First bike advice CB400SF vs CB400X or Kawasaki Eliminator

[kazuma123]

Hi,

I just passed my test in Japan and looking to buy my first bike, limited to 399cc (so 2A class in Sing).
Just wanted to hear some opinions on bikes. Posting here as you have same bikes and in English.

400SF - this is what I learned on, and I love the engine, the VTEC and the noise. Also it seems slightly more premium / less plasticy than the CB400X.
400X - will be better suited to my height, and better luggage options and slightly more upright position. 
Kawasaki - I just like the look of it and though a cruiser style it seems also a neutral upright riding position, but seems worst luggage options. 

As I understand I can get a rear box for all three, but the 400X can also fit pannier bags. I believe a 35L/40L will give me enough space for 5 days clothes if packing lightly, but if I want to go bike camping 400X maybe better.

Is the riding position on the 400X so much more comfortable and suited to longer rides? I want to ride out from Tokyo into the countryside so will be doing maybe 3 hour long rides 1 way sometimes (plus break times).
To be honest if I can get my feet comfortable (and longer rides don't cramp me on 400SF) I would lean to that bike as just love the engine and sound.

In terms of on road agility in bends, I assume the 400SF will have an advantage over other two, I wonder how the Eliminator vs 400X compare in twisty , tight roads?

For reference I`m 183 cm and 30CM foot and the 400SF was slightly cramped - in terms of the rear brake and clutch lever are cramped given my shoe size, didn't notice legs uncomfortable but definitely found my foot almost engaging rear brake due to my foot size and getting under shift lever was also slightly hard.
I've straddled the CB400X and Eliminator and the rear brake and clutch seemed slightly more spacious.

All advice appreciated.
Thanks

[adesmond2]

13 hours ago, kazuma123 said:

Hi,

I just passed my test in Japan and looking to buy my first bike, limited to 399cc (so 2A class in Sing).
Just wanted to hear some opinions on bikes. Posting here as you have same bikes and in English.

400SF - this is what I learned on, and I love the engine, the VTEC and the noise. Also it seems slightly more premium / less plasticy than the CB400X.
400X - will be better suited to my height, and better luggage options and slightly more upright position. 
Kawasaki - I just like the look of it and though a cruiser style it seems also a neutral upright riding position, but seems worst luggage options. 

 

As I understand I can get a rear box for all three, but the 400X can also fit pannier bags. I believe a 35L/40L will give me enough space for 5 days clothes if packing lightly, but if I want to go bike camping 400X maybe better.

Is the riding position on the 400X so much more comfortable and suited to longer rides? I want to ride out from Tokyo into the countryside so will be doing maybe 3 hour long rides 1 way sometimes (plus break times).
To be honest if I can get my feet comfortable (and longer rides don't cramp me on 400SF) I would lean to that bike as just love the engine and sound.

In terms of on road agility in bends, I assume the 400SF will have an advantage over other two, I wonder how the Eliminator vs 400X compare in twisty , tight roads?

For reference I`m 183 cm and 30CM foot and the 400SF was slightly cramped - in terms of the rear brake and clutch lever are cramped given my shoe size, didn't notice legs uncomfortable but definitely found my foot almost engaging rear brake due to my foot size and getting under shift lever was also slightly hard.
I've straddled the CB400X and Eliminator and the rear brake and clutch seemed slightly more spacious.

All advice appreciated.
Thanks

Hi there, glad to have another biker from another country.. Wonder if you are a Japanese or Singaporean.. haha

 

Meanwhile, Honda 400SF is called Super 4 in our country.. Most people will go with super 4 as they are much more agile and better in street riding style = more power, more torque.. 

 

400X is more for touring or riding for longer distance = might suit your objective of getting a bike to ride across Japan. 

 

Kawasaki is produced in Japan (I presumed) and for Eliminator = it's not available in Singapore

The only Kawasaki 400cc is will be zx400 in Singapore aka sport bike = definitely doesn't suit your style

 

If you are based in Singapore, I would recommend 400x for riding across long distance.. If just local city riding, 400SF or even ZX400.. 

 

For Kawasaki Eliminator, you might wan to check out your local communities.

 

Hope my advise does help you one way or another..  

[Siphon]

Hey~ welcome!

As Adesmond2 mentioned. the S4 as we lovingly call it here in Singapore. Is more of a commuter and daily ride.

It has 2 things which is not  ideal for you. 

1. The short ride height. Anyone taller than 175 is going find it a little low. so you will be hunched. 

2. It doesn't have a windshield, so if you're going long distance and want to have a relaxing ride. Probably not this. 

For the 400X you have more options for touring but of course you won't get the very nice sounding inline 4 vtec sound of the S4. 

Eliminator is a cruiser so the whole riding experience is going to be different and it has a very different riding style. It will be comfortable, but you will have lesser luggage space compared to the 400X which is made for more luggage space (top back and panniers with sweet touring looks) 

Top box on a cruiser is just... a crime... hahaha... 

 

Whichever you choose! enjoy the ride and ride safe!

 

 

[adesmond2]

10 hours ago, Siphon said:

Hey~ welcome!

As Adesmond2 mentioned. the S4 as we lovingly call it here in Singapore. Is more of a commuter and daily ride.

It has 2 things which is not  ideal for you. 

1. The short ride height. Anyone taller than 175 is going find it a little low. so you will be hunched. 

2. It doesn't have a windshield, so if you're going long distance and want to have a relaxing ride. Probably not this. 

For the 400X you have more options for touring but of course you won't get the very nice sounding inline 4 vtec sound of the S4. 

Eliminator is a cruiser so the whole riding experience is going to be different and it has a very different riding style. It will be comfortable, but you will have lesser luggage space compared to the 400X which is made for more luggage space (top back and panniers with sweet touring looks) 

Top box on a cruiser is just... a crime... hahaha... 

 

Whichever you choose! enjoy the ride and ride safe!

 

 

wait wait.. top box is not a crime.. hahahahah...

I've seen a Yamaha R1 and R6 with top box also.. LOL...

it's just subjective to individual..  

[kazuma123]

Thanks for all the input. I`m originally from England and living in Japan last  years.

I went with the Cb400X (actually the new model NX400), was put off by the small fit of the CB400SF and also the massive mark up for used bikes over the new price just 2 years back. Also thought for longer riding NX400 would be better, interestingly tried the Eliminator, very comfortable and asked the shops owner his recommendation between that and the NX400 (which he didn't have in his shop).. he recommended the NX400 which I thought was great - very honest and not recommending me to the bike he was selling.

 

[adesmond2]

awesome.. at least you managed to get your bike.. LOL

[Siphon]

On 4/19/2024 at 9:03 AM, adesmond2 said:

wait wait.. top box is not a crime.. hahahahah...

I've seen a Yamaha R1 and R6 with top box also.. LOL...

it's just subjective to individual..  

think those bike designers would just die on the spot if they saw it... just imagine a bmw1000rr with a top box... 

[adesmond2]

8 hours ago, Siphon said:

think those bike designers would just die on the spot if they saw it... just imagine a bmw1000rr with a top box... 

I think depending on the usage bah.. if you truly need a box.. then get it lor.. doesn't really need to care much.. that's also equal to more "head turners" hahahaha..