Are Classic Sport Bikes Better Than Modern Ones? (RVF400 Vs ZX4RR)

[@HeroRR]

ZX4RR First Ride Impressions - kzbin.info/www/bejne/l4WoZ6KvotJphdksi=PuodUPaLv9aH6puy RVF400 First Ride Impressions - kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJqqdX2HhrCWoa8si=IgcDqw5BJguOhc_d

[@lovelessissimo]

The "retro" styling of some bikes in recent years has not resonated with me at all. The xsr900 and the z900rs primarily. I didn't grow up with those, and they just look like old bikes to me. What does resonate, as the video poignantly illustrates, are the early 90s sport bikes. Round twin headlights, jet ski graphics, analog gauges, and lunch box tails make me remember being 10 years old and thinking "man, that is the coolest thing I have ever seen" when my neighbor parked his Ninja. I am hoping the yamaha xsr900gp does well, or at least helps inspire kawi, honda, and suzuki to give it a shot. A z900rr or an SRAD with teal and pink splash accents is the future I want to live in.

[@antothemanto77]

It’d be interesting to see how a 90s ZXR400 compares with the ZX4RR

[@HeroRR]

I would have loved to have compared that one instead it definitely would have been closer. However I had to go with the bike I actually have ridden.

[@antothemanto77]

@@HeroRR absolutely-this was a great comparison, thank you!

[@ndmr2503]

X. X c. X. X // ​@@antothemanto77.

[@williamardenjr116]

That’s a 2 stroke 🫱 rode

[@MikkelL03]

Fortnine has made a video comparing old bike to a new one in terms of stats and what deal you got(:

[@leandroflaherty]

Carbs have one major benefit. When the ninja is as old as the Honda, it could overnight become a brick. Computers, sensors, lcd screen, high pressure pumps. Good luck diagnosing and fixing it on the side of the road too. A carbureted bike can hide in a barn for another 50 years and it will still run as well as it was parked so long it was drained of any fuel. Also you are connected to the machine with no software middlemen and the sounds decelerating on a carb bike are glorious.

[@HeroRR]

Absolutely. I've grown to really like carb'd bikes and appreciate the unique old school mechanical feeling they provide. Makes me want to buy another.

[@prabashrusiru9224]

Cdi failure is nice to you know.

[@jimstartup2729]

@@leandroflaherty easy today.. hard tomorrow! Is how I see all this digital equipment that has become the staple if modern stuff. Yes carbs are more to maintain, service, and set up.. but the fact is you can do it yourself with very few tools. With a lot of modern stuff, once it's got a fault.. you can chuck the whole component away, and good luck finding compatible stuff once a decade or so has gone by.

[@Chenzoman]

So true

[@videosbruno]

​@@jimstartup2729you can always convert to carb when and if it happens

[@davidlagno7717]

I miss the 90-00's when we saw mind-blowing evolution. Japanese engineers were 100% about performance and beating the competition. Every 2-4 yrs we got more. Now it's stagnant. Now they're all the same pretty much performance wise , parallel twin motors with non-adjustable suspension, led lights and it's all about the electronics. Which personally I could care less.

[@TheOriginalCoda]

Absolutely, I think the EU and California EPA are mostly to blame for the decline, possibly?

[@davidlagno7717]

@TheOriginalCoda Yea they definitely kicked it off. The first fuel injected sportbikes had CA bikes that were more restricted. But the new generation doesn't demand enough. They buy the shit so why change it? I'm not gonna buy brand new and spend another 3 grand on flashing the ecu and a bunch of mods. By 2024 all that should've been ironed out for sportbikes. Make it easier on us we all do the same mods for 20yrs now.

[@rbfclaboratoryandstudio]

Yah, but it was that constant need to revolutionize and improve that brings us to where we are with today’s bikes.

[@davidlagno7717]

@rbfclaboratoryandstudio I don't think so. It's about what people demand and what they're gonna buy. This newer generation has a much softer approach to everything. And emissions is a problem. Motocross bikes are still evolving because of the demand and they've been around decades longer than sportsbikes. The literbike class has to always squeeze a few extra ponies out each model because it's the demand. Keep buying crap and love it with the new slogans like Suziki gsx8r and you'll keep getting it. " race bike tech with real world performance " says it all. We demanded real world tech with race bike performance. The Ninja 650r has been basically the same besides its electronic package and look-alike bodywork they were bottom of the barrel beginner/ commuter bikes that we laughed at. Now there's an entire class of them that people can't get enough of. Suzuki doesn't have a race team anymore because they don't need it to sell bikes. De- evolution of sportbikes available to the common public for affordable prices. Minus the "De" part, that was the old slogan.

[@louvivier7779]

Because people arent buying anymore. Why would they overinvest on development for something that's expected to sell fewer units like it used to. People just dont wanna buy sportbikes anymore, inspite of what your instagram reels tell you. Also its stupid to allow 250hp bikes on the road. Its even more stupid to put 100 hp on begginer bikes. The displacement classes have their purpose.

[@pv6505]

In my humble opinion, the superbike and Supersport motorcycle market peeked in the mid/late-2000s. The aesthetic and performance WITHOUT all the electronic and computer interferences put more on the rider and felt more visceral to me. It's also the era where it was determined that 1000cc bikes would be regulated to the 186mph/300kmh top speed so where do you go from there besides more computers?

[@peraz968]

Absolutely just like you said! And all that shit, like a wheelie control and slippery control and what else control..? Fuck all shit and just pull the throttle and go on just as fast as you want, do it with only rear tire if you want and so on. But all these electronics.. I do not have very many more words to say anything abaut it.. I just doesnt like any helppers. Not on bikes, not any more at cars. Completely bullshit for a driver, who knows how to drive a vehicle, that is driving. At least if asking from me.

[@brucewayne-ej3cx]

My 2014 r6 does not have traction control or anything like that. It's raw af. It's violent.

[@kalpetkoff]

I currently own a few classical sport bikes and I wouldn't trade any of them for new injected ones: - 2003 Kawasaki ZX7R - 1994 Honda CBR900RR SC28 - 1995 Suzuki GSX-R 750W - 1999 Yamaha YZF750R

[@frackyouasshat5531]

LOVE MY 1999 ZX750R

[@bikerboy4161]

Bro. Your bikes are awesome.

[@kalpetkoff]

@@bikerboy4161 thanks bro!

[@TheOriginalCoda]

@@kalpetkoff Agreed. That is a great pick of classics there. Your biggest problem is to decide which one to ride when the sun comes out? I know mine would be.

[@kalpetkoff]

@@TheOriginalCoda agree 😁

[@427walrus]

Have not watched the video yet but wanted to comment that I rode an RVF400 20 years ago and I was instantly smitten. It's what inspired me to get my VFR800. Would love to pick up a 400cc V4 one day. 👍

[@TheOriginalCoda]

I had the NC24, and NC30, and the NC35, and they were all brilliant. The NC35 was in a different class though. There will never again be a bike built that's as special as that was. And it was so much fun on the road, no bike I've ever owned since came close (and I've owned 90's Ducati's, Fireblades, CBR600's, RC51 etc). When I heard about the ZX4RR coming out I was in 2 minds, but I don't really want a cheap "built to a price" 400. That's not the reason one owns a 400.

[@gerrybailey447]

The RVF 400 was more expensive than the VFR 800 at the time.

[@timdavis6088]

I think the 2004 Honda 600RR that I have (bought it new) is the perfect blend of old and new. It's new enough to have EFI and fully adjustable suspension but doesn't have the invasive electronics like TC and ABS or a slipper clutch. I've been riding sport bikes since the late 80's so I'm already trained. I don't want anything interfering with my control over the motorcycle. I like blipping the throttle, downshifting, and using engine braking.

[@pv6505]

I had a 2005, what a great bike!

[@AMPElec]

Slipper clutch is essential for spirited riding, road or track. Not fun having the rear lock up on a downshift

[@paulelverstone8677]

My favourite model of the CBR6... *thumbsup*

[@rafaelkleque7318]

I have a 2005 CBR600RR with 51.000 km, bought with 36.000 km with all services on Honda, and have a brand new ZX4RR with full akrapovic, 7000km on clock The ZX4RR sounds awsome, handle so well, its light, quickshifter up and down, and every time when i ride this bike, its a blast. Revs a lot to 16.000 rpm and now with 90cv have the enough power to the roads in my opionon. But, in other side, when i sit my ass on my 6000RR 2005, man, it feels like a real motorcycle. Dont know, but sport bikes which are built between 2005-2008, specially 600RR, in my opinion, have a magical touch 🤣 I will trade my ZX4RR at the end of this year for a Versys 650, and for sure, never sell my 600RR

[@timdavis6088]

​@@rafaelkleque7318 I couldn't agree more! But I will warn you that you really need to take care of your gas tank. Don't leave ethanol based fuels in the tank for any longer than necessary. If it does rust there's a chance that your vent tube (small 1/8") will clog up and cause the tank to vacuum and collapse or spring leaks. It's one of the main issues I've seen in 20 years for the 2003-2006+ bikes. I just thought the fuel pump issues were bad. It can also cause a "Fuel Geyser". You stop for gas on a 1/2 tank and open the gas cap only to have a geyser of fuel shut 3-4 feet into the air and all over you and your bike. Without a vent the tank cannot get pressure inside to stabilize the tank pressure. It sucks the tank into a vacuum which lowers the boiling point of fuel to vaporize upon opening the gas cap. Without a vent you don't have a tank. Without a tank you don't have a bike. If you have to buy a used tank make sure they guarantee the vent works.

[@banabread1113]

I own a 1994 limited livery zxr400 and she is my baby. She drives like a dream and I get to take care of her. The maintenance makes me feel more connected with the bike and riding. Granted I only take her out on sunny days so the reliability, although it has never been an issue, is not really a concern. The biggest thing is the availability of certain parts. Especially fairings :P

[@rbfclaboratoryandstudio]

For RVF and VFR 400 owners, there is a great company called TYGA that make high quality and well regarded aftermarket parts for the bike including replica fairings that look as good if not better than OEM. Also a couple of people on forums who are absolute expert at restoring the original fairings and repainting them to very high standards. And then the large selection of Chinese fairings in unique colors as well. This is one of the best things of owning one of the Honda V4 sportbikes.. that there is worldwide network of support and huge interest in the bike still.

[@WeItenspinner]

I wouldn't trade my 90's VFR 750F for the last gen VFR 800F. The sound, smell and feel is just to good.

[@thudhrtz]

They have come a super long way on the VFR platform as well. The 90s machines are iconic but the new bikes are a pleasure to ride. I’d keep the 90s any day of the week though having had a new and an old one.

[@paulelverstone8677]

The quality in these 90's era viffers is staggering. I have the 97FV and today, 27yrs later and 106k miles on, it is still a great machine...

[@WeItenspinner]

@@paulelverstone8677 Mine is a 97's model as well and I hope, it will make 100ks, too. :)

[@captaintoyota3171]

God ive always wanted a 90s vfr man.

[@Incagenito]

Couldn't agree more. My VFR 750 rc36 tops every other bike i have ridden so far.

[@dannyferguson9415]

My 1990 FZR400 is my only bike. it is only good on twisty back roads but it has been very reliable almost 50k back road miles!

[@dannysmith9882]

Its amazing how much closer 2003s are to 2023 than 1983 to 2003.

[@JNAMOTORSPORTS]

Same goes with cars Remember they were recycling old shit for decades and milking the market including harley

[@peraz968]

You are absolutely right! But I think it is because when people get older and older, the time kind of goes faster and faster. Just meanin, like if you are think your child hood and years from there, it took a pretty long time to go thruu all, just say like a 10 years of it, didnt it? But at the older ages, lets say like a 20 years later, that same 10 years perioid is like one fart and thats all. I do not know did you get this? It is a pretty complicated to try to tell you, because english is not my native language, or mother language, or nothing like that. My native language is Finland, and I can say it is a way different language, than actually any other ones. On the other hand, Finnish language is very very difficult! And I know how to speak finnish. So, english should be an easy job.. at least on theory.😆

[@thudhrtz]

I bought my 848Evo for the exact reason of it still being very analog to ride, but it had the modern geometry and engine. No traction control or ABS and a whole truck load of torque to stay on top of keeps me happy. I’ve had a few different modern sports bikes with all the bells and whistles but I always come back to something like the 848, perfect blend.

[@roessalaar]

About 12-13 years ago I owned a couple of original '92 900RR Fireblade's. They were my first and second proper motorcycles. I do miss them and would love to own an older sportbike again, there really is something special about them. It would however have to be as a second bike for me. For my everyday/touring/commuting motorcycle I love having fuel injection, a comfy riding position, fuel gauge, gear indicator, heated grips, abs brakes and so on. Guess I've gotten soft..

[@Unmethicated]

December last year I finished my dream mc22 build and now I’m about to start my dream rvf400 build. 90s 4stroke 4 cylinder low cc bikes just cannot be beat. Super good power for the engine size, very good handling and they just look awesome.

[@tonyovermyer5368]

As an owner of 2 vintage Honda bikes (1991 Nighthawk 750, 1988 Hurricane 600 project) I really like that its fairly easy to fix the older carbed bikes if you have some mechanical know-how. Everyone complains that theyre so difficult to work with, but before getting into bikes I never worked with any carbed motors. Plus when the air is a bit cooler out you can feel the difference in the throttle! I dig the look of that RFV too!

[@matthewspears8800]

I have a 1994 ZX-7 L2 ninja, and it's my childhood dream at an adult age. For sure nostalgia but also just takes me.back to an age where I was racing 80cc motocross and this was an adult indulgence. Like a countach but 2 wheels. The race history and mechanical personality is something to bond with over time. Lots of rewards riding one

[@Alx.c98]

As an RVF owner for over 6yrs I can attest to how good they are...esp modified and track setup. I enjoy using mine on the road and at the circuit upsetting the big CC boys 😂💪

[@GSXRlntensity]

A happy medium time frame would be if we could freeze time in 2005-2006. The late ‘90’s and the ‘00’s were the golden age of sportbikes as a whole. I mean we had new liter models every other year and the middleweights were highly updated every year like bam bam bam. Lowest weights, less emissions, high tech enough, and still analog enough.

[@fxsaddles7985]

I grew up loving and riding 90’s sport bikes but have evolved (now in my 50’s) to 90’s Harley’s. Not fast, but full of so much character & personality. Who wants to ride a bike that’s the same as everyone else’s?

[@craigwhite3724]

I was lucky enough to own an RVF in early 2000s I was amazing. I fitted a HRC race carb jetting kit and ignition module.End result was 16500 RPM ignition cut out and it was dyno tuned and ended up putting 63hp at the wheel.Power delivery was linear from about 4500 rpm to 16500 howling cut out.Carbon fibre race can made it sound like a massive swarm of pis#sed off wasps

[@Beanerds]

I have and love both a 1966 Triumph 650 Saint and a 2022 RE Interceptor 650 , 55 years between and they are more similar than most would not believe . Thanks for this comparo .

[@okymek]

You can buy a KPH to MPH speedo reducer that is essentially just a mechanical gear reducer if you have an old bike with a cable driven speedo that you mount inline on the speedo cable. It's just a male thread on one end and a female fitting on the other end so your KPH speedo will actually be reading MPH.

[@MC-Racing]

Just got home from a ride with my buddy, him on his CBR600 F3 and me on my ZX4RR 40th aniversary. and we swapped bikes so he could ride the kawa (we always do that whenever i buy a new bike) and i sure did miss my pocket rocket while riding his CBR600 :-)

[@rbfclaboratoryandstudio]

But wasn’t the CBR600 faster?

[@MC-Racing]

@@rbfclaboratoryandstudio sure.. But not by that much.. But fast is not always equal to fun.. If I want fast I will ride my BMW s1000r or my Aprilia tuono v4rr ;-)

[@weatherproof1]

Stock for stock the neutered Canadian ZX4-R would not likely outrun an early 90's ZXR400. However, the new 400 has so much more potential with an exhaust and tune. It would take a fully built engine and thousands of dollars on the old ZXR400 to get 75whp. On a VFR400R it would need even more work and a stupid amount of money. I still prefer the older 400's though. The styling is in another league. Having both old and new would be ideal. I've been extremely lucky to own a VFR400R for 16 years (first bike) and have ridden CBR400RR and CBR250RR's on a few occasions. I will never sell it and still ride it regularly. They really are special regardless of size. We really missed out not getting those types of bikes in North America but people are extremely ego driven when it comes to motorcycles and engine sizes here. Most people don't understand what these 400's are capable of with the right rider!

[@paulelverstone8677]

Nice one. I'm a big fan of 400's and I'm impressed with the Kwacka's 4 cylinder engine. Getting a bit tired of constant parallel twins now. What wasn't mentioned was depreciation (and as a side-note, desirability). After 3yrs that RVF is going to be worth almost exactly the same, if not more. Not so the Kwacka. And this reflects the desirability: the 4RR is just another bike. A good bike that'll sell in its 000's - but that's it. And the RVF simply isn't. Either of the NC30/35's will never be 'just another bike'. And speaking from experience; as a possession, the NC's are really something very special indeed. All imho...

[@HeroRR]

Absolutely a great point. RVF's will only go up in value from here on out assuming condition remains the same. The ZX4RR probably has a floor that we won't see for another 9-10 years as long as they continue to make new ones. If Kawi stopped producing the ZX4RR after a 3 year run then I can see the values rebounding back up as well... eventually. The NC's definitely are special. I think the ZX4RR is as special as a small modern displacement bike can get, but you cannot compare a V4 with gear driven cams, tear drop headlights, and a single sided swingarm. Just such an elegant bike.

[@robinv2758]

The big difference is one is over 30 years old while the other is brand new, so a large part of the original RVF/VFRs have already been destroyed throughout the years. It used to be "just another bike" like the ZX4RR, so it depreciated like crazy, but the old bikes are getting increasingly more rare and collectors with nostalgia are picking them up as investments which increases the value. This does have the unfortunate side effect that very few of them are still being ridden unlike the new bike which people will just ride because as you said it's just another bike, maybe in 30-40 years people will look at the ZX4RR the same way they look at the old 400s now, partially due to those low sales which will make it a relatively rare bike. Little edit for some extra stuff. The time in which the new ZX4RR was made gives it a bit of a legendary status in itself because the times couldn't be any different. Just compare the 2, the original 400s were made due to Japanese law making it beneficial and sports bike sales were thriving. The new ZX4RR was introduced when sports bikes sales were ever declining and Japanese manufacturers are struggling to keep 4 cilinder sports bikes in production, some even discontinuing them entirely. Yet in the midst of that there's Kawasaki who despite ever declining sales and strict emissions regulations decided to make 250cc and 400c I4 sports bikes simply because they can. Everything is stacked against them yet they do it for the fun of it, that alone imo gives that bike a borderline legendary status

[@paulelverstone8677]

@@robinv2758 Good points. I'll give the 4RR the credit it deserves because while everyone else is following the parallel twin route on their 400's, Kwacka held out with a high-revving IL4. PT's just seem so sanitized to me now. But show me another bike like the NC30/45. Sure, there were other 400's of the same era but they weren't V-4/SSS/360 crank/alloy everything. There was a reason why they're rare: bloody expensive when new (more than the 600cc of the time) and the engineering bordering on legendary. You can trust me or read about it but they were special. Fingers crossed for the Kwacka too...

[@robinv2758]

@@paulelverstone8677 I knew the Hondas were quite well engineered, didn't know they were THAT well engineered. The V4 engine is a VFR staple so I knew that and I knew the chassis and suspension was really good but I didn't know it was more expensive than 600s of the time. God dammit now I want one 😂, my dad would love it because he had a VFR400 as his first street bike

[@TheOriginalCoda]

@@robinv2758 Good points but I'd say the 4RR is never going to be looked at like the RVF. The latter was designed and built by HRC, in limited numbers, no expense spared. The whole ethos was different. The 4RR is built to a price to sell as many as possible and make a profit. Nothing wrong with that but they are coming from different places.

[@davidbarton7463]

Love riding my CBR400RR which I put back on the road after 20 years in the garage, it rides better than new now tyres have come on and I fitted braided lines. Your so right about these bike from the 90's being so popular at bike meets, proud to show mine after extensive refurbishment and some new parts on it, and I learn't so much doing the work myself, win win win. I have considered buying the new 600RR with it's fantastic sounding under seat exhaust but maybe too close to what I have already. Anyhow I have now had this 400 for 30 years and it is still going great.

[@Kaizoushin]

When deciding what to buy 3-4 years ago, I was torn between the RVF400 (because my last bike was a VFR800) and the ZX-25R. I really wanted the RVF but they are SO expensive here in Japan now and parts are super hard to get, so I ended up going with the 25R. The RVF is still a badass machine. It's deceptively fast and sounds schweet. People here still take them to trackdays and ride the wheels off 'em.

[@rbfclaboratoryandstudio]

If you are connected with fellow owners in the forums, then you will know where to get parts which is not hard for this bike imo. The support and worldwide interest in these now 30+ year old bikes is amazing.

[@monkmoto1887]

I think the sweet spot is between 04-12 depending on the model you can go a little before or a little after. EFI, better frames, better brakes, no garbage getting in the way of the ride

[@upsidedowndog1256]

I just like motorcycles. Any age. Any kind. I currently own 8, 7 are runners.

[@fj5434]

What's runners?

[@riderzinc]

I’ve owned RVF/VFR/CBR 400’s for years, I haven’t ridden the new zx4rr, They look and sound amazing. My go to bike is my Honda 954 which i got after watching your videos, I’ve got the full arata titanium system, Oz wheels, Quaife gearset and sigma slipper clutch and its just the perfect bike to ride

[@gonzosk8966]

2 years ago I went to the Dragon on my 21 Tuono Fact V4. On a road somewhere near there, I came across a right hand reducing radius corner WAY TO HOT! With a 150' cliff just off the side of the road. I was done for, no doubt about it! If I'd had been on my SP1 I absolutely would have locked the front and crashed. Slid off the cliff. The Aprilia though, has "Cornering ABS" As I saw where to go I thought of that. I simply looked where I had to end up, prayed to the Italian bike Gods, lent over and braked. Very calmly. Relaxed my hands, breathed out and looked only wher to go. The front tire screamed as the cornering abs did its magic. Rear stepped out strongly. (I can't ride that hard btw. I'm quick, but not sliding for fun quick) Somehow, I even managed to stay in my lane, leaving two distinct skid marks on the road. I can ride faster than the average bear, raced 25-30 years ago in Oz. This was outside of my comfort zone even on a good day. Scared the whimpering shit out of myself! That technology on the Tuono saved my old ass! No doubt about it. 99-100% cornering traction? Don't like that at all, nightmare stuff. But a smooth as butter. That tech is incredible! My RC-51 though. Well it has an "Electronic Headlight, Starter motor" Uncomplicated. It sings, pulses, breathes. It's Visceral. I'd dare to say not even in the same class of emotions. It's alive and happy at 80. Dives into corners like a fat man at a Buffet. I've poured $$$ into the suspension, motor, wheels. Brakes are the strongest I've ever used! Worth every cent to trash an RS11 rear in a day. Such predictability. At 95%, it's sublime. Last 5 will bite you in the ass, fast, chassis too stiff. The Italian is really something. Damn space ship. The SP1 though. Will never be for sale! What I'd do for a RVF400 though! Rode a track prepped one for a day at Phillip Island in the late 90s. Jesus Christ it was so tight! Handling was impeccable. Puts an RC-51 to shame in the corners.

[@codyschoonover1988]

I’m kind of in the same category I love and enjoy modern bikes! They’re reliable and you can feel the years of tech advances put into them but the 1998 Honda CBR600 F3 Smokin Joes edition I had as my first bike will always hold a special place in my heart

[@EdgardVilchezMacias]

I own six motorcycles from all my motorcycles my RC51 is my favorite ,the sound,the cam gears,old school.

[@Jimmy_Boy_Kalahati]

I started riding street around 94 and have had several CBR600 F2's and F3. I've owned a CB-1 as well. I'm an original 02 RC51 owner and she currently just sits in the garage. I can't get myself to sell it and I'm one of those guys you mentioned, who don't ride it anymore. I would consider the RC51 a 90's bike, just because of the engineering years and that it lacks all that electronic crap. There are ways to improve the bike and it has quite a community on a certain FB page. I never knew back then that it would have the cult status that it has now. Oh, I would easily pick the RVF400 over the ZX4RR, even though I hate carburators and in a V configuration, even more of a PITA to remove than I4 carbs. With the CBR600's from the 90's, they hid their dash wires real good. The instrument panel didn't have wind turbulance to deal with, as it was all basically sealed. They weren't just plopped in installed gauges. Other bike of those times, I can't speak for.

[@theairplaneguy9640]

i have a vtr1000f, i love the mechanical feel of it, cable throttle and carbs

[@djrichylaurence8991]

I ride a 2002 600 four. It produces just over 100bhp and performs accordingly. Most modern bikes of similar sized engines use bigger displacement yet produce less bhp than an older 600.

[@yohaan9]

A great example of a mix of old school design with modern tech is the new CF Moto 500. It just gives that unique neo retro look.

[@stripprclipR1]

I love the 90s styling and I can tune a carb setup. Newer bikes are easier to ride because the tech has changed so much. I ride a 1995 CBR900RR and a 2001 R1. At 5'9", the CBR is more comfortable while the R1 is faster with a more aggressive body position. Both will corner like the new bikes, powerslide into a wheelie, and give you the giggles.

[@fouadkhattar]

I like older bikes styling, not just bikes but everything old styling, everything modern feels and looks the same, everything is becoming dull despite the quality, but to be fair new bikes are just soo good. Anyway i like this comparison, maybe you can do more videos like this one old vs new or like older model vs new model or whatever, it's always so entertaining watching your videos, i really enjoy them. Peace brother ✌️

[@williamhardes8081]

i totally agree that most small inline fours, are great fun. lucky enough, i got to spent a fair bit of time on a friends Suzuki 250cc Across. i got off it with a smile nearly every ride.

[@roadkill2104]

I got my bike license in the mid-nineties and bones like the RVF were THE sports bikes to lust after and I think that leaves a very long lasting impression. I look at the RVF now and still feel the same excitement and desire to ride it that I always have. I wonder if someone like my daughter, who was born this century, would have a different set of criteria as to what attracts her to a sports bike.

[@roadkill2104]

I think it's also fair to say that these bikes are not only fun (although I've not actually had a chance to ride one unfortunately) but part of the attraction is that they are mini-versions of the bikes we held/hold as heroes.

[@coldhart79]

My 2 dream bikes during those days(late 90s, early 2000s) which easily able to win many 400cc bikes, the Honda NSR250(mod racing card) & Aprilia RS250. These 2 bikes although in lower cc but both 2 strokes engine, are incredibly fast in their category.Just like this ZX400RR, need to attain & maintaining the maximum power by high revving. If only i can have both as collection, it's just my dream(legend bikes in their category)

[@papercut1987]

I'm tempted by the Honda CB-1

[@steveclark..]

I think it depends on how old you are, when you started riding etc. I personally think that the automotive industry in general have lost their way, they don't make much that interests me period. I own a 40 year old RD350LC, this is my 3rd one since the 80's and I'm not parting with it I also have a 1200cc 2014 Triumph which I love but all the electronics are a concern and it's not easy to work on.

[@randyanacleto5229]

I'll always prefer the 90s analog bikes vs new...hence why i ride my childhood dream bike. 95 f3

[@notanicename]

Definitely want to own a rvf400. I have a 250rr fire blade but man would be sick to ride and own a rvf400. Although here in Australia, people that race the zx4rr are giving these older bikes a pretty good run for their money. But it’s cheaper to buy an rvf400 believe it or not 🤣

[@ObiWanCannabi]

loved my 88 FZR600 but yeah a RVF in the smokin joes colours was always the dream

[@SoloBlack313]

I have three old bikes 2001 Honda Shadow Ace 750, 2004 Honda ST 1300, and 2003 Suzuki GSXR 600. And on the topic of sport bikes I love my Gixxer 600, and would put it up against any modern 600 sport bike today. Don't get me wrong I rode my friends Honda CBRrr-r1000sp, and it was freaking amazing, you need all of the safety devices that they put on that bike to enjoy the ride.,.lol... I like old, and new bikes.. I just like motorcycles!

[@cameron5181]

Damn I had no clue you were so local, that bike shop with the rvf400 is like 10 mins away from me. Great shop!

[@HeroRR]

Yes it is, so many great bikes, Justin is very knowledgeable too. He has a YT channel you should check out. I helped film some of his videos. Hopefully we can get some more going in the future. www.youtube.com/@adrenalinecycle

[@lordraiden5398]

I have a 1989 Yamaha FZR1000. I have always thought it strange that even though 35 years seperate my bike vs a new R1 the published quarter mile times are not to different. It seems the extra horsepower and lightness is what carries the newer bikes to a much higher top speed. I love my FZR. I love working on it and I love looking at it. If I wanted a new R1 or even the new XSR900 GP I would have one.

[@ktkace]

GSXR 1000R K6 was peak performance of hp/kg 160KG with 2 mods (full ti system + magnesium wheels) moidern day literbikes are PIGS (>200kg)

[@hokogan]

I appreciate you comparing curb weight to curb weight. It seems like most armchair experts go with the first number they find, which is dry weight for early 90s bikes. When you take catalysts and ABS modules into account, the ZX4 is surprisingly close to the early 400s.

[@timdavis6088]

I was just saying the other day how modern sport bikes have become too "angry" in their "transformer" style of angles. I too like the old school style of a more flowing design. 2004 600RR vs 2024 600rr. I still like the old style much better. The older bikes and just sexier!

[@petrichor649]

Or a FZR 400 RR SP, I had so much fun on one of these, super close ratio gear box with a looong first gear tied to stratospheric revs, brilliant.

[@doperider85]

the kawi is sick but the honda is just a work of art

[@joshuaquilliam2887]

The 90s were an awesome time for motorsports. Snowmobiles were badass back then, bikes were badass too. Sometimes I think we are going backwards, but it's hard to argue with the new liter bikes. 600s aren't really making more power than 20 years ago, but the tech has improved 10 fold, allowing inexperienced people to ride more bike than they should.

[@pedroreprezas]

There is are always benefits to owning a new generation bike, particularly commuting and high speed However, that's not what bikes were initially designed for, the riding experience and street cred are commonly overwhelming everytime I pitch up on my 2009 VFR800 to any group of newer bikes, though not the fastest it certaily steals the show every time. The same applies to when a 1979 CBX1000 appears out of nowhere with a free flow exhaust every other bike just comes second.

[@Elvis_not_Presley2]

Great Vid! I have a ‘23 ZX4RR with about 11,500 miles. I pretty much agree with you on everything. If you ever want to talk or maybe ride it, let me know. I’m in MD but have family in NJ and I know you’re in the Northeast.

[@ricklukic104]

The newest bike I own is a '06 cbr1000rr. The other ten are '89 - '93's . Gsxr's, 900rr's, zx7's, fzr. Pretty obvious my preference. Lol. Great video

[@Daschickenify]

Hey! I took that picture at 1:12! 😁 What you didn't show off to the left of the VFR 400 is a four cylinder CBR 250R of a similar era. As for the fork discussion at 8:40, the RVF will definitely have the better forks. The ZX-4RR's forks are probably fine for a 120 pound rider, but heavier than that and they are undersprung and WAAAAAY underdamped. There is basically no rebound damping at all, and you can't adjust it. The ZX-4RR's shock is probably better though, its quite decent in my opinion, still doesn't have enough rebound damping, but you can actually adjust it. For curb appeal, its no question, the RVF will win every time. The ZX-4 is a stealth cult bike since it looks just like the ninja 400, 650, and ZX-6R. Few people even recognize it, and the digital dash doesn't help, since you can't see the tachometer when its off.

[@davapod]

I keep looking at the RGV250 with the banana swing arm. What a bike.👍

[@kenbowlus2995]

If we're bringing 2-smokes into the mix, I'll take a 1985 Honda NS400R in the blue and white Rothmans livery. I loved the thought of owning that bike, but IIRC the closest it came to the U.S. was Canada. To ease the pain I bought the last 1985 RZ350 Kenny Roberts edition (yellow and black of course - TZ colors) in southern California off the showroom floor of a Burbank, CA dealership in September 1985. Oh the good ol' days... yea, I'm old... but I still ride. ✌

[@davapod]

@@kenbowlus2995 I bought a new NS400R Rothmans livery in 1986. It made me feel like Wayne Gardner. The build quality was fantastic. I was 17 and to top it all, my Dad had a RG500, good times👍.

[@yuuji_]

The rvf400 is a claimed 61hp, but probably around 65 or more, like the vfr400. In 1993, 400cc got restricted from 65ps to 60ps in japan (and the 250 from 45 to 40)

[@BackAlleyBiker]

I prefer the older bikes as it was the decade I grew up with so my collection consists of a 1993 CBR900RR, 2000 RVT1000R RC51 and a 2009 1198s

[@shimongangte2418]

MAN, you are right on the ball in terms of 80's and 90's sports bikes !!! they are 100000000000 times better looking with more soul coming out of their exhaust than modern bikes can ever hope for !! these days all bike are robotic..looks like transformers and sounds like a vespa scooter from the 70's !!

[@westwater73]

Man it's an Ai chat bot 😅

[@remusventanus5341]

Love the channel, Hero! I got a 2024 ZX4RR with the retro Anniversary paint job. This bike is the most fun I've ever had of any automobile I've ever owned. She's a real attention getter too, but I live in a motorcycle heavy area, tbf. I'm absolutely spoiled with the quick shifter and TFT display. Exhaust is on the way, and will reflash soon. One major advantage... you can readily go buy one locally! I doubt it will happen, but I'd love if the other 3 Japanese brands brought out 400cc 4cylinders. I'd buy them all.

[@TheOriginalCoda]

If Kwak can do it, the others should be able to, but I fear that with the disappearance of some of the 600's for the same reasons they may not want to invest in them. I'm still hoping the ZX4RR lights a fire up their asses to do something special. A choice of a CBR400RR, a YZF-R4, and a GSX-400RR would be fantastic.

[@jake4085]

I have a zx4 race bike and a vfr400 nc30 race bike you nailed a lot of the points

[@MattBruzdziak]

I own a 93 zx7 and a 2006 zx10r. There are a lot of differences between the 2 bikes. The zx7 is more fun to ride because it is a slower bike. As the old saying goes, "it's more fun to ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow." There couldn't be a truer statement than that. I also have FCR (Flat Slide) carbs on the zx7 which makes more noise in addition to the noisy valve train. As far as gauges are concerned, I prefer the jet fighter cockpit style on the older japanese sport bikes. Speedo, check. Tachometer, check. Temp gauge, check. Odometer with Trip Meter, check. Neutral light, Turn Signal Light and Oil Light, check. Do I really need to have anything else in my face while I'm focused on riding? I don't think so. The 2nd gen zx10r has a minimal approach with the single cluster. It contains everything you need to know while you're riding and I'm okay with that. Analog tachometer with digital speedometer, trip, odometer and temp. It has an extra feature of a lap timer that I have never used since I haven't taken it to the track yet. The zx10r is situated between the raw power delivery of carbed bikes, yet held back by the factory ECU tune to pass emissions. Something that is also cured by an ECU flash and aftermarket exhaust (which I did within 6 months of owning it).

[@ADingoTookMyDasco]

Don't underestimate the advantage of fuel injection. I have a Suzuki 250 bandit & balancing & tuning the 4 carbs on it is no joke. And I feel sorry for you guys in the US. We don't have many 400cc inline 4's here in Australia, but there's a Honda VFR400 for $5,000 AUD & a Kawasaki ZXR400 for $4,500 AUD for sale right now near me. And if you prefer a 250 Honda MC19's & MC22's are everywhere, Kawasaki ZXR250's occasionally come up for sale, along with the Suzuki Bandit if you like the naked look.

[@A_Pt_9298]

That's pretty much the only ball ache you get with carbed biked, the rest is logic, go through the chain of events and you'll eventually find the problem. Fuel injected and all the gubbins you get with bikes nowadays is a complete headache and something you certainly something you can fix along the side of the road and defeats the whole point of biking, we need to get back to that again. And then there's the crazy unrealistic pricing nowadays, what's up with that? It's not meant to be a richboy hobbie. Thinking about it a little longer, the ZX6R's, mine's a 2001-2, and bikes like it, without the fuel gauge is a headache too, but that's about it.

[@ADingoTookMyDasco]

@@A_Pt_9298 I disagree. I had a Kawasaki Ninja 650 with 18 years & over 100,000 km of trouble free fuel injected riding. And it even started up first go after 5 years of sitting in the garage doing nothing. Both my KTM Duke 200 & Aprilia Shiver 750 starts first time even after being left in the garage for months over winter. In contrast, my Yamaha Scorpio & Suzuki Bandit both have carb problems at under 20,000 km & 35,000 km respectively. If you want a project bike that you can work on yourself then carb is the way to go. But if you're just after a trouble free riding experience then it's fuel injected all the way.

[@multishit6664]

​@@ADingoTookMyDasco Carb issues are from shit fuel, non OEM kits, and lack of basic maintenance.

[@woooster17]

Yes, I am biased…but 1990s sport bikes were absolutely the peak, particularly in design & paint schemes… I only have to list the bikes in my garage to show how biased for 90s bikes I am 😄🤙🏽 -1990 Kawasaki ZXR750 H2 -1998 Suzuki GSXR750 SRAD -2001 Kawasaki ZX12R -1991 Honda CBR1000F -1999 Honda CBR900RR -1999 Suzuki TLR -1991 Honda VFR750F

[@sharonroberts-i7k]

my 1990 zxr400 is the only bike i hav owned that i really miss. modern bikes have no soul. a carb bike can be tricky to maintain, but it is worth it. the older bikes win hands down. nothing sounds better than a old twin cam inline 4 with 4 pots, 4 carbs, 4 pipes, no limiters, no a.b.s, no traction control. no wheelie stopper. just you, the bike, the open road and your big shiny balls of steel. put a youngster who has only been on a new fuel injected bike on a 90's 600 sport bike and see what happens. i did it with my nephew. he got off his 2021 900cc what ever it is, put him on my 1996 600 kawasaki, and he did not want to give it back. his exact words were "thats a super bike".

[@mikaelkanerva1591]

Nothing but the engine size is particularily "beginner style" about either bike.

[@HeroRR]

They are good for beginners to the race track. I think someone can start on one even on the street although I'd advise against it given how expensive they are. A first bike should always be cheap imo.

[@G30rg31415]

Based

[@mikaelkanerva1591]

@@HeroRR I agree they're very much viable options, even for first bike if you have the money, but in my opinion they're fully fledged (super?)sports bikes, just smaller capacity. I hope the zx4r and zx25r sell well, maybe we'll eventually get something similiar from other manuafacturers as well.

[@rbfclaboratoryandstudio]

@@mikaelkanerva1591400’s are like the lightweight, or welterweight in boxing class. You can’t beat how nimble they are and usable in urban settings for sport riding.

[@Treeman5744]

Love my CBR250RR, I imagine the restricted ZX-RR must have a similar peak power. Nothing beats a lightweight properly set up sport bike on tight mountain roads.

[@thedrunkmonk8386]

Those 90s sportbikes were qhy I started riding. I remember playing with the toys of them dreaming of one 😂

[@flibbertigibbet6200]

Not quite the same but I have just restored a gsx 1400 to virtually new with 8k mls and is probably the most comfortable and capable road bike I have ridden, my other atm is a brand new zh2 I love both but the blue/ white gsx keeps cating my eye more and effortless to ride. My favourite sports bikes I owned was around the 2004/2005 fireblade,gsxr 750s/ lava red R1 you know the days an average size man didn't look massive on them as they were bigger bikes.

[@Audfile]

I rode pretty much everything from that Era but at that time I personally owned an FZR600 and a Ninja 600. I miss the FZR.

[@marcusgeorge1825]

Nice one Hero. However, as Australia received all of these in the 90’s and not as grey imports. I might be biased as the majority of my racing was done in the 90’s with Phillip Island being my home track and crowd attendance still hasn’t been beaten since the 96 WSB round. One key element of the set up and simplicity of the dash was the ease in swapping out all the road going parts and replacing the fairings with fibreglass racing ones whilst still keeping the tachometer in place. The RVF was expensive and no where near as quick and exciting as the Suzuki RGV-250 (or even Honda’s equivalent 2 stroke). I know you also rode the RGV when you also rode the RVF. When comparing suspensions from then and now it’s a difficult one simply due to age. If a 90’s bike had its suspension fully rebuilt back to brand new with new fluids, then the difference will be minimal, same story for the carburettors. These never gave any problems when new and aren’t that complex to rebuild. Yes, fuel injection is a massive improvement, as we just need to look at modern cars to showcase this.

[@TheOriginalCoda]

The only issue with carbs now is availability of rebuild kits, occasionally you will need new seals and gaskets. I believe that currently they are still easy to find. If I had an RVF today, I'd go buy 3 rebuild kits and store them somewhere safe.

[@marcusgeorge1825]

@@TheOriginalCoda Exactly what I did with my RGV-250 about 6 months ago. It hasn’t been kicked into life in over 25 years, all fluids were drained at that time and put into preservation mode for an eventual rebuild. Paid $6k for it brand new, had offers over $30k as is. A once seen bike everywhere, that never should have been deemed learner friendly as they are now all gone. Been destroyed by in experienced riders or raced to death on the track. Only a handful left in Australia. Mines mint as the factory fairings haven’t been used or seen the light of day. A solid tip regarding carb kits as you can still get non OEM fairing kits and other components.

[@MrKdr500]

400cc sportbikes were grey imports into Australia, only the CBR250 4cyl were brought in by Honda.....

[@spotthedogg]

The RVF400\NC35 is literally a smaller clone of the RVF750\RC45. Also both Kove and CFMoto have very cool inline four cylinder 400-500cc sport bikes

[@sbsb4995]

Excellent episode. ❤❤❤. Can you do a review on the first version fz09 vs the brand new fz09?

[@1971carmichael]

i was born in 1971 i grew up in what i would say is the best era.. speed is not what ppl wanted it was fun factor..u got that with the 2 stroke 500 and 250..the nc30 a gorgeous bike was not competitive with the 2 strokes but it became iconic asl 2 strokes were outlawed in early 90s..its a shame im sure as we can send ppl in space they could have made 2 strokes more enviro friendly..but anyway i got bout 20 odd years and thats me done..ive gave my input.

[@diggy-d8w]

It's hard to compare bikes w/ that amount of time between them..... like I'd love to have another Kawasaki Kz1000 & it's top speed was about 130mph but that was fast back then. I liked the "LQQK" like you like the Honda's of the 90's. But I do like your reviews - I trust them. peace

[@chadwithporsche]

you are very kind in calling modern bikes futuristic. They look insectile to me. Im only 41 but the 90s bikes are much more beautiful bikes.

[@seanottaway1615]

90s bikes are awesome unfortunately it’s hard to find parts for them. I was rebuilding a buddy’s 98 ZX9R, got the bike running but we had to give up on it because some of the parts were impossible to find.

[@haziq_arifin]

Many of us born in 70s until 90s.. we are Andy Lau Full Throttle gen. Of course we should respect the oldies.. old bikes are better and has it own style, and actually they're quite reliable..

[@TintWorld006]

was waiting to see u take either bike into redline....... stop shifting so early n really dawgg those bikes!!!!!

[@mrivantchernegovski3869]

RVF Looks like Arron Slights Honda Factory bike bacdk in the 90s ,I had the chance to Buy one or a Banna Arm RGV250 in Lucky Strike Colours Got the RGV and about a month later at night on a quiet country road pretending to be Kevin Shwantz the crank split the cases as the rod and piston smashed the rest,My first castrophic engine malfunction ,Then jammed a TT250 motor in it and it was great slow but great had motor mounted low in the frame on stock mounts with plates added

[@victorshteinberg6042]

Yet you always remembered to ignore one of the greatest ever, CBR 1100XX would appreciate an honest video!

[@HeroRR]

0:30 I show a picture of one. I made a whole video dedicated to the blackbird kzbin.info/www/bejne/n6vIemCmrZyemMksi=KEKCLVCm9y5BvEmg

[@chrisdavies2654]

I owned rvf400 did many fun miles. Never had 1 problem sorry i sold it

[@sendysent]

Wanted to say I love your videos man. Keep it up 💯

[@-SlamDunK-]

There seems to be a lot of 'Bikes were better before the electronics'. Well, I can say with nearly 30 years on Sportsbikes, if you ride a modern liter bike hard enough to trigger the electronic support, then ride an older variant the same way, you'll find yourself in the back of an ambulance. It doesn't take anything whatsoever away from the experience, the rider aids won't stop you running wide in a corner, target fixating, that risky overtake or generally riding beyond your skill level. They're still easy to crash. They will however, at least try to save you from fuel spills, gravel and sand in the road. They'll stop you flipping or going over the bars or losing the front panick braking when Mr Magoo pulls out on you. They have heated grips, cruise control (Which is great for going through towns, flip it on and concentrate on what's around you instead of worrying about going over the limit and getting pulled). All the info you want is on the dash, including tyre pressure and navigation, nice quality of life improvements. So, how far back does the 'purist' go? Drum brakes?, cross ply tyres?, kick starts?, oil leaks and carrying spares and tools? They were all modernised once to make riding safer and more convenient, and now, here we are. Edit: Having said all that, I'd still sell my kidney for an original RC30.

[@ohbogey]

The older ones are carbd, but they also weigh less, so yeh ill always love the lighter bikes with decent power❤

[@kalpetkoff]

Classic bikes all day every day.

[@LeviHeatonIII]

I prefer 2003-2009 bikes. All my bikes are 2003-2009.

[@benjy288]

I used to own an RVF400, and two ZXR400's, I've never ridden a new ZX4RR, but I would take the old 400's any day of the week, lighter, full alloy frame, fully adjustable suspension, full race replica, the new ZX4RR has more power, but its heavier, has a steal frame, doesn't have fully adjustable suspension, and is more of a sports/comfort riding position, plus why get a ZX4RR when you can get an R7 for less money, which is roughly the same weight and horse power, but has much more torque, so it will be the faster bike.

[@DrSmile81]

90-00 was the small time frame, where everyone was like "yeah we are going into a new millenia, lets build something for the ages" but then came 01 and something just went the wrong direction....ästhetics etc now everything is about "safety", "electronics", "pricetag" where in the past it was "we just build the most fun and the best looking bikes for everyone since we have achieved so much more since the 80s".....

[@DouglasKiper-wf5ru]

Yeah I really must say I am a fan of the classic sports bikes but then again I am 53 years old and I was at the right age in the 90s I graduated high school in 1990 all my mom's boyfriend's they all had motorcycles all of her brothers add motorcycles I literally got to see motorcycles evolve actually I think one of my all-time favorites is the Honda CBR 250 RR THE 1990 VERSION ACTUALLY RED LINE AT 20000 RPMS ANIME LIKE 48 HORSEPOWER BUT IT SOUNDED FREAKING AMAZING AND OF COURSE THEY WEREN'T SOLD IN THE UNITED STATES AND I ACTUALLY DIDN'T EVEN KNOW ABOUT THEM WHEN THEY FIRST CAME OUT ONE OF MY FRIENDS HAD THE NINJA 250 BUT NOT LIKE THIS THIS WAS AN INLINE FOR CYLINDER LITTLE CROTCH ROCKET AND IT WOULD PROBABLY STILL EAT UP MOST OF THE BIKES THAT ARE OUT TODAY

[@taurbaby]

I love my fzr 400 so much !!

[@Reaperzx6]

I really wish honda would make a modern v4 sport bike they would even have a perfect marketing excuse since they use it in moto gp a v4 fire blade variant would be cool even if its limited

[@TheOriginalCoda]

You said that the RVF has Rebound. Actually all bikes have Rebound and Compression dampening, it's how suspension works. The difference is whether they are easily and manually adjustable or not.

[@rbfclaboratoryandstudio]

Ok.. Obviously he was referring to rebound adjustability.. which the RVF has.

[@TheOriginalCoda]

@@rbfclaboratoryandstudio Obvious to you and I, not everyone though. Newer riders could be confused.

[@rbfclaboratoryandstudio]

@@TheOriginalCoda 99.9% of people will know he’s speaking of adjustability without batting an eyelid. It’s common sense, guy. Even total newbie riders with half a brain can figure it out. What you are suggesting is ludicrous. He didn’t fail, only you did in your oral comprehension.

[@rbfclaboratoryandstudio]

⁠​⁠​⁠@@TheOriginalCodawell not obvious to you otherwise you wouldn’t have felt the need to critique and try to improve his explanation as you did originally.

[@TheOriginalCoda]

@@rbfclaboratoryandstudio Your logic is faulty, and I see no valid reason for your aggression. Why triggered?

[@CRFLAus]

There is a place for both. Comparisons seem kinda moot. If you're lucky enough you can have both.