"I want to ride a motorcycle, but which one should I choose? What kind of bikes are there?"
For those who have such concerns, we have selected the top five bikes from the satisfaction rankings of the past year, based on the evaluations and comments of the owners registered on Webike!
In this issue, we introduce models in the 400cc class.
This ranking article was produced on August 16.
What is Satisfaction Ranking?
The ranking is based on the number of MY BIKE registrations per vehicle type and the overall rating points given by users. The ranking is updated every Friday.
1. Honda GB350
The classic look of this naked vehicle, which received a perfect score of 5 from its owners, and the pleasant throbbing of the air-cooled single-cylinder engine make it an exhilarating, slow, and relaxing ride.
The maximum output of 20ps is modest in terms of numbers, but it has the ability to travel at high speeds when fully opened on highways, and its powerful low-speed torque and light weight make it easy to drive comfortably on mountain passes, so it has a good reputation for driving. However, owners seem to have fallen in love with the bike, placing more importance on how comfortable it is to ride rather than how fast it goes. Those who have ridden this motorcycle have all commented that horsepower is not important.
Fuel economy is also highly satisfactory, and according to our research, it is 41.0 km/L (WMTC value) in the catalog, which is outstanding performance for a 400-class car. Also, as you can see, the structure is simple and orthodox, so it is easy to maintain. Even those who are tinkering with motorcycles on their own for the first time will surely be satisfied.
2. Honda CB400SB
The CB400 series is equipped with a parallel four-cylinder engine, which is now the only 400cc engine in the series.
The Superbordor is equipped with a windproof half cowl, which is a notch or two better than the naked Super Fordor for long tours and highway riding. The half cowl is also equipped with accessory compartments on the left and right sides for added touring convenience.
As for the engine, its dynamic performance is outstanding because it is a 4-cylinder engine. It is also equipped with a unique system (HYPER VTECH Revo) that changes the number of operating valves from 2 to 4 between 6300 and 6750 rpm in 1st through 5th gears and at 6750 rpm in 6th gear. Many owners have commented that the moment when the low-mid rpm range switches to the high rpm range are truly sporty and pleasing.
Unfortunately, it has been decided that production will end this fall, and the new motorcycle production until then seems to be booked up. However, since it has been in production for so long, it may be a good idea to look for a used car.
3. Kawasaki Ninja 400
The racy look of the full cowl is the top item among the owner's evaluations. The front face, a design common to Kawasaki's Ninja series, is quite impressive.
Furthermore, the appeal of the Ninja 400 is that it combines the light weight of 167 kg, designed in common with the 250, with the power of 48 hp, which is unique to the 400. This makes the Ninja 400 lighter than the 250 on all stages, from city streets to high speeds and mountain passes, and it was ranked second in terms of driving satisfaction.
Owners have also commented on the excellent footing, as the chassis is similar to that of a 250. Looking at the details, the tires are radial to match the 400's power, and the rear is one size larger.
Many owners say they would recommend the 400 over the 250 if they did not have to worry about vehicle inspections.
4. Honda CB400 Super Four
The CB400 Super Four, which ranked 4th in the satisfaction rating, is the real No. 1 when combined with the Super Boldor, which ranked 2nd. It has been a very long seller since the Heisei era, and many riders have probably had it in their driving schools. The reason why it is the only one that has survived among the once flourishing 400cc 4-cylinder models must be because of its high level of perfection.
This is evidenced by the fact that many owners appreciate the bike's basic features of riding, turning, and stopping, such as the HYPER VTEC engine that blows from bottom to top, easy and straightforward handling from city streets to mountain passes, and brakes with double discs that stop well.
Looking at the evaluation items, fuel economy is a bit harsh, but this is probably unavoidable because it is a four-cylinder.
This time, the Super Four, like the Super Boldor, will be discontinued this fall. New motorcycle reservations for this one are also full and will be hard to get from now on. There are about 100 used bikes listed on Webike Motorcycle Selection, where you can search the inventory.
5. Yamaha YZF-R3
The YZF-R3 is in the 400cc class, but with a slightly smaller displacement of 320cc. Like the Ninja 250 and 400, the YZF-R3 is the big brother of the 250cc YZF-R25, with a larger-displacement engine mounted on a body designed in common with the 250cc YZF-R25.
Owners rated the racy look of having an inverted front fork in addition to a full cowl the best. The YZF-R25 and R3 have naked versions, the MT-25 & MT-03, but these ranked 9th & 10th in satisfaction, with the data showing that the cowled version was preferred.
Next to its looks, the Ninja's lightweight, good footing, and ample power, combined with the same 250-class ride quality as the Ninja, were highly rated by owners. Some said they were glad that the separate handlebars were not as low as expected and that they did not get tired while touring.
In contrast to the YZF-R25, which uses bias tires, the R3 also uses radial tires. However, unlike the Ninja, both vehicles share the same tire size.
