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The Return of the 400s
DOT orders all manufacturers to think smaller
Once upon a time in American Motorcycling, say the 60s,
we were happy and content with bikes of smaller displacements such as 100, 250,
350 and 400 ccs. But when we hit the 80s we just had to have bigger machines.
Perhaps it was a thought process spurred by the glut of high powered SUVs that
had hit the market. Whatever the case certain segments of the street bike market
were lost as a result.
But by order of the DOT manufacturers were recently
informed they must conform to a new requirement for street bikes. Beginning in
2004 all major manufacturers must provide a 400cc street bike in the US market.
At the time of this writing all manufacturers had agreed to comply and in a
Sound RIDER! exclusive we have been provided with details of each of the
manufacturers offerings
Aprilia RSV400 A lighter and swifter version of the
currently available RSV1000, Aprilia will release this as a four stroke to
comply with upcoming EPA regulations.
BMW R400RS A sporty knock off of the R1150RS sport
machine. Too soon to tell if theyll come up with a Boxer Cup for this smaller
class.
Buell Fire Colt Buell has already been offering its
Blast model for the last few years. The Fire Colt is a 400cc knock off of the
Firebolt that came to market in 2002. It utilizes a Blast motor and Firebolt
engineering with the fuel in the frame and the oil in the swing arm. It can be
purchased with the popular Dynaflow two stroke conversion kit which has been
so popular on the 1998 Dynaglide models.
Ducati 446ie This will ship as a super motard model
and conversion kits will be available to change it into a sport tourer, or
dual sport model.
Honda CB4 Third time around in the history of Honda
to bring an inline 400cc four bike to the market. The bike looks a lot like
the CB919, is fuel injected and said to be a blast in the twisties because of
its super light weight.
Kawasaki Z400 Are you digging the look of the new
Z1000? The Z4 will make a great entry level bike and incorporates the styling
of the Z1000 including that four-into-two-into-four pipe system. Look for a
ZR4RR Ninja in 2005.
Moto Guzzi Breva 400 An opposed 90 degree twin, which
Moto Guzzi is so famous for, gets a new look as a standard based on the
upcoming Breve 750.
Norton Commando 400 Norton returns this year with a
new cruiser, but the Commando 400 will signal the companies commitment to
classic styling and modern technology.
Suzuki SV400 and GSXR400 Suzuki will bring on two new
models so that riders will have a choice between an inline four, or Vtwin
motor.
Triumph Speed Five 80 ccs per head, this five
cylinder sportbike utilizes some of the technology Honda has been using in the
RC211V.
Yamaha R4 A sporty little knock off of the R6 and R1,
this model is lighter and easier to maneuver in tight corners.
With all these new models coming to market, youd have to
wonder, where does this all fit in at the race track? A WMRRA spokesperson
noted, "We will be incorporating a 400 class into our 2004 schedule. The bikes
will run on the track at the same time as the new Maxi Scooter class bikes run."
Would that be the same time Vintage and GP run? Only time will tell.
Sound RIDER! publisher, Tom Mehren, sums it up this way
"Its like a dream come true, do you think they'll all ship in April???"
For photos and specifications
click here.
Eric Enderle/April 03
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