The outdated motorcycle test-ride that Bike-O holds at its stores and events is a great event where you can see, touch, and even test-ride the precious famous motorcycles of the past. I picked up Honda NS400R from the lineup of the event and gave it a test ride review on public road!
Motorcycle OverviewSparing no effort in applying the technology of the NS500 racer model
The NS400R was launched in 1985 at the height of the motorcycle boom. The NS400R was a replica of the World Grand Prix machine and the latest technology was applied to it.
The main feature is the liquid-cooled 2-stroke V-type 3-cylinder engine. Two cylinders are laid out horizontally at the front, and one cylinder is laid out at a 90-degree angle from there. The engine is equipped with the ATAC (Automatic Torque Amplification Control) system, which detects the engine speed and automatically changes the exhaust capacity to achieve an effective exhaust pulsation effect. The engine produces a high level of torque at low and medium speeds, and a maximum output of 59ps at high rpm./8500 rpm, maximum torque 5.1kg-m/8,000 rpm was demonstrated.
■Overall length 2025mm, Overall width 720mm, Overall height 1125mm, Axial distance 1385mm, Seat height 780mm, Vehicle weight 183kg
■Liquid-cooled, 2-stroke, piston reed valve, 90-degree V-3, 387cc, 59ps/8500rpm 5.1kg-m/8000rpm Transmission 6-step return, Fuel tank capacity 19L, Brakes F=double disc R=disc, Tire size F=100/90-16 R=110/90-17
■Release: May 10, 1985.
■Annual sales volume: 6000 units
■Price at the time: 629,000 yen
POSITION & FOOTHOLD
Stature: 172cm 75kg
The seat height is 780mm, and while the suspension may not be at 100% performance for a vehicle that's over 35 years old, it's still quite comfortable compared to modern road sports machines. The heels are perfectly planted and the knees have plenty of room. The position is also compact and the machine feels compact. The forward lean is much more forward than modern naked models.
Riding performance
Difficult to handle but that's the beauty of it.
There is no cell, only kick start, but the engine starts without much trouble due to the low compression ratio of 6.7 for a 2-stroke. The engine is in such good condition that it can be started without using the choke, unless it is cold.
When you start driving, you will find that it has the ride quality of a 2-stroke machine. At any rate, it is useless below 5000 rpm. Honda's release states that the motorcycle produces high torque in the mid to low speed range and turns smoothly all the way to the high rpm range. There is no low speed. Well, it's not the lack of torque that causes frequent stalls, but if you choose the wrong gear before cornering and miss the power band, the engine won't put out enough power during cornering and even at the exit of the corner. It makes you feel like you can't ride the motorcycle at all.
Furthermore, for riders who are used to riding 4-stroke machines, the lack of engine braking when entering a corner is a concern. Whether accelerating or entering a corner, the trick seems to be to keep the engine speed above 5,000 rpm and let the engine do the talking.
On the other hand, once the corner is completed, further acceleration awaits on the straight ahead. If you make a slight mistake with the load control, you can feel the acceleration like you're about to get mauled. Although this machine is over 35 years old, we were able to taste its potential. This machine is over 35 years old, but it has a lot of potential.
Detail
