honda xr400r reviews

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. Show less

My only complaint is that it can be hard to start especially when it's below 50 degrees. Other than that I couldn't ask for a better trail bike. I am a large person and the bike is plenty big for me. Its also good on gas and very easy on maintainance. I've never had a problem with the bike. It's still running on original everything except gas and oil, including tires, which is amazing because this thing flies! I've clocked it at 78 mph. on gravel, a 200-pound rider could easily break 80 mph. on asphalt. It wheelies with ease and if you give it too much gas in 1st gear, it'll put you on your backside in a hurry. Which reminds me, it's been laid over several times without any visible damage to the bike. They should never have stopped making this one. Show less

It's a great bike for what I do. I am all over the desert trails and this bike has never let me down. It is very fast and nimble. Perhaps what I love most about it is how comfortable it is. It's like riding a Cadilac over the rocks. The only thing I wish it had was electric start. I love how simple and bullet proof it is. I owned an XR250R for a while and loved it too. The extra power comes in handy on this bigger bike. Show less

This is one the greatest bikes I have ever had! It's fast and can go up any hill. There's nothing wrong with it. No radiator for lighter performance if you want a trail-race-hill climber. It doesn't really do wheelies but sometimes you can wheelie for a moment. A+++ Show less

These are the ultimate Trail Bikes...durable, easy to maintain, good power and affordable. While the 1995/6/7 models had some carburation glitchs and unusual suspension settings, the post 1998 bikes saw those items addressed and yielded fine machines that were fun to ride. With occasional valve clearance inspections/adjustments and oil & filter changes with a quality oil, these bikes are capable of many thousands of miles without any motor work. I know, my 1986 XR600 has logged over 30,000 miles of Colorado 500 and Baja trips with NO motor repairs whatsoever. It continues to run with the pack as it accumulates greater mileage. The 400 has a lighter feel and makes a better woods bike while possessing all the legendary dna that made XRs famous. Show less

This is an extremely FUN bike. It has usable power throughout the power band, excellent brakes and semi-tunable suspension. The bike is predictable in nearly all situations except soft sand where it tends to wander and nose dive at slower speeds. It has amazing grunt at lower RPMs in steep, tight situations. Very good clutch out of the crate. It's an excellent wheelie bike in the first three gears. The bike starts easy but is cold blooded. Very seriously FUN play bike for those more interested in riding enjoyment than wrench turning. Air-cooled does not overheat even when hammered under desert conditions over 100F. Show less

I purchased the XR 400 with the 440 power up kit already installed. It has the packing removed from the muffler (which I am told by a Honda dealer can't be done, but I have proof it can) the air box lid has also been cut out to allow for better air flow, but it has the stock carburetor, I am unsure if the jets have been changed out, but I do know it has been dialed in for maximum performance. I am very impressed with the power of this bike, combined with the light weight and maneuverability. I am comparing it to the XR600, which has a much heavier feel, and although the XR 600 has more power, I have not been at a loss for power or speed. The XR 440 in my opinion does outperform the XR600 on everything but a flat out drag race. (One of my riding companions has an XR 600) I have read reviews that the stock XR400 suspension is not adequate and I disagree. I am not a small rider, and the suspension on this bike has performed very well for my style of riding, mountain trails, open desert, light jumping, etc. Overall, I highly recommend this bike, the only flaw I can find is hard starting when cold, which I am told is typical with XR's, but mine may also be due to the 440 kit. Show less

It's been over twenty years since I rode in the dirt with my dad. I picked up a used 2004 XR400R to join my son on his 125 and what a ride! It does everything extremely well (braking, cornering, and climbing). The suspension is so plush, but very responsive and predictable. Plenty of stock power across the entire band. Enjoy! Show less

The XR400R is the best bike for riding with your friends. It is a great play bike for riders who know what they're doing. I have been riding it for 8 months straight and the bike and I are like one. Unbelievable wheelie power. I always spray my friends with dirt when they're not paying attention. My friend Mike who rides an XR250R can never touch me when we are racing even though he has one more gear than me. The 400 has blown away any bike we have gone up against. Show less

This bike is awesome. It climbs any hill I want it to and it's always gotten me home. It runs with any bike I've ridden with. I just raced my first haire scambel about 2 weeks ago and this bike dominated the competition. Show less