Ducati Sporting Club UK > General > Idle Chat > ZXR400 - what to check out

[bradders]

thinking of chopping my 600 monster against a H2 ZXR400. I really enjoy the monster cause its fabulous fun but want something which could be more track orientated and a bit more gusto. And as it looks less likely the Boss will be riding, something for me rather than both of us.

What should I be looking for and what are the key probelms with this bike?

I have had one before and remember what it was like to ride and how it could be a bit snatchy, but that was an L3 model, is there much difference?

I am sure some of you guys will have experience of these things, please share

Thanks

[Jon]

From what I saw at Caddy with Rattler & Nbs996. You can have just as much fun on the monster

[skidlids]

Paul, i'm no expert but I have always prefered the L model but as H models go for a fair bit less there are some very good deals to be had. Standard the L's never seemed to get the carburation quite right but I'm sure dynotech just north of Basingstoke could sort it out properly. They certainly did a good job on my bike for last years TT.
Some of the main things I would be looking out for on a older bike like the H would be the condition of the shock (Do they have a rideheight adjuster on the frame like the L does), wear on the discs etc, any rubber brake hoses should have been junked by now, and if they haven't then aeroquip hoses should be allowed for in the price.

As for a 600 Monster in comparison yes it can be as much fun but I could never see one doing a 108mph TT lap as my ZXR400 did last year no matter who was riding it.

[keefer]

if you are looking for a 400 get a NC30 or 35 if you can stretch to it, its a proper mini RC45 and sound the Mutts nuts with a pipe on.
and will blow a monster into the reeds

[deej]

if you want a 400 my marlboro rep rvf is still up 4 grabs at the moment, i have got a viewer tomorrow sometime but if your interested give us a bell, i may be interested in a part ex if you want ,

bet he turns up tomorrow just as motogp starts

[uncle porry]

have a look here..... http://zxr400.co.uk/index.php
bought a 93 zxr 400L a few weeks ago and i love it, cant wait to get it on a track day

[bradders]

looking at the pic I've been sent, the hoses are rubber and the banjos look pretty corroded. Apparently good mechanically, just mot'd, and under a grand, so cash plus bike for my monster makes it appealing

deej - cant find yours, I have seen it on here, a beut but think a bit out of my price bracket at the mo unless you want a straight swap

[Jon]

Originally posted by skidlids
Paul, i'm no expert but I have always prefered the L model but as H models go for a fair bit less there are some very good deals to be had. Standard the L's never seemed to get the carburation quite right but I'm sure dynotech just north of Basingstoke could sort it out properly. They certainly did a good job on my bike for last years TT.
Some of the main things I would be looking out for on a older bike like the H would be the condition of the shock (Do they have a rideheight adjuster on the frame like the L does), wear on the discs etc, any rubber brake hoses should have been junked by now, and if they haven't then aeroquip hoses should be allowed for in the price.

As for a 600 Monster in comparison yes it can be as much fun but I could never see one doing a 108mph TT lap as my ZXR400 did last year no matter who was riding it.

TT yes Kev, but at short circuits ?

[crm250]

Regarding the ZXR, one thing to note is the fact they seem to pop head gaskets with alarming accuracy at 20,000kms, and any sign of cam chain rattle. walk away - infact run as its not long for this world.
i had one (L) and it was a nice bike, quite big but a bit rattly and felt a bit weak, but they can be made to go quick and pump out big BHP numbers but be warned they wont do it for long.
similar story for the FZR.
infact, after owning a ZXR, GSXR (Gk76A), CBR NC29, NC35 and NC30's i would plump for the 30 every time
they are not easily tunable, but the handling is good, parts are easily avaialble and they really are tough and will last for years. the 35 handles just that tiny bit better, but it feels smaller and not really worth the extra £1000 IMO
i do love 400's and i bet you wont look back once you get one. good luck

[skidlids]

At short circuits I believe I would lap faster on a ZXR400 than I would on a 600 Monster, when I get round to finishing my ZXR400 I may well take it to a trackday along with my 600SS, preferably Pembrey and see how they both get on. But I'm fairly certain the 400 will come out on top.