For all the standard fans who don't want something as big as the new Honda CB1100 Here's the link from cycleworld http://www.cycleworld.com/2012/12/17/2012-yamaha-sr400-spied-in-the-us/ What do you think? How many out there would be a player for a 400cc single?
A simple, clean, classic with a useful amount of displacement. Priced right it just might do well. If it's not too tinny I'd certainly consider it for a runabout and I love the kick start.
Any minute now someone will chime in with complaints about lack of ABS, traction control, too little horsepower, if only it came with luggage, yada yada yada.
I'm the age where most of these "retro" bikes are too retro... I couldn't wait for the bikes of my youth to get rid of chromed fenders, long, low chromed mufflers, spoked wheels, rear drum brakes etc. That SR400, no, I would not really want. Neither would I want the CB1100 in it's as sold form, the way it sits. Close, but not quite. I *would* want one of these: And I'd prefer one of these: (Well technically, I'd want THIS one, but...)
I think L.B.S and I are cut from the same cloth. In fact I never liked the SR in it's time here in the US ... I rode a few but found them slow and vibey, not that my FT500 Ascot was a rocket. Anyway, I'm not sure this SR is actually a retro. I think it's the same old bike they've been building since '78 or so. -dman
I really hope that thing makes it here. I like the classic UJM look of this and the Suzuki TU250, but if given the choice between the two, I'd pick the Yamaha for the bigger displacement. Looks good
Classic looks are OK, I can live with a kickstarter but no, even my 1976 RD400 had a rear disc brake. This is a "new" 1974 moto in almost every regard. Better would be a true, modern 450cc street thumper, 4 valve head, liquid cooled, 6 speeds and a easy platform to build a DS/Adv/supermoto off of, which has been the request since the WR250R. If they built a XT400 with at least proper brakes and decent legs with 7" of travel I can deal with the probable 30 HP.
I hope it comes soon or I will already have bought a new CB1100. I'd rather have the kick start Yamaha 400.
I think you're right. Only now updated with fuel injection. Here's some info I dug up: 383 lb 27 horsepower 22 lb ft torque 3.17 fuel capacity No word on mpg's but I'd imagine it's pretty high. I love the clean look. Nice tank shape, gaiters, chrome fenders, wire spokes, and what looks to be a thick, comfortable seat. But the kick starter is a little too retro for me.
I doubt it. I have a low mileage SR500 in the garage. It is neat little thing to run down and grab an ice cream cone on, but my WR250X beats it in every category....well perhaps not looks.
499cc to be exact and then we can get white bros. back to make big bore kits etc, etc. It would be nice of Yamaha to bring the sr back after all these years.
Well, I think you might be under the assumption that this is a new effort, but in reality the SR250 & 400 never went away in Japan, it is just a continuation of what they have been doing for 30 years. There is still a big following for these there. My guess is the TU250 and perhaps the new Honda got a few people in Cypress wondering about the possiblities of this domestic market mainstay. I doubt if it will happen.
the SR500 was my dream motorcycle in my early years of cycling. I had an SRX6 for several years and several thousand miles and I NEVER should have sold it. I'd be happy with a new SRX6, a new SR500, or a new SR400, or even a new SRX250 I just wish Yamaha would get off their backside and react to the CBR250R and the Ninja 300 I suspect the most likely possiblity is a WRX250 based street single. I think I would be fine for it Although I have to say, I went to the Seattle motorcycle show this past weekend......I saw exactly 1 new motorcycle that really caught my eye...the new CB1100