04-11-2019, 05:16 AM
Mr P: if your wife is genuinely interested in the SR400, the bike has lots of advantages. And some disadvantages. Those unfamiliar with the procedure are initially put off by the kick start. With fuel injection, the decompressor, and the little sight glass, she would pretty quickly realize this is a non-issue. The seat height is lower than on my CB--I'm 5' 10" and can more easily flat-foot it than the Honda, but as you mention, the stock seat comes with a lot of tall foam. You could have Sargent or some other outfit cut it down and maybe add a layer of gel for comfort. Depending on her height, also likely not a big problem. People complain about the price, but as you note, you can get deals on leftovers, if you make the effort.
The bike is light and maneuverable and confidence-inspiring, in addition to being great looking and more authentically retro than most. But, if serious, she should really try one out, for at least an hour or two on the road. I found mine to be great around town and on backroads, with stretches up to 55 mph. But I wouldn't want to do any regular extended straight-line riding at that speed, myself: the vibes are perfect at 45 but tiresome at much above, for any length of time. I don't know how they compare with her Suzuki, but to me it feels like the bike does not really enjoy anything like highway speeds. So you and she would want to see how she likes it under the conditions in which she will most often be using it. Tommy seems to take his out on adventures; maybe he can weigh in about his experience with longer and faster rides. I love mine, but then again, I have a 2017 CB for long rides, where it is perfect.
The bike is light and maneuverable and confidence-inspiring, in addition to being great looking and more authentically retro than most. But, if serious, she should really try one out, for at least an hour or two on the road. I found mine to be great around town and on backroads, with stretches up to 55 mph. But I wouldn't want to do any regular extended straight-line riding at that speed, myself: the vibes are perfect at 45 but tiresome at much above, for any length of time. I don't know how they compare with her Suzuki, but to me it feels like the bike does not really enjoy anything like highway speeds. So you and she would want to see how she likes it under the conditions in which she will most often be using it. Tommy seems to take his out on adventures; maybe he can weigh in about his experience with longer and faster rides. I love mine, but then again, I have a 2017 CB for long rides, where it is perfect.