Choppers and cruisers with an engine capacity of 400 cm3.

Chinese designers, accustomed to blindly copying the solutions of their more successful Western colleagues, sometimes produce surprisingly decent motorcycles like the Stels 400 Cruiser. The motorcycle turned out to be truly successful, perhaps precisely due to the fact that this time the engineers from the Middle Kingdom decided not to make their own changes to the sample they already had, and almost completely copied the Yamaha XV400 Virago, proudly calling their creation “Stealth 400 Cruiser” . The bike is produced in the Middle Kingdom, but in Russia only large-unit assembly is carried out. And, looking ahead, we note that the Stels 400 Cruiser motorcycle can cause a real break in the pattern for a biker full of stereotypical beliefs like “everything Chinese is bad,” because this bike is really good, and also inexpensive.

Technical characteristics of Stels 400 Cruiser

However, experienced motorcyclists are not confused by the sparkle of chrome; they are interested in finding out what is hidden inside! And this is a very interesting question, because, judging by the information provided by the manufacturer, the Stealth 400 Cruiser is inferior in power to the original Japanese Viraga. But where did the horsepower and Newton meters go if the engine was copied without any changes at all? It's simple - the Chinese indicate an underestimated power on paper in order to simplify the bureaucracy and save on taxes. For example, Stels 400GT is also much more powerful than stated. So there is no need to worry, the technical characteristics of the Stels 400 Cruiser correspond to the original ones.

So, the stated power of the air-cooled V-twin is 30 hp. , but in practice the Stealth 400 Cruiser has as many as 40 “horses” , and from 0 to 100 km/h it accelerates in about 6 seconds , which is very, very good. The maximum speed is 140 km/h , but you should be careful, since this motorcycle does not have an automatic rev limiter (but it does have a tachometer), and there is a risk of killing the engine if you constantly keep the speed in the red zone. The gearbox is standard, 5-speed , and torque is transmitted to the drive wheel by a cardan , and not by a chain, as on most other 400s. At the same time, the Stels 400 Cruiser motorcycle weighs less than 160 kg , and thanks to the center of mass shifted downwards, it subjectively seems quite light. The handling has its own nuances - the bike’s wheelbase is short and the rear wheel is narrow, so it maneuvers well at almost any speed, but directional stability leaves much to be desired.

The gas tank of the Stealth 400 Cruiser holds about 13 liters of fuel (the manufacturer recommends using AI-92). This reserve is easily enough for 300 km , taking into account consumption not exceeding 5-6 liters even with aggressive driving. On the highway, if you calmly roll at 110 km/h, the consumption is completely within 4 liters. As they say, whoever understands life chooses a chopper, so what's the rush? Moreover, the brakes of the Stels 400 Cruiser are rather mediocre, with a single disc and 2-piston caliper on the front wheel and a drum brake on the rear.

Who is a bike with automatic transmission suitable for?

The list of automatic motorcycles is quite extensive. It includes equipment of completely different classes. But there are several points that unite them all:

• The automatic is ideal for traveling on good, smooth roads. If you are a fan of “dalnyaks”, you will definitely like this ride;
• With automatic transmission it is very convenient to drive in the city, with its numerous intersections, traffic lights, and crossings. Pizza delivery people, couriers and just people who prefer to ride in “human anthills” are increasingly choosing such a box;
• Typically, motorbikes with automatic transmissions are not purchased by poor people (because the unit itself costs much more), who do not care if they are very gluttonous regarding fuel);
• But if you are a lover of off-road driving, difficult transport conditions, or a resident of mountainous areas, you’d better take a closer look at a manual transmission. With it you will have better control of your bike while riding in the mud.

The opinion that motorcycles with an automatic transmission are chosen by women or lazy people who do not want to master the “subtleties” of manual control is fundamentally wrong. This is the same as calling a person lazy who prefers to live in a city apartment rather than in a forest hut. The concept of comfort is different for every motorcyclist, and arguing about a manual or an automatic is a pointless exercise.

Pros and cons of Stealth 400 Cruiser

Advantages

• Very, very decent technical characteristics overall.
• Affordable price . A new Stealth 400 Cruiser costs less than most ancient Japanese 400s.
• Compatible with original Yamaha motorcycle. Most of the spare parts are suitable for the second generation 400 cc Viraga.
• Confident acceleration dynamics and powerful low-end traction.
• General survivability and unpretentiousness . On this bike you can safely go on the longest journey.

Flaws

• of small parts like cables or light bulbs is not always high To avoid problems in the future, it is advisable to replace them with original Japanese ones.
• A peculiar landing . The Stealth 400 Cruiser, like its prototype, is a kind of hybrid of a classic road bike and a chopper. From the first he got the fit, and from the second - the appearance. And lovers of choppers usually don’t really like driving with their legs in the “under themselves” position.
• An archaic braking system that migrated to the motorcycle straight from the 80s of the last century.
• No maximum engine speed limiter.

Reviews from Stels 400 Cruiser owners

Stylish iron motorcycle, a real chopper, a minimum of plastic, high-quality chrome. If you put a Yamaha sticker or nameplate on the tank instead of the Stealth, no one will be able to tell the difference from the Japanese)) It takes off vigorously, and in the city it moves away from traffic lights freely from cars. You can take a passenger on board, but there is not enough space for a second number; you have to lift your legs. Andrey, Moscow, Stels 400 Cruiser '2012.

I don’t know, maybe I was just unlucky, but after buying a new motorcycle, my engine died after 700-odd kilometers. The engine was replaced under warranty without any questions, but it took almost 3 months, half the season passed by. There were no more breakdowns, I drove it for three seasons and sold it, with the exception of the defect described above, the overall impression was good, there’s nothing else to complain about. Alexander, Tyumen, Stels 400 Cruiser '2011.

I spent a long time choosing a motorcycle with a friend, both were looking for their first motorcycle, I ended up taking the new Stealth, and he took the old Intruder. In the first season, I drove calmly all the time while he tinkered with the clutch, then the fork, then the gearbox, then something else. I can’t say anything about the resource, I skated it myself for two years, covered a little more than 25 thousand km, without any complaints at all. I don’t know what’s wrong with the motorcycle now, but while it was new, there were exactly zero problems with it, only maintenance. Denis, Vologda, Stels 400 Cruiser 2013.

And again about small cubes. Are they necessary? For whom?

Hi, gang!

The officialdom is really tired, and there is a wave of discussions on “underwear” on the site, so we quietly return to the good old format: “cover everything with compost, cover it up, smear it to the size of a master’s thesis, but don’t forget to put a cherry on top.” So, today I would like to think about the topic of small-capacity equipment: is it needed, who is it for, and what you need to understand before buying. We ask all gentlemen and ladies with the “take a liter at once, I had this and I advise everyone” syndrome to remember that taking responsibility to beginners for the grave consequences of such a choice is not always so easy, especially when looking at a black and white photo.

And now, I can already feel the trembling of the earth - it’s the adherents of the sect “the main thing is not the size, but the ability to use it!” running into the comments. Well, everyone is welcome, make yourself comfortable, because there is nothing better than a good old squabble on printed characters. Meanwhile, we begin...

To state unequivocally that Small Cubes Are Not Necessary (I propose to introduce the abbreviation “MNN” ) is the same as whistling in the ass of a giraffe. He won't hear anyway. So endless Lifans, Stealths and TsFki are being bought in echelons. And recently, the Bavarians and the Japanese have caught up with their marketers and given the go-ahead to attack the market from all flanks. But, let's be clear right away: what is a small-capacity model?

A small-capacity motorcycle in my personal dictionary is written something like this:

“A self-propelled two-wheeled vehicle equipped with a gearbox and an engine of up to 400 cc.”

And such a classification means that today there will be many ridiculous comparisons and absurd statements.

The first thing I want to say is that it’s time for everyone to forget about the YBR 125 . The year is 2022, and 16 years have passed since the appearance of this motorcycle on the market.

I will not go into praising its reliability and resourcefulness for a long time; on the contrary, I want to smash all arguments about its relevance in a big city against the rocks of cruel truth. Yes, indeed, it is not particularly fragile, and the consumption is pleasing. That's basically all. The fork made of thickened Vaseline bends and twists from any impact on it, the spare parts are accordingly not at all budgetary, and the absolutely stunted motor makes it simply dangerous. The latter, in principle, applies to all motorcycles of this class. Do not agree? Well, let's discuss. The maximum speed for everyone ranges from 110 to 130 kilometers per hour. Do you hear this sound? It seems like someone is shouting:

“Yes, I measured it according to the ZhPS - it’s 150!”

Well, okay, it seemed, I guess. So, imagine a very real situation: a wide road with several lanes in each direction, there is room for a U-turn. So you roll up to him, and knowing about the crazy power of your single-barreled gun, you begin to wait, even if there is an acceleration lane behind the turn (it won’t help you anyway). The stream does not plan to end, and only occasionally, a small embrasure appears between the cars, into which you could try to fly, but you are simply afraid of not being able to control the unbridled power of your horse. Cars are already backing up behind you and starting to nervously accelerate. An older two-wheeled comrade, well, let’s say, on a Sibikha, rolls up to you from the right and quickly turns around, disappearing into the stream. And you are waiting. The cars behind you are already starting to honk, and you decide to take this step...

...Throw the clutch, the motor squeals, you turn to the left, accelerate along the acceleration lane until your eyes go dark, and, having changed 2 gears, reaching a speed of 40 on the speedometer, you find yourself in the far left lane, where the average speed is no less than 90, and behind you A speeding truck is rapidly approaching, blinking at the distance and honking its horn.

Scary, isn't it? But how can this be, after all, all those people who rode half the world on Jobriko-like motorcycles cannot lie? Or all your experienced friends who told you that you need to start with YBR125? He eats so little, he’s so reliable! Yes and no.

Today, the average price tag for a used YBR125 is 100,000 rubles. No, I do not in any way want to lobby for the purchase of a HONDA BROS, YAMAHA SRX or DIVERSION. But the price tag is clearly too high. Why? And you ask your comrades, who tell everyone that only two Jobriks are better than Jobrik.

No, no, there’s no need to close the article at all and be offended by the author that instead of a fresh “under-Japanese with a toothbrush motor” he is again selling his “necrota” from the 90s to everyone here. Let's look from the other side: what does a novice rider need from a motorcycle?

1. Pont. And there is no need to even try to tell us that this is not so. Yes, speed in traffic jams, mobility, convenience are certainly also important. But each of us, while riding a motorcycle, at least once, thought: “Oh yes, I’m good!” And in general, 90% of those who got on a motorcycle began their journey precisely with this emotion.

2. Cheap. The first motorcycle must be cheap. No, well, we still have heroes in Rus' who can afford to buy a DUKE 200 from a showroom, but more on them a little later. Practice shows that for many, provided that they are ready for a small-capacity vehicle, the budget is usually something up to 100,000, this should include a motorcycle and a helmet. How? Are gloves, shoes and clothing also needed? Damn, then there's very little left.

3. Reliability. For a newbie, there’s nothing worse than having your summer riding expectations ruined by a sudden repair that can take quite a long time and cost half the price of the motorcycle. Therefore, we will only look at proven options.

So, so what's the end result? Cheap, reliable, and with a show off. Is Jobrik suitable here? Pont - well, that's it. Reliability – well, in principle, yes. Cheap - definitely not.

“What do the Chinese have there?”

But everything is just fine with them. Do you want to be able to go into the forest and in the city? Lifan LF200 GY-5! Do you just want to go around the city? No problem! – Stels Flame 200 (No need for Flex, it’s not good). Does your back hurt, are you tormented by radiculitis? – here’s a large selection of chopper-shaped single-barrel guns! And so on. Yes, yes, yes, again I’m with my Chinese. No, they don't pay. No, I didn't have that. But let's be reasonable: a brand new, resourceful, more or less modern Flame for 80 rubles. (in the off-season, discounts go up to 60 for a new one), or grandma’s pantaloons aka YBR for 100? And then there are rare-earth Suzukis and Hondas that stand like a cast-iron bridge. After all, if there is no difference, why pay more?

However, based on my definition of “Small-Dimensional”, it becomes clear that there are still many motorcycles that go beyond the volume of 200. I have already talked about some of them (Kawasaki Ninja 250 and HONDA CBR 250) in one of the previous notes, so I suggest leaving them at rest. Is there such a big difference between semi-mopeds up to 200cc and modern bikes up to 400cc? Oh yes, quite a bit. And it really touches me when they are put on the same page. Take the BMW G 310 R for example.

The price tag for this model starts at 350,000 for a new one. Let's just say that you can buy one in two cases: either you understand very well why you are buying it, or you have no idea what you are even doing and what year it is. There is no third. For those who are morally and emotionally mature, this is a good, simple motorcycle for the city, with very pleasant ergonomics, good feedback and good dynamics (well, you’ll definitely run away from cars at traffic lights). You can’t venture out of town on it – you can overtake, but it’s difficult, but there’s no wind protection at all (like the others in this class). But there is dealer service with ridiculous price tags and sidelong glances from fellow employees. Therefore, if you are not afraid of whispers like “Look! He paid 350 for a single-barrel gun! Uuuuuu...", then feel free to take the R310, Duke, and Dominar.

But remember that when you sell a new Chinese after a couple of seasons, you lose 20 thousand. By selling a BMW, you lose 100. By selling an old Japanese, you may not lose anything at all. Is this really necessary if it doesn’t matter, sooner or later, or rather sooner, you will jump on something cubic? Everyone decides for themselves. In the meantime, I’ll go pick up my necro-Japanese….

Ciao.

#YBR125 #YAMAHAYBR125 #SUZUKIGW250 #BMWG310R #BAJAJDOMINAR400 #KTMDUKE200 #KTMDUKE390 #STELSFLAME200

Similar models

• Lifan LF400 . Twin brother of the Stealth, only made in China. Now it is no longer officially sold in Russia, but you can find used copies on the secondary market.
• Yamaha XV400 Virago. The same motorcycle from which the Stealth 400 Cruiser was copied.
• Honda Steed 400. A very popular Japanese chopper, inexpensive and proven by thousands of bikers. Like the Viraga, the Steed has long been out of production, but you can still find a well-preserved motorcycle.

Advantages of motorcycles with automatic transmission

Modern automatic machines operate softly and smoothly, timely adjusting to the ratio of speed and load on the engine. This allowed the motorcycle market to show people all the advantages of automatic transmission:

• Ride comfort. The pilot doesn't have to watch upshifts and downshifts, listen to the revs, or monitor the tachometer;
• Safety. Due to the absence of the need to be distracted by squeezing the clutch, the pilot can better concentrate directly on controlling the bike and assessing the road situation;
• The engine of motorcycles with an automatic transmission is subject to less stress and its operation is better balanced. Accordingly, this increases its resource.

There are not many disadvantages to automatic transmissions. They consist of greater weight of the entire structure, complexity and high cost of maintenance, as well as increased gasoline consumption. And you’ll have to forget about sharp, disruptive acceleration. That's why so many bikers still prefer a manual transmission.

Total

The Stealth 400 Cruiser can easily be called a worthy alternative to the old Japanese 400 cc choppers . Its main advantage, perhaps, is that the Chinese simply copied a successful model without introducing practically anything new, so the result was quite a Chinese-assembled Japanese motorcycle. It is inexpensive , and spare parts and tuning are suitable from the original Viraga. The Stels 400 Cruiser is a motorcycle that is free of the shortcomings typical of most Chinese motorcycles, and for its price it is really very good, as confirmed by numerous reviews from owners.

Video Review

Specifications