Top 5 400cc used bikes

By James Keen -

First rides & tests

 15 July 2010 10:47

The new Kawasaki Ninja 400 will probably never make it to the UK, but thankfully there are a lot of other options out there if you like the idea of a lightweight low-height 400cc bike.   

Thanks to the grey import boom in the 90s, the used bike market here in the UK is full of 400s and whether you want a commuter, track bike or first big bike, there's a 400 out there to suit.    

Here are 5 of our favourites:      

Honda RVF400

Bling - Honda RVF400R NC35 (94-96)
The baby RC45 is the exclusive option - they're desirable and rare, so decent examples fetch decent prices. Sounds ace, looks beautiful and handles superbly.
Info: 130mph + 399cc + 59bhp + 40ftlb + Insurance group 12

 

Suzuki DRZ400

Supermoto - Suzuki DRZ400SM (05-on)
The dual-purpose DRZ400S is a bulletproof ride for greenlaners, but the supermoto version with 17" wheels, USD forks and beefier brakes is the one to have for road use.
Info: 94mph + 398cc + 39bhp + 29ftlb + Insurance group 9

 

Piaggio MP3 400

Commuter - Piaggio MP3 400 (08-on)
The 2-wheel front end makes it damn-near uncrashable, there's a massive underseat storage bay and the pillion seat is excellent - it's a car-replacement, perfect for all-year commuting.
Info: 95mph + 398cc + 34bhp + 27ftlb + insurance group 8

 

Kawasaki ZXR400

Sports - Kawasaki ZXR400 (95-98)
The screaming ZXR is the fastest (just) of the sports 400s. Shell-suit graphics and hoover tubes are the epitamy of 90s cool.
Info: 139mph + 398cc + 62bhp + 26ftlb + insurance group 12

 

Honda Bros 400

Naked - Honda Bros 400 (88-92)
Dubbed the NC31 by Honda, the Bros is a dark horse. Single-sided swingarm adds a touch of style and the frame is a version of that used in the VFR400. Humble but fun.
Info: 94mph + 398cc + 31bhp + 25ftlb + Insurance group 9


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