I passed my test on a Yamaha SR 125 in 1996 before all the rules changed. I promptly brought a GPZ500, but having dropped it 4 times, I decided motor biking was not for me.
Then 6 years later a new colleague recommended that I try the CBR400NC29, as I am only 5’ 2” most sportsbikes having me tippy toeing, not so with this bike. I can touch the floor flat on both sides in my bare feet! I decided to risk all and try again. I brought a 1989 version, which comes in Red White and Blue. I could have chosen a later year, but thought spending less was a good idea based on my history. All the controls were manageable without any adjustment, and I find the riding position bearing in mind my height absolutely excellent. The weight does tend to rest on your wrists, but after a few journeys this is not an issue.
The bike is a Grey Import, which means you may have trouble getting it serviced. The franchise Honda dealers wont touch it, but smaller garages have no problems
As my bike came with an after-market end can I had to get the legitimate version for the MOT. I have also brought an indicator switch, this being the only part to have packed up in the 2years that I have owned the bike. I brought these parts from David Silver (http://www.davidsilverspares.co.uk/) who are excellent for Honda bits.
The bike has a fairing, which protects you from everything, and I don’t even notice any wet patches in the rain, the tank has a range of 200 km before hitting the reserve, but try not to put Optimax in it, unless you want to improve the performance beyond recognition. I use Bridgestone tyres, which I would recommend for this bike, as apart from over banding in the rain, the bike has not even twitched. There is a pillion seat, but the foot pegs are so high, that your passenger will have their knees by their ears!
General maintenance is reasonable; with a Haynes manual you can attempt most jobs yourself (even being a girlie!)
The bike is 398cc and so falls into the £30pa road tax bracket, and my insurance through Carol Nash is cheaper than my car.
Overall the Brakes are excellent, the engine superb, the handling smooth and it can take corners faster than the big boys.
I would suggest if you are short, like sports bikes and have a full licence then this is the bike for you.
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I also owned an SR125. I traded it in for a bigger bike which I could only ride on a half a tank otherwise I'd drop it. Got rid of it a bit quick when I realised how much insurance I was paying (I was only 19). Good to know there are bigger bikes for smaller people.
Jan 30th, 2004
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