Possibilty of new Yamaha SR400 in the states

[conchscooter]

I rode my SR500 from Europe to West Africa in 1979. The only trouble I had with it was a leaky gearbox seal caused by a jammed chain when something fell off my luggage into the sprocket. I never even got a flat tire through Algeria, Niger, Nigeria and Cameroon. I wonder if I would get as much enjoyment out of an SR400 in the 21st century. I'd like the chance to try because the design of that old single convinced me of it's merits.

[NJ-Brett]

I read that, and like anything else, its subjective to the rider.
I am used to bikes that vibrate since most of my life I rode old Triumphs and Harley's.
If parts crack and fall off, bulbs blow, it bothers me, if not, it does not.
I also tend to gear my street bikes tall as I can.

There were some old thumpers that were just nasty, and the old 500cc twin Triumphs were nasty at high rpm's, where they made all their power, the 650 and 750 bikes were great I thought, old sportsters were ok.

Originally Posted by ferrix

The answer to that question appears to be, 'sort of'... Here's a quote from a post written by an owner on another forum:

There is little that is different in the 400 and 500 engines. Almost all parts are the same, the main difference being the crank, which in the 400 creates a different stroke reducing the capacity to 399cc. This does however make a real difference to the way the engines feel. The 400 prefers 6-800rpm higher in most situations – whether it comes to getting the power on, cruising on the highway, or lugging along. It also revs more easily. If I was building a café racer I’d seriously consider the 400 over the 500, as I have seen others do (who go out of their way to secure a 400 crank for their 500). It is a more revvy engine and arouses more adrenalin in me than the 500. It feels more sporty. The 500 is much nicer for chugging along while fantasising about the upright big singles those gentlemen of old rode. On the 500 I find myself rarely leaving the 3000-4000rpm range, and on the 400 I'm more inclined to sit between 4000 and 5000rpm.

At 100kph the 500 sits on about 4,200rpm, though this can be lowered slightly without problems by use of a 17 tooth counter-shaft sprocket, rather than the stock 16. The 400 does about 4,900rpm. Ironically the 400 feels less strained on the highway than the 500. This is important because both engines feel strained at 100kph. They are both capable of running all day at that rpm, but unless you’re a petrol head or are used to making bikes scream, you might find your sense of mechanical sympathy causes you to wince, and to prefer 90kph. For this reason the SRs are not great highway touring bikes. They can do it, they have done plenty of it over the years, and I have done 600 to 700km days many, many times. But I have to constantly over-rule the nervousness that the strain arouses in me with the knowledge of the cold fact that I’m doing no damage. And I find that my throttle hand feels over-worked by the day’s end, as though strained in sympathy with the tension of the bike. You have to remember that the SR is essentially the XT500 dirt bike tarted up with street-going clothes. It has the dirt bike’s gear ratios. To be fair however, I really only notice this on my long Mallee rides - on straight hot roads that stretch ahead with no change of direction or heat. The sensation of strain seems much less apparent on winding roads even when riding for a long time. The ambient temperature also makes a difference - the SR likes the cold rather than the heat.


link to the thread, you might find it of interest.

[corndog67]

I had a 79 SR500 that had a big bore piston and a race cam (yeah flat trackers!), that was just a fun bike to ride. Not fast, but it ran good. I wish I still had it. I keep saying that about bikes from years gone by. Quite a few of them i wouldnt mind having again. I don't have to have the latest, fastest bikes anymore.

[PAULIBIKER]

Originally Posted by NJ-Brett

It would be so easy to make a tu650, but I suppose there is no market for it.
On large bikes, you can get a good seat, at least on some large bikes.

If I ever get any money, I may look for an sr500, at least test ride one.
I was in New Hope PA in the summer and had one ride by, and it looked and sounded fantastic.
It also looked to be a good size bike for an adult.
I suspect it would be easy and fun to work on also.
I just wonder if its ok running at 70 mph.

My SR500 felt like the handlebars were 3 inches 'round at 70+.............a interstate/slab bike it wasn't.

[NJ-Brett]

I know that feeling!

I will be sure to test ride one before buying...

Originally Posted by PAULIBIKER

My SR500 felt like the handlebars were 3 inches 'round at 70+.............a interstate/slab bike it wasn't.

[rider33]

ok, i think they're just playing with us now:

http://hellforleathermagazine.com/2013/01/yamaha-sr400/

[NJ-Brett]

I think its odd they would sell it in Japan without electric start.
Its an around town and commuter bike I suppose, which calls for an electric starter to be popular I would think.

[Lornce]

Originally Posted by NJ-Brett

I think its odd they would sell it in Japan without electric start.
Its an around town and commuter bike I suppose, which calls for an electric starter to be popular I would think.

Retro is a huge draw in Japan.

You'll see more shovels, pans and even knuckleheads on the streets of Tokyo than you ever will in NYC.

[Birdmove]

I've owned my share of thumpers over the last almost 50 years of riding. They were all dual sports. Never had a four stroke Yamaha thumper (but had 2 two stroke DT series 250s). Had (not including the little Honda 90s) XT225, KLR250, KLR650, 1982 Suzuki SP500, 1975 Honda XL350, 2007 Royal Enfield 500 Bullet. May have left out one or two. A favorite was that '75 XL350. I toured on it loaded with tent, sleeping bag, etc back around 1975-1976 and had loads of fun. Interestingly that bike was solo only. No passenger pegs and a solo seat. I fabbed up some passenger pegs.
Dam. If Honda sole that 1975 XL350 with the black and red paint job I'd buy one and be slobbering with joy all the way home. Traded it in on a 1976 Honda CB750K brand new.
I'd consider buying this SR400. I wish they still made the old MZ/MUZ Skorpians and Travvelors.

[tastroman]

I'm noticing that many of the posters interested in this bike are also current scooter owners who are currently living with sub 500cc singles. The fear of getting by with only 400cc's is just not there for this group.