Honda XR400

[adyb]

As an addition to the GS in the garage (subject to management permission of course) i've been considering an XR400 for those local short blasts, occasional tracks and generally for the odd commute when i can't be bothered to lug the heavy old GS around (or don't wnat to risk damaging it).

has anybody got any experience, thoughts or views on the XR400 as a daily / occasional companion ?

All response appreciated - thanks.

 

[Piggers]

XR 400

Three of my mates had them. Great bikes, but once you have had a electric start bike (DRZ-400E) you wouldn't want to go back the a kicker !
If you plan on doing a fair bit of road work or light trails, I would consider a Trail Bike rather than an Enduro model, as they are not happy at higher road speeds. If you only want it for green lanes and the occasional enduro they are great.
If you could afford one a Suzuki DRZ-400 would be a good choice.

Piggers

 

[Jim-Adv]

Having extensively ridden an XR400 and been convinced that the DRZ400 was better I bought a DRZ. Compared to the build quality of the XR400 the DRZ is rubbish and not nearly as robust. If you can master the kicker, which really isnt that hard then get a nice cheap XR400, it will be easier and cheaper to run, just as much fun to ride and last alot longer.

 

[Striker]

Hi,

I use an XR400, mainly for green lanes, but I do ride between York and the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors without any problems doing 50-60 MPH before we go off the road so to speak. I have also used it for work, but remember it has no ignition switch, so lock it up.

The good points are, it’s simple and very robust. If you want an easy to live with bike this is for you, also consider the xr250.

The DRz is also worth considering, it has more power and will start at a push of a button, don’t go for the enduro version, it is not road legal and the standard pipe is veryvery loud. It is also water cooled, so if you damage a radiator and get a leak your stuffed.


Cheers, Andy

 

[darkhorse]

have a XR 400 for sale if interested

 

[nud1e]

have at look at the Yahama Serow / XT225

a bike that punches more than its weight of 118 kg. Brilliant for trail riding and commuting, truly a dual purpose machine. Good for an indicated 110 kph, sips petrol - over 60 miles to the gallon.
Major drawback - it's light enough for someone to pick up and carry away.

 

[adyb]

xr 400

darkhorse, any details (age / miles / condition / price ?)

thanks

 

[darkhorse]

darkhorse, any details (age / miles / condition / price ?)

thanks

Have a look here

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=48616

Y reg, taxed & MOT'd, about 2000 miles

Looking for £2300 ish subject to deal on spares / extras etc

 

[russ996duke]

xr400

I have ridden my xr 400 off road and on a variety of easy and challenging trails. It performs pretty well overall, and we have got to know each others weaknesses pretty well after 3 years.... however, IF you stall it, by falling off for example, it is an absolute b*****d to start as it floods very easily! Also, if you tackle a steep technical track and "run out of momentum", (i.e. stall it or fall off!), then you often have little choice but to turn around , go back down and start again, thats assuming you can turn it around! So, it does make you think very carefully about some trails where those lucky blighters with magic button would not think twice but give it a go! In addition, you can get very very knackered kicking it over, and if you fall off a lot (who, me? thats coz I am trying very hard!) then you can run out of steam very easily by the end of a good days off roading!
If I had the choice , I would go for aDRZ "e" and add the road kit, yes they are noisy but never, ever underestimate the value of that magicbutton!
hope that helps, happy trail riding!

 

[Piggers]

DRZ-400E

Just for your info I recently sold my X-Reg DRZ-400E with necessary road kit ,renthals, bash plate and a quiet exhaust for £1400, so they can be had at a reasonable price.
Once you have had a kick start four stroke and then an electric start one, you will definately feel that the button is indeed "MAGIC"
But if you have your heart set on an XR just go for it.
The residuals on XR's is very good, so if you decide that you don't like it you can sell it on without too much of a loss.

Piggers