 - 1998. I still have one out of the two I raced with the original fairings untouched as it they were purchased just for the track. It (a MY95) hasn’t been started in around 25 years and each time I mention I have one whilst in discussions with another enthusiast the first question I get is how much do you want for it. When discussing this particular machine with others who ended up racing overseas will always say they had the most fun racing in this category. My house mate/team manager during the 90’s had the RG500 and to be honest (apart from the glorious sound) it was a bit of a pig to ride from memory back then. The RGV-250, with a rear sprocket change, would achieve 220-225 kph just past the start/finish line at Phillip Island. This just made it a bit harder to launch from the start, especially as the first 3 rows at Phillip Island are uphill, where the rest are slightly down hill. The 400 screaming 4-stroke machines also made their way here, just weren’t as quick as the 250 2-strokes and cost more (hence they weren’t converted into a racing class). Keep up the great work mate. Simply love your work and hearing your voice. All of my 2 wheeled friends also love your channel now. 👍👍
I love light great handling 4 strokes. I had a lone of both a Gsxr 400 and a Fzr 400 around the same time that I had a Z 650 both of them would take the old Z to the cleaners. I love Honda V twins like the transalp Ntv650 and deauvills so I feel that I have been blessed to pick up a 1989 Bros 650 last year. It's got a light stiff alloy beam frame that is the same as a nsr 250 apparently a single sided swinging arm like a RC30 it only shares the engine cases with the get you to work stable mates. It's a much faster tune with a close ratio gearbox. Mist fun bike I ever rode in my life and I have had fireblade and all sorts. Not the fastest but the handling is fantastic and when I trash it a bit I have great fun without putting myself in licence losing territory. If you like twins but fine 1 liter Japanese bikes too thirsty and ducati's to maintenance hungry it just might be the ticket 👍
Living in Japan here and can attest that the license is at tier level, standard license is up to 250cc which does not require a 'Shaken' similar to MOT in the UK. With a car license, one can own and ride a moped up to 50cc, if not a test is required, and it is hard like the full license but more time is given to complete it. Also, insurance is cheaper and tax is done by weight of the vehicle here, that is why, many customised motorcycles are 250cc. The next class is the 400cc license and finally the 'ogata' large bike license, in all instances, during the test, one must pick up the motorcycle, all tests are done on a closed circuit and motorcycles are provided by the test centre apart mopeds so that everyone is on equal footing. Insurance is cheaper than the UK and everyone pays the same regardless, this varies by age but at a mandatory flat rate. Then there is an optional private insurance to cover extra costs and personal injury, tax is cheaper and the MOT costs around £150 every 2 years if done by the owner, a dealer charges around £400 , that's where the myth comes of owning a big bike is expensive. Hope this helps and thank you for the amazing videos. 2 strokes are still allowed here, we don't have that bs like the UK with their green agenda. Ride safe and enjoy 😊
I don’t hate the bikes as such. I just don’t like PMG and what they do sometimes 😊 but a single however hot. Will never be in the same league as the 4 pot screamers like these 😊 even a 690r would struggle I think. Although an smc690r v these would be entertaining 😊
@@simplerick3851 the ecu cuts power in top gear if I remember right. So it can be remapped. A healtech ATRE Might help but you’d need to check. I’m working from memory there lol gearing is the key. Acceleration or top end. But both more complex 😊😊
Hi. Regarding the Genesis term used for the Yamaha's, it was described in their press blurb as the designing of the frame and engine together rather than as separate entities and then making them match. It strikes me as a bit of marketing as all engine designs would have to be done with a view to fitting them in a frame and visa versa but I bought the idea at the time if not the bike. Thanks for the video.
@barebonesmc That's interesting...I've always liked the 5 head design. When first introduced, Yamaha said it caused trifluricarion (as I recall, my spelling may be way off) which was a term used to describe the way the three inlet valves caused the gasses to mix more thoroughly. Please keep the videos coming. I very much appreciate them.
The RVF had the 17" rear which arguably gave better tyre choice but BT90's were available in those days so it never bothered me. I did end up putting a 17 conversion from the early 750 although I can't recall it being any better.
I'm very glad to see this posted, "prayers" have gone out & I do hope things are progressing. Great video here, if I were looking for a straight up Street Bike, I'd want a 400cc - 500cc bike that could be tweaked for speed, agility, & handling. Again, thoughts are w/ you guys...... peace & Godspeed my Friends !
Yeah man, I did happen to enjoy the video,,,,, it enlightened me about the size of motorcycle I think I'd want for a street bike. These 400cc - 500cc bikes are just under the radar of Insurance Policies that stick you hard for those dreaded 600cc bikes. The insurance rates soar from 600cc's & up. So you struck a nerve in the very bikes I'd look to have. I just don't know which one could be beefed up the most & is the best handling. I'm more into handling since I've lost my athletic abilities in my older age...... I was also enthusiastic seeing ya posting, I can only tell you that you guys are on my mind here. Please be well & we'll chat when you're feeling better. Tell the little lady I said hello from Texas. Do take care & I'll remember ya'll in prayers. peace & GB ALL
The Suzuki GT380 (nearly a 400) "won" the Castrol Six Hour, which was a production race in Australia open to any production bike. A huge deal in Australia and often used in pub arguments about what the quickest bike was. Sadly it was disqualified as the horn had been moved.
The other interesting "400" in Australia was the GSX-R 400 raced by one of the bike shops in Sydney shortly before the GSX-R 750 was available. They had squeezed the 750 Katana engine into it that had itself been taken out to 1000cc. So maybe not technically a 400, but used to great effect by Robbie Phillis.
I feel that 400cc is the perfect capacity for a motorcycle. Inherently lighter but enough weight to be still stable. The maximum capacity for a single before vibration and balance are too much, ideal for a V2 looking for revs and smoothness, brilliant for screaming in line 4s. All will offer plenty of speed and potentially good acceleration. Perfect options for older riders who are over the weight and size of larger machines. It’s worth noting that Honda have built many premium machines in this capacity over the years that gave nothing away quality wise to larger capacity machines. Given the shed space I’d build up a collection of the great Honda 400 cc machines from over the years.
He won the lightweight TT in 2000 but after the race his bike was measured and found to be 600cc. He blamed his sponsor which was nonsense as he owned the bike and vowed to return next year and win again but the powers that be weren't having that and banned the cheat from the TT🏁🏁🏁@@barebonesmc
I had a GPZ400R as my first 'big bike'. That seat was a ball buster but I didn't understand how to ride it properly, hence why I thought it was gutless. I like fairings but I'm just not a fast rider. That's twice you made me smile. :D
Nearly lol. East Midlands but from South Yorkshire stock so a bit of a mixture really lol. Lived in Shropshire and Ulster too. So the accent has been coloured lol
Not a 400cc bike lover, but they can be much fun if you like to ride hard and corner hard and more affordable than the big boys. And they are cheaper to run on a day to day basis
That voice isn’t AI. You can hear it in his throat voice. The guy has been out on a bike so often, you just hear that he’s swallowed at least a hundred stinging bees and wasps.
That's a little rich coming from an American hot dog swallower, with whatever broken chicken scratch English you use back there in hell's doorway the USA🤪💯✌️🇦🇺
I had a rvf400 and it was pretty ok, but was pretty boring with its 55bhp and 190kg curb weight. it felt like an 200hp car but if we are getting new 400cc bikes then they need to have 70-80bhp to feel exciting. Buut, gonna say one more thing, when seeing the onboard vids from these 400cc bikes I am instantly taken back to when I played Tourist Trophy on ps2. We need another TT from PD, there are no other good motorcycle games at all since then.
Riding a 400cc was the most fun i had on a motorcycle. Chose it over a 250cc two stroke. no regrets. Cheers
Couldn’t agree more mate. People get too obsessed by big bikes and never really learn how to use them 😊
I had a ZXR400RR which I raced. Beautiful, lovely bike. A bugger to pull away as it had a close ratio box with a loooong 1st gear, also different carbs and it went like crazy ! The CBR400 could'nt stay with it. I loved that it revved forever and I had an open pipe and it sang !!!
It was a case of some years the xx was better but others the cbr was. It made it much more about how well you rode them 😊
Those were the days, when riders were riders and bikes were bikes....none of all that tech nonsense today's bikes have wot with traction control, launch control, multi riding modes, etc that today's bikes are infested with.......
Anti wheelie devices🤣🤣🤣 on a sport bike??? 😂😂😂😂 pmsl
Ive got an 87 VFR400 NC24. An absolute hoot to ride
Truly masterful bikes
I had a HONDA VFR NC24 great bikes loved mine 👌👍
@@darrenmcphillips4706 Loved mine too, was my first sports bike at the time and I couldn't appreciate it for what it was back then. A few bikes like the VTR1000 SP1, Fireblades, and Ducati superbikes later, I can.
The 400cc JDM had a lot of interesting models that luckily made it to the UK back in the grey import days many of which I wish I had owned, I do have a 1996 Honda CBRR 400 Fireblade, 2001 NC35 400 Honda RVF and a 1997 250 Hornet.
A great collection 😊 the mini blade is a favourite of mine 😊 ride free brother 😊
Im sure it was ian duffusi saw or hutchy at knockhill circuit , win a race a piece . ,if i could afford one thojgh id buy the little gsxr with the twin lights , a photogenic little rocket in gun metal grey, and red !
Nearly 50 years ago, (holy smoke) I had a KZ650, and my friend had an RD400. I had to lash the hell out of that Kawasaki just to keep up.
I had a 350lc and a z650(later) and they are both great bikes. The RDs were just special though
You want mental? I'll show you 'kin mental. (Every 400 rider ever)
Lol
What a fantastic video thanks so much ❤
Took some doing this one but it needed doing 😊 cheers for the support 😊 just hoping RUclips doesn’t crucify me too much because the only want 20 minute videos now
Over time, and eschewing dogma, the same model asserts itself continuously; up to 60hp- 350lbs and as sharp a chassis as the available tires allow for.
From Cammy Nortons, through Guzzi Bicylindrica's and anything in the Turner (and etc.) Twins gene pool, right up to the modern day- on public roads, less *is* more.
Wise words 😊😊😊
The NC35 was built for a more broader spread of power, with longer duration cams but smaller carbs.
Chucking the cams into the NC30 gave it a bit of a boost and made better use of the bigger carbs and slightly bigger inlet valves.
I had an NC30 with a full Yamamoto system. Sounded awesome
Cheers. A riders eye comment is always good😊😊
The YAMAHA FZR 400 for me every time, mate.
My choice too really
I kept a 4dx on the road for 14 years .... Beautiful machine ...
Having missed 2 x CBR400 "Babyblade's" & a KR1S. I've lost the Patience a found myself an 98% original Kawasaki ZXR 750 H2 🙂
Great bikes 😊👍💪👌
Had a UK spec FZR400RR for 7 years, same as the one in the video - it ran faultlessly and was great bike for the roads with Maxton TT spec forks. While it was off the road after a car knocked me off I had an NC30 with a standard silencer modified to run a straight through baffle like a race can. Sounded awesome! The Honda felt more powerful than the Yamaha but actually wasn’t, and the Yamaha handled better. The UK FZR400RR cost more than the FZR600 but you could see why with the much better finish and chunky aluminium chassis. The RRSP model cost even more but most of those went on the track I think
As a freshly minted young rider in the 80's, with limited funds and parents to persuade, smaller capacity bikes were always where it was at for me. I distinctly remember poring over the mags at these bikes with my mates, debating endlessly the 1 or 2 hp or kg differences between these machines and how that might influence which one you'd choose. It was a great time to be into bikes, with manufacturers pushing eachnother to ever higher levels of excellence and almost unimaginable performance.
As I got older and the practical concerns around bike ownership largely went away, my tastes did not change. I still get more excited over big 2 & smaller capacity 4 stroke bikes than any others. Thank you for this wonderful video, and all the best!
Had a NC30 after a couple of RD's. NC was probably nicest bike i've ever owned.
Truly awesome engineering
400cc was always a fun ride, I remember keeping the rear tire pressure lower for traction. ✌️
The only one of these bikes that we got in the States was the FZR400. I raced one for years, culminating with running a team in the last motorcycle 24-hour endurance race in the U.S. in 1993. There was no lightweight category at that time, so we ran it in Middleweight Production and took 3rd place, beating all but two of the 600's. The trophy is behind me in my office right now.
Cheers for sharing mate. That must have been fantastic to watch. And a credit to you for bringing home a trophy 😊💪👌 as I said. Bigger isn’t always better 😊
@@barebonesmc If you search RUclips for "Nelson Ledges 24-hour" you'll find a 2-part video that someone shot of this event and put on line just a couple of years ago. At 25:55 in the second video you can see my team in post-race celebration.
I owned a Honda NS400R back in the day and absolutely loved it! I had gone from an RD350Lc which was fantastic to a GPZ 600R which I was a bit disappointed with so in 1988 I found a two year old NS 400 and traded the Kawasaki in. To be back on a two stroke was epic and the NS sounded brilliant too! I love the smell of two strokes and I remember that I used to come home smelling much more from the NS with it's high level exhaust, happy days! I love lightweight bikes and went from that to a KR1 250 then two RGV 250s.:)
That’s a nice collection of rides you’re had 😊 and cheers for the story 😊💪👌
I loved my CB400/4. Did everything I wanted at a reasonable cost. The RD400 was the hero bike at the time. It just begged to be thrashed all the time. Owning the Honda probably saved my license, and almost certainly my life. I had to use a car by the time the bikes you featured here (work and wife , you know).
I went 500/4 then 350LC 😊👌 wild times 😊
My first road bike was a gsxr 400 on a 1990 plate. Loved that bike was such a involving ride. Followed by a RGV 250 n ad have the 400 over it every day of the week.
It was a wild time when engineers were more important than beancounters 😊
I like your taste in bikes!
Aprilia tried a 440 4stroke V-twin for MX that was supposed to fit in a RS250 frame. Could have been great.
The bike that got banned it was so good 🤣🤣 not the 450. But I had a ride on the 550 supermoto on a track and it was truly mental 🤣🤣
NC30 has always been a nearly.
Had through choice RD500LC,FZR1000,GSXR750J.FZX750, '85 FJ1200.
NS was nikasil bores.
Never owned a kawasaki.
Didn't want an RC30 at the price, ow01 was more than I could afford.
GSXR1100 was too much.
FZR1000 exup frame Didn't fit.
Then I got a Harley 883 because I couldn't find a black shadow at the time, still wanted a Vincent until I got my '99 Harley twin cam FXDL.
Now I get to shower it with shiny gifts and anyone who says they can hang on to buckhorns and forward controls into a gentle breeze past 130 is probably full of crap.
Got 170+ out of the '85 FJ12 35 years ago,my brother still owns it.
155 on an FZX750 without a fairing was uncomfortable.
Yep. Anything over 125 mph without some sort of screen is hard work lol. One of my exup 1000s has a YZF750 swingarm and cams 🤣🤣🤣 they are a big beast though 😊
Such a great time in motorcycle history with the 400 screamers. We got cheated out of the majority of them over here in the US. But i read all the magazines as a kid and remember having that baby blade poster in my bedroom. The good old days. I was blessed to have grown up when i did because these kids now are really missing out. It looks like Japan just doesn't need to constantly battle it out between the big 4 when it comes to speed and performance anymore. I have high hopes for CF Moto and i never ever in a million years thought id be saying that. It doesn't even feel right.
lol. I know what you mean re cf Moto and others like Voge and kove. They seem to be delivering and listening to customers which has to be good
For the money the Suzuki GS4OOF Bandit was hard to beat - very sure-footed streetbikes.
As with the cb1 and others it just didn’t quite fit here. It’s time will come 😊
@@barebonesmc Agreed, the CB-1 didn't catch on at all in the US - to our loss. I think that early small Bandit was one of the early open trellis bikes too.
I had a stock Bandit 400, and one with 1990 GSXR750 shock, forks, clamps, gauges, clipons, 6 piston Tokico calipers, and a high mount pipe. That bike was a blast!!!
I owned a FZ400 then a CBR400RR both great bikes, the FZ would wind off the clock in 5th with a gear to go, and my CBR used leave my old mates Ducati 750 sport in the dust. Thank you for the memories 👍
Thanks for sharing mate 😊 happy days 😊
Loved my '97 cbr400rr good times
Truly great bikes 😊 wild days 😊
I always thought the 400cc bikes were the perfect size and power and it really bothers that nobody really makes an inline 4-cylinder 400cc 4-stroke anymore. All I can find here in the states is two cylinders that sound like a thumping helicopter and not pleasant. Need a screaming 4-stroke 4-cylinder and nobody really makes a modern version that's not a twin, or a zillion dollars. What a bummer.
Dunno what prices are like there but the cb1 is worth a look maybe? A future classic
I had a suzuki impulse 400 basically a gsxr without the fairing a import model I was going through bad time it help me through if could find another I would definitely buy
Will have to check on that one
I loved my 83 cbx 400 f it was fun i rode one time and stones sticking to the tires 13,500 redline .i love to buy a cbr 400 rr i have a cbr 900 rr sc 33 i hardly get move the throttle 400 be way more fun.
Truly great bikes
As always a great video the 400" are one bike i simply never got the chance ride sadly, but I've still got my Suzuki RG500, and seeing this footage of the 400 and someone tucked behind the fairying at full song & that wonderful sound certainly bought back some good memories. To be honest I don't buy anything over 650 I can't see the point of haveing more CC's along with more weight ,when you can get more bang for your buck, and more fun from these bike's they are much more enjoyable to ride in the Twisties. And not a great deal slower overall anyway
💯 👑👍
Let’s face it. They are still faster than most riders or roads 🤣🤣🤣
the first FZ400 sported an old air cooled lump an XJ derivative I think 2 valve heads and humble box section steel cradle but was regarded as an absolute blade for handling
Right. But was a 4 valve head 😊👌 pukka bikes
My favourite is the VFR400R looks just like an RC30 my all time favourite super bike, we did get some of these bikes in Australia but unfortunately not all and today there worth as much as newer super bikes. Excellent video as usual 👍🇦🇺
Cheers mate 😊 even back in the day the vf400 was more to buy than the 750 here
The NS400R wins as the only motorbike in the class with a faired in sidestand.
I know these are all quicker than the 400 class of today, but I will attest to the huge amounts of fun I have on my little KTM RC390. It's renewed the joy in riding that started to wane away after decades on big bikes. I'm giggling inside my helmet on a regular basis.
I nearly bought a CBR400rrrrrrrrrr but figured out every ride would have been trying to hit that mental red line and would sooner rather than later have me piloting it into the scenery. What a toy!
They were glorious bikes😊
I don't care what the numbers say, that NS400R is a shockingly quick bike. Rides nice too.
Indeed. Much stronger than the specs 🤓😊
Another excellent video with great footage and as always, all the appropriate facts delivered by a human being - a rare treat in these days of AI infestation.
I do feel that Honda’s domestic market CB-1 deserves at least an honourable mention here.
Although it’s a naked sports bike (arguably the first - predating the Ducati Monster), a heavier tubular steel perimeter frame, basic rectangular steel swing arm, and comically heavy wheels, top speed (perhaps thanks to gearing) is equal to its CBR400 bothers. Some people even race them.
The export model with Smurf blue or yellow tanks, was less well equipped with a black painted mild steel exhaust, and basic foot pegs (in place of the Japanese model’s very high quality stainless steel and bolted-on aluminium ones) and detuned for the Kommunist state of Kalifornia.
Somewhere I have a couple of them, maybe two and a half or three. They best suit the smaller lighter rider, mainly due to the foot peg position and the rear shock. Sadly the online forum is run by a tyrant who’s apparently more interested in the ad revenue than allowing free debate. But that’s another story.
Ride safe
Choose your flags wisely
Peace 🏴
A red dragon is always a good ally 😊 I had the cb1 and others in. But it didn’t quite fit here as I wanted so it will follow later 😊 have a good un mate
I have an 88 FZR400 and a 86 VF500F in my collection. Always looking for the others to add. Hard to find. Great video!!!!
Nice 😊 and cheers mate. I do my best
I remember riding a mate's Triumph T120R & drag racing another mate on his CB400 Four. Yes, the Bonnie got it's arse kicked.
Been there mate 😊 people always underestimate the pocket rockets 😊
You mention the Honda 400 four but not the bike that replaced it which imo is better is the 400n superdream
That was featured in the 80s bargains video 😊 great bikes
As you said at the beginning, handling/cornering is the most fun. Drag racing,, ah boring. Every ride from skis, skate boards to military fighter jets, everything in between handling is #1. It's kind of like duct tape & zip ties, you just can't live without it/them. Thanks for another great video. Going out for a ride on my 398cc now
Hope you had a great ride mate. Here’s to the pocket rockets 😊
I had the Honda NC30 in Taiwan. Fitted a Tyga Maggot pipe and rear-sets. Would embarrass many large bikes in the mountains there. I geared it down as it was too long legged for those mountains
Glorious bikes 😊
Rode and club racd an Aprilia RS250. Really moved around corners! Alas, I had a TBI and failed to move onto my RC3? bike. My TBI was at over 120mph, coming out of the first, huge sweepnig right hander at Mallory Park. Long since recovered and back on bikes... more post TBI than before -- 18 or 19 in total, so far.
Gerard’s is always a challenge 😊 glad you pulled through
400cc bikes I've owned - an NC24 (which was my first sports bike), an NC30 (a rare UK model sadly stolen), an NC35 (a bloody fast bike and a tad better than the NC30 (and 17" rubber)), and an (probably 1992) FZR400. They were all great bikes. I'd have an NC35 again if I had spare money and garage space, or maybe the baby blade. As it is, I'm considering doing something daft and getting a new ZX4RR on PCP 🤣
Nice one mate, I do hope you’re well. We did get these in a very limited quantity in Australia regarding the larger 2-strokes. However, the bike that bred about 8 Australian World Champions and many more racers in the big leagues was the RGV-250 which dominated the 250 cc Production Series in Australia from 1888 - 1998. I still have one out of the two I raced with the original fairings untouched as it they were purchased just for the track. It (a MY95) hasn’t been started in around 25 years and each time I mention I have one whilst in discussions with another enthusiast the first question I get is how much do you want for it. When discussing this particular machine with others who ended up racing overseas will always say they had the most fun racing in this category. My house mate/team manager during the 90’s had the RG500 and to be honest (apart from the glorious sound) it was a bit of a pig to ride from memory back then. The RGV-250, with a rear sprocket change, would achieve 220-225 kph just past the start/finish line at Phillip Island. This just made it a bit harder to launch from the start, especially as the first 3 rows at Phillip Island are uphill, where the rest are slightly down hill. The 400 screaming 4-stroke machines also made their way here, just weren’t as quick as the 250 2-strokes and cost more (hence they weren’t converted into a racing class). Keep up the great work mate. Simply love your work and hearing your voice. All of my 2 wheeled friends also love your channel now. 👍👍
You are a gem mate and I never tire of your stories 😊 the rgv was special 😊
Your the best when it comes to info.
Cheers mate 😊 I do my best 😊 thanks for the support
I love light great handling 4 strokes. I had a lone of both a Gsxr 400 and a Fzr 400 around the same time that I had a Z 650 both of them would take the old Z to the cleaners. I love Honda V twins like the transalp Ntv650 and deauvills so I feel that I have been blessed to pick up a 1989 Bros 650 last year. It's got a light stiff alloy beam frame that is the same as a nsr 250 apparently a single sided swinging arm like a RC30 it only shares the engine cases with the get you to work stable mates. It's a much faster tune with a close ratio gearbox. Mist fun bike I ever rode in my life and I have had fireblade and all sorts. Not the fastest but the handling is fantastic and when I trash it a bit I have great fun without putting myself in licence losing territory. If you like twins but fine 1 liter Japanese bikes too thirsty and ducati's to maintenance hungry it just might be the ticket 👍
That engine is pretty bombproof 😊💪
Had a NC29 and a FZR 4003TJ, both were great but the FZR was annoyingly restricted to 112mph!
They could be freed though 😊 great bikes 😊
These bikes came about because of the Japanese bike test which included picking your bike up clear of the floor
Is that real?😊 I understood it was stepped licensing which meant only the very wealthy could afford anything bigger?
@@barebonesmc The road tax in Japan >400cc was financially crippling. Plus you needed to take another expensive course & test.
Living in Japan here and can attest that the license is at tier level, standard license is up to 250cc which does not require a 'Shaken' similar to MOT in the UK. With a car license, one can own and ride a moped up to 50cc, if not a test is required, and it is hard like the full license but more time is given to complete it. Also, insurance is cheaper and tax is done by weight of the vehicle here, that is why, many customised motorcycles are 250cc. The next class is the 400cc license and finally the 'ogata' large bike license, in all instances, during the test, one must pick up the motorcycle, all tests are done on a closed circuit and motorcycles are provided by the test centre apart mopeds so that everyone is on equal footing. Insurance is cheaper than the UK and everyone pays the same regardless, this varies by age but at a mandatory flat rate. Then there is an optional private insurance to cover extra costs and personal injury, tax is cheaper and the MOT costs around £150 every 2 years if done by the owner, a dealer charges around £400 , that's where the myth comes of owning a big bike is expensive. Hope this helps and thank you for the amazing videos. 2 strokes are still allowed here, we don't have that bs like the UK with their green agenda. Ride safe and enjoy 😊
Love my 87 fzr400! Sadly, the us couldn't get the vfr400. Still, glad I still have my fzr!
Truly great bikes 😊
Had a VF400F as my first big bike after passing my test in '89 on my Honda NS125F... I was 17 & I loved it! 😊
Great bikes
I know we like to hate on KTM but my 390 absolutely Rips! Braaaap!
I don’t hate the bikes as such. I just don’t like PMG and what they do sometimes 😊 but a single however hot. Will never be in the same league as the 4 pot screamers like these 😊 even a 690r would struggle I think. Although an smc690r v these would be entertaining 😊
@barebonesmc I get what your saying. Also, Top end on 390 sucks and zero power after fourth gear but I think I got the 0-60 under 4 seconds.
@@simplerick3851 the ecu cuts power in top gear if I remember right. So it can be remapped. A healtech ATRE Might help but you’d need to check. I’m working from memory there lol gearing is the key. Acceleration or top end. But both more complex 😊😊
Enjoyed the video very much!!! I just got back from a zx4rr ride. Woo hoo
Sounds like you enjoyed it. Have you ridden any of the 80's-90's 400s? If so, how does it compare?
Hi. Regarding the Genesis term used for the Yamaha's, it was described in their press blurb as the designing of the frame and engine together rather than as separate entities and then making them match. It strikes me as a bit of marketing as all engine designs would have to be done with a view to fitting them in a frame and visa versa but I bought the idea at the time if not the bike. Thanks for the video.
Cheers for adding mate. On the yamaha mv history page I found it still specifically talks about the 5 valve head. So did confuse me 😊
@barebonesmc That's interesting...I've always liked the 5 head design. When first introduced, Yamaha said it caused trifluricarion (as I recall, my spelling may be way off) which was a term used to describe the way the three inlet valves caused the gasses to mix more thoroughly.
Please keep the videos coming. I very much appreciate them.
top video always a pleasure when i watch your well constructed vids wd my freind ride safe
Thanks 👍 have a great week mate
The RVF had the 17" rear which arguably gave better tyre choice but BT90's were available in those days so it never bothered me. I did end up putting a 17 conversion from the early 750 although I can't recall it being any better.
A lot of testers are now calling 900cc bikes a middle weight , Times have changed , huh
Yep. Stupid. Progress eh 😊😊😊
I'm very glad to see this posted, "prayers" have gone out & I do hope things are progressing. Great video here, if I were
looking for a straight up Street Bike, I'd want a 400cc - 500cc bike that could be tweaked for speed, agility, & handling.
Again, thoughts are w/ you guys...... peace & Godspeed my Friends !
Cheers mate. Managed the longest walk of the year so it’s goin ok so far. And glad you enjoyed the video 😊
Yeah man, I did happen to enjoy the video,,,,, it enlightened me about the size of motorcycle I think I'd want for
a street bike. These 400cc - 500cc bikes are just under the radar of Insurance Policies that stick you hard for
those dreaded 600cc bikes. The insurance rates soar from 600cc's & up. So you struck a nerve in the very
bikes I'd look to have. I just don't know which one could be beefed up the most & is the best handling. I'm
more into handling since I've lost my athletic abilities in my older age...... I was also enthusiastic seeing ya
posting, I can only tell you that you guys are on my mind here. Please be well & we'll chat when you're
feeling better. Tell the little lady I said hello from Texas. Do take care & I'll remember ya'll in prayers.
peace & GB ALL
The Suzuki GT380 (nearly a 400) "won" the Castrol Six Hour, which was a production race in Australia open to any production bike. A huge deal in Australia and often used in pub arguments about what the quickest bike was. Sadly it was disqualified as the horn had been moved.
The other interesting "400" in Australia was the GSX-R 400 raced by one of the bike shops in Sydney shortly before the GSX-R 750 was available. They had squeezed the 750 Katana engine into it that had itself been taken out to 1000cc. So maybe not technically a 400, but used to great effect by Robbie Phillis.
Great story mate cheers for sharing 😊 I feature the 380 in the 2 stroke terrors video 😊 my favourite of the gt range 😊
Correction mate. The Suzuki was a 350 twin, not a 380 railhead triple. 2:24
I feel that 400cc is the perfect capacity for a motorcycle. Inherently lighter but enough weight to be still stable.
The maximum capacity for a single before vibration and balance are too much, ideal for a V2 looking for revs and smoothness, brilliant for screaming in line 4s.
All will offer plenty of speed and potentially good acceleration.
Perfect options for older riders who are over the weight and size of larger machines.
It’s worth noting that Honda have built many premium machines in this capacity over the years that gave nothing away quality wise to larger capacity machines.
Given the shed space I’d build up a collection of the great Honda 400 cc machines from over the years.
That’s a video I’ve been looking at lol. The cb1 etc just wouldn’t have fitted properly in this one. But……😂
Yes the CB1, Bros 400, CB400SF, GB400TT, original CB400F (which I stupidly sold), all would make a great collection along with the VFR400 and CBR400.
@@ultimateiphonedng8756 so many 😊😊
Geoff McMullan had a rocket ship of a 400 in the 2000 Isle of Man TT Lightweight race.🏁🏁🏁🏁
Not a name I know well but cheers I’ll check him out
He won the lightweight TT in 2000 but after the race his bike was measured and found to be 600cc. He blamed his sponsor which was nonsense as he owned the bike and vowed to return next year and win again but the powers that be weren't having that and banned the cheat from the TT🏁🏁🏁@@barebonesmc
I had a GPZ400R as my first 'big bike'. That seat was a ball buster but I didn't understand how to ride it properly, hence why I thought it was gutless. I like fairings but I'm just not a fast rider. That's twice you made me smile. :D
Im sure hes real, from bretby or burton on trent or nearby
Nearly lol. East Midlands but from South Yorkshire stock so a bit of a mixture really lol. Lived in Shropshire and Ulster too. So the accent has been coloured lol
RVF had a 1 inch bigger wheel than the NC30 that made tire choice a whole lot better .. think its a 16 inch on the nc
I think that’s right. I liked the 16” front but that’s just me lol. I’ve still got a 16.5” blade front end I’ve been saving for a project lol
@@barebonesmc And the NC30 had an 18" rear. The NC35 went to 17" all around.
Not a 400cc bike lover, but they can be much fun if you like to ride hard and corner hard and more affordable than the big boys. And they are cheaper to run on a day to day basis
Fantastic videos keep it up. Well done and thank you for all the great videos
Yamaha for 400 horsepower
Loook in the 2 strokes playlist and the fastest 500s. They get the intro in the first dangerous bikes video too lol I’m biased. I had a 350lc😊
Far and away the best of the lot! Best sounding , handling and looking!
✌🏻😊
Still got mine...
Is the voice a real person voice or Ai?
I’m real. And yes it’s my voice
That voice isn’t AI. You can hear it in his throat voice.
The guy has been out on a bike so often, you just hear that he’s swallowed at least a hundred stinging bees and wasps.
That's a little rich coming from an American hot dog swallower, with whatever broken chicken scratch English you use back there in hell's doorway the USA🤪💯✌️🇦🇺
@@wolfdog7265 lol. Yet I still ride with my visor up too often pmsl
kawa 400 kh
In time 😊 wouldn’t have been fair here. It wouldn’t have done it justice 😊
9:00 put in Honda here
I had a rvf400 and it was pretty ok, but was pretty boring with its 55bhp and 190kg curb weight. it felt like an 200hp car but if we are getting new 400cc bikes then they need to have 70-80bhp to feel exciting.
Buut, gonna say one more thing, when seeing the onboard vids from these 400cc bikes I am instantly taken back to when I played Tourist Trophy on ps2. We need another TT from PD, there are no other good motorcycle games at all since then.