New Yamaha thumper for '15

[Guest]

SR400... (who remembers the old SR500?)

http://www.sportrider.com/bikes/2015-yamaha-sr400-first-look

[tkent02]

Never tried the SR500, but the XT500 was one of my all time favorites. Judging by thier reasoniing for being kickstart only, I'm betting the performance is right out of the seventies too.

[trevor]

I liked this one better...

[JJ]

Judging by thier reasoniing for being kickstart only, I'm betting the performance is right out of the seventies too.

Their "reasoning...

"...the SR400 is kickstart-only, which according to Yamaha gives it retro appeal and "draws attention from old school motorcycle fans."

I hope I never have to kick-start another bike, regardless of how easily it starts...

[tkent02]

Yeah, I have a few bikes that only have kick starters, and a bunch like my GSes with both. The only times I have ever kick started a GS was when I'm sitting on the gound next to it and it's easier to give the kickstart a flip with my wrist than it is to reach the button. I might even remove the 550s electric start and starter clutch just to get rid of some flywheel. It starts with a couple fingers easiy enough.

The only old school fans that would prefer it are the ones who have never started a bike.

[eil]

It's nice to see someone coming out with a nice, basic semi-modern UJM.

But kick start only? That's a weird move. Seems to be the number of people who want a kick-start-only bike would be much, much smaller than the number of people who would really not want to bother with a kick-start if they don't have to.

Also, the price... $6000?! If all you want to do is ride a new bike, the CBR500F costs less and is probably twice the bike.

[Notz]

The only times I have ever kick started a GS was when I'm sitting on the ground next to it and it's easier to give the kickstart a flip with my wrist than it is to reach the button.

Didn't you start my 750 that way ?


Loved my XT500 and nearly bought a SRX6 before I found my current GS.
The single cylinder Yamaha's were always reliable and performed really well.
The new '15 thumper will likely be as bulletproof.

[spyug]

It is a cool little bike aimed at grabbing new riders on a nostalgia pitch. However, the lack of electric start and price will likely do it in. I can't see lady riders taking to it although I did see one of their ads featuring a petite, young Oriental lady. So they are aiming at lady riders too I guess.

I do hope it sells as it will bring the other players into the game and we might once again see 500s and 650s in a similar vein. Old school is cool!

[slayer61]

Like any other well maintained and tuned motorcycle, they actually start quite easily...BY HAND

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-KYAtpziDs on an XT or

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQQqmWc67MM on an SR

[jabcb]

Maybe Yamaha took notice of what Ryca is doing with the Suzuki S40.
http://www.rycamotors.com

[BigD_83]

I liked this one better...

Yes, the "one" I've been looking for, for some time.

[SqDancerLynn1]

The XT as a retro would probably sell better as a hooligan bike

[Octain]

A window so the rider can find top dead center? If a rider cant find TDC without a window perhaps they shouldn't own a bike.

http://www.cycleworld.com/2014/03/06/2015-yamaha-sr400-first-look-review-photos-specifications-pricing/

[850 Combat]

Why is it a 400? I think the lack of electric start is a problem for sales, even for a great bike like the SRX-6. The XT/SR 500 had a reputation for not wanting to start when hot. I know this: My dual sports with E start are nice to oppporate. Yamaha DID sell a multi valve e start XT600 from 1990. It COULD have been in the SRX-6, but wasn't. I have always liked SR500s, and they are still cheap. A White Brothers carb and pipe used to really bake them go better. I bought my dad a White Brothers pipe and carb for his GB500 Honda. He only put on the pipe with no discs in the Supertrapp. He only wanted more noise, not more power.

[Big T]

It's a 400 because they've been selling the 400 worldwide (but not here) since the 70's

400 means lower insurance and licensing fees, like in Japan

They've been at the dealers since May, you can go by and have a look at one. Same bike as in the 80s except with a new head to accept the FI it now has