1996 Honda XR400R
Summary:
Most reliable bike around, powerful, all around brilliant
Faults:
The odd little thing. Nothing that it caused. Just by me hitting a tree or dropping it. Normal little thing. It's an XR400R, these things never die.
I reckon you could ride it into a tree flatout and it would still start. Although I'm not game to try.
General Comments:
Still one of the most popular trail bikes around. Has a lot of guts, although in the bush with standard gearing, you really have to ride it. I shortened the gearing. It is a must if you are using it in the bush mainly.
XR400Rs never die. The bike is 11 years old and starts every single time. All you have to do is change the oil, oil filter, and clean the air filter. These bikes are amazing.
They don't have the poke of a CRF450 or anything. But I can tell you that it's one of the most reliable dirtbikes ever. Sometimes if you stall it in the bush and it's hot, you will have to wait 5 minutes or so to start it again, but that's it.
They have good acceleration and good top speed. With stock gearing you can hit over 100kph through the bush if your balls are big enough. They're not a slow bike, but I think they are the most reliable dirtbike ever made. They have enough power to do anything except dune riding really.
Good all round bike.
I give it 10/10 and wouldn't flinch to buy another one. Although they say the Suzuki DR is just as good, and it's newer with more power, so I may look into one of them sometime.
Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 5th April, 2007