Yamaha XJR 400 - representative of the classic Japanese motorcycle industry

At a certain time, in front of a large number of motorcycle lovers, the question arises about buying a used bike in normal condition. The problem is not the purchase of the "iron horse", but its choice, which usually stands between a pair of the most popular models, including the Yamaha XJR 400, the Honda CB1 or the Suzuki Bandit 400. Which one should I prefer?

Yamaha XJR is the representative of the classic Japanese motorcycle industry. It's a bike with a round headlight, a four-cylinder in-line engine, two rear shock absorbers and chrome wells of appliances. Motorcyclists are still nostalgic for the "roaring seventies", and the companies-manufacturers are trying to satisfy the tastes of motorcyclists.

In the Japanese market, the Yamaha XJR 400 appeared in 1993. Since that time, the motorcycle has been manufactured without major changes until today. The bike received a small facelift in 1996 when the XJR 400R II was introduced to the public. The motorcycle was equipped with a digital instrument panel and fairing, without changing the filling of the Yamaha XJR 400, reviews of which in most cases are positive. The second modernization was carried out in 1998, changing the shape of the fuel tank and shank and placing the watch on the dashboard . The engine of the bike and the rear suspension were not changed.

The motorcycle looks wonderful. Classic forms, rich black bike color, as well as the XJR label remind of the Jaguar brand car of the same name. The Japanese "Jaguar" is not so pretentious, but its habits are closer to predatory cats. By pressing the electric starter button, a deaf growl with a non-standard whistle will be heard. If you turn the handle of the gas, the growl turns into a sonorous barking, pleasing to the ear.

The Yamaha XJR 400 seat is comfortable: wide enough and not too stiff. Direct landing and a high steering wheel create excellent conditions for driving. On the bike good visibility, which is not in the least dependent on the side mirrors.

On the front panel, in front of the driver's eyes, are all the necessary instruments: a speedometer (with a daily and total mileage counter), a fuel gauge, a tachometer. The readability of the instruments is very good.

On the road Yamaha XJR 400 leaves only a pleasant feeling. The weight of the motorcycle is 176 kg. The power of the in-line four-cylinder engine is 53 horsepower and reaches 11,000 rpm, which is enough for a daily quiet ride.

It should be noted that high speeds are not elements of the Yamaha XJR 400, not only due to the lack of wind protection. "Weak place" bike - suspension. A conventional telescopic fork in the front and two rear shock absorbers represent a budget approach to the motorcycle. The front fork even without adjustment behaves quite adequately, but the shock absorbers are not suitable for domestic roads. Even when one driver drives a bike, the suspension is on the edge. This also has a negative impact on the handling of the Yamaha XJR 400. Therefore, driving on this bike is best a dynamic, non-aggressive driving style.

Unlike the suspension, motorcycle brakes are pretty good. Contrary to the custom to put on ordinary "four-hundred" single-disk brakes, the XJR is a full-fledged two-disc system with two-piston calipers. The motorcycle is also equipped with reinforced hoses, so effective brakes are supplemented with good feedback.

In general, the bike is relatively good and to some extent exclusive. Ergonomic indicators of the XJR at altitude, like its dynamics.