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Post by kevin on Mar 27, 2014 19:47:29 GMT 10
Hi guys, My names Kevin, and I'm from near Ipswich in Qld. I am looking at buying a VT400 (on LAMs for another 10 months) and was wanting to ask some owners about the cruising speed on highways for this model. i currently have a 300cc bike, which I upgraded from a 250 for, which the dealer assured me would be fine for cruising at 110+ on the weekends. I can ride at 110 but I'm really wringing the bikes neck to keep it there and overtaking is an exercise in planning many minutes before! I am 6'2" and weight about 115kg. So I want a fairly big bike.... Just wish Honda would make a 650 cruiser like the Yammies. So, I guess I'm asking.... Will the VT400 disappoint or can I do things to it to get more hp and speed? Thanks in advance for any advice. regards Kevin
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Post by Deleted on Mar 27, 2014 19:56:24 GMT 10
Hi guys, My names Kevin, and I'm from near Ipswich in Qld. I am looking at buying a VT400 (on LAMs for another 10 months) and was wanting to ask some owners about the cruising speed on highways for this model. i currently have a 300cc bike, which I upgraded from a 250 for, which the dealer assured me would be fine for cruising at 110+ on the weekends. I can ride at 110 but I'm really wringing the bikes neck to keep it there and overtaking is an exercise in planning many minutes before! I am 6'2" and weight about 115kg. So I want a fairly big bike.... Just wish Honda would make a 650 cruiser like the Yammies. So, I guess I'm asking.... Will the VT400 disappoint or can I do things to it to get more hp and speed? Thanks in advance for any advice. regards Kevin Speak to MRC He is also a QLD member and has a very fast VT400 I'm told.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 27, 2014 19:57:05 GMT 10
And welcome to the forum
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Post by Azza ( AB ) on Mar 27, 2014 20:12:35 GMT 10
Hi Kevin the 400 is a great learners bike I can sit on the hi way at 110 no worries at all. I was torn between the yam650 and the shadow but just loved the Hondas styling and after some research concluded that the fuel injected 400 was as good as the carby 650. Did have the 400 scooting down the hi way once at 140 but I don't think it had much more than that. On group rides it goes well in the twisties but runs out of steam on the steep hills and you need to drop it back a gear or two but I am positive all the LAMs bikes will be the same. I have even stated taking the cheese and kisses for a ride and we can sit on the hi way at speed. If you are in the market for a sweet 400 let me know as I will be upgrading shortly as I will get my open licence in a week or two. Cheers Azza
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Post by mrc on Mar 27, 2014 20:19:00 GMT 10
Kevin ........... have riden mine thousands of k's around queensland and to new south wales and Victoria ... fully loaded with me I would be carry around 105 kgs in weight... follow some simple rules and you will be happy with.... it will cruise at 120k easy along the highway (mine 135 if I need to overtake but that's max for me cause I don't want to hurt her and I try really hard to keep to the speed limit), remember to use your gears with the smaller bikes, this is why a lot of people complain with the smaller cc (cause they don't use their gears) snap a gear back before hitting the hill, half way up snap another if ya need to and it will cruise over at 90 to 100k.... They are a remarkable bike and will do what ever you want... Overtaking is an art and I do what you are doing, you won't get around if your doing 100 or 110 ... plan it, drop back and hit it.... These bikes also are the best when it comes to counter steering, they love it and you will to.. de-baffle exhaust (you will love the sound) Caltex vortex 95 fuel Penrite 15w 40 oil K&N air filter de snorkel your filter with your height ( I am 5 foot nothing lol ) chuck some highway bars on and some highway pegs, then kick back relax and just bloody show off, cause your riding one of the best and most reliable bikes on the road....
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Post by mrc on Mar 27, 2014 20:20:41 GMT 10
Top view of the highway bars and pegs
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Post by mrc on Mar 27, 2014 20:27:07 GMT 10
They are nice and low, and they have very little difference in looks from the big sister 750 actually you can't tell unless you look at the top exhaust (the 750 pipe is fatter than the 400)
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Post by Frank on Mar 27, 2014 21:15:03 GMT 10
This is my beast, I've had my licence for 30 years and the 400 is enough for me, sure it would be nice to have more power but I recon I'd get myself into more trouble too.
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Post by kevin on Mar 27, 2014 22:33:55 GMT 10
You've nearly got me convinced, guys. . I may drop into my local friendly Honda dealer tomorrow and see what he has laying around.
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Post by sticks on Mar 27, 2014 22:53:19 GMT 10
Hi Kevin and welcome to the group....I have seen MRC bike and it goes well and yes the 400 look like a 750. I have a 750 and I couldn't tell them apart. As for lams honestly if you have 10 months to go . I would go for the 750 as unless you get into the really nitty bits you can get away saying its a 400 if you get pulled over....but that's me. Either way you will love riding one of the most realizable and toughest bikes in Australia the shadow...enjoy .. There is great guys in QLD if you can hook up with them ....ride safe
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Post by Azza ( AB ) on Mar 28, 2014 10:03:29 GMT 10
Hey sticks the badging on the 400 is different than the 750 and the dead giveaway for the cops is the capacity of the bike is on the rego label i know as they checked when i got nabbed filtering. plus if you end up wrecked or hurting somebody insurance will not pay Cheers Azza
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Post by beerfrog on Mar 28, 2014 12:29:35 GMT 10
G'day Kevin and welcome, Firstly everything stated above is true (these guys know what they're talking about) but I can tell you the Yammy 650 has nothing on the Honda's. I have a VT750 but don't get my full licence for another 6 months so am riding my father in-law's '09 650 Vstar. Yes it's big and heavy but it lacks the power and agility of the Honda plus (if you like the paint on your fuel tank)........ the ignition key position on the Yammy is a killer, the one I'm riding has scratches all over the front right. All in all, from one who rides both at the moment....... go the Honda and use your gears (it's more fun anyway)
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Post by Deleted on Mar 28, 2014 15:10:17 GMT 10
Hi Kevin . Well youcouldnt get a better answer from them all as MRC has qouteed . Lovely bikes, same sframe as a 750 just smaller motor. There is quite a few on board with them and Azza is another that will tell no lies on them . If get one when you or if you upgrade to a 750 most parts will interchange. Have a ride in a few weeks ,get one and come along ,if not hop in the car and come with us . There is quite a few members Ipswich way .Stay safe . Cheers Ray Gympie QLD
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Post by kevin on Mar 28, 2014 17:41:50 GMT 10
Thank you lads, much appreciated.
I went into the dealer today to do a bit of a reccy, as I knew the principal was out for the day. They have a new VT400 in black (I wanted black) listed at $9,990 ride away. Is that a decent price, or should I haggle them down some? Can't see too many 2013 or 2014 models new around with an actual price sticker on them.
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Post by kevin on Mar 28, 2014 17:43:30 GMT 10
Hi Kevin and welcome to the group....I have seen MRC bike and it goes well and yes the 400 look like a 750. I have a 750 and I couldn't tell them apart. As for lams honestly if you have 10 months to go . I would go for the 750 as unless you get into the really nitty bits you can get away saying its a 400 if you get pulled over....but that's me. Either way you will love riding one of the most realizable and toughest bikes in Australia the shadow...enjoy .. There is great guys in QLD if you can hook up with them ....ride safe Mate, my luck they'd look at my license and then look at the rego sticker and I'd be busted. . Good idea though, but I'm too chicken to do it.
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