Review of 400 cc motorcycles for beginners and more

Obedient and at the same time playful; stylish but budget friendly; fast, but safe - the requirements for the first bike can contradict each other. And if the choice has been delayed, and the garage is still empty, you should pay attention to 400 cc motorcycles.

Why are they better than their larger cubic-sized counterparts?

• Price. Let's put this indicative first place, because it is by price that we all filter products in any catalogues. Considering that you can take used equipment for training, and at the Japanese auction it will be without mileage in the Russian Federation, the choice in favor of a used “Japanese” is quite obvious.
• Weight. The first trips are also the first falls. The bike, which weighs a maximum of 170 kg, will not cause unnecessary inconvenience both when driving and in the process of lifting iron.
• Character. Yes, motorcycles have their own character, and the 400 models are distinguished by a fairly docile disposition. They do not provoke heroic deeds, but they also give 600cc a head start, accelerating to 200 km/h. quite capable.
• Appearance. The vast majority of four hundred configurations are manufactured by Japanese companies that know a lot not only about technical equipment, but also about creating an attractive, streamlined design.

Brief information

400 cc motorcycles began to be produced in Japan for the domestic market due to taxation regulations. Their power is no more than 53 hp. Later they gained recognition outside the country due to their low cost and ease of operation. Some Chinese factories have made attempts to repeat the success. However, Japanese bikes command complete trust from the public and remain beyond competition.

The best 400cc motorcycles for sports

The correct choice of the “iron horse” occupies an important place in teaching motorsports. It should be light and dynamic. And if you don’t believe in the capabilities of 250 cc sports bikes, you should pay attention to these “four hundred”:

• Honda CB 400 SF - according to owner reviews, this bike is easy to ride and reliable. It's not scary to ride it for the first time and it's easy to learn how to operate it. The CB 400 SF is equipped with a 4-cylinder 16-valve engine, the operation of which accelerates the design to 190 km/h. It is this model that is used for riding training in many motorcycle schools in Japan. The high-revving engine (9500-11000 rpm) is liquid cooled, has dual brakes at the front and a dual shock absorber at the rear. All this makes even daring driving quite confident and safe.

• Honda CBR 400 RR - the bike was produced from 1987 to 1999 and was a successor to the cross-country Honda CBR400 Aero. However, even today the exterior looks quite modern. “Adult” representatives, namely those that left the assembly line before 1993, produce 59 horsepower. Post-93 versions were produced according to updated Japanese legislation and provide 53 hp. Powering the bike is a 4-cylinder engine. The speed that can be reached is 180 km/h. Acceleration to 100 occurs in 4.5 seconds.

• Honda 400 X is a 400cc sports touring motorcycle introduced in March 2013. The two-cylinder engine produces 46 hp. and consumes 3.5 liters of gasoline per 100 km. Every year this Honda is updated, receiving upgrades in performance and appearance. In 2016, the bike is equipped with a higher windshield, adjustable suspension and steering wheel, as well as LED optics. Another year later, the exhaust system was improved here. Last updated March 22, 2019. Some of the changes: the ABS system has been improved, the steering angle has been increased by 6 degrees, the LCD panel now has clear visibility. The windshield has become 20 mm longer. The 400 X is available in two colors: Grand Prix red and matte black metallic.

IRBIS

The IRBIS brand appeared in 2001. A group of talented young people from Vladivostok, who devoted their entire lives to motorcycles, decided to create a product that would be accessible to a wide range of buyers and in no way inferior to its Japanese and European “brothers.” This is how the first scooter of the IRBIS brand appeared - Z50R. Just a few months of work showed that the choice of concept was correct. Passion for a common idea allowed us to create an effective team of like-minded people. The company was actively developing, and in 2005 the first official sales office for Irbis motorcycles was opened in Moscow. Since 2006, the Company began to develop a dealer network, which today includes more than 2,000 dealership centers from Kaliningrad to Kamchatka, offering more than 30 models of Irbis motorcycles, as well as more than 5,000 items of accessories, equipment and spare parts.

In 2021, in connection with the country’s general economic policy towards import substitution, it was decided to organize production in Russia. Sites were studied in the Far East, in the Kaluga region, and in the end it was decided to focus on the Moscow region, the city of Orekhovo-Zuevo, due to the fact that this region is the main sales market, and the city of Orekhovo-Zuevo is famous for its production workers. On February 1, 2021, the official opening of the plant took place - the Dingo T150 2021 model rolled off the assembly line.

The name IRBIS was not chosen by chance - it is a large predatory cat, a “snow leopard”, living in the mountains of Central Asia - a rare species listed in the Red Book of Russia. Snow leopards are famous for their independent character, gracefulness and speed. The snow leopard easily overcomes steep slopes and deep gorges; this predator is capable of covering enormous distances in a day. IRBIS motorcycles are designed to ensure that its driver feels confident both on and off-road. Unpretentious motorcycles, snowmobiles, ATVs and scooters of the IRBIS brand developed by Russian engineers are created for connoisseurs of freedom, dynamics and an active lifestyle without frills.

IRBIS is a great option for both experienced riders and beginners. Following the motto “We make motorcycles accessible to everyone!”, the company works to ensure that energetic, purposeful and positive people can join the motorcycle community.

IRBIS equipment is adapted for harsh Russian conditions and has proven its reliability in practice. It should be noted that each new IRBIS model is produced taking into account the practical comments of consumers. For managers, engineers, and developers of IRBIS, feedback from the buyer is extremely important, because the company creates products for ordinary people and their needs.

Road 400 cc motorcycles for the city and travel

Lightweight, small-capacity bikes are an excellent solution not only for sports, but also for city trips and even long trips.

This is proven by the TOP road models:

• Yamaha XJR 400 is a classic bike equipped with a 4-cylinder, 4-stroke, air-cooled engine. Over the 16 years that the model was produced, it went through a series of restylings. During this time, the torque indicator was increased to 38 Nm, a digital instrument panel was added, the gas tank volume was increased to 20 liters, and an immobilizer was added. Production ended with the introduction of new environmental standards, which the model no longer complied with. However, ready-made versions continue to be in demand, both at home and in the CIS countries.

• Yamaha Drag Star 400 is a cruiser with a 2-cylinder 4-stroke engine, cardan drive and 5-speed gearbox. It has a smooth ride and accelerates to one hundred in 11.2 seconds. At Japanese auctions you can also find lots with automatic transmissions. The touring Yamaha is designed for confident riding without aggression or super speed. Can accelerate to 135 km/h. This is a fairly economical version, consuming 2.28 liters. fuel every 100 km. It is distinguished by maneuverability due to the center of gravity shifted downwards and low weight (240 kg).

• Suzuki Gladius 400 is a naked bike with an elegant, discreet exterior. Equipped with a 4-stroke engine, ABS system, ISC (start at low temperatures), 6-speed gearbox, classic chain drive and friction clutch discs. Weighing 206 kg, the model consumes 2.5 liters of fuel per hundred. The triangular frame guarantees balance and confident handling. And the driver will need 5.6 seconds to accelerate the “iron horse” to hundreds. The manufacturer also took care of the passenger by equipping the seat with a comfortable handrail.

• Suzuki GSR 400 - after releasing the GSR 600 for export, Suzuki began producing a 400 cc motorcycle with similar characteristics, but for the domestic market. Equipped with an injector, 16-liter gas tank, aluminum frame, adjustable suspension. The 4-stroke engine has 4 cylinders and liquid cooling. The GSR 400 looks larger and more aggressive than its siblings, and is suitable for even tall drivers. Reliable and timely stopping is ensured by 4-piston brakes.

• Kawasaki ER-4N is a road naked version that is aesthetically and technically attractive. Allows you to drive at speeds up to 170 km/h. Considering the absence of a windshield, this is quite enough to make the driver feel comfortable. Equipped with a chain drive, injector, digital ignition, 15-liter gas tank, steel frame. In 5.5 seconds you can accelerate to hundreds. Due to its comfortable fit, the 209-kilogram road bike is suitable both for moving around the city and for long trips.

User Feedback

Reviews of Irbis motorcycles confirm the fact that a real competitor to Western analogues has appeared on the domestic market. Among the advantages, owners note the following points:

• low cost of spare parts and good service;
• good technical characteristics along with high cross-country ability;
• the ability to select a motorcycle category, depending on the required parameters;
• modern exterior;
• permeability.

Minuses:

• dynamics are not as stable as those of their European counterparts;
• wishes for better steering and agility, especially in the “sport” and “enduro” classes.

Otherwise, the Irbis is a worthy competitor to its “Western” counterparts, the cost of which is not always affordable for domestic lovers of two-wheeled “iron horses.”

Secrets of choosing 400 cc motorcycles

The best producers of this category of motor vehicles were and remain brands from the Land of the Rising Sun. And most importantly, the “four hundred” are not created for export. Where then do they appear on the roads of the Russian Federation and how to become the owner of this budget and dynamic bike? Japanese auctions come to the aid of everyone. A huge number of new and used motorcycles are available in the Synergosmoto catalog. All used models have no mileage on Russian roads.

Considering that this category of motorized transport for many is a transitional one before purchasing a heavy configuration, it is planned to ride it for a couple of seasons. This means that the price should be affordable. Lots on Synergosmoto are presented with an initial and probable sale price. Moreover, the price already includes delivery to your city. You can choose the bike you like, and entrust the paperwork to the company’s employees.

Model range of Irbis motorcycles

Like most other manufacturers, the manufacturers of this bike produce it in several basic interpretations:

1. Choppers. This category includes comfortable models with comfortable “seats”. A characteristic feature here is the presence of all kinds of chrome elements. In terms of maneuverability, they are clumsy due to their large mass. In this category, the Irbis motorcycle is represented by the Garpia version, the cost of which ranges from 120-150 thousand rubles.
2. Sports interpretations. This class is focused on a fast and aggressive way of movement. The advantages include not comfort, but dynamics and the ability to carry out various maneuvers at high speed. A typical Irbis representative in the category is the Z1-250CC, costing from 170 thousand rubles.
3. Enduro. Unlike sports modifications, this class is suitable not only for experienced racers, but also for novice users. The machine combines good maneuverability, safety and comfort. The price for such models ranges from 80 to 100 thousand rubles. A popular model is the Irbis 250 TTR motorcycle.
4. Crossovers are a mixture of enduro and choppers, the cheapest versions (60-70 thousand rubles), are not equipped with lighting for city driving, combine lightness, power and good handling, great for novice bikers.