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vegavairbob

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About vegavairbob

  • Birthday 09/01/1959

Previous Fields

  • Current Bike(s)
    previously owned 1979 Yamaha SR500F 1980 Yamaha SR500G 1975 Yamaha XS650 Bikes: currently owned 2015 Yamaha SR400F

Profile Information

  • Gender
    Male
  • Location
    Middle Island, New York
  • Interests
    Classic Japanese Motorcycles, Classic Automobiles, Guitars

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  1. SR400/SR500 notable differences -SR400 has a lower compression ratio, a different crankshaft and a shorter piston stroke than the SR500 (the cylinder bore and piston are the same). Electronic fuel injection (w/required oxygen sensor) were added in 2010. -SR500 used the same clutch as the XT/TT500 - SR400 has an easier effort clutch. -SR400 has a modern front disc brake caliper and drilled rotor -SR400 has a larger diameter silencer with catalytic converter -The SR500 battery is located behind side cover. The SR400 battery is located under the seat (fuel pump located behind side cover) -The SR400 has a softer, more comfortable seat (same bench shape) -SR400 has a full rear chrome passenger grab rail -SR400 has smaller, different design foot pegs -some minor differences including side covers, mirrors, gauge housings & faces, turn signal lenses and reflectors. There is a second and a half difference in the quarter mile time in favor of the SR500, which has 7 more hp. There is a 6 mpg increase in the fuel mileage in favor of the SR400 at 66 mpg, but testers keeping the bike under 65 miles per hour have recorded fuel mileage in the seventies.
  2. The SR400 and SR500 were both introduced in 1978. After exports of the SR500 stopped to the US and Europe, it still continued to be sold in Japan. It was discontinued in 1999. The SR400 was sold in Japan only since 1978 for their licensing laws (restricting sales of bikes to younger riders to 400cc or less). After more than three decades, the SR400 is now being exported to Europe and the US in limited quantities.
  3. From the experts: "The Yamaha SR400 has stood the test of time like no other model." “We decided to import the SR 400 in small quantities, based on the demand from tuners and special customers" says Product Planning manager Oliver Grill. Oliver expects the bike to remain exclusive. “The bike is of course not cheap with low production quantities, high-quality parts and production in Japan." Total Motorcycle "The 2015 Yamaha SR400...re-introduces a motorcycle that originally debuted in the U.S. in 1978. Not much beyond the addition of fuel injection has changed with the 399cc motorcycle, making this more like a classic reissue than a modern bike masquerading as old iron." "The SR400 is supremely manageable. Small, lightweight, and simple to operate, this naked bike recalls many of the things there are to like about back-to-basics motorcycles." About.com "Yamaha had been a little left out of the small bike market in North America, with nothing in between the ancient V-Star (a re-badged Virago) 250 and the 600cc sporty-but-comfortable FZ6R. Enter the SR400. Its looks can only be described as retro…so retro that owners will be fielding questions from strangers asking how long it took to restore it." Ride Newfoundland, April 2014 "For many riders, the character, soul and image of a machine is far more important than its acceleration figures or potential lean angle. Fundamental qualities such as simplicity, ease of use and timeless design are more important to the SR400 owner. With its relaxed torque, light and agile chassis and sheer mechanical beauty, the SR400 is designed to appeal to riders looking for a motorcycle with a real heritage and character, and one which fully engages its owner." MC News.com AU, April 2014 "The Yamaha SR500 sold in Australia from 1978 to 1982 and only a few thousand hit the streets. Since then, small volume importers have shipped in grey imports to satisfy the demand for SR bikes to customize into cafe racers." "Meanwhile, he can’t wipe the grin off his face as he trundles around the streets of Melbourne on the new Yamaha SR400. The fuel injection means it is not as hard to start, it idles smoothly and evenly, and it’s so easy to ride around town.” "The new model is a very sweet ride.” Motorbike Writer, May 2014 "The Yamaha SR400 may very well be a time machine that can take us back to a more relaxed state of mind. A gentler and kinder world where we appreciate the sight of dragon flies and the smell of horses." "Yamaha says they plan to bring in 500 units." Back Roads Motorcycle Rides, June 2014 "There is a lot to like about this cult classic, from its retro good looks to its easy handling personality, it has a carefree, other place and time kind of feel." "If you can get onboard with the anachronism of kickstarting a fuel-injected bike, you’ll find the 2015 Yamaha SR400 to be a satisfyingly enjoyable ride. Ultimate Motorcycling, August 2014 "Real Retro? More Like, Real Survivor. "Overall, the SR400 is a fine little bike, mechanically sound and terrifically styled." "The SR is a fundamental motorcycle, and if you're after that essential vintage-bike look and feel without the constant upkeep, the SR400 may be the bike for you." Motorcyclist, August 2014 "The motorcycle is quite literally a stamped-in-steel copy of the more than 30-year-old original." "Riders looking to relive the glory days or seeking an authentic classically-styled retro motorcycle, with a one-year warranty, will love the SR." Motorcycle USA, August 2014 "Anyway, here the thing is, all 384 pounds of it, rolling on 18-inch wire wheels and tube-filled Bridgestone Battlax tires, for the low low price of $5,990. Yamaha’s people are throwing out phrases like mechanical honesty and elemental beauty to spin the SR, and they may be onto something.'" Motorcycle.com. August 2014 "For any retro-loving motorcycle enthusiast, the eye glides along the sweet, svelte lines of the 2015 Yamaha SR400 just like it did in 1978. Because Yamaha got it right back then and correctly chose not to change much since. "And just think. Because it’s new there won’t be any stripped or rusted fasteners. That’s worth the $5990 asking price right there. Well, that and the satisfaction of kicking your motorcycle to life." Cycle World. August 2014 "We haven’t seen this bike in 33 years on the U.S. market. Like a time capsule that’s been opened, the 2014 Yamaha SR400 is a completely new, old motorcycle." "It has all the charm and feelings of a vintage bike, without the repair bill." "You’re not going to keep up with your pal's 600, but you’ll be the one laughing while you wait on them at the bottom of the canyons or end of a traffic jam." Ride Apart Inc. August 2014 "This Yamaha with its first introduction in the late 70s is still a serious motorcycle 35 years later." "With the growing desire for back-to-basics' Yamaha decided the time was ripe for a reintroduction." "The beauty of the SR is that the sympathetic-looking air cooler is not retro, but the real deal." Motor magazine September 2014 "The 2015 Yamaha SR400 carries a retail price of $5,990, and is available in just one color, Liquid Graphite. Yamaha probably could have lowered the price by reducing the quality of some of the components, like the solid steel fenders and tank. I’m glad that they didn’t, because the SR400 feels like a solid piece of manufacturing." Forbes September 2014 "The SR400 looks like the real deal because it is, a living classic that hasn’t changed much since it debuted nearly 40 years ago. I’ve watched guys stop to admire it in the parking lot, assessing its clean lines and generous chrome, wondering how old it is. And if they’re of a certain age, they pause, close their eyes briefly and think back to more carefree days. Those memories are priceless. Creating new ones will set you back $5,990." Rider September 2014
  4. Hello from New York. I've returned to motorcycle ownership after 24 years. My first bike was a new black '79 SR500 (leftover in 1980) for about The '79 U.S. version, (like the '78) had front & rear disc brakes, cast aluminum wheels, and gold pinstripping on the tank. I bought a Ruby Red '80 SR500 used a couple of years later (missed the '79 after selling it). The '80 U.S. version had front disc/rear drum brakes. I kept it for 10 years...sold it in 1990 with 9k miles for a mere $600.. I always toyed with going for an XS 650 or Maxim 650 and did buy a '75 XS 650 a few years ago, but it can't match the SR.. I love the SR's handling, the sound of the big single and its timeless good looks. So I picked up a new 2015 SR400 in June (in Liquid Graphite, the only USA color) the first one to arrive at my local Yamaha dealer. I bought my new '79 SR500 back in the day in the same town, from the same salesman.. When I bought that '79 SR I was 20,, my salesman Scott was 26. We're a bit older now. I'm 54, and he's 60. I don't care if its somewhat pricey. It's a well-made, refined machine, even better than the original. The U.S. SR500 was about $2000 35 years ago, only a hunderd or two less than the XS 650, so $6000 today isn't unreasonable - and quite a bit less than the V Twin. I just might buy another '78-'81 SR500 eventually (I was looking for an '80 SR500 when I stumbled on the news of the 2015). The new SR iwas hard to resist despite being at least twice the price of a mint '80 SR500. My Garage- http://yamahaclub.com/forums/garage/vehicle/1199-yamaha-sr400/
  5. Name: Yamaha SR400F (2015) Date Added: 28 August 2014 - 12:58 AM Owner: vegavairbob Short Description: 2015 SR400F #00172 built April 2014 (Japan). First time avail. in the U.S. since 1978-'81 SR500 was sold here. see my review View Vehicle
  6. Yamaha has been building and selling the SR400 in Japan for 36 years the way you see it. They won't change it or offer a cruiser variant but Yamaha pitches the bike is an easy customizing platform. As far as the price, I paid about $2000 for a new '79 SR500 back in the day. So what hasn't at least tripled in price in three decades. Most new entry-level sport bikes have gone up even more, now in the $7000 - $8000 range. At $5990 the 2015 SR400 is a well made, limited production motorcycle that is worth the money. Suzuki does offer cheaper Thumpers, including the $4399 TU250X and the $5699 Boulevard S40, but you get what you pay for. The SR is a much nicer machine. It's also a better investment as discussed in my review.
  7. Yea, it'a a new 36 year-old time machine.
  8. Airhead- Thanks. It looks even better in person.
  9. I added them. They are appearing in a blue attachment bar below article. Are they visible?
  10. The 2015 SR400 is virtually the same bike as the SR500 which was sold in the U.S from 1978-1981. The SR500 was discontinued in 1999 but the SR400 has been sold (only in Japan) since 1978. t didn't take very long after stumbling upon the news of the bke's upcoming availability in the U.S. for me to decide to buy one, and after one look I felt it was well worth its $5990 price tag. Vintage SR500s have increased in value $1000 above their original MSRP, unlike most multi-cylinder bikes of the era worth half as much. I picked up my new bike June 25th 2014 from the same salesman that sold me a new 1979 SR500. We were in our twenties then..Scott is 60 now and I turn 55 next month. I started it a few times on the first kick (one time in two kicks). It feels just like my old SR500...with a smoother engine and an easier clutch. It idles smoothly, and there's no choke or hot start button to fiddle with thanks to the EFI. Power feels close to the 500. After all, it is the same engine with a different crankshaft It feels less thumpy at slower speeds and the lower torque is evident, but it accelerates as well as the 500, and is more eager to rev through the gears. Brought it up to about 60. Kept altering the speed, following the break-in procedure. The ride comfort and handling is awesome, like I remember. The bike is well balanced and responsive, and the seat is noticeably more comfortable The quality is top-notch and the bike looks even pricier than it is. The engine finish is high and the paint and chrome are flawless. The exclusive U.S. Liquid Graphite metallic paint job with Yamaha black side covers is decidedly striking in person. The aluminum spoke wheels are nicely finished giving the bike a classy, vintage look lacking on the original, while Yamaha chose function over form regarding tires and brakes. In lieu of retro treads (Metzler Perfect Me77) on the '14 European model, sticky Bridgestone Battlax BT-45s are fitted to the '15 U.S. model, as is a modern drilled front disc brake rotor. The bike is produced in small numbers. According to Yamaha's Japanese web-site, 1,300 units per year are being produced for Yamaha's Japan home market, while its been announced that 500 units will be imported to the U.S this year. Yamaha must be very proud of this model, building it as long as they have, because although the bike has remained virtually the same in design for 36 years, much refinement is evident and it looks and feels like t's built, not to a price, but with a lot of care and pride.
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