Hi Coop, I'll give a report as soon as I can and a better report once we have some miles on it. It is going to be a good companion to the TU. It is quite easy to start and seems to run smoothly.
Love these retro classics, just not their prices. The TU250 for instance cost a grand more than the GW250. The SR400 is having issues getting into Canada because of pricing issues apparently. That being said, I'd buy a retro classic in a heartbeat if the price was right. Thanks for sharing, looking forward to hearing your thoughts on both bikes when you have a chance.
Hi Mario. You are right about the price, but it isn't that the retro bikes are expensive, the SR400 costs almost exactly what it did in 1978-1981 when it was here as the SR500. At least when you use an inflation calculator to determine the cost. Having said that, I completely agree that there are more modern bikes available at less cost than the old crocks. The GW250, the Honda CX500 series, the Yamaha FZ-09 are all examples of technically advanced bikes costing less. We are fortunate to have so many choices and many of those choices reasonable priced.
Thanks for the response. Though I do agree with you about inflation, that accounts for only so much of the cost given the lack thereof any advancement (bar fuel injection) in technology applied to these bikes. They are charging us as much for the nostalgia as they are for the cost of making said bikes. Harley-Davidson has made a fortune based on the principle. Funny you should mention the FZ-09, have been thinking of picking one up next spring as a daily commuter. That is, if the allure of a retro classic doesn't steal my money first. ;-) Keep up the nice blogs, I enjoy your work.
The workmanship on the SR400 is very good, it is much better looking in person than in photos. The paint is nice and the welds are high quality, most everything except the side panels and turn signals are metal. The dimensions of the bikes are similar. Both are small and light. We plan to do a bit of exploring and will keep everyone informed of our impressions of the bike as time goes on. The TU and the SR will likely be very good travelling companions.
We've talked a lot about this one.
ReplyDeleteI didn't think of you but I should have. :)
Will be listening till you have more time.
Hi Coop, I'll give a report as soon as I can and a better report once we have some miles on it. It is going to be a good companion to the TU. It is quite easy to start and seems to run smoothly.
DeleteLove these retro classics, just not their prices. The TU250 for instance cost a grand more than the GW250. The SR400 is having issues getting into Canada because of pricing issues apparently. That being said, I'd buy a retro classic in a heartbeat if the price was right. Thanks for sharing, looking forward to hearing your thoughts on both bikes when you have a chance.
ReplyDeleteHi Mario. You are right about the price, but it isn't that the retro bikes are expensive, the SR400 costs almost exactly what it did in 1978-1981 when it was here as the SR500. At least when you use an inflation calculator to determine the cost. Having said that, I completely agree that there are more modern bikes available at less cost than the old crocks. The GW250, the Honda CX500 series, the Yamaha FZ-09 are all examples of technically advanced bikes costing less. We are fortunate to have so many choices and many of those choices reasonable priced.
DeleteThanks for the response. Though I do agree with you about inflation, that accounts for only so much of the cost given the lack thereof any advancement (bar fuel injection) in technology applied to these bikes. They are charging us as much for the nostalgia as they are for the cost of making said bikes. Harley-Davidson has made a fortune based on the principle. Funny you should mention the FZ-09, have been thinking of picking one up next spring as a daily commuter. That is, if the allure of a retro classic doesn't steal my money first. ;-) Keep up the nice blogs, I enjoy your work.
DeleteHow are you liking the 400? I haven't been able to see one up and close and personal yet, but it seems to fill a niche. Looks good with the TU too.
ReplyDeleteThe workmanship on the SR400 is very good, it is much better looking in person than in photos. The paint is nice and the welds are high quality, most everything except the side panels and turn signals are metal. The dimensions of the bikes are similar. Both are small and light. We plan to do a bit of exploring and will keep everyone informed of our impressions of the bike as time goes on. The TU and the SR will likely be very good travelling companions.
DeleteI am looking forward to learning more about the SR400. Please report soon.
ReplyDeleteI will do that. I am working on something now, but it'll be pretty brief as the bike has only about 150 miles on it.
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