JimShortz

Bike SOLD now

7 hours ago, VocalNeal said:

I'm thinking OK. With some tinkering could be made to look like a Continental GT

 

 

An interesting comparison, but the cafe racer seating position isn't going to work for my old bones.  I'd say the CT400 shares a lot more in common with the Interceptor 650. Perhaps similar upswept exhausts and a bit of powder coating on some of the chrome parts?

4 hours ago, Fab5BKK said:

If I had more free time I'd buy a CT-400 as a project.

 

The basis is good and it could be a nice little bike to have & ride. However, the implementation is questionable (parts quality, assembling procedure, etc.).

 

First step would be to buy a good 2nd hand CT-400 and allocate some budget & time for the rebuild.

 

The whole bike would need to be dismantled and made more reliable (re-chrome some parts, apply corrosion protection, epoxy the frame, change the wheel bearings, change the nuts all around the bike, check the silent blocks, review the electricity). These mods and improvements come from discussions I had with CT-400 owners.

 

The CT-400 is quite a simple bike therefore this process shouldn't be too hard. Actually, a fun hobby to get into.

I'm in a simlar position so really shouldn't get one just yet... unless I get overtaken by bike fever, lol.

Everything you describe pretty much fits in with what I had in mind. Rechroming or powdercoating parts isn't too expensive in Chiang Mai. Stainless fixings are cheap for any that need replacement, and the bearings makes sense too - although I haven't come across anyone mentioning issues with bearings. The Chinesium bearings found in many Chinese bikes certainly are a problem though.

I am only unsure what you mean by epoxy the frame? and check the silent blocks?

My other thoughts would be to upgrade brake pads and see about LED bulb replacments.

An interesting project for the future...  or soon!!!

56 minutes ago, Chungju said:

I have had CT400 for four years now and it has proven to be very reliable. When it was new, it had some air leak in the throttle body affecting throttle response, but the dealer fixed it. Otherwise it has been very reliable. 
 

Super easy to drive, some of my friends who are not so use to driving bikes have tried it and been comfortable from the start.

 

Natural cruising speed is around 80-90km/h, more than that is nit so nice even the bike can go about 120km/h. Lots of torque considering the size and specs of the engine.

 

If you like the look and spec, go for it. You won’t be disappointed, must “cooler” to drive around than CB!

Thank you for taking the time to share. That sounds hugely positive. I might just take your advice ????

10 hours ago, canthai55 said:

I have used the first one in the past. Works great. Lasts forever

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FX0uxTOZ99w

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0d4wAFvkurY

 

Nice links ????. Yes, one, or even both of those methods together would do the job!

On 7/7/2021 at 9:11 AM, canthai55 said:

My Forza is the same width as my PCX at the mirrors - the widest part.

Only 10cm longer - 4 inches

No difference in lane splitting, etc. And a LOT more power

I liked the look of the new Forzas - much more like the PCX, right until I tried sitting on one. The Forza's seat is huge, incredibly wide. It really doesn't work for me, but for a bigger person it may work well?

Anyone considering a Forza needs to go and try it for size. True for all bikes, but the Forza's seat width is very unusual.

The Aerox is certainly more sporty and focused, but I find that Yamaha engine unrefined and would choose a newer ABS PCX every time. The Aerox looks cool, but be sure to spend a day riding each before buying. For me, the PCX every time...

1 hour ago, Stevemercer said:

Yeah, I should get a new head gasket, but haven't bothered yet. I just clean it off every few weeks. The gear lever was never a snug fit. I wrapped a bit of cloth around it and then tighten it. This lasts about 4000 km before starting to loosen again.

 

It's got a kick start, but it's a tough ask. I've started it a few times that way, but the electric start wins every time. Of course, it is very easy to push start too.

 

In conclusion, the engine and transmission is fine. The rest of the bike is ordinary, but you can replace or fix bits easy enough.

 

The handling is acceptable. I never really trusted the stock tyres, but it corners fine. They are a pretty hard compound. In my opinion, the stock front tire (and probably the rear) is too fat (this seem to be trendy these days) and a thinner tire would make it more responsive.  I do like the bigger wheels which handle the potholes better and keep the bike tracking where you point it. I wouldn't call it nimble, by any shot, but it is competent, feels stable, and is still light enough to chuck around a bit.

 

If you can pick up one for 50,000 Baht you should be able to get a good few years out of it. It's probably about the cheapest 400 cc in Thailand.

Thanks Steve, it's good to hear about the handling too. The stock tyres being hopeless fits with every bike I have ever bought. It's crazy that they skimp on this and force you to replace brand new tyres or suffer them for many kilometres. All of the manufacturers do it, making bikes appear to be much less good than they could be!

I wish I could see what's happening with your gear lever. If it just doesn't clamp tight enough on the shaft splines, can you grind out the clamping faces on the lever to allow it to clamp more tightly? or, drill and tap through the lever "collar" into the shaft to create a key to prevent slipping?

I don't suppose you are anywhere near Chiang Mai? I'd be happy to help...

33 minutes ago, Stevemercer said:

I brought my CT400 in 2016 and it now has nearly 40,000 km. I brought it new for 100,000 Baht. It is actually 397 cc so it is below the 400 cc limit.

 

I wanted a bike that I didn't need to pay too much attention too, and didn't care about much ('rat' bike), and at about the 100,000 Baht mark. For some reason the bike has not caught on with the Thai public. I imagine you could pick up a 2016/2017 bike, with up to 20,000 km, for 70,000 - 75,000 Baht.

 

The engine is good, plenty of torque and cruises well at 100 km/hr. When new/well maintained, it doesn't vibrate much at 100 km/hr and the mirrors are clear. It has a separate transmission/oil reservoir which helps to keep the oil cool. I would hope to get at least 75,000 km out of the engine before it needs any work.

 

The transmission/gear box is good and still slick (but positive) after 40,000 km. 

 

The fuel economy is very good at 30 - 35 km per litre (town vs highway) if you take it easy. The 13 litre tank is good for 400 km.

 

The rest of the bike is pretty ordinary. My fuel cap leaks when the tank is full, the side stand cut-off will stall the bike if you go through water deep enough to cover it, my tachometre has stopped working, the tail light cover fell off, the front bulb blows every 10,000 km or so (150 Baht for a new one), the gear lever comes loose (fixed with some cloth), there are rust speckles on the front wheel and front mudguard. The head gasket also has an annoying oil leak.

 

I do my own maintenance (basically change the oil, filter and clean the air filter) every 4,000 km. So far (40,000 km) the valves haven't needed adjustment. I replaced the chain/cogs at about 26,000 km (cost about 3000 Baht). I replaced the back and rear tyres at about 24,000 km (cost about 2000 Baht each).

 

I'm a bit more careful with the chain now and oil it every 500 km. There is no centre-stand which is a nuisance.

 

I've just ordered new rear and front brake pads. There is no local dealership, but the Honda dealership in my town is a registered supplier and I order my parts through them. They can also do any maintenance/repairs etc.

 

I hope this information is of some use.

Hi Steve, it's great to hear your first hand account of ownership. Thanks for taking the time to share your experiences.

I'm also surprised they weren't a bigger hit with Thais, but many are very brand conscious and wary of low resale values with Chinese bikes. Because of that there aren't many around, but a 2016 seems to go for around 50k - great value.

Your issues seem about what I would expect after 5 years and 40k kms, although the oil leak sounds like it wants dealing with! I'm not sure about the gear lever repair either, lol.

It's great to hear that the engine and gearbox are still going strong. The other niggles I could fix myself I should think, with the chrome issues being fixed by powder coating the offending parts. That's cheap to do here in Chiang Mai.

Thanks again, and happy riding.

12 minutes ago, driver52 said:

CFMOTO do a 400cc model, probs be able to pick up something cheap in the current environment...

Thanks, but the ones I am aware of have sport bike styling with the perch for a rear seat. I already have that on the Z400. I want a more comfortable 2-up arrangement for the missus.

Ignoring the Honda 500s that just leaves the CT400 as far as I can see, at least in light bikes that can also commute and nip in and out of town parking easily (think shopping trolley!).

1 hour ago, smccolley said:

My brother in law and I have a smaller Stallions and I can say the reliability sucks. I will happily get rid of it and never look back.

Yes, the 150 and 250s that I know of are not something I'm interested in. Most, if not all, used carburettors tuned to meet modern emission standards. That just doesn't work and creates bikes that don't run properly unless you sort that out. I believe the build quality is somewhat lacking too... I am really only interested in the CT400.

I know nothing about Harley models, but this fat bob has a green book: https://www.bahtsold.com/view/harley-davidson-2011-fat-bob-428145

I have owned a PCX and my wife has an N-Max. We both much prefer the smoothness and the ride of the PCX. Be sure to ride both before you choose. They are much more different than you think. I would buy the PCX every time!

3 hours ago, johng said:

Some more "Stallions"    I like the look of the "Buccaneer"  V twin

The Buccaneer looks good to me too, at least from a distance, but I'm not really interested in low tune 250s - just too slow to be interesting for me. Also, I read nothing good about the Stallion 250s (admittedly the V-twin may be better). It's shocking if you look on FB Marketplace and see how many Stallions Makina 250s are for sale. That isn't the case for the CT400 - it seems that people are much more likely to keep them... or they have all been scrapped!!!  ????

Thank you Mr Meeseeks, an interesting option, but nfortunately that's a new bike and I am looking for something a few years old as a cheap commuter - somethink around 50k (similar value to my CB300F) was all I was thinking to spend, hence the CT400.  It's just a second bike for shopping/commuting duties...

I don't really want the depreciation of a new bike. I have already got my 2019 Z400 deprieciating happily, lol. 

8 hours ago, guzzi850m2 said:

It looks to me that you really don't know what you want, LOL.

 

Well sometimes it good to get inputs from others.

 

2 up and daily rides to/from work but you don't want anything super powerful.

 

Honda X500 comes to mind, Royal Endfield 650 if you want a good looking retro bike, they both sell in large numbers.

 

I tested a RE650, nice bike, the torque is really nice for a non fast rider but is still pretty nippy up to about 140.

I certainly haven't made a final decison on a bike to switch to, or even to switch at all if nothing that suits my needs better than the CB300F is apparent. I think you summarised what I am looking for well with "2 up and daily rides to/from work but you don't want anything super powerful". To that I would add, something I find at least vaguely interesting, and fairly light.

I have also basically had it down to one of the Honda 500s (all fail on looks/interest for me - much like the CB300F), or the RE Interceptor 650. The interceptor ticks most of the boxes, but I was really looking for a cheaper commuter to replace the CB300F. Also, none of those are as light as the CT400 - for manouvering in and out of tiny parking spaces in town, on odd inclines, etc.

The CT400 ticks more boxes for my needs/wants than any of the other bikes commonly available, hence here asking for some input on the bike. Unfortunately nobody with actual experience of the bike I am interested in has been forthcoming so far. I will wait and see... In the meantime I will be keeping the Honda.

9 minutes ago, Fab5BKK said:

https://www.triumphmotorcycles.co.th/bikes/roadsters/trident (189Kg)

Type	Liquid-cooled, 12 valves, DOHC, 3 cylinders in line
Capacity	660 cc
Bore	74.0 mm
Stroke	51.1 mm
Compression	11.95:1
Max Power EC	81 PS / 80 bhp (60 kW) @ 10,250 rpm
Max Torque EC	64 Nm @ 6,250 rpm

 

 

https://www.triumphmotorcycles.co.th/bikes/roadsters/street-triple (168Kg)

Type	DOHC 12 valve in-line three-cylinder engine, liquid-cooled
Capacity	765 cc
Bore	77.99 mm
Stroke	53.4 mm
Compression	12.54:1
Max Power EC	123PS / 121.36 BHP (90.5kW) @11750rpm
Max Torque EC	79Nm@ 9350rpm

 

I've the Street Triple RS, trust me it's not boring ????

 

Yes, err... They pretty much fall down in every respect for what I have written I am looking for. Thanks for taking the time to post though!

Great bikes, for anyone looking for that kind of thing..

PS I have ridden the street triple. Lovely bike, with power everywhere and great handling. A less than ideal commuter for me though!

This forum must be for very sensitive souls... I can't believe that I had my very mild swear word that rhymes with crab auto <deleted>. Really? That is poopy!

12 minutes ago, Kwasaki said:

Ok fair call, you know what you prefer.

I like sports power my 900 blade weights in at 180 and low down weight pretty much with tank half full.

Ali frame bikes come out lightweight.

The Blade 900 sounds great at only 180Kg. I can't pretend I wouldn't enjoy that, but I fear I would kill myself having that much power here in Thailand! My wrist is not to be trusted I am afraid. The Z400 works great for my fun bike. You can ride it hard and still live (so far!).

I am 51 and have had bikes on and off since I was 16, with CBR600 being the fastest thing I have owned (back in the UK). I loved the 4 pot engine, but it sure isn't what I need for a an "easy to push in and out of parking" commuter right now.

The CT400 weighs only 170kg full of oil and fuel, and although low hp is quite torquey. It appeals to me a lot, whilst in the back of my head I hear "Chinese <deleted>" lol. I believe it's amongst the best of the <deleted>, however... I'm just trying to work out what that means for me!

3 minutes ago, Kwasaki said:

CB 650 no need to tinker just ride it.

Thanks, but not for me. Far too heavy. I'm no giant and am not interested in big bikes, or anything weighing over about 170kg or so.

I really enjoy light(ish) moderately powered bikes, especially for my commuting here in Thailand, hence considering the CT400. The other bike that fits the bill well is the CB300F, and I already have that. Just don't love it...

Actually, I would also like this bike to be good for short 2 up trips (into town, etc.) with my missus on the back. The CT400's big flat seat would be a big bonus. She doesn't like the CB300F "perch" much, and nobody likes the tiny perch on the Z400!

10 minutes ago, Agusts said:

I'm a bit confused , you have a Kawa Z400, and then want to buy a Stallion 400 because you are bored with CB300F and want to have fun....!?  

Oh dear, you do seem confused!

I'm bored with the blandness and boring looks of the CB300F... Just looking to swap out for something that I might find more interesting and enjoy tinkering with.

14 minutes ago, Moonlover said:

From my many years experience of 2 wheeled commuting, the last thing that I would want is a machine that not 100% reliable. I doubt if there's a motorcycle around that is as reliable as Honda.

 

My inclination would be to stick with it. If you get bored, take a different route.

Thanks for the input, but I genuinely enjoy tinkering and don't need the 100% Honda reliability if the trade-off is boredom, and most modern Hondas, other than the very top end are boring imho. 

The Ct400 has what is essentially a Honda XBR400 engine anyway, built with Honda tooling by Shineray in China. It also has modern fuel injection, so no carbs to mess with!

You may be right about taking a different route though. I am second guessing myself, hence requesting some first hand experience. Let's hope someone with one chimes in.

7 minutes ago, OneeyedJohn said:

Same here, my friend got a 250, barely rode it, and the shop he got it from closed in a few months of purchase.

Chiang Rai.

Now, the 250s, and the 150s are clearly not good bikes, but they are very different to the CT400 from everything I read - in most respects. I will absolutely not be buying the lower displacement bikes

24 minutes ago, guzzi850m2 said:

I don't have any personal experience with the Stallions.

 

Why not get a Royal Endfield instead, they look really cool.

 

Just a thought.

Definitely in my thoughts too, and I may buy one later - they get very positive reports. The simple answer though, is I just want a cheap commuter and my 2015 CB300F is worth about the same as a 2016 CT400...