"I want to ride a motorcycle, but I don't know which one to choose. What kind of bikes are there?"
For those who have such concerns, we have selected the top five motorcycles from the satisfaction rankings of the past year, based on the evaluations and comments of the owners registered on Webike!
In this issue, we will introduce the discontinued classic mid-size motorcycles (251-400cc) from 1980 onward.
What is the overall popularity ranking?
The ranking is based on the number of times each model was viewed on Webic Motorcycle Select in the past month. This time, "Out of Print Masterpieces (1980-)" and "Medium Motorcycles (~400㏄)" are added to the narrowing criteria to extract the results.
Rankings are updated every Friday.
～Click here for the ~400㏄ "Satisfaction Ranking" page.
*This ranking article was produced on November 28.
HONDA CBX400F
As expected, the CBX400F, which debuted in the fall of 1981, won first place by being extremely popular not only among the generation of old men who experienced the motorcycle boom of the 1980s in real life but also among the younger generation of old car enthusiasts who yearned for the legend. Although it was replaced by its successor, the CBR400F, after only two years, its popularity was so great that it was reproduced in 1984.
According to the press release at the time of the first release, the planned monthly sales volume was a whopping 5,000 units! That means 60,000 units per year! Considering that even today, when the motorcycle boom is said to be long overdue, sales of 5,000 units per year would be considered a blockbuster, those were truly extraordinary times.
Incidentally, the 81-82 years is called Type I and the 84 years is called Type II. Type II, whose engine is based on the CBR, has a square protrusion at the rear of the cylinder head. The frame number is NC-07-106**** or later.
There are some other differences in the carburetor and brake system, but they have often been replaced by alternatives due to their age, so it may be quicker to look at the engine and frame numbers.
It is impressive that the lowest price for a used car registered on Webike Bike Select is 2.75 million yen (about 20155 USD), almost six times the price at the time.
SUZUKI GSX400S Katana
The 400 Katana has recently caught the young generation's attention because it is possible to have the katana form that they have always dreamed of, even with a standard motorcycle license.
Although the GSX-R400 series is a water-cooled engine, the air-cooled fins on the cylinders have been engraved to faithfully reproduce the atmosphere of the 1100 and 750 engines. Moreover, compared to the 250 that preceded the GSX-R400, the double discs and wheel configuration are closer to the original 1100 and 750, which is also a big attraction. Moreover, the opposed 4-pot brake calipers and rear shock with reservoir tank are more luxurious than the original. The 140mm rear tire is actually wider than the 4.5-inch (approx. 114mm) 1100. The 400 Katana was introduced in 1992.
In contrast, the 1100 Katana debuted in 1981, so there was a gap of 11 years between the two. The author, who owned a 750S, frankly felt that the 400 might be the most powerful katana in terms of total balance and perfection. I was a 750S owner and frankly felt that the 400 might be the best Katana in terms of total balance and perfection.
The used cars listed on Webike Bike Selection range from (approx.) 4385 USD to 5060 USD.
While this is expensive for the age of the average used car, it may still be one of the most affordable out-of-print cars available.
KAWASAKI Zephyr 400
In third place is the Zephyr 400, which sparked the naked boom of the 1990s. The debut of the first generation C1 model was in 1989.
The Zephyr was hailed at the time as the second coming of the Kawasaki Z. Up to the C2 model, however, it used a meter with a different diameter. It was not until the C3 model in 1990 that the Zephyr's so-called "Z-like" double cannonball gauges were adopted, and with the C3 model, the Zephyr's styling could be said to have been perfected.
In 1996, the Zephyr χ evolved from a 2 to 4-valve model with a significant power increase of 7ps. The following year, in 1997, the suspension of this χ was greatly strengthened. Looking back on the tests conducted by motorcycle magazines at the time, there was a feeling that the balance of the body of the 1996 Zephyr was actually outmatched by the engine. This may have led to a significant evolution in just one year.
In any case, the Zephyr 400 series sold explosively and sold well for about 20 years in the 90s and 00s, bringing up motorcycle boys. Therefore, until a little over 10 years ago from now, depending on the degree, you could get one for about 735 USD, but now, if you notice, they have become quite a treasure thanks to the Z boom.
The lowest price tag for a used car listed on Webic Bike Selection is (approx.) 6220 USD, and the highest price tag is (approx.) 14515 USD! The current owner should continue to ride it with care.
YAMAHA XJ400
In fourth place is Yamaha's XJ400, nicknamed "Peke J". Unlike the XJR400, which was a rival to the Zephyr and CB400SF during the naked boom of the 1990s, this model was produced from 1980 to 1984.
It was introduced as a competitor to the Kawasaki Z400FX and went head-to-head with the Honda CBX400F and Suzuki GSX400F. Nowadays, its design and ride quality can be described as that of a so-called "old motorcycle," and it seems to be irresistible to modern enthusiasts who yearn for its taste.
In addition, the XJ400D with four exhaust systems was added in 1981, although it initially had two exhaust systems on each side. The four exhaust systems were slash-cut and megaphone-shaped, and the styling was quite radical. It might be a hit with those who like the badass culture of the time.
It became a treasure for such out-of-print enthusiasts, and used cars listed on Webike Bike Select also fetched a premium market price of over 18340 USD. The successor XJ400Z & ZS, which became water-cooled in 1983, also became quite a treasure.
KAWASAKI ZXR400
The ZXR, Kawasaki's 400 replicas of the ZXR, ranked fifth on the list of mid-size out-of-print favorites since the 1980s.
The ZXR400 was the last of the replicas to be introduced, and it was fully focused on combat power, with an inverted fork for the first time in its class and ducted hoses extending from the upper cowl to the tank (K-CAS = Kawasaki Cool Air System, which cools the engine directly with the outside air).
The L1 model of 1991 and later, which underwent a full model change and had two odd-shaped headlights, are particularly popular today. The 91 L1 model was even more powerful than its predecessor, and there are even anecdotes of ZXRs on the grid at SP races.
Such talk has recently been boosted by the out-of-print replica boom, and it has been rekindled as the "400 Strongest".
There are even rumors of a new Kawasaki 400 straight-4 replica to follow the current ZX-25R, making this nostalgic model the center of attention.
However, the number of used vehicles in circulation is small, and there is currently only one vehicle listed on Webike Bike Select. It is priced at (approx.) 5120 USD, but looking at the market over the past few months, it is available in the 4400 ~ 5865 USD range.
