looking for some experienced opinions...
will do at least 60,000 miles over roughly 2 yrs.
can you please discuss merits/drawbacks of said machines?all brand new
1.xr400
2.wr400
3.yzf426
is the 426 too high strung for rtw tour maybe? i really like to bash around and catch air when i can, so i would really like this machine. these sizes are lite as well,good for dropping the gear and blazing some trails.no600's.
honda has a 3.5 year no mileage warranty and i can have a 2001 for just under 5grand usd.the yamahas have none,but i can have one at cost <CHEAP> since i work for a yama dealership.does anyone think i will use this warranty effectivly?i have heard dealers of yama slightly outnumber honda,but are these authorised or just mechanics who know their stuff?i will be off road as much as possible.also have a great deal of 1st world moto exp,just no rtw,so spare the details.thanks....GREAT SITE!!p.s.will be travelling very light,soft baggage.

I think the XR will be the best choice as its more comfortable and easier to get on with than the two others, there is also lots of accesories like bigger fuel tank or racks ready to bolt on and the engine is quite simple to access and work on.
Good luck.
Javier

ps-anyway I wouldn't do a lot of 'big airs' with a loaded bike in the middle of the desert while traveling on my own....

jav-

thanks for the reply. i get your meaning about big air in the middle of the desert alon. i meant when i reach a destination i will be for a while, being able to unpack and lighten the load for a romp around. like going from thailand to cmbodia i took a kdx 250 and when i got to ppenn being able to rip it on the supercross track,my beemer buddies staring in envy.that kinda fun.....

acually too acerbis makes 22 liter tanks for all these models. i have researched these pros/cons in all the catalogs at work. do you have any thoughts about the waranty issues?experience with dealers abroad honoring<or not> these warranties?

thanks-eric

The warranty probably will only cover you on the country in which you intend to buy the bike; I don't think an american bike will be cover by its warranty in Europe and I am certain I won't cover it anywhere in Africa, Asia and other developing countries. So I don't think its important issue for overland traveling.
Have you consider a Suzuki DR 400 with electric starter? They seem to be quite capable and come with three years warranty.


Sorry I can't comment on dealers: but if they didn't sold you the bike, they wont be happy to work on your bike for free....

I've had them all.... xr, drz and wr 400 and i dont think any of them are up to a rtw trip.. after 300km in the saddle of an wr 400 you cry blood...I traded them all away and bought a honda dominator for a planned trip next summer... If i had to choose one of the 400 cc enduro bikes for a trip it would be the xr because it has easier maintence...its not that fun to check youre valves every 800 km like you have to do on a wr 400 on a xr you can ride atleast 1500 km before ju check them.... but my advice is to get a bigger/moore bulletproof bike... belive me i've seen ktm adventures doing a superman (and alot of other tricks) over jumps... its just in the rider...
Or why not a dominator with xr6 forks and ohlin rear shock?? fits right on....

//Big Swede

I would also go for the XR400, setting the valve clearance can be done by any mechanic, but with the Yamaha you need these metal coins of a certain thickness if I'm not mistaken.So where in Africa would you find these?Also Honda is nearly everywhere in South America so spare parts would be easier to find.

Just got back from Morocco, having done an organised trip on XR400s. The company runs XRs off road all year, doing high mileages over very tough terrain and they're apparently very reliable. During our trip (1000km+) no problems, they also withstand crashes very well. They handle like pigs on road with MX tyres but you can't have everything. Saddles aren't that bad but you do get tired after 100 miles. Top speed on road is only about 60mph with standard gearing.

[This message has been edited by stevej (edited 27 October 2000).]

Hell Yeah and a thumbs up for the xr400..!!
I just spent six months and 22,000 miles riding from Colorado, to Ushuaia, and return to the states. Tons of dirt roads throughout the trip and about 95 lbs of gear, depending on food supply. Just thought you would like to know that honda parts are found around the world, and the xr engine is bullet proof. I did need to adjust the timing chain and the bike did ride a little slow on pavement.
Try to find a corbin seat or some aftermarket ditance seat. The stock seat leans a little too far forward for long distance comfort. Try to fix yourself if possible. Other minor alterations should be made for carrying extra weight over tough terrain and long periods. The 400 can handle anything. Off road, rivers, narrow goat/cattle roads and the accassional motocross track is fun too (as we found out in Costa Rica, and Chile). The highway is doable as well. I feel the yamaha is a little too testy and strug out for the endurance of distance and everyday riding, that meand day in and day out. If you have any questions, please contact me. Rack rigs are simple, Soft bags are best in case you ever gho down, which tends to happen on fun mt. roads. Have fun and share your adventures

[This message has been edited by matt stackpole (edited 29 May 2001).]

Most tour groups in Oz use the XR's, expecially up through the Cape and some of the more remote areas.

Now I know assumption is the 'Mother of all cock-ups', but if I were running a tour business I'd want the best bike for my dollar, and at least here in the land down under the XR's and suzuki's DR's seem to be the popular choice for long-distance work (with a few mods of course).

Of course, if money were no option here, a fully 'Ballard' kitted XR 600 would be the way to go....choice bike for Safari Rallies and the Finke River Rally. Dirt touring in style and at Mach 2...what more could you ask for? *S*,

Andy.