Cycle News

Cycle News 2014 Issue 36 September 9

Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles

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VOL. 51 ISSUE 36 SEPTEMBER 9, 2014 P43 "fun zone." A few of us broke away from the pack and began to push the little thumpers maybe a little more than the average rider would, and, before I knew it, we were four-rider deep, single file, tire to tire, railing through the canyons all the while hootin' and hollerin' like little school girls. This is what the SR400 is all about. We ended our ride at the world famous Deus Ex Machina in Venice. This corner coffee spot has the vintage motorcycle vibe down, with bikes, clothes, post- ers and local coffee drinkers. There's even a door out back that leads to a micro shop, which pro- duces some of the best-looking customs out there. If you haven't made a stop at this motorcycle hangout, I highly suggest it. With a healthy MSRP of $5990 some say that Yamaha might be a little too proud of its cult classic thumper, as it sold for just under $2000 in 1978. Figure in inflation and things don't quite add up. But when you factor in fuel-injection (even though the old-school car- buretors look cool, it's not cool to having to constantly mess with the jets searching for that perfect setup), the new exhaust system to comply with regulations, and the cost to restore an old one (that is if you can find one), in the end you're left with one question: What's it worth to you? If you're someone who's trying to re-live the "glory days" or you're a vin- tage nut like I am, then the cost doesn't mean much, because you can't really put a price tag on the amount of fun you'll have on the new SR. CN >>PROS: •Manageable power, easy to ride •Light clutch pull, smooth shifting •Simple design, excellent platform for customizing •Real motorcycle, not cheap beginner's bike >>CONS: •Noticeable vibration above 60mph •Kickstart only (some of us don't mind) •Only one color •Lofty MSRP The SR400 feels right at home in the city but it can also handle short hauls on the highways comfortably.

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