Road test of YamahaSR 400 2016 ALIVE AND KICKING

on April 13, 2016, Oli le Belge sent me a message on that wonderful social network Facebook. I give you the content of this discussion below:

Oli: " At 5:50 pm, class: "How to kick the big mono 400 with ease! "
Scalle: " Sold...!!...but how to revise beforehand.....I need to find a good little cross to practice before the official test this afternoon...! One thing's for sure: I'm going to keep my motorcycle shoes on to protect my alveolus.......!!!! "
Oli:"Don't worry, you just have to aim for the decompression window above the cylinder. Very easy! "
Scalle: "...I feel like I'm going to high kick the first time.....!!! "

Result of the test: after 3 attempts, the Yamaha SR 400's engine started to turn and I was off for another superb test.

here's my opinion:

design

to get a feel for the differences between its predecessor, the 1978 SR 500, and the all-new 2016 version, I opted for an image comparison.

The first thing that strikes you about the SR 400 is its beautiful finish, with a fine pair of old-fashioned spoked wheels. The size of the tubulars and the shape of the tank are identical to the original, but Yamaha has fitted warnings to the handlebar controls, and the lights now come on automatically. The fuel tap has been retained, but it's just for looks, as when you're on reserve, a blinker lights up on the very rustic analog instrumentation. While I'm used to an ultra-modern digital display, I discover that the trip meters are on rollers and that there's no clock.... So I conclude that the SR 400 takes its time. Using the ignition key, I open the small triangular hatch on the left-hand side, where I discover a few repair tools.

personally, I'm not a big fan of center stands, firstly for looks and secondly because every time I do it, I get lumbago. But on the SR, the center stand doesn't stand out and is accessible to all.

the driving position

a very pleasant riding position, for a variety of reasons: the legs are naturally positioned against the relatively low fuel tank, and the arms can easily grip the high handlebars with their pronounced handlebars. The seat is low, narrow and relatively soft. It offers firm comfort, offset by fairly supple damping that guarantees excellent roadholding.

handlebar controls

the controls are classic and offer the essentials: automatic headlight activation, a warning system on the right-hand handlebar and a left-hand thumb switch for headlights.

driving

don't look for the electric starter, there isn't one .... It's the return of the good old kick.....! Back in the day, I felt like burning my Husqvarna Enduro 250 2T more than once, when it wouldn't start or when the kick came back, and that's exactly what I'm thinking, a priori, when I activate the kick on this "new" Yamaha SR 400, respecting the usual protocol: look for the compression point, pass it with the help of the handlebar lever, bring the kick back up to the top and push it down with a firm, full stroke... Miracle, it turns!
I'm immediately at ease on this bike, which is so smooth and unctuous. I rev it up effortlessly, the gearbox is smooth and so is the clutch lever.
I loved driving it around town, because it's so easy to handle thanks to its small size, and because it turns in a flash. Of course, having tested the ferocious Suzuki GSX 1000 just before me, one could possibly criticize its lack of panache and dynamism on the freeway, but let's not forget that it's still a 400... And then, if you launch it well, pull hard on the engine, take it up to the revs and lean forward, the speedometer still climbs to 130 km/hour, which nonetheless leads to fairly pronounced vibrations.
As for braking, the front caliper bites the single disc with sufficient aggressiveness, which is reassuring. The rear drum is not to be outdone, and also provides good braking performance.

minor faults

the fact that it only starts on kick and its price (6,000 EUR) could possibly put off some potential buyers. As for the display, I think it's a shame there's no clock.

conclusion

lightweight, simple, easy to handle, cute, timeless aesthetics, relaxed riding, appreciable build quality... In short, so many qualities that will appeal above all to lovers of classic, authentic and original motorcycles. After looking at a few photos on the Internet, I realize that there's something for everyone, because the range of accessories available to personalize your motorcycle is very wide.

the Yamaha SR 400 shines, both literally and figuratively, in the city and on small roads, and could well suit all those bikers at the "end of their career" who are no longer looking for thrills, but who aspire to rediscover pleasure in sobriety.

SCALLE