I first started riding my fathers 2005 xr400r religiously when i was just a young whippersnapper (about 11 or 12 years of age) . I was a bit scared when i first learned to kick start it not being able to touch the ground. Coming off an xr100, the large increase in wheel size, engine size,...
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I first started riding my fathers 2005 xr400r religiously when i was just a young whippersnapper (about 11 or 12 years of age) . I was a bit scared when i first learned to kick start it not being able to touch the ground. Coming off an xr100, the large increase in wheel size, engine size, compression, torque, horsepower, gearing, top speed, suspension travel, seat height and mad-dogness made this bike extremely exciting and scary. I only weighed about 40kg at the time and got the Xr up to eye watering speeds maxing out the 160 km/h speedo on long straight dirt roads. the XR's ability to cruise over rough terrain more efficiently then smaller kids bikes was addicting. In terms of reliability I have taken her from about 8,000 kms to over 14,000 and never once given up on kick starting the cantankerous bitch after a multi month sit in the shed. This is possibly the most reliable bike I have ever swung a leg over. Unreal simplicity and it just works. In terms of performance this bike will knock the socks off most other new or old trail bikes (they don't make em like they used too) I learned to wheelie on this torque machine, she is a low speed wheelie machine and will happily come up in first second and third, even fourth if you throw your weight around and encourage her to give you a thrill. This bike had been rejetted and was very thirsty for fuel and is probably in need of a long range tank as it only has about 60-160 km range. for comfort, the suspension does the job perfectly and the seat will give you a sore arse after about 20 mins of cruising if you dont stand . I think this has something to do with my big ass dad wearing the padding out of the seat however. I conclusion my experiences with the xr400 has been great as i knocked the socks off my mates shitbox bikes, I currently ride a ktm 350 exc-f and it is a great bike but you would be surprised how the Xr still compares to it in terms of performance and definitely requires less maintenance. She has only had a few oil changes and still goes well.
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