What Bikeshould I Buy?

[KohKarrang]

I'm thinking about getting a bike to do my journey between bkk and koh chang and have got my eye on a honda cb400 or a yamaha xjr400

any others I should be looking at in this size range? I quite like the chunkiness of these two so I don't really want to buy anything smaller or anything sportier

Any tips?

[LivinLOS]

I recently picked up a bandit 400... Very nice if you want the sport feel without the sport look or superman position weight on your arms of a CBR400..

I have been very impressed by the CB400 also, rode one in total comfort to Penang and back.. I have my eye on a late model VTEC one.. The CB seems a little 'plain' and workhorse to some, I know some people view it as very unexciting, but its honda reliability, and ergonomics that just work.. Well I think it is my favorite of the 400's. Plus Honda parts supplies in Thailand may be easier than the other options.

I should mention that I am a kinda big guy, just under 6'4" so I tend to fit on bikes differently to someone in the under 6ft category.

[Macx]

Ditto what LivinLos said.

I had a Bandit400 some years ago. Loved that bike.

LL, did you manage to find one with a clean book?

[KohKarrang]

The bandit looks ok but yes I think he cb400's look more workhorse-like, the bandit still looks quite sporty

I've seen prices for cb400's go from B40,000 all the way up to B120,000 and that's just for old models, I know the cb400sf's can be expensive and the vtecs too but if I want to spend around B60-120,000 where should I start looking? There are a few sellers in my area(bangkok noi) but not much choice, is there another area in bkk that has a lot of bike shops in a concentrated area? Somewhere reliable to buy from?

Any recommendations/experiences would be appreciated

[LivinLOS]

Asiabikes.com claims to have many going through.. I had some weird communication block with him but you may have better luck..

TP lists a couple.. Siam superbike had a nice late model listed at 80k..

Not too hard to find one..

I agree they have a workhorse look, but that also means high comfort position..

[LivinLOS]

Ditto what LivinLos said.

I had a Bandit400 some years ago. Loved that bike.

LL, did you manage to find one with a clean book?

Found a good deal.. But book is an issue will have to solve that.. Price is right and more than that condition is v nice.

Have an eye on a late model VTEC CB400 too.. I tend to trade around non stop !!

I will say having been riding around on the Bandit.. I have little use for more speed or power than a 400 roadie offers in Thailand.. Call me a lightwieght of you like but the other drivers on the road and high speeds dont mix..

[KohKarrang]

I've just had a look on Siam superbike and they only have about 15 bikes for sale, similar story last time I looked, is there anywhere else online I can look just to get an idea of price for year of release?

Another thing, as I'm not much of a mechanic is there anybody I can contact to take a look at a bike for me before I buy it - just so I don't buy a bike with no motor

[LivinLOS]

Cant believe I am reccomending him as the guy was a total ass and deadbeat auctioner in the past..

But http://www.thaibay.biz/auction_details.php...ction_id=100434 looks interesting as an 06 clean late model.

SiamRacing on there is actually running the ThaiBay site I think.. Certainly his responses to me on there when I won many auctions that no one would then honor the sale indicate so.

[Phil Conners]

I actually saw this bike at SR ... it looks a lot older than two years, I though it was a mid-eighties (I'm not an expert so I just judged by the general looks of the bike. FWIW.)

[Richard-BKK]

As this motorcycle is to commute between Bangkok and Koh Chang I would stay far away from any motorcycle without the right papers.

No plates means you surely going to lose your bike....

[LivinLOS]

I actually saw this bike at SR ... it looks a lot older than two years, I though it was a mid-eighties (I'm not an expert so I just judged by the general looks of the bike. FWIW.)

I think it has to be post 92 or so (not that thats 2 years old) to make the tail kick up like that..

The hyper VTEC looks even more aggressive around the tail.. Think thats 04 onwards.. Not sure of both models were sold concurrently.

Theres a twin exhaust version also but I dont know where that falls on the dateline.. Seen one around and think it was standard honda.

[KohKarrang]

As this motorcycle is to commute between Bangkok and Koh Chang I would stay far away from any motorcycle without the right papers.

No plates means you surely going to lose your bike....

That's right, surely, I want a bike with plates.

That CB400 sf looks lovely but surely the price i not including papers so this'll push the price up another B60,000?

[Richard-BKK]

@KohKarrang

What is the budget for buying a bike?

[KohKarrang]

@KohKarrang

What is the budget for buying a bike?

My absolute maximum budget is about B120,000 with a book but I want something pretty special for that - no 1985 models

I'm quite picky and I want a black CB400SF or VTE ideally, is this realistic?

[LivinLOS]

Try dropping a line to the guy at asiabikes.com

[KohKarrang]

Cant believe I am reccomending him as the guy was a total ass and deadbeat auctioner in the past..

But http://www.thaibay.biz/auction_details.php...ction_id=100434 looks interesting as an 06 clean late model.

SiamRacing on there is actually running the ThaiBay site I think.. Certainly his responses to me on there when I won many auctions that no one would then honor the sale indicate so.

Am I right in thinkingthat this CB400SF is B80,000 without plates? So it'd cost me B140,000 in total including plates? Is B60,000 still the cost of getting plates for a bike?

[Singha Gold]

Cant believe I am reccomending him as the guy was a total ass and deadbeat auctioner in the past..

But http://www.thaibay.biz/auction_details.php...ction_id=100434 looks interesting as an 06 clean late model.

SiamRacing on there is actually running the ThaiBay site I think.. Certainly his responses to me on there when I won many auctions that no one would then honor the sale indicate so.

Am I right in thinkingthat this CB400SF is B80,000 without plates? So it'd cost me B140,000 in total including plates? Is B60,000 still the cost of getting plates for a bike?

I have been quoted 240K for a 2006 CB400 without plates/book locally and 220K for a 2006 in Bangkok with plates and book but with a 6 week wait for the paperwork. I am finding it's very difficult to find a 400. Despite my earlier reservations, I may have to up it to 600...

[KohKarrang]

That's too much money for me, way over my budget

What model, year and condition would I expect for B120,000?

[LivinLOS]

http://www.bahtsold.com/detail.php?id=30313

But that for 50.. get a bent book for 25..

[rockyysdt]

That's too much money for me, way over my budget

What model, year and condition would I expect for B120,000?

You really need to make sure you do your home work before jumping in.

Also watch out for ex rentals kicking around.

I rented a CB400SF in Phuket last year which turned out to be a real dog.

The motor had taken such abuse that it was consuming fuel at a frightening rate.

Much thirstier than my litre machine back home.

Here's a 1994 model Honda CB400SF:

http://cgi.ebay.ie/Honda-CB400-Super-Four_...L080424111a2104

Images of 1995 1996 & 2002 model Honda CB400SF:

http://www.cars-directory.net/gallery/hond..._four_versionr/

Here's a 2002 model Honda CB400SF:

http://www.bikez.com/motorcycles/honda_cb_...r_four_2002.php

Here's a 2003 model Honda CB400SF:

http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/Hon...r_four%2003.htm

Here's a Japan only 2007 model Honda CB400SF:

http://mybikeshop.wordpress.com/2007/12/07...400-super-four/

2002 Model for sale:

http://classifieds.thaivisa.com/automotive...-sale-4906.html

[geoffphuket]

Cant believe I am reccomending him as the guy was a total ass and deadbeat auctioner in the past..

But http://www.thaibay.biz/auction_details.php...ction_id=100434 looks interesting as an 06 clean late model.

SiamRacing on there is actually running the ThaiBay site I think.. Certainly his responses to me on there when I won many auctions that no one would then honor the sale indicate so.

Am I right in thinkingthat this CB400SF is B80,000 without plates? So it'd cost me B140,000 in total including plates? Is B60,000 still the cost of getting plates for a bike?

I have been quoted 240K for a 2006 CB400 without plates/book locally and 220K for a 2006 in Bangkok with plates and book but with a 6 week wait for the paperwork. I am finding it's very difficult to find a 400. Despite my earlier reservations, I may have to up it to 600...

Brand new CB400 in Phuket costs around 280,000 from a Honda main line dealer...on the road, plates tax and insurance.

[Singha Gold]

Cant believe I am reccomending him as the guy was a total ass and deadbeat auctioner in the past..

But http://www.thaibay.biz/auction_details.php...ction_id=100434 looks interesting as an 06 clean late model.

SiamRacing on there is actually running the ThaiBay site I think.. Certainly his responses to me on there when I won many auctions that no one would then honor the sale indicate so.

Am I right in thinkingthat this CB400SF is B80,000 without plates? So it'd cost me B140,000 in total including plates? Is B60,000 still the cost of getting plates for a bike?

I have been quoted 240K for a 2006 CB400 without plates/book locally and 220K for a 2006 in Bangkok with plates and book but with a 6 week wait for the paperwork. I am finding it's very difficult to find a 400. Despite my earlier reservations, I may have to up it to 600...

Brand new CB400 in Phuket costs around 280,000 from a Honda main line dealer...on the road, plates tax and insurance.

Where Geoff? The main dealer out of Patong toward Karon? Please tell me this is true. You have caught me two days before I take the plunge and buy a new BMW (Either the G650X or F800S) and I would much rather have the Honda here.... Plus it will save me a ton of money. I thought you couldn't get them new here?

[LivinLOS]

I know someone who bought a brand new one for that price abut 2 years ago..

[Singha Gold]

I know someone who bought a brand new one for that price abut 2 years ago..

I will go and see them before I take the trip out to BMW then. When I went to see them before they told me all they had was the Phantom. And when I phoned Honda HQ in Bangkok they also said that nothing was available new through the dealer network... TIT.

[LivinLOS]

I can ask how the guy bought his..

[Singha Gold]

I can ask how the guy bought his..

Please..

[LivinLOS]

A heavy selection of CB400's.. including the VTEC type II and even the hyper VTEC..

http://www.dbigbike.com/

[VocalNeal]

The bandit looks ok but yes I think he cb400's look more workhorse-like, the bandit still looks quite sporty

I've seen prices for cb400's go from B40,000 all the way up to B120,000 and that's just for old models, I know the cb400sf's can be expensive and the vtecs too but if I want to spend around B60-120,000 where should I start looking? There are a few sellers in my area(bangkok noi) but not much choice, is there another area in bkk that has a lot of bike shops in a concentrated area? Somewhere reliable to buy from?

Any recommendations/experiences would be appreciated

Did you make a decision yet? As a rule Hondas seem to be more comfortable and user friendly over the entire range but it is subjective. A guy on another forum said he is happy with this shop but it is a bit far out. Bike Shop

Which 400 depends on your riding style and preference. A CBR as someone said will be OK at higher speeds but in town the forward riding position is harder on the arms. In Thailand it is more important who owned the bike before as much as which bike.

Red baron don't have any 400's listed. Depends on where in BKK you are. I am happy with Mr. T on Rama 3 but others may differ. There is also Teera near National Stadium. Bkk Riders Shop list

Happy hunting.

[LivinLOS]

I enjoy the bandit for where I am and the roads I ride, its still a little forward (nothing like the CBR I had before) and that bit less laid back / easy going position on the CB400 but its that bit whippier in traffic too, inspires lane hopping and stop go blipping about.. Really the trade off between CBR, Bandit and CB are all going to be very personal.

I am tempted by a duci monster.. More low end torque / grunt (something the bandit lacks, its short geared and likes to rev) and with wide bars it would be a great sit up position I think.

When you think a package like this sells for +-120k baht in UK, and malay shipping quote was 895 GBP to Malaysia fully crated air frieght.. Well tempting isnt the word. Honestly if I had seen that selling in time it would be airborne to me right now !!!

http://www.ukmonster.co.uk/monster/showthread.php?t=27360

Edited May 22, 2008 by LivinLOS

[KohKarrang]

No final decisin yet no, although a CB400 from dbigbike.com is looking quite good, they seem to have a nice selection on their website although I would have to go and look for myself as you never know what they actually have in the shop at the present

I'm not totally sure how to read their website either as pretty much all of it is in Thai and I can't read Thai at all

I gather that the bike photos on the homepage are the bikes for sale but when I click through to them there are prices at the bottom of each page which look far too low for the bikes on sale, maybe the bikes have been rebuilt and resprayed but are actually older models - 93 onwards - so the prices may be right, under each price is usually the figure of 20,000 and I would like to know what that is about, if any of you read Thai can you take a look and let me know what's going on please?

That Ducati Monster looks ok bbut it's only got one seat and looks like too much of a monster for a comfy ride of 300km's, more like a bike suited to buzzing round the city...