Post by Deleted on Mar 8, 2015 20:31:56 GMT 10
Honda VT400
In alphabetical order, we start with the Honda, which at 398cc has the only 400cc engine of the bikes we rode. It is at the higher price end of the scale at $9990. Physically, it’s hard to tell the chrome-laden VT400 from its bigger VT750 Shadow brother and it looks fabulous with its teardrop tank and bullet headlight.
Fitted with its (accessory) body-shielding windscreen and wide fringed pannier bags, the VT400 could be physically intimidating for newbies, but our shortest riders deemed this bike an absolute kitten when ridden, exhibiting no bad manners at all.
The Honda weighs 180kg (5kg less than the heaviest 250!), but because the seat is so low and the bike so utterly balanced, our smallest riders had no problems managing it.
The gearbox is typically Honda smooth and there were no dramas with the controls or reach for our testers, who ranged in height from 157cm to over 183cm. Incidentally, the tallish windscreen didn’t pose a problem for our shortest riders, who both had a clear line of sight over it.
The bike’s smooth, torquey, fuel-injected liquid-cooled engine would be as nice to ride on the open road as it is around town. The Honda revs well and has a nice spread of power, and the extra capacity means you make fewer gear-changes than on a 250. It is softly sprung, though, and on ripples and potholes the suspension tends to rebound a fair bit.
The single-disc front brake and rear drum could be stronger for a bike of this weight, but if they are not outstanding, they are also not going to bite learners.
The fatter front tyre makes the steering feel a little heavy and you will have to take care when making U-turns, but the Honda certainly trickled along seamlessly in Sydney traffic. It would make a good commuter, although with the (optional) saddlebags you’ll have to pick your filtering places. The Honda is big and comfortable enough for long rides, but you will have to put up with tingling through the bars at certain points in the rev band.
Honda’s HISS security system and heavy-duty key cylinder give you extra confidence when you park it and walk away.
Possibly the only thing missing is a bit of bad-boy cruiser menace!
Bling: Quality finish. Besides the screen and panniers, you can dress the Honda up with backrest, chrome carrier, chrome backrest plate and body cover.
Pillion opinion: Even though learners are not entitled to carry pillions, more experienced riders may want to, so we have included our take on pillion comfort for all these bikes. The Honda’s pillion seat was comfortable and there is plenty of room, even for a large person, but as with any bike fitted with saddlebags, it’s harder to climb aboard.
Fuel used: All our bikes were ridden over the same distance so we could compare fuel consumption. The Honda used 3.34L. We have not converted that to litres per 100km because the test route and ride were very thirsty, but this way you can at least compare one against the other.
Plus: It doesn’t look like a learner bike and you can easily tour on it.
Minus: Tingling through bars, soft suspension.
Verdict: Reliable, easy-to-ride Honda for the nicest people.
Quickspecs
Model: Honda VT400
Price: $9990, warranty 24 months
Engine: Liquid-cooled four-stroke OHC valve V-twin
Capacity: 398cc
Suspension: Front telescopic, rear swing-arm with dual conventional dampers
Brakes: Front hydraulic disc, rear leading/trailing drum
Weight: 150kg
Colours: Black/Grey, Silver, White/Silver
Importer/distributor: Honda MPE www.hondampe.com.au