Tell me of RM400's...

[pmcburney]

To those in the know,


I've got my eye on such a bike on eBay at the moment.
Regardless, I know very little about this RM, and RM's in general, so I'm hoping the experts can give me a bit of a rundown on their pros and cons.

I currently (attempt to) ride a 495 Kato, so I'm thinking an RM400 will be similar if not a bit easier to handle, and I want to stay in Evo open.

I'm a long-term Suzuki owner, and I would really like to add an MX to my current collection of Suzuki road bikes.
Hopefully familiarity with the breed will keep things simple for repairs and parts.

Any info greatly appreciated.


Ta
Paul

[VMX247]

Not a big fan of imports, though nice reliable ones are out there and everyone needs an income.

Big believer in the Victorians having nice RM's available.   
Bearvmx on this forum maybe able to sell you a gem, though paying a few extra dollars will see you to a National title and beyond.
RM400 parts are readily available and a few are interchangeable with other Suzuki's ~ just an all round nice pre85 rocketship. 

 http://ozvmx.com/community/index.php?topic=14209.0

[Eddy#36]

Just in the process of finishing an RM400N project, I believe their a good bike. Most parts are readily available

PM me if you like to know more info

[bigk]

Stick with Euro, I hate RM400N/T's and find them peaky compared to the Euro's. Especially hard to ride if you big bore them. Very tiring in my experience. Just my opinion.
K

[oldfart]

I would Have to agree with Big K they are peaky.

[Slakewell]

Paul your 495 is the 81 model?
First off these have high compression and can be tamed down just by getting the port timing and the compression correct. You can also fit a 83 head. Fitting a 38mm Mikuni will make it easier though I still prefer the Bing. Finding the correct pipe for you will also help the standard one is a little peaky. I have always found every 81 495 I have ridden to be to soft in the front forks which makes them feel unbalanced and dam hard to ride with confidence but i'm sure there must be a cure these days like welding the holes in the damping rods and moving them higher to make the forks ride higher.
The RM 400 I dont know much about but it would lower to the ground I'm sure.
Myself I don't own a twin shock 495 and I wouldn't buy one, give me a well tuned 390/420 any day for a race bike, I love to ride the 495 for a few laps and feel the rush but then I'm beat up and slow down. 390's are cheap and plentiful for imports right now and yes the 390 is much nicer than a RM 400.

[Eddy#36]

I would Have to agree with Big K they are peaky.

don't you own a 400 oldfart?

[BAHNZY]

Unless you have a hankering for "C" model stay clear. A rod and piston (if you can find one) will set you back a cool grand. Go the N or better still the T if you can find one. Resist putting a big pipe on it, ie DG with the best option a pro-form or the like is what I have found.

[oldfart]

Sure do ( refer avatar ), Younger Brother rides it at Connondale classic meets mostly and I take it out for a squirt now and then ..... Don't get me wrong I enjoy riding it , but find the power comes on too quick for my liking.

[Viper79]

If you like riding on the back wheel you'll love it. 

[pmcburney]

Thanks for the replies and info, blokes.


I'll hold off jumping in just yet, and if I do I'll be looking for a later model than a C.

What model will allow me to stay in Evo open, i.e. when did they go single-shock?

[pmcburney]

Is this anyone's here? - www.ebay.com.au/itm/171234803464


If so, please let me know and I'll PM you to discuss.

[VMX247]

Is this anyone's here? - www.ebay.com.au/itm/171234803464


If so, please let me know and I'll PM you to discuss.

Phone #
Photo background looks
Where is it

[Viper79]

It's Evolution motorcycles in Epping, they have been around for years.  looks like they could be doing a bit of importing.

[kenny5000]

I was there a  month ago they had one 1981/82 KTM, last week they had about 10 70/80's bikes, 3 x maicos, a few CR's/RM's etc. The manager is into 70's/80's KTM in a big way, importing a lot of gear!