400-4 versus GS500

The 400-4 came back today with a nice shiney MOT, time to take it out
for a good thrashing and compare it back to back with the GS500.

I was a tad surprised, despite having 10 less horses the 400-4 went
rather well, power delivery is rather different with the gears
closer together so it needs to have its tits revved off but in
general the performance was very acceptable up to around 85 mph
when it starts to run out of puff. The GS500 has more grunt so
it feels more relaxed and pulls a tad better but since I seldom
exceed 80mph the extra top end speed of 110+ is not really needed.

The GS500 has nice handling but the 400-4 was a revalation - no
wonder so many people rate it as one of the best handling bikes
ever, agilty+++.

My only major problem with the 400-4 is the brakes which are best
described as barely adequate. It is possible to get the front tyre
squirming on a dry road given enough effort on the lever but
both brakes are nowhere near as sharp as the (admittedly more
modern) Suzuki.

Overall impression - bloody good for a 70s SOB but better brakes
would inspire more confidence.

 

They don't. It was the best-handling Honda of the era, granted, and it's
surprisingly good even today, but one of the best ever? No way.

Brakes - do the mods I suggested.

 

Indeed. I would hazard a guess that a contemporary Morini is probably
slightly better handling, unless some plonker fitted a 100/90 to the
front wheel.

 

wrote:

In whos dreams ?

 

400-4 brakes are adequate if maintained properly.

Fit new seals top and bottom and use silicone grease for lubrication,
especially the calliper seals.

The calliper pivot must be well greased and free to move.

You could also take another look at the advice given by a couple of others
in an earlier thread about upgrading the hoses.

For the rear brake cam spindle I find Finish Line PTFE grease (sold in
bicycle shops) works well, but needs re-greasing fairly frequently.