Best Used 400cc Dual-Sport Adventure Motorcycles

Initially, 400 cc motorcycles appeared in Japan , since according to local laws, bikes up to and including this cubic capacity are subject to a minimum tax. But after the flow of used Japanese motorcycles poured into other countries, motorcycles with 400cc engines gained widespread popularity . They are the ones that predominate on Russian roads; both beginners and experienced bikers ride them. Their affordable price made them an entry ticket to the world of real motorcycles; after all, you can’t call them small-capacity motorcycles anymore. But it is impossible to definitively answer the question of whether 400 cc is enough for a comfortable ride. It all depends on your goals and preferred motorcycle class, which we will talk about in this article, offering you our personal top of the best motorcycles in this class.

Cruisers and choppers

The typical cruiser is a heavy and archaic bike, so 400cc. see, it’s simply not enough to carry such a weight while maintaining dynamics. At the same time, such models are not too different in size from their heavier and more powerful counterparts. Their main advantage is the price! But don’t forget that all this beauty moves in space very slowly, and the presence of a passenger kills the last remnants of accelerating dynamics.

Examples

• Yamaha XVS 400 Drag Star . Unified with the 650cc version in many areas. It looks stylish and drives slowly. It has a reliable cardan drive instead of a chain drive, typical of most 400s.
• Yamaha XV 400 Virago . The ancestor of the “Drag Star”, structurally similar in many ways, but differing in some way towards road bikes. The landing is straight, like on a classic. The main advantages are light weight and low price on the secondary market.
• Honda Steed 400 in one modification or another. In many respects it is unified with the Steed 600, and partly with the VT 400 Shadow. Loved by bikers around the world for its stylish appearance, inspired by the Harley-Davidson Softail.
• Honda VT400 Shadow . A cousin of the Steed, and like it, it is equipped with a chain drive. It exists in different modifications, differing mainly in appearance.
• Kawasaki VN400 Vulcan . Not the most frequent guest in Russia. A solid average in all respects.
• Kawasaki EN400 . A peculiar device with an in-line “two” instead of the classic V-twin. Equipped with a belt drive, just like some Harley.
• Kawasaki ZL400 Eliminator . An even rarer motorcycle. The engine is a slightly derated inline-four from the classic. Loves high speeds, is voracious, reaches speeds of up to 180 km/h. Spare parts are very difficult to find, since the model was discontinued a long time ago.
• Suzuki VS400 Intruder . A reliable and durable motorcycle, for the maintenance of which it is advisable to be an octopus. Because otherwise, it will be very difficult to perform some service operations.
• Suzuki LS400 Savage . An archaic 1-cylinder cruiser with sluggish acceleration dynamics. But it is very light and easy to operate. There are also fresh copies, however, already under the name Suzuki Boulevard S40.
• Lifan LF400 . A good Chinese 400cc motorcycle, structurally an almost exact copy of the Yamaha 400 Virago. In Russia it was also sold under the name Stels 400 Cruiser, which differed from the Lifan in that it was assembled in Russia instead of in China.

Two-wheeled modifications:

1. Enduro.

Chinese enduro

Japanese and Chinese 250cc enduro motorcycles are manufactured in full compliance with the requirements of this motorcycle discipline. Strong, reliable, capable of withstanding even the most severe loads and mechanical pressure, such modifications are excellent for overcoming many kilometers of difficult terrain.

2. Road models.

Chinese road worker

Relatively inexpensive Chinese road motorcycles with a 250-cc working unit are distinguished by their versatility and unpretentiousness. They cope quite well with the “peculiarities” of our road surface, are resistant to extreme temperatures and operating conditions, which attracts domestic bikers.

3. Cross modifications.

Cross "Chinese"

Considering the desire with which motocross is developing, it is quite logical that two-wheelers of the corresponding modification are in high demand, both among professionals and those who are just entering the world of speed on closed tracks. Thus, when purchasing a Chinese 250 cc motocross motorcycle, you can safely count on victories and dizzying speeds, not much inferior to the Japanese analogue of the Yamaha YBR 125.

In general, every original Chinese sports motorcycle is quite competitive and can, in the skillful hands of a racer or biker, show crazy power, excellent response to any actions of its owner, excellent ride quality and impeccable performance characteristics

It is important not to forget about preventive measures and still do not skimp on fuel in order to extend the useful life of the “two-wheeled stallion”

Sportbikes

Old Japanese 400cc sportbikes are real sports machines with souped-up engines. They have not been produced for a long time, and all modern Chinese analogues are just stylizations of full-fledged racing equipment, and none of them reaches the 400 cc capacity.

Examples

• Honda CBR400RR . Removed from the assembly line at the end of the 20th century. During the years of production it was wildly popular. The technical characteristics of this model can outshine all modern 400s.
• Honda VFR400 , also known as RVF400 (in a different modification). A real racing machine. It’s just a pity that it’s difficult to find a “living” specimen.
• Kawasaki ZZR400 . A phenomenally popular “zizer”, which, strictly speaking, refers to sports tourists. The bike is reliable and practical, but due to its age, most Zizers have a problem with third gear in the gearbox.
• Yamaha FZR400RR . A now rare sportbike, produced before 1994 and even officially supplied to the markets of other countries.
• Suzuki GSX-R400 . At the time of release, it was distinguished by excellent power (59 hp), very low dry weight and modern design.

002_moto_0611_044

The veteran of our market - Zongshen Winner ZS250GS - has not lost its attractiveness. On a vehicle equipped with a semi-fairing and clip-ons, the driver takes a characteristic semi-recumbent position, the tachometer is located in the center of the instrument panel. The motor is a single-barrel air vent with an enduronic power curve. The brakes on both wheels are disc, with two discs at the front. The chassis features 17-inch wheels, an inverted fork and a rear suspension with a progressive linkage system (alas, without any adjustments). Among the features worth noting are the fuel level indicator on the dashboard and the absence of any cavities for tools. Starting the engine is only possible with an electric starter. The 17-horsepower engine accelerates the motorcycle to 120 km/h. This device has a good reputation of its Chinese “father” - China Zongshen Motorcycle Group Co., Ltd., one of the largest companies in the world.

Road motorcycles

The most extensive category. It can include both old “Japanese” and modern motorcycles from different countries. It is in this direction that novice motorcyclists on a limited budget should look.

Examples

• Honda CB400SF . The most popular motorcycle in Russia! It is inexpensive, there are plenty of spare parts, and it drives very cheerfully. Thanks to his flexible character, he earned the reputation of “the best study desk” of all times.
• Kawasaki ER-4N . A lightweight version of the ER-5N, modern and technologically advanced.
• Honda CB400SS . Vintage bike in retro style. For fans of antiquity. Simple as a brick and just as reliable.
• Yamaha XJR400 . A direct competitor to the Honda CB 400, similar in price and characteristics, like a twin brother.
• Suzuki SV400 . It was produced on the same base as the SV650, and was distinguished by good qualities and a unique L-shaped engine with a perky character.
• Bajaj Dominar 400 . An Indian bike developed in collaboration with the Austrian company KTM. Inexpensive, cute and surprisingly reliable.
• KTM Duke 390 . An option for those who don’t mind paying about 1000 rubles for each “cube” in the engine. But it's worth the money.

Functional

The best city motorcycle simply has to be easy to ride. So that even a beginner can master riding, it is therefore recommended that the bike have the following set of features:

• ABS – protects against sudden wheel locking;
• ACC – helps control speed and avoid collisions in time;
• TCS – ensures consistently good tire adhesion to the road surface;
• AWC – prevents the front wheel from rising higher than necessary;
• Quickshifter – is responsible for easy gear shifting, being a kind of alternative to an automatic transmission in cars.

Additional equipment is welcome, but it is also accompanied by increased costs, which do not always fit into the purchase budget.

Enduro and motards

For the enduro class, 400cc is a serious cubic capacity and is by no means intended for beginners. Many experienced lovers of off-road riding opt for 250cc models, which are less heavy and capable of cheerfully mischief in the forest or in the field. Motards in this regard differ from them only in the place of operation - in the city instead of off-road.

Examples

• Honda XR400 . A legendary motorcycle with absolutely deserved fame. It seems that it can only be broken intentionally. It was produced in two versions, motard and enduro.
• Suzuki DR-Z400 . A direct analogue and competitor, it also had several modifications.
• Yamaha WR400F . Powerful hard enduro for experienced off-road conquerors. Not suitable for beginners due to its significant mass and explosive nature.

Lifan Dakota 250 V2 EFI: naked for beginners

The selection of the best Chinese 250cc motorcycles ends with the Lifan Dakota 250 V2 EFI. This bike has a sporty look with naked features. The tubular cage-type frame is clearly visible as it is hidden under minimal body kit, and this gives the motorcycle a menacing look. The model was also not created from scratch, its prototype was the Honda VTR250, popular in the 90s, and the V2 engine used has long stood the test of time.

Lifan Dakota 250 V2 EFI is not just a copy of Honda, it also has modern solutions. The engine power supply system is an injector with electronic ignition, providing gasoline consumption of only 2.8 liters per 100 km. The power is not outstanding, 18.5 hp, but it is enough to accelerate to 120 km/h and drive at that pace. The only thing missing is a 6-speed gearbox: with the five-speed gearbox used, the engine is prone to vibrations at speeds close to maximum, even the balance shaft between the heads does not prevent them.

When choosing an inexpensive Chinese motorcycle, you should always remember that this technique is not ideal. Of course, the Chinese don’t produce outright rubbish now, but their technology still has some disadvantages. Bikes supplied as parts kits or "semi-finished products" for local assembly may suffer from poor quality assembly through no fault of the Chinese.

Therefore, always remember that before actively using a Chinese 250cc motorcycle, you should inspect it, diagnose it, run it in a gentle mode, and only then drive it to its full potential.

Touring enduro

For long-distance travel, 400 cubes is objectively not enough, so there are practically no options in this category. Large brands do not risk releasing potentially failed models to the market, so all hope remains only with the Chinese.

Examples

• Honda XL400V Transalp . An honored veteran of the roads, due to the advanced age of most copies, it is inexpensive. It is incredibly reliable, but age is taking its toll.
• Kawasaki KLE 400 . Out of production more than 20 years ago, so spare parts are extremely difficult to find. However, the “stick” was not particularly popular during his lifetime.
• Stels GS400 . A Russian-Chinese tourenduro designed for bad roads with a spacious gas tank. According to reviews, it's pretty good.
• Stels GT400 . A lighter and more “parquet” version of the above model. In many ways it is structurally similar to it.

Cross bikes

Chinese 250cc motocross motorcycles, unlike enduro motorcycles, are designed for riding on uneven and difficult terrain where good grip is required.

One of the most common models is the Kayo T6 bike. Its characteristics:

• The progressive water-cooled engine produces 31.5 horsepower.
• There is one cylinder - four valve.
• The electronic ignition system is quite reliable and unpretentious.
• Curb weight is about 125 kilograms.
• Suitable for beginners and professionals.

The Irbis TTR 250 bike has similar characteristics. This model differs in design, cooling system (air), and motor (less powerful). Its maximum thrust is 16 horsepower.

However, this is quite enough to lift the front wheel off the ground even at low speeds. Chinese 250cc motocross motorcycles are very diverse. The characteristics of the majority are presented above.

Pros and cons of 400cc motorcycles

Advantages

• Affordable price . Some road motorcycle or cruiser with a 400cc engine can be bought for modest money, 130-150 thousand rubles.
• Moderate dimensions and weight . It is not difficult to physically handle such a bike, which is especially important for beginners.
• Economical . Fuel consumption during quiet driving will be low, and less oil will have to be poured into the engine than in a “liter” engine.
• Simplicity of design . Many 400cc motorcycles have been built for decades with minimal changes, and don't necessarily need to be taken to the dealer for repairs or maintenance if you have a garage, tools and a steady hand.

Flaws

• Cost of service . Spare parts for 400 cars often cost no less than for more powerful and expensive models from the same manufacturers.
• Owner's attitude . Many novice motorcyclists treat this cubic capacity as a pass, expecting to change the bike after a season. Therefore, they do not spend too much on maintenance, limiting themselves to oil changes and other small things. As a result, a motorcycle can change owners every year and not receive due attention to its technical condition.
• Age and condition . Most 400cc bikes on sale were produced a long time ago, although they are still produced in Japan. This is the law of the market - motorcycle dealerships do not buy fresh “400” cars, because they are more difficult to sell, because their price will be comparable to the cost of some twenty-year-old “liter”. So they bring everything to us from the Land of the Rising Sun, as long as it’s cheaper.

The fastest motorcycle in the world – Dodge Tomahawk

Theoretically, this monster, presented to the general public back in 2003, accelerates to 613 km/h. Until now, there has not been an extreme sports enthusiast willing to prove this on the track; his passport contains a record of 468 km/h. But all experts believe that the Dodge Tomahawk, with its dual wheelbase and independent suspension, is capable of achieving the stated figures.

The price for the fastest motorcycle in the world starts at $555,000 (or 35,500,000 rubles), so so far only 9 copies have been sold, which are parked in the private collections of millionaires.

Of course, in the article we looked at record holders intended for highly experienced drivers; regular bikes are much easier to control

But even when riding a motorcycle that is not the fastest in the world, whose speed does not exceed 180 km/h, it is important to remember your safety and not neglect your protective equipment. You can order all the necessary equipment at a profit from the TvoyMoto store - call and we will answer all your questions.

Total

It's not that complicated, right? Thanks to the huge selection of used equipment, 400cc motorcycles remain popular, and will not lose it as long as they are made in Japan. For most novice motorcyclists, this capacity will be optimal , especially if they are not planning long trips over many thousands of kilometers. And only later, when you want more volume, you can always sell the bike and buy another, fondly remembering your “400”, which taught you everything you know.

State of the art

400cc Japanese motorcycles are mostly oldies, like the Honda Bros 400, a model with a cool, aggressive design and a twin-cylinder V-twin engine, produced from 1988 to 1992. Thus, the Japanese “four hundred” may already be well over twenty, and with proper care the equipment can last longer, but who can guarantee that the former owner took good care of his bike? There are also relatively new models, for example, the Honda CB400SS, released in 2005, but buying used equipment is always a kind of lottery: it is almost never possible to find out what the mileage is, what circle the odometer is on, how many owners there were and how the device was serviced. Many careless drivers do not consider it necessary to properly monitor their equipment, knowing that they will sell it in a couple of seasons, so if you do not understand motorcycle equipment, you need to go with a mechanic for an inspection - many services provide such a service for a small fee, or at least Take an experienced motorcyclist friend with you.

Maxiscooters

Economical, easy to drive, high-spirited option for the city. Looking for a low-cost alternative to public transport or a replacement for constantly sitting in traffic jams on four wheels? The following models are for you.

Compact, dynamic and stable in traffic. Equipped with a 4-stroke engine providing the driver with 22 hp, disc brakes, 13-inch wheels and a CVT gearbox. Depending on driving style, it requires from 3.2 to 5 liters of gasoline when driving on the highway.

Cost from 86,000 - 146,000 rubles.

The name of the model, translated as “majesty,” immediately elevates it to the highest class of scooters. In fact, the owner receives a vehicle with 11.39 horsepower that is easy to operate and laconic in design. It is easy to maintain, is in demand on Russian roads, and there is a huge selection of spare parts on the market.

Cost from 98,000 - 133,000 rubles.

The distinctive design with a wide fit and a blunt nose has both a lot of positive reviews and a lot of criticism. Undeniably, the model remains one of the best in its category for long trips. The 20-horsepower engine consumes about 4 liters of gasoline per 100 km in the city, about 5 outside the city. Convenient for both solo driving and traveling with a passenger.

Cost from 89,000 - 136,000 rubles.

Wear resistance, stylish design, good acceleration dynamics are the strengths of the AVENIS maxi scooter. Equipped with a forced 16-horsepower engine, CVT transmission, electric starter. The suspension copes well with both city driving and country roads. An excellent choice for a beginner.

Cost from 100,000 - 133,000 rubles.

An attractive option, both in terms of external and technical characteristics. Despite its compact size, it has a spacious trunk and space for wardrobe trunks. The engine produces 23 hp and accelerates the scooter to 160 km/h. The gearbox is a variator, comfortable and understandable for beginners. In the Western market you can find configurations with ABS.

Cost from 96,000 - 146,000 rubles.

Whatever motorcycle you choose, let it become a desirable acquisition and a faithful companion on long and local trips!

Training "Sibikha" Honda CB400SF License

Be careful when buying a used Honda CB400SF motorcycle, since on the motorcycle market there is a possibility of “running into” a training version, which is significantly different from the usual one. The training model is called the Honda CB 400 SF License and is very similar to the CB400 Vtec version. This motorcycle was created for Japanese motorcycle schools.

The main differences of the training version: a “strangled” 35 hp engine, a different headlight, long dashboard glasses, the inscription “License” on the tank, the engine cover has differences, the presence of plugs for the gas analyzer on the exhaust pipes of the exhaust system, the rear shock absorbers do not have adjustments, a rear wheel with a smaller tire 140x60x17, a high steering wheel, there are no oil channels on the engine (a design feature of the HyperVTEC engine), there is an idle speed regulator, a slot in the side cover for fastening the arches, differences in the instrument panel, as well as the presence of an additional block of wires under seat.

Differences between the License version and the regular Honda CB 400 Super Four

The maximum speed of this motorcycle is only 150 km/h. It is impossible to convert the training version of the Honda CB 400 SF into a full-fledged one, or it will cost a lot of money. Due to significant differences, the purchase price of the training version at the Japanese auction is 40-50% lower than for the regular HyperVtec VTEC version of the same year of manufacture.

Sports

Streamlined design, fast acceleration and good maneuverability. If these are your priorities when choosing a motorcycle, then you need a sports bike.

An option for those who want to ride a sportbike, but who value a simple, non-provocative design. The model was supplied to the Japanese, European and US markets from 1990 to 2007. At the same time, the manufacturer practically did not change the appearance of the bike and technical characteristics. Regardless of the production period, the owner receives a 40-horsepower liquid-cooled engine, carburetor fuel supply, 6-speed gearbox, and multi-plate clutch. Depending on driving style, fuel consumption will be 3.17-4.90 liters per hundred.

Approximate price 95,000 - 136,000 rubles.

Tron Light Cycle

An ultra-modern motorcycle, which was first presented in the film “Tron” (however, on television we see only a computer version of the vehicle). This model is good because it does not pollute the environment - and at a time when humanity is on the verge of an environmental disaster, there cannot be more significant characteristics.

Tron Light Cycle runs on batteries. When the battery is almost empty, the bike starts to glow.

Another amazing feature of this model is that the motorcycle can be ridden while lying down. Yes, yes, you didn’t think so - the soft seats of the bike are really adapted for a horizontal driver position.

And the years go by, or about the sale of “Asians”

Sooner or later, the motorcyclist will have a desire to change his vehicle, and the bike will need to be sold. Despite the fact that a new 400 cc Chinese motorcycle will cost the same as an old Japanese motorcycle when purchased, after two or three years it will lose a lot in price. The cost of motorcycles is falling quickly, especially for Chinese vehicles. Selling your Chinese horse, even after knocking off a third of the original price, can be difficult, because people are distrustful of the Chinese auto industry.

But a Japanese motorcycle that is 20 or even 30 years old will hardly lose value in the couple of years it will take a motorcyclist to test his first bike and understand what he wants from the equipment. In any case, it will be easier to sell than its Chinese counterpart.

Suzuki GSXR 600 K1-k3

Suzuki GSXR 600 K1-k3, 600cc sportbike

Simultaneously with Kawasaki, a new 600 cc motorcycle Gixxer debuted. The Suzuki engine produces 115 hp, propelling the car to 263 km/h. Despite its oval shape, the GSX-R is a lighter design than the CBR by as much as 7 kg.

The GSX-R, like the Kawasaki, gives us a tight, sporty stance at the controls. The long and cracked tank forces us to lean over, and the windshield does a pretty good job of blocking the wind. Suzuki sport bikes are considered classic sports bikes that are capable of much - if maintained correctly.

Basic tips for beginners

You don’t always need to take a motorcycle straight from the showroom. Two-wheeled iron horses quickly lose value, and after just a year of use, their price tag can drop by about 30%, even if the owner cared for it, cherished it and carried out a timely technical inspection

However, if you decide to take something in the region of 2-3 thousand dollars, then it is better to take a model from a showroom; you still won’t save much on it. You shouldn’t take “Old Man” motorcycles that are too old, or those that have been in use for a long time, it’s also better not to take them, since an attractive initial price in the future will most likely result in an expensive and complex replacement of many components, painting, tuning and other things that are completely unattractive for a beginner. There is no need to buy powerful and fast motorcycles. At the start of your motorcycle career, it is better to pay attention to models with a softer and quieter ride. They are easier to drive, which will allow you to quickly gain the necessary experience and enjoy driving without fear of serious injury if you make a small mistake. Take popular models on the market. Even if you take a completely new motorcycle, sooner or later you will face the need for repairs and/or purchase of spare parts.

Therefore, if you don’t want to spend long sleepless nights looking for rare parts for your almost unique model, you should take something more common. And besides, popular models are easier to sell after you get tired of it. Less plastic No matter how well you study at a motorcycle school, falls and damage to the bike are inevitable, and plastic tends to quickly scratch, break, and in general it does not tolerate damage as well as metal parts. Despite the fact that replacing it usually costs a pretty penny.