ducati m400 vs RVF

[yongboyboy]

if you actually browse the garage sales.

you will find that actually m400 and Rvf you can get them at (about the same price-machine)

 

any idea about the insurance between both. ?

 

understand that both bikes are actually quite old.

which one will you choose

 

rvf- v4. japan bike. sports bike

 

m400. ITS A DUCATI!! not too sure about the maintainence thou. naked bike.

 

any idea on the resale value?

[Stoned]

Here's my thoughts on both the machines, since I've been running a M400 for the past 1 year and a bro of mine got an RVF.

 

The M400 i got was taken over from an expat owner and lovingly maintained. I have continued the maintenance and it remains in beautiful condition today despite the age of 11 years. Including myself, it has a grand total of 3 owners. I have had nothing but joy riding the bike.

 

The RVF my friend bought was of similar age but had (get this) 11 owners. Now it's on to the 12th owner. When he got the bike, he spent around 3k just to get the bike into proper running condition. The carb tuning was off, the air filter was jammed and the engine sound was like a Sin graph; extremely unstable. Oil was also leaking all over the place. This was just the tip of the iceberg. We concluded eventually that the bike probably had numerous bo chup owners who let the engine and chassis fall to ruin. He later sold the bike because it proved to be nothing more than a headache.

 

That being said, if you get an RVF in similar condition to my m400, then I suppose it would run reasonably well. Conversely, if you get a poorly maintained m400, you'd been in for a world of pain as well.

 

However, what I've observed is that m400s are, in general, better maintained than RVFs due to the difference in the type of owner and also perhaps by virtue of the fact that the m400 is still a Ducati and inspires the owner to take care of it.

 

Another observation I've made is that m400s that are poorly maintained usually carry low price tags. Well maintained ones carry the same price tag as an RVF. RVFs generally carry the same price tag regardless of condition, which is ridiculous. My friend paid ~7k for his RVF with all the problems, which were not declared by the owner, assuming he was even aware of it.

 

Ride wise, the sound of the L-Twin engine in the M400 is hopelessly addictive(given the right pipes). The RVF sounds like just about everything else out there, despite it's V4 configuration. IMO, it is not appreciably different from a straight 4's engine note.

 

Case in point, you will very frequently get people coming up to you on an M400 and telling you "great sound" or "nice bike". You will very rarely hear this on an RVF. The drool factor is unfortunately just not there from an RVF. The down side is you also get a lot of people sitting on your bike uninvited, so if this bothers you then a RVF is probably a better choice.

 

In case you're thinking an M400 is "slow", as some people do, it's not. Understanding the differences between a twin and a 4-cylinder model is important when making this judgement. Top speed wise, it definitely loses out to a RVF or Super 4, but the mid range grunt and torque you get outstrips an RVF or super 4. It makes 0-100 faster than either of the 2, and IMO that's what matters for city riding and makes it one of the best 2A bikes to ride. To capitalise on this, you can go for a 520 sprocket conversion, as I did, which sacrifices even more top end for even more low-down grunt.

 

Maintenance wise, as Ducatis come, it's dirt-cheap.

 

Also, if you're after something newer, the M400 was sold here till 2006, when the last unit was sold, AFAIK. Most of the ones floating around the second market are mostly over 10years of vintage though. I've been looking for an EFI monster to keep myself but have been unsuccessful thus far.

[ludacris10]

Get the ducati nuff said!

[yongboyboy]

thanks stoned for the detailed explanation... and sharing of your own experience

[natgw]

Ride wise, the sound of the L-Twin engine in the M400 is hopelessly addictive(given the right pipes). The RVF sounds like just about everything else out there, despite it's V4 configuration. IMO, it is not appreciably different from a straight 4's engine note.

 

rvf sounds like just about everything else out there?

 

pardon me but i used to ride a RVF a couple of years back..

 

even till today, with eyes closed. i could hear the difference and know its a RVF. even till today with a 1000cc machine and aftermarket pipes. i still miss the sound of my rvf very much.

 

i guess beauty (or rather, sound) lies in the eyes of the beholder. and to me the noise that an rvf produce is as hopelessly addictive. its that unique whistling and weird grunt of a v4 that u will not hear in an inline4.

[mild_slevin]

Here's my thoughts on both the machines, since I've been running a M400 for the past 1 year and a bro of mine got an RVF.

 

The M400 i got was taken over from an expat owner and lovingly maintained. I have continued the maintenance and it remains in beautiful condition today despite the age of 11 years. Including myself, it has a grand total of 3 owners. I have had nothing but joy riding the bike.

 

The RVF my friend bought was of similar age but had (get this) 11 owners. Now it's on to the 12th owner. When he got the bike, he spent around 3k just to get the bike into proper running condition. The carb tuning was off, the air filter was jammed and the engine sound was like a Sin graph; extremely unstable. Oil was also leaking all over the place. This was just the tip of the iceberg. We concluded eventually that the bike probably had numerous bo chup owners who let the engine and chassis fall to ruin. He later sold the bike because it proved to be nothing more than a headache.

 

That being said, if you get an RVF in similar condition to my m400, then I suppose it would run reasonably well. Conversely, if you get a poorly maintained m400, you'd been in for a world of pain as well.

 

However, what I've observed is that m400s are, in general, better maintained than RVFs due to the difference in the type of owner and also perhaps by virtue of the fact that the m400 is still a Ducati and inspires the owner to take care of it.

 

Another observation I've made is that m400s that are poorly maintained usually carry low price tags. Well maintained ones carry the same price tag as an RVF. RVFs generally carry the same price tag regardless of condition, which is ridiculous. My friend paid ~7k for his RVF with all the problems, which were not declared by the owner, assuming he was even aware of it.

 

Ride wise, the sound of the L-Twin engine in the M400 is hopelessly addictive(given the right pipes). The RVF sounds like just about everything else out there, despite it's V4 configuration. IMO, it is not appreciably different from a straight 4's engine note.

 

Case in point, you will very frequently get people coming up to you on an M400 and telling you "great sound" or "nice bike". You will very rarely hear this on an RVF. The drool factor is unfortunately just not there from an RVF. The down side is you also get a lot of people sitting on your bike uninvited, so if this bothers you then a RVF is probably a better choice.

 

In case you're thinking an M400 is "slow", as some people do, it's not. Understanding the differences between a twin and a 4-cylinder model is important when making this judgement. Top speed wise, it definitely loses out to a RVF or Super 4, but the mid range grunt and torque you get outstrips an RVF or super 4. It makes 0-100 faster than either of the 2, and IMO that's what matters for city riding and makes it one of the best 2A bikes to ride. To capitalise on this, you can go for a 520 sprocket conversion, as I did, which sacrifices even more top end for even more low-down grunt.

 

Maintenance wise, as Ducatis come, it's dirt-cheap.

 

Also, if you're after something newer, the M400 was sold here till 2006, when the last unit was sold, AFAIK. Most of the ones floating around the second market are mostly over 10years of vintage though. I've been looking for an EFI monster to keep myself but have been unsuccessful thus far.

 

Wooo that's a detail coverage of Duke Monster... it does attract me before trelis frame... twin muffler... retro head light... its famous cheeky red or competition white. Definitely bring alot of attention on the road...

[CMYRS]

not sure on the rvf but the duke has decent resale value esp. those close to end of COE.*

 

*provided much love and attention has been provided both internally and externally at no financial expense.

[dragonforce]

Here's my thoughts on both the machines, since I've been running a M400 for the past 1 year and a bro of mine got an RVF.

 

The M400 i got was taken over from an expat owner and lovingly maintained. I have continued the maintenance and it remains in beautiful condition today despite the age of 11 years. Including myself, it has a grand total of 3 owners. I have had nothing but joy riding the bike.

 

The RVF my friend bought was of similar age but had (get this) 11 owners. Now it's on to the 12th owner. When he got the bike, he spent around 3k just to get the bike into proper running condition. The carb tuning was off, the air filter was jammed and the engine sound was like a Sin graph; extremely unstable. Oil was also leaking all over the place. This was just the tip of the iceberg. We concluded eventually that the bike probably had numerous bo chup owners who let the engine and chassis fall to ruin. He later sold the bike because it proved to be nothing more than a headache.

 

That being said, if you get an RVF in similar condition to my m400, then I suppose it would run reasonably well. Conversely, if you get a poorly maintained m400, you'd been in for a world of pain as well.

 

However, what I've observed is that m400s are, in general, better maintained than RVFs due to the difference in the type of owner and also perhaps by virtue of the fact that the m400 is still a Ducati and inspires the owner to take care of it.

 

Another observation I've made is that m400s that are poorly maintained usually carry low price tags. Well maintained ones carry the same price tag as an RVF. RVFs generally carry the same price tag regardless of condition, which is ridiculous. My friend paid ~7k for his RVF with all the problems, which were not declared by the owner, assuming he was even aware of it.

 

Ride wise, the sound of the L-Twin engine in the M400 is hopelessly addictive(given the right pipes). The RVF sounds like just about everything else out there, despite it's V4 configuration. IMO, it is not appreciably different from a straight 4's engine note.

 

Case in point, you will very frequently get people coming up to you on an M400 and telling you "great sound" or "nice bike". You will very rarely hear this on an RVF. The drool factor is unfortunately just not there from an RVF. The down side is you also get a lot of people sitting on your bike uninvited, so if this bothers you then a RVF is probably a better choice.

 

In case you're thinking an M400 is "slow", as some people do, it's not. Understanding the differences between a twin and a 4-cylinder model is important when making this judgement. Top speed wise, it definitely loses out to a RVF or Super 4, but the mid range grunt and torque you get outstrips an RVF or super 4. It makes 0-100 faster than either of the 2, and IMO that's what matters for city riding and makes it one of the best 2A bikes to ride. To capitalise on this, you can go for a 520 sprocket conversion, as I did, which sacrifices even more top end for even more low-down grunt.

 

Maintenance wise, as Ducatis come, it's dirt-cheap.

 

Also, if you're after something newer, the M400 was sold here till 2006, when the last unit was sold, AFAIK. Most of the ones floating around the second market are mostly over 10years of vintage though. I've been looking for an EFI monster to keep myself but have been unsuccessful thus far.

 

really? i dun even ride a rvf, but when a rvf rides past i could identify it correctly most of the time without looking at it. i cant say the same for monster.

 

well to TS,

 

1 is a japanese sportsbike, another is a continental naked bike.

[stantheman]

The resale value is all crap lah.... 2A bikes have got its resale value is because of the lack of choices.... If those bike makers come out newer models for 2A bikes like what they doing for class 2. i tink 70% of those m400 and rvfs will be sitting in the scrapyard already.

 

Back to topic, im a rvf rider years back, I must vote that rvf do have a unique exhaust note. handling is superb, maintainance is just like any other 2A bikes. during my 18mths ownership i only do normal servicing. no problem at all. I tink japanese bike still better and spare parts easier to get in sg, no need to wait.

[Fried Rice]

why nv include cbr 400?

[Stoned]

rvf sounds like just about everything else out there?

 

pardon me but i used to ride a RVF a couple of years back..

 

even till today, with eyes closed. i could hear the difference and know its a RVF. even till today with a 1000cc machine and aftermarket pipes. i still miss the sound of my rvf very much.

 

i guess beauty (or rather, sound) lies in the eyes of the beholder. and to me the noise that an rvf produce is as hopelessly addictive. its that unique whistling and weird grunt of a v4 that u will not hear in an inline4.

 

I'll admit I am biased against Japanese bikes. I simply do not like them and perhaps that is why I don't like many Jap manufacturers sound output. I simply prefer the bark of an Agusta over the whistling weird grunt of a RVF or VFR if I were ever inclined towards 4 cylinder machines.

 

It's probably psychological, though you have to admit that RVFs don't quite attract stares from drivers while idling at a junction. Call me an attention seeker, but that's what determines a good exhaust note IMO

 

Why not go for the RSV4? It'll bring back the V4 sound you love so much. This V4 also sounds so much better than an RVF.

Edited June 2, 2010 by Stoned

[Stoned]

really? i dun even ride a rvf, but when a rvf rides past i could identify it correctly most of the time without looking at it. i cant say the same for monster.

 

well to TS,

 

1 is a japanese sportsbike, another is a continental naked bike.

 

 

I guess it also depends what you look out for, and how sensitive your ears are. The main reason why I said the Ducati's sound is more distinctive is there is such terminology as the "Ducati sound", much like the "Harley sound". There is also the "Agusta sound" and "Triumph Sound", but there isn't quite a thing as the "RVF sound" in petrolhead literature.

 

Outside of Singapore, I'd doubt a particular sound comes to mind when you mention the "RVF sound" to a fellow biker.

[Snoek]

rvf sounds like just about everything else out there?

 

pardon me but i used to ride a RVF a couple of years back..

 

even till today, with eyes closed. i could hear the difference and know its a RVF. even till today with a 1000cc machine and aftermarket pipes. i still miss the sound of my rvf very much.

 

i guess beauty (or rather, sound) lies in the eyes of the beholder. and to me the noise that an rvf produce is as hopelessly addictive. its that unique whistling and weird grunt of a v4 that u will not hear in an inline4.

 

I totally agree. When a RVF pass by, you just know it is a RVF. the wee sound lol.

[Snoek]

I guess it also depends what you look out for, and how sensitive your ears are. The main reason why I said the Ducati's sound is more distinctive is there is such terminology as the "Ducati sound", much like the "Harley sound". There is also the "Agusta sound" and "Triumph Sound", but there isn't quite a thing as the "RVF sound" in petrolhead literature.

 

Outside of Singapore, I'd doubt a particular sound comes to mind when you mention the "RVF sound" to a fellow biker.

 

haha, its up to indivigual what bike the rider likes. No point being biased.

[Blahhh]

I would get the monster becoz I love streetbikes and vtwin engines are awesome... they cost about the same machine-price wise anyway.

 

Of coz, must pray one can get a good m400/rvf. If you rush in and get a problematic m4/rvf, you will spend most of the time riding to workshop and not on the road

[MIGHTY MAX]

BEST PART IS>>>>RVF EATS M4....M4 top speed 130-140kmh...

 

HONDA still the best in 400cc bikes

 

V twin on 400cc...no power unless u ride Ducati 1098

[themostestultimategenius]

If you want performance, why not the Aprilia RS250 instead of the RVF? The Aprilia would eat the RVF and virtually any other Class 2A bike.

[DM]

speaking about engine sound, i can definitely identify an rvf by it's cam gear v4 engine. it is rough sounding and of a slightly lower pitch than an inline 4. coupled with a yoshi exhaust and it would sound almost as sexy as a duc 400 with termis

[natgw]

I guess it also depends what you look out for, and how sensitive your ears are. The main reason why I said the Ducati's sound is more distinctive is there is such terminology as the "Ducati sound", much like the "Harley sound". There is also the "Agusta sound" and "Triumph Sound", but there isn't quite a thing as the "RVF sound" in petrolhead literature.

 

Outside of Singapore, I'd doubt a particular sound comes to mind when you mention the "RVF sound" to a fellow biker.

 

no offense but seriously...

 

u sound rather shallow and senseless to me.. and most others.

[stantheman]

I guess it also depends what you look out for, and how sensitive your ears are. The main reason why I said the Ducati's sound is more distinctive is there is such terminology as the "Ducati sound", much like the "Harley sound". There is also the "Agusta sound" and "Triumph Sound", but there isn't quite a thing as the "RVF sound" in petrolhead literature.

 

Outside of Singapore, I'd doubt a particular sound comes to mind when you mention the "RVF sound" to a fellow biker.

 

Even if there is the so call ducati sound... i bet the m400 will sound like a chicken beside a 1098....

[thenation]

no offense but seriously...

 

u sound rather shallow and senseless to me.. and most others.

 

That was a quite uncalled for attack.

 

Even if there is the so call ducati sound... i bet the m400 will sound like a chicken beside a 1098....

 

And an RVF sounds like a chicken next to say, an RSV4. Why make this kind of pointless comparison? Oh and yes, there is a sound unique to Ducatis. It is not 'so-called'.

[xXxRatedxXx]

no offense but seriously...

 

u sound rather shallow and senseless to me.. and most others.

 

haha relax dude, one man's meat is another man's poison... i also think that RVF is as nice a bike to ride as a Ducati too... but stoned makes a point about RVF's tendency to be a "prostitute bike" whereas an M400 tends to be well looked after by virtue of the fact that it costs so much to own one and not everyone can afford to own one. But i agree stoned comes off as a little bit harsh.... give and take la huh.

 

Back to the topic, i am also keen to try V twin but i don't have the financial means to own a Duke... so i've been also looking around for alternatives.

 

Suzuki Bandit - Trellis Frame also, but inline 4

Suzuki SV650 gladius - Trellis frame and v twin engine, much cheaper than a duke. However rare in sg, spare parts might not readily available even though its relatively new.

 

http://www.motorbikespecs.net/images/Suzuki/GSF_400_M_N_Bandit_91-94/GSF_400_M_N_Bandit_91-94_1.jpg

http://twistingasphalt.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/2009_gladius-01.jpg

[yongboyboy]

chill people. we all come to this forum to voice out our own opinion and to seek advice.

 

its good to get feedback of the pro and cons of the bikes. no bike is flawless.

thanks again

[DM]

there's absolutely nothing wrong about both bikes. it's the class of riders. cheapskate posers; lacer wannabes who don't even do simple oil changes, rev the tits out of their machine in Neutral gear at the carpark, don't even clean the chain or wash the bike.

 

what to do? many people like motorcycles but not everyone is interested in maintaining it or they don't wish to spend any money or time on said commitment. i for sure know that all my bikes are well taken care of and i ride them hard when i want to. cheers, people.

[xXxRatedxXx]

there's absolutely nothing wrong about both bikes. it's the class of riders. cheapskate posers; lacer wannabes who don't even do simple oil changes, rev the tits out of their machine in Neutral gear at the carpark, don't even clean the chain or wash the bike.

 

what to do? many people like motorcycles but not everyone is interested in maintaining it or they don't wish to spend any money or time on said commitment. i for sure know that all my bikes are well taken care of and i ride them hard when i want to. cheers, people.

 

[yt]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfDA2abrebU[/yt]