Honda VRX 400 Roadster motorcycle: specifications, tuning

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

The Japanese motorcycle Honda VRX 400 is another attempt by the automotive giant to combine a classic model and a cruiser. The modification did not receive particular popularity: its release lasted only 4 years (from 1995 to 1999). Against the backdrop of competition, the motorcycle in question from Japan gave way to more powerful counterparts and the traditional "classic". In fact, it turned out to be a rather noble motorcycle, which absorbed the best from its predecessors.

Exterior

Externally, the Honda VRX 400 Roadster is styled after the 70s. An unusual V-shaped power unit from Steed adds style and impressiveness to the exterior of the motorcycle. The color scheme of the vehicle in question had four variations: red, blue, black with chrome inserts, all black.

Working metal parts are chrome plated. The exhaust system is bifurcated, expanding towards the exit, which gives additional aggressiveness, but in moderation. The bike itself is quite narrow, which gives it the advantage of city riding. The driver's part of the seat is slightly recessed, a standard-shaped steering wheel with instrument indicators placed on it, a control system, a round headlight andturn signals.

Running Performance

In contrast to the retro looks, the Honda VRX 400's ride is one hundred percent cruiser. The efficient "Steed" power unit produces 33 horsepower with a torque of 34 nm. A five-speed gearbox with long gears allows you to switch quite rarely. At the same time, you can safely get under way from the third position, and turn on the fifth even at 60 km / h. The possibility of dynamic acceleration is not lost, it is enough to increase the gas supply by turning the corresponding knob.

A large part of the structural details are borrowed from the Steed model:

• Carburettor.
• Chain drive.
• Rear wheels.
• Engine and a few more elements.

But the braking system of the motorcycle in question from Japan is much more efficient than that of its counterpart. This is due to the equipment of the rear brakes with a disc mechanism. Also, an original tubular steel frame was created specifically for this bike.

Design features

The motorcycle in question can hardly be called light. Its weight is over 200 kilograms, which is a bit too much by the standards of classic four hundred cubic meters. On the other hand, the Honda VRX 400 is lighter than almost all cruisers of the same cubic capacity. There is practically no plastic in the equipment. All elements are made of steel and chrome-plated, which guarantees their spectacular appearance for decades.

The bike's low center of gravity and ideal seat height make it easy to forget aboutthe weight of the device. It is easy and comfortable to operate even for a beginner. The reinforced motor easily takes the unit out of the turns, the modified braking system guarantees additional safety. This vehicle is hardly suitable for long trips, as the tank capacity is enough for a couple of hundred kilometers. But for the soul - this is the most.

Technical parameters

Honda VRX 400: motorcycle specifications are shown in the table.

Power unit type	V-shaped, four-stroke with a pair of cylinders
Torque (max)	33 Nm (six thousand rpm)
Gearbox	Mechanics, five-speed
Cooling method	Air
Fuel tank capacity	11 l
Fuel	AI-92
Starting system	Electric starter
Engine size (cc)	398
Speed (max)/ km/h	130
Main gear	Chain
Power (hp)	33 at 7,500 rpm
Brake system	Disc with ABS
Weight (kg)	206
Length/height/width (m)	2, 23/1, 1/0, 76
Height over saddle (m)	0, 76
Front tire	120/80 R-17
Rear tire	140/80 R-17
Motorcycle category	Road
Manufacturer	Honda
Years of issue	1995-1999

Tuning

Despite the fact that the vehicle in question has excellent running and external performance, fans of the original models will find something to complement the image of the bike and make it unique. Regarding the running gear, no special modifications are required here, unless you are going to participate in circuit racing. Considering that original parts for Japanese motorcycles are not easy to find, you will need to thoroughly search the Internet and speci alty stores.

The appearance of the vehicle in question can be embellished with various elements that are widely represented in the online space. If you take a Honda VRX 400 moto, tuning it can be done by adding the following elements:

1. Clear or frosted windshield.
2. Stickers.
3. Sliders and plugs with logo.
4. Cruise control, audio system, heated grips.
5. LED lighting.

In addition, a trunk for a Honda VRX 400 motorcycle will be an original and useful addition. Alternatively, you can choose a central or side trunk.

Owner Reviews

The owners of the mixture of chopper with a road bike emphasize the outward extraordinary beauty of the bike, as well as the features of its layout. Among the objective advantages, lovers of two-wheeled cars from Japan note the following aspects:

• Variety of chrome parts and minimal presence of plastic.
• Easy to ride and ride.
• Dynamism and smoothness.
• A decent pendant.
• The power and confidence of a powertrain that performs well at various speeds.

In addition, motorists note that after buying a Honda BPX 400, the desire to change vehicles often disappears, since the unit gives a feeling of confidence and reliability. Not without finding cons, which are not so many.

Firstly, at speeds over 100 km/h, you get the feeling that you are being blown off the motorcycle: stability is lost a little. Secondly, there is no benzomer and kickstarter. The main problem is that original parts for Japanese motorcycles are expensive. Otherwise, users did not find any cons.

Test drive

This test mainly takes into account the dynamic performance of the Honda VRX 400 Roadster motorcycle in relation to its direct competitorSuzuki Intruder. There were no questions about the ergonomics of the bike. When picking up speed, dynamics are felt, which noticeably fades at 120 km / h, which is not surprising for this class. Ground clearance is somewhat low, so you have to significantly reduce agility before bumps.

The vehicle in question is gaining its maximum speed rather sadly, although confidence and acceleration are felt up to a hundred. The rubber of the unit is not designed for speeds above the standard, so the motorcycle begins to wag. Compared to its predecessor, the Honda VRX 400 has more confident brakes. Vibration load is acceptable and approximately the same for competitors. All things considered, the sleek Honda fared better than the bulky Suzuki.

Modifications

Oddly enough, over the four years of production, the overall layout of the VRX 400 has remained virtually the same. Basic equipment of all models:

• Power unit from Honda Steed.
• Chrome-plated metal parts with minimal plastic fittings.
• The power of the engine is 400 cubic centimeters.
• Low stance and recessed driver's seat.
• Combination of chopper and road bike with wide rear wheel.
• Disc brake system.

Probably the only difference between the generations of the VRX 400 series is the color scheme. The motorcycle was painted simply in black, red, blue color scheme and a black tint with accentuated highlights of chrome parts. Brieflythe model in question can be characterized as a reliable road bike with elements of a cruiser.

Conclusion

I would like to start the final part by listing the features, advantages and disadvantages of the Japanese Honda BPX 400 Roadster motorcycle. Objectively, the advantages include the following facts:

• Equip your vehicle with a reliable 400cc powertrain.
• Comfortable driving position.
• Extravagant and unique appearance.
• Great power and acceleration at low to medium speeds.
• Durability of chrome parts.
• Equipped with disc brakes.

Like any technique, the motorcycle in question has certain disadvantages, which are disproportionately less than pluses. For example:

• At a speed of one hundred kilometers or more, confidence on the road is lost, wobbling begins.
• Lower ground clearance requires attention on rough roads and in front of speed bumps.
• Questionable motorcycle suitability for long trips without refueling en route.

Perhaps a certain role in the fact that the serial production of the motorcycle in question did not last long was played by its shortcomings. This is most likely due to the fact that motorcycle enthusiasts prefer one category rather than mixing them.

However, given that the Japanese motorcycle "Honda BPX 400 Roadster" was not originally designed for circuit racing and world tours, we can saythat this modification is one of the best in its class.