Originally Posted By: Mackelroy
As far as sustained interstate, I agree 400 cc is about the minimum, if only looking for 75 mph sustained, true a 250 cc can do that but its a whole lot more stressed. On the Interstate to be compettitive, need to be able to sustain 80 mph with blasts post 100mph.
Not all 400s are created equal.
The Honda CB-1, Suzuki GSF400, and Yamaha FZR 400 are very different at freeway speeds than a Honda Hawk 450, Suzuki GS400E, or Yamaha XS400 Seca.
I had no problem passing EX500s and VF500F Interceptors in spite of their small torque advantages. I can't speak for the FZR but the CB-1 and GSF400 got different transmission ratios than the CBR400RR and GSX-R400 they were derived from. They could accelerate from a standing start very well and cruise at freeway speed as well as any 500.
If I recall correctly, the CB-1 actually performed identical to the Hawk GT 647 (which is another awesome bike that many believe is "underpowered".)
I don't know why good 400s never sold well here.
Kawasaki sold a boatload of KZ/LTD 440s. Seems like about the time the LTD 454 came out, Americans stopped buying 400 (450) motorcycles. Maybe the price was too close to the 600s?
As far as sustained interstate, I agree 400 cc is about the minimum, if only looking for 75 mph sustained, true a 250 cc can do that but its a whole lot more stressed. On the Interstate to be compettitive, need to be able to sustain 80 mph with blasts post 100mph.
Not all 400s are created equal.
The Honda CB-1, Suzuki GSF400, and Yamaha FZR 400 are very different at freeway speeds than a Honda Hawk 450, Suzuki GS400E, or Yamaha XS400 Seca.
I had no problem passing EX500s and VF500F Interceptors in spite of their small torque advantages. I can't speak for the FZR but the CB-1 and GSF400 got different transmission ratios than the CBR400RR and GSX-R400 they were derived from. They could accelerate from a standing start very well and cruise at freeway speed as well as any 500.
If I recall correctly, the CB-1 actually performed identical to the Hawk GT 647 (which is another awesome bike that many believe is "underpowered".)
I don't know why good 400s never sold well here.