Yamaha SR400 Review and Testride!

[@esa062]

You got some of the points, but you missed the big one. It's reliable. It's all steel and all unnecessary breaking parts are left out. And it's made in Japan, mostly the same way it has been made for 40 years. When you already have a car, that has a ton of plastic and all electronics, you may want a bike that you can trust and service and fix yourself in almost every situation. Not having a single plastic clip can be a great joy.

[@CarlosCarlos-kc3no]

esa062 i feel the same around here but...6000eur its a lot

[@1990-t1j]

Spot-on. I used to have an XT500. Had it for eight years.

[@pointingdog7235]

@@1990-t1j Had 2 SR 500's great bikes.

[@tkangwei]

@@CarlosCarlos-kc3no It will be averaged out over its long years of service.

[@janryset1805]

As a motorcyclist for more than 40 years,I must say the SR400 I had,is the one that gave me most smiles per mile. I now have a Harley-Davidson 1690cc and a Dnepr/BMW 800cc sidecar rig,but just can't find rest until I get a Yamaha SR again :)

[@butch1035]

The same for me!

[@ackamack101]

This is the bike for me. I feel it in my gut. I love it.

[@HooDRidEWhiteY]

ackamack101 Same. Getting mine this weekend.

[@ragimundvonwallat8961]

@@HooDRidEWhiteY so did you still like it?

[@HooDRidEWhiteY]

@@ragimundvonwallat8961 I have 4,000 miles on it. It gets looks and turns heads. Old guys love it. Its kind of like riding a stylish sewing machine lol. I had both rear shocks replaced under warranty. Other than that its been bullet proof.

[@ragimundvonwallat8961]

@@HooDRidEWhiteY thank you! i like those comment section review...well im not old but i like the styl;e it look like a yamaha enduro of the 70's ... do you still have fun with it?

[@HooDRidEWhiteY]

@@ragimundvonwallat8961 Im not old either (30 years old) and I think its one of the best looking bikes around. I have fun on it, but this bike all depends on what you want to do with it.

[@eliotsalandybrown]

For a non-native English speaker your English is extremely impressive! Love the video.

[@pointingdog7235]

I love it. I had 2 1978 SR 500'S in the 80's one red and 1 in black. The 2nd one I put a super trap pipe on with bar end mirrors and a 1/4 faring with low bars. I took the 2nd one to NJ state inspection and the inspector seemed to get the idea that I had imported it into the US he couldn't find anything to fail me for either. They were fun to ride, easy to work on. The 78 and 79's had a disc brake on the front and back with mag wheels. The one thing to remember is the protocol to start them. Bring the engine to compression pull the compression release and kick it about 1/2 kick, let go of the compression release and the kick starter then it's time to turn on the ignition and kick the engine and it would start without any problem. I would love to have one again.

[@johnnykeller7648]

Reasons this bike appeals to me. 1. The mechanical design (here in the States we got the old SR's like this from about '73-ish, till about 1980). It's my understanding Yamaha never discontinued the SR series; just shifted the markets they sold them in. The bike remains Japanese built which insures an inherent level of quality. 2. The displacement; I live in a fairly hilly area and would only be picking this thing up as a semi-fair-weathered A to B'er/gas saver/commuter. A 400cc one-lunger will provide me more grunt in the basement than a comparable singl-cylinder 250cc bike 3. The styling, I've always liked the look of the old 70'S UJM bikes; they were more aggressive than a cruiser, not quite a street fighter, but set the stage for the modern-day bullet-bikes.

[@kirtleyburggraf8786]

This "70s bike" as he puts it was a retro when it came out, based on the great British thumpers of the early fifties (BSA Goldstar, Matchless, Ariel, etc). A good design is a good design. It is an absolute joy to ride. (I think he was finally starting to get it towards the end).

[@shidandevries]

I bought this Yamaha SR400 and I love it! It’s gorgeous & really relaxed to drive. It’s simply wonderful. But honestly I do always feel nervous at a traffic light because the kickstart do requires practice.

[@nae_danie11e]

Do you have to kickstart every time you brake?

[@shidandevries]

@@nae_danie11e No, of course not. This would only occur if I didn’t use the clutch properly and the engine stalls. This hasn’t happened. But in theory it could happen in a moment of panic. It’s only a theoretical fear, not a real problem or worry. The SR400 is a gorgeous and wonderful motorcycle.

[@nae_danie11e]

@@shidandevries alright! Thanks for clarifying

[@TheJunky228]

I practiced kicking it over when warm without putting down the kickstand, just in case. I did have to do it once in traffic and it wasn't too bad

[@multiplegunshots]

I bought a new SR500 in 1978 for 1800USD. Adjusted for inflation, today's MSRP of 5990USD is actually cheaper than that 1978 bike. Of all the bikes I had over the years preceeding it, the SR was the most fun to ride. I sold it in the mid 80's to fund a family van. Yes, I have a new SR on order!

[@IrishPizzaMan]

multiplegunshots Great bike 🏍 if you get a chance read my comment

[@Hoshi_Toranaga]

I have to say your videos are the most fun and awesome reviews of bikes on the internet! Great job and greetings from Austria!

[@1990-t1j]

I think he's dreadful.

[@exexpat11]

Nice fun ride. All retro bikes should incorporate an ole kicker along with Electric Start. Loved it on my W650.

[@OrcaGT]

I was all over this bike when Yamaha announced it, but over here in the UK at £5199 it's just too steep for me which is a shame. Hopefully after a few years there'll be a some used ones on the market at a more reasonable price.

[@ifrit35]

In japan this is a mainstream bike because it cost 3800 euros, so about £3000. I would have considered it as second bike for this kind of money. 6000 euros is just crazy.

[@ComandanteJ]

Mojo Even at that price, i'd just go for a classic second hand SR500. Those machines are made of everlastium, almost like the SR250 Special (the bike equivalent to Chuck Norris LOL)

[@ifrit35]

Why would you go for a used SR 500 if you could get a new SR400 for the same price?

[@ComandanteJ]

Mojo Because it's got style! LOL, nah, it's because it's a lot cheaper. For the same price,yeah of course, i'd go for the new one. Maybe i din't explain myself properly on the other comment.

[@ifrit35]

ComandanteJ You did. But Where I live an SR 500 in good condition sells for 3000 euros at least. If it's modified as a cafe racer it can go up to 8000. It's just mad.

[@TheOldbsa]

I actually miss the kick starters in a way. I started riding BSAs Triumphs and Harleys in the mid 60's so kick starting is not new to me. Old school bikes can make a old guy happy. Enjoyed the video, thanks for posting.

[@TheJunky228]

can make a young guy happy too 😁 I've gotten a bunch of compliments from people who've seen it too which I wasn't really expecting

[@fredtracy3931]

A Kickstarter is why I want one, or a Kawasaki W650. Maybe even a Royal Enfield Bullet 500. I have taken a Royal Enfield 500 Classic out for a test ride, and what a joy, big 🙂 on my face!

[@IrishPizzaMan]

Have bought two of the SR400 the first one I put 10,000 plus miles I traded for a R3 that I loved put 10,000 plus on that bought a 2017 R6 put 1,500 GREAT BIKE but I was going to go to jail if I keep it so I went back to my first love and I Love this 🏍!! For going around back roads and going under 55 miles per hour this is a AWESOME BIKE 🏍. I’ve owned a lot of bikes this is worth every penny!!

[@sennakurosaki4526]

Hi Cager! I'm happy you made this review, there are not many good KZbin videos on this Yamaha SR400. Could you also review the Kawasaki W800? The Kawasaki W800 is also an old-style bike.

[@cr4zyu]

Excellent review. I bought an SR500 40 years ago. My first big trip on it was across Australia & back; I rode about 8000kms in the first 6 weeks (not the best way to run a motor in... which may give a clue to what follows). Being the first version model SR500E (Feb 1978), the only problem I experienced was with the rear disc binding slightly on, so when I got to Perth I borrowed a file and reduced the rear caliper width a fraction. The reason I bought the SR was because I had a 1976 XT500, which I converted to road use by fitting an Avon Speed Master 21 inch front tyre & Dunlop TT for the rear. I also lowered front fork tubes to make steering more direct, removed the exhaust 'after-muffler', which made it sounded really nice, plus changed out the air filter for a uni-filter, plus I changed the drive sprockets for higher gearing. I loved the way my 'converted' XT500 handled the road & at one time got booked at 150km, I was into planking in the 70's.... ah, the wild days of my youth. One problem for road use however, was the XT's single leading shoe braking system. It was pretty hard to stop, so I had to develop a 'swoop & doge technique' for survival, something the XT excelled at. Then came the SR500, not as nimble as my lighter XT, but overall a better package for my style of 'shoulder to the road' riding... (Do NOT ride like this unless you know exactly how & why you are doing this)... & SR had 'real' brakes... one of the main reasons I preferred it over my XT for riding across this vast, flat, dry continent called 'OZ'. Kangaroos love jumping out in front of you, & wombats just take your wheels off. Wombats are the patron saint of Nullabor tow-truck operators. I'm now rebuilding my beloved SR500E... after it being in parts for some 38 years, but that's a truly long story... a little of which was because I glazed the bore on my first continental crossing, my fault, not Yamaha's. Since then I've 'gradually' optimized everything you can imagine, & I do mean everything. Hundreds of hours of strip down, research, refine, replace, file, sand, polish, paint, re-chrome, lighten..., EVERY nut, bolt & fitting removed, perfected & replaced, while still keeping the bike 'looking original'..., except for the obvious things like spiral drilled front & rear discs; de-webbed, i.e., milled out, lightened & polished wheels & drag bars. I prefer a flatter lower handle bar.... I hope soon to be remounting my SR500 for some glory rides. Hope the right knee still works. Thanks "CagerOnTwoWheels" for your review of the retro SR400. Retro works just fine. Regards from Sydney, AU.

[@rd28gu2]

I’m in Perth and beginner no previous bike experience but I’m going to learn and my aspiration is to own a style of bike like this Look amazing! / kick starts are so cool

[@mt1885]

Love uprights riding position - don't need electric starts as long as got compression release. Just basic and nothing to breaks.

[@Helmetmotovlog]

I riding a vintage german bike and happy to see this from you. Of course, this is a new bike, but you know what to say about the 'vintage feeling'. :)

[@igoriginal]

It is a lovely bike. Consider the target audience who it is intended for: we're back to 1978 again. Or, it was already retro back then, well, back to basics again! Kick, drum brake, single cylinder, chain and no bullshit. It’s not a plastic rocket with a computer who tells the driver how to do…

[@fouramhq]

Holy crap....are we test riding a double bed here?? It's a motorcycle!! Single cylinder...and fuel injected!! What else could you ask for? Vibration...yes...there will be vibration. This is not a BMW touring bike. If you can't tolerate some vibration then don't ride a motorcycle. It's fuel efficient...it's powerful...it's easy to repair, and repairs are few. There's not a lot to go wrong. And it doesn't cost much... This bike will last a lifetime.

[@zhukie]

i own a TU250, similarly retro UJM style single, with only 16hp lol also FI (but no kickstarter - which I like about the SR) For the bit of extra grunt (and slight horsepower inrease) i really like the look of this one. And you are so right on their bombproof nature, my bike has taken a fair beating and nothing plastic to break :)

[@catrionanicthamhais]

Have been magic style wishing for this bike for at least a year now. I know that it would suit my riding style and my ascetics perfectly. Thanks so much for a really lovely and enjoyable review. Totally love your narration. :-)

[@DisrespectfulGoats]

Nice review! I don't think the target group is just old guys reliving their youth. Yamaha is selling these bikes as a blank canvas for young enthousiasts to modify. There is a very large SR400 community, with people converting them to cafe racers, street trackers etc. Too bad us young guys can't afford it!

[@GunFunZS]

Agreed. There are a whole bunch of 20 something and 30 something urban professionals who want a fun stylish commuter bike for economy and style. Performance is irrelevant or even scary to them. What they want is something that has personality. These scratch the kinda-cafe itch, or the classic bonnie itch, but aren't intimidating. Also there are a lot of girls who want a bike that doesn't feel too big. 250 is usually too weak, but about the size they want. A girl might be looking at a rebel 250, and think it is kinda cheezy, then look at a TUX 250 and say fun, but freeways are scary without a bit more speed. This is Goldilocks for them.

[@rafaellucero5098]

Stock looks really classic...not a fan of customization.... I'm enjoying restoration videos with those really old bikes that coming back to life....

[@JFCPantheras]

It's very light! UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUNGHGGH It's very light!

[@Sonnybee01]

If you had to choose Cager, Yamaha SR400 or Honda CB1100?

[@fredtracy1673]

It's not a "replica", it IS the real deal, since 1978!

[@dannymccune1888]

I had a 1978 SR500E. New cost, $1445, out the door. 4,000 RRPM @ 60mph, comfortable ride up to 80 mph. ALWAYS got 67mpg, whether commuting or tripping. Disc brakes front & back, "mag" wheels. Tubeless tires introduced in a later model. Valve adjustment took ten minutes, as did oil change. Front wheel rocked at idle, just like an old Triumph. If you didn't kickstart it properly you risked breaking your foot. 28 real rear-wheel horsepower, good enough for almost 100 mph. I wish I had kept it. The new 400 needs more grunt, and is over-priced, especially since it's not really new. They have been producing it for the home market since the 70's--all the tooling and design work long paid-for. Still looking for a good used SR500. P. S.-- Sometimes I cringe when I see you lane-splitting. It may be legal there, but I doubt I'd do it. Be careful (advice from a 300,000+ mile rider), slow down between those cages. (It's legal in California, but traffic has to be moving at less than 20mph, and you can only go 5mph faster.) On the other hand, American drivers suck.

[@IAMR0Y4LT]

It's surprising how some people think it has a bad design... it's just old. And it's minimal release advertisement, this bike was a big gamble for Yamaha, probably why it's 5,990 in the US

[@rupertherbert594]

fantastic bike, I remember the 500cc that was so popular in the 70th, and what sound! Really good that they made a very classic, stylish and sturdy bike like this! :)

[@justdad53]

Sorry I did laugh when you started the bike. Your review was very amusing. I believe your lack of old bike experience provided an excellent view of old school vs new school. Being old school I would not have noticed as much Good job!

[@josh3221ify]

I have a kickstarter on a 2020 bike, what's wrong with having it 😆, I kinda like having it there as backup, only tested if it works on day 1 when I bought it, never used it since

[@Vulcan88]

that brrr sound/rattling you hear when driving the bike is the tappets and valves, personal favourite sound of mine when it comes to the older single cylinder bikes :)

[@artemhoncharov7866]

Hey man, great review! I know you told that you're not fond of vintage bikes, but after cb1100 and this one I'd really like to hear about kawasaki w800 from you. Thanks a lot for great review and good mood. :)

[@matthewsutton5532]

Cager. give the Suzuki TU250x a test. Ive bought one and I think its pretty special - like this just 250.

[@zhukie]

Love mine too. As they say its more fun to ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow

[@martind349]

Enjoyable review. Tend to think motorcycle tires are too small, yet hear of vibration. Any engineering knowledgable care to hold forth? Cleveland cyclewerks have put a big wheel on their hardtail which makes the bike lift and sink up front like a kind of hapless Citreon.

[@Vlad-1986]

That is going to be my bike. Sadly the price will make it difficult, but even if it takes me years of eating canned food... I' ll get it eventually

[@cbglassiii9362]

I with you on that one. I'm biding my time. =)

[@terryjohn]

every thinfink comes to he who waits.thats true i got my honda cm 125

[@AE86ofMtAkina]

A lot of dealers discount the bike heavily tbh

[@IrishPizzaMan]

Polikarpov Mosca You wont regret it please read my comment. It’s a GREAT BIKE WORTH EVERY PENNY SPENT!!!

[@thecamdenyard]

If you use the glass sight on top right side of motor it indicates TDC so it starts on the 1st kick...

[@TheJunky228]

I just go by feel once you get the hang of it

[@lightitup550]

awesome video man ive got an 81 kz550 ive got a walkaround video on my channel. but i just love old bikes

[@smartacus88]

Here in America it's hard to find a road bike that isn't either a cruiser or a sport/naked bike. I want this so bad.

[@TheJunky228]

I love mine

[@stachka]

Very Nice review! A was waiting for it. CAGER YOU should do a review of HD Street 750 i think its allready out in Portugal. I bought MT-07 after watching your review!! Keep up the good work!!

[@mylifeinthailand8751]

It is gorgeous, I owned from new a Yamaha XS400SE Custom back in 1980 very similar spec to this SR

[@dencelosorio3079]

Should I go for the cb400 or the sr 400?

[@nakotohs97]

Why is a kick start odd? My dad has had 2 bikes from 2010 and 2012, both had a kickstart

Thanks for the review. Helped me a lot. I have a bajaj boxer 150cc with a kick starter. That looks like a more powerful boxer. Boxer is sold at 1200$ in Turkiye.

[@garyk8285]

Would love to see your review on a SWM440 Gran Milano or Gran Turismo... Same retro type of styling for a single cylinder but more HP. The boat comment was a ripper at the end! lol

[@Frejborg]

Nice review, and I recognised that Portuguese accent! I really like these classic styled bikes. It's a shame it doesn't a bit more pep to it though.

[@mustangx]

Cager, it's one if those bikes that's cool to have in the collection I guess. Kawasaki do a retro I've tried and it's fun but not a regular go to choice Great review!

[@mattclaw5571]

Greetings from the U S A awsome reviews Cager idk about other places but here this bike is so expensive for a 400cc bike even tho I wasn't alive when they made there first sr I love the looks tho do you think with a tire upgrade it would be a good town/city starter bike for someone who likes vintage looks? There also isn't really much else in th 400 500 range that is cruiser/vintage

[@candypixada]

Cagerina was here. kiss my love

[@tiberiuswilde]

im trying to get into motorcycles but i dont know many. could someone tell me where to find a good long distance bike with a cafe racer style thats also inexpensive?

[@anthonydimichele837]

Thanks for reviewing this bike! I live on a small island, and ride a Shadow Sabre 1100, which is over-kill. I have been scouting out the smaller bikes, and don't mind a drop in hp. since speed limits are 45 tops. (luckily there are few cops on the road). I wish you could review the Yamaha FZ-07 2015. I like what I have seen of that bike.

[@claudiolopes6437]

its mt-07 on his videos! its done! xD

[@anthonydimichele837]

Thanks! great bike and review

[@shadetreesurgeon]

Heh... people around here LOVE the old sr400s for building cafe racers and bobbers. Very surprised at the kick start only...

[@PaulKasner]

+shadetree surgeon Yamaha singles of the mid-1970s-early 80s era were all kick-start only. Electric starters strong enough to spin a big single add complexity and weight -- needing a hefty starter motor and a big battery.

[@ifrit35]

2:16 Yeah, the MT07 used to be cheap, I remember that. Hard to believe it's now 7100 euros.

[@jezatkinson7243]

As has been said it's 400cc due to japan driving license law; and it's got fuel injection to get it through emissions. Apart from that it's the same bike they've been making for decades for the domestic market . These can be taken out to 540 without reliability problems. Then it's a different beast altogether

[@geraldscott4302]

I use to have a late '70s SR500. I bought it new. It was my first new bike. It was better in every way than this one. It had cast wheels with tubeless tires. The front tire was a 19". It was carbureted, NO computers to mess up. It was 500cc instead of 400cc. It was still kickstart only, but as someone who grew up on dirt bikes, that was not an issue for me. It sounded way better. I'm pretty sure it had a longer stroke engine. It had that thump thump thump sound that a single cylinder engine should make. This one doesn't. It sounds more like a sewing machine. Pretty sure it's a short stroke engine.

[@TakoBako]

Man, what happened to your Honda? Why is it parked on the curb and how did you do that?

[@aib666]

If you want to testride my Triumph Thruxton I'm happy to borrow it, located near Lisbon

[@pacyivory]

I´ts sounds that you start to like the bike;)Thumper are just like you describe very nice to drive and they seem´s to go faster than they do.Nice Review

[@rossm.jamison764]

I'm an old man rider. Here is how you be cool starting a kick start bike. Use the compression release to get the piston to near TDC. Then with you right arm, bend down/over to the side and push with your right hand/arm to start it. That's how to be cool!!!

[@ripmax333]

pretty expensive considering it doesn't have and electric start, but sure it has character, and it sounds sweet.

[@F1fan-z]

ripmax333 bro if it have a electric start it pick up will reduce that's the reason

[@Soulbreeze]

I laughed when you were starting it about 1 second before you said 'don't laugh'. Which made me laugh some more. :D Love your reviews Cager.

[@elijahbutterfield4869]

"oooo. it's VERY light. --huaaaaarrrghhhhh!!! ....yes. it VERY light!"

[@kavein86]

1 1/3ft. wide? why do you use american standard of measurement?

[@GunFunZS]

Most of his audience is American...

[@jawwadkazi8662]

when it is going to launch in india

[@soulis1000]

Realy good Review as usural, you should try i custom bike with crome and a bog v Twin Engine. It would be real interesting to hear what you Think about a bike like that.

[@safetyleednkom8274]

What do you mean vibrating?

[@FazonPlays]

CagerOnTwoWheels 12:18 Wtf is this scooter with pedals?

[@galihariamananda4026]

How price on the road in indonesia?

[@eunosmamvoto5396]

nice bike i love the rumbling along sound

[@dcg44s]

Interesting and I am glad to see the review but as you said,not the bike for me.I think you are right in that the majority of buyers will be those who are old enough to have fond memories of this type bike or those who simply like that vintage look.So,how was kickstarting? :-) It is much easier once one learns the starting drill for a "thumper" although this newer model may actually be easier with fuel injection and I would think a more modern electronic ignition.Nostalgia can be cool but I don't miss kick starting one bit. I voted today,did you guys vote?

[@v36nismo]

Thanks for this review! You captured the essence of the bike perfectly. Just a shame they're not cheaper though.

[@Toni62R]

nice and fair review - I sometimes drove sr 500 in the 70s and 80s; their where stonger, but sr400 is a legitime predecessor..

[@whazup25]

What does the push to pass button do?

[@MrIngorodrigues]

whazup25 flash the high beam

[@mervynpoh9951]

Reminds me of the bike that grandpas and uncles used to ride on the street!!

[@mattp1047]

cascais Portugal? my family is from sao miguel

[@Angry_Lion]

u didnt check the window. thre you can see the piston and you know when to start her

[@mattp1047]

what country you in?

[@ifrit35]

I can appreciate the fact that this bike survived several decade of motorcycling evolution and remained untouched except for a few bits and fuel injection. And it's really remarkable to see a a front fender made of metal and a simplistic single cylinder engine with a kick start. However, riding it is not something I enjoyed. I get that its imperfections like slowness and vibrateyness adds to the character but it's really not for me. If anything it made me appreciate how far we've come with modern handling motorcycle and engines. My bike never felt so amazingly fast and precise after getting off a SR.

[@TheJunky228]

it feels way better to ride than the rebel 250 in my motorcycle class, that's the only other bike I've ridden so far though so maybe I have a warped perception. I love riding mine. my friend is thinking of getting an sv650 this summer but he doesn't have any motorcycle practice yet, so if he does I'll be riding it back to his house for him. I'm excited to be able to try out another bike, wonder what kind of perspective it will give me about my own sr400

[@OtisENGINEuity]

excuse me as I giggle like a kid every time he talks about the vibrations... obviously a good woman's bike.. hope you didn't leave a mess on the seat.. oh man I'm smiling its funny to see modern bike people on old thumpers.. just be thankful it didn't kick back on you and hurt your leg.

[@Databyter]

Well, he was supposed to find TDC before kicking, not just the decompressor. Then it usually will start with one light kick (Fuel Inj. :) ) I believe this new bike even has some sort of TDC indicator or sensor. Once in the right posotion, a light kick will be all it takes, supposedlly, unlike bikes of yesteryear that might take half a dozen or so.

[@OtisENGINEuity]

Databyter they always had a TDC mark on the cam in the little window on the side of the head where that big round thing is.. The dealer probably just didn't tell him about it, if they even knew.I've been warned a bunch of times lately that a bike I'm looking at can hurt me and its like dude, my dad's 74 Trident kicks back every time I try to start that bitch (the thing hates me) and believe me even a 750 3 cyl can hurt you.. especially with 11.5:1 compression. Now you want a bike that will leave you unable to walk for days if it kicks back.. 1965 Triumph T120C with high compression... that thing has clicked my thigh and shin bones together a few times.

[@AkshayBallal25]

Doomba doomba doom

[@Databyter]

OtisENGINEuity Ouch!! That sounds kinda scary. Like, I really want to ride, but I am still sore from the last time I tried to start it lol.

[@OtisENGINEuity]

Databyter its not that big of a deal.. but then Jay Leno's Velocette broke his toe when it kicked back on him. Thumpers can be dangerous if you don't know what you are doing. The T120C doesn't kick back very often, just when the timing isn't set right. You are more in danger of just hurting your leg if you aren't big enough to kick it. It took all of my weight and strength to kick it over when I weighed only 230lbs. Now that I'm 300 I'm sure it won't be as bad. I still think someone bored it out to 750cc when it was being raced flat track. Its just something you have to learn the correct procedure for. With a classic Triumph that tends to be: turn fuel on, tickle carbs till there's a decent sized puddle on the cases, crack the throttle slightly and tickle the carbs another 3 seeconds, pull kick starter out and push on it till it catches and it ready for you to jump on it, jump and mean it. repeat if needed. Some of the lower compression models you can just muscle but with the T120C it's best if you have it on the center stand and stay on the right side of the bike and jump up and bring all your weight down on it. Someday when I get the carbs fixed and get oil in it I will make a video of me starting it.

[@eddiesblacksmithingkjv9185]

The strange vibration comes from the single cylinder engine tend to have a vibration because it doesn't have the other cylinder off setting its movement. We call them thumpers

[@hodaka1000]

Having fun there mate. But I still prefer my old 78e model, the real thing.

[@edwardvanderende8892]

When I was 19 teen (53 old) I look out the SR 500 sing costing price $1200 dollars but I end up with a XT 500 road trail . it could pull a wheel stand 2 lamppost long. and all ya I could kick start it too. Regard Ed

[@Zukatsr125]

4:30 lol dude :) have to work on that technic. Its cinda sad that its only got 23 hp and its a 400cc not 500cc. The Sr 500 its the most classic bikes between the 400 and 500. So i do not really understand why they build the Sr with the smaller engine. My dad got a Sr 500 and its really nice and got 30+ hp.

[@crpth1]

This bike is made to fit several tiny market niches. Japan and Europe have some drivers license limitations. Regarding either the engine capacity and/or the power output. Also fit most insurance lower level rating. All in all makes an excellent beginners bike. Example my old Kawasaki KLR 250 was a kick start thumper from the 90's, had 28hp standard OEM. No emissions or power restrictions at the time. :-)

[@marcinstaniszczak589]

Are you have possible to test Moto Guzzi v7? It's another classic, but I think, very interesting:)

[@marcinstaniszczak589]

CagerOnTwoWheels That's just my guess :( Moto Guzzi is not too popular. You live in Portugal, right? Maybe this will help - www.luzeiro.com.pt/website/listagem/lista-motoguzzi.php, but surely there is nothing around you :( Anyway - thanks for many great reviews and other videos!

[@MarkusReese]

Interesting bike to replicate. Also the power, I guess it is due to emissions since it is alot less than back in the day. Kickstart is a wierd choice just because the factories started deleting them due to safety. Guess because of the compression release. The ol bikes back in the day didn't (well, my old ones). And yeah, that price. Could by a mint vintage for much less and fix up. Course no warranty that way. I dunno if I like it or not. Has everything I like about old bikes outside of the joy of working on it.

[@fogrunr5075]

Sorry I was laughing when you're trying to kickstart😂😂

[@norbertovillarealiii6750]

Im your 1000th like dude. gimme that gorgeous bike

[@sideskraft]

Glad to see these retro bikes. Almost every new street bike has more rear suspension travel than motocrossers from the mid-70s, which is pretty ridiculous. I think having so much space between the rear tire and fender looks stupid and it unnecessarily raises the seat height and center of gravity.

[@Splenda257]

Yeah, that would be a lot like the bike I had when I was a kid, A Yamaha sx400, but that but that bike was a two cylinder 400.

[@tenrohle]

You've NEVER kick started a bike? How is this possible?

[@lifemeansmore]

Dude you have been cribbing about vehicle but as you yourself said its a retro bike so have to be retro, don't review if you cant accept the retro legacy. ITS VERY SIMPLE AND CLEAR.

[@j.ramone4116]

it'd be a good bike for a grand.was thinking of getting a real old one for£800

[@terryjohn]

i only saw 2 at the moment here in the UK yes Toooooo pricey .ill wait till they hit second hands.

[@ferdaaydin7405]

Has a kick starter,its legendary❤🎉🎉🎉

[@Ben10twentytwo]

Great review made even better by the fact you sound a little like Gru from Despicable me.

[@jeffbankston8806]

that's old school what I learned to ride on 1978 wish my new bike had a kick start for when battery dies its the kind of bike you make your own with modifications. The drum brake is not touchy like rear disk the Suzuki tu250 is a much like this a simple motor bike

[@tpotlog]

Want to go old school , try the Royal Enfield 500 B5 EFI .... old bike with really character full engine.

[@stratotonefm]

when will you do a r1 review? that could be very funny :D

[@dwcubatch83]

you’re wrong about the horsepoer. SR400 is 31.5 hp, not 23hp

[@dcg44s]

So what Bleeping Bleep hit the thumbs down on this vid?

[@JRatOficial]

beautiful bike