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.
