Possibly the best all rounder motorcycle ever built. Not great at anything, but good at everything. You can take this to the track or the hare scrambles and explore the country at the same time all without breaking the bank.
I've owned xr600's Cr500's 450's and to many 250 two strokes to list but recently got a xr400, and man it is one of my absolute favorite bikes that I've owned by far!
@@marcosdo995 I think it depends on what for. The 600 may take the lead for faster paced riding (xr650r with recluse clutch was my favorite for out west). For more technical stuff the 400 is hard to beat, amount of weight and perfect power band for that type of riding. It may not be much but you can tell the weight difference between the 400 and the 600/650. Since I have a bigger ADV bike, the xr400 makes sense (wr250r would be great as well). Not having e start is a giant pain though.
@@RedEmpire36 I can't decide choosing between the 4 and the 6, I really like the dual sport riding exploring dirt roads that hasnt any complications but also would like to return to the light Mx/enduro courses. How is the 400 in the road with small connection like 100 miles ??
@@marcosdo995 it can do it, but it's not fun and you'll have to adjust the valves more often (super easy to do). You really want to keep it under 55 mph which is the boring part.
Send it brother..looks like mega moto fun..iconic XR 400 fun time machine...miles of smiles on your face says it all...I have a 1985 XR 250R ..its a forever bike for me..FTW🇺🇸
@@KaplanCycles where do I get a-loop kit from. I live in Hawaii so I understand shipping. I love my xr400r and want put some quality parts on it. Any help?
This is NOT a “big 4stroke”… Most motocross bikes today are 450stokes. Honda also made the XR in 200, 230, 250 as well as 500, 600 and 650 cc sizes. Those last 3 are “big 4 strokes” The 400 was a mid-sized 4 stroke...
This pulled at my heartstrings so f@$%ing much! Thanks for the awesome video! I was just starting to hit my stride so to speak racing motocross when the 400 came out and being a dude who also wanted to race some woods stuff, while Scott Summers was mowing the lawn through his competition on his antiquated 600, I figured the 400 would be a great crossover bike with some smart mods. I pretty much destroyed that poor thing's engine en route to my first podium finish in a motocross race, but the amount of congrats from a lot of heavy hitters in my district for the modest results I achieved on a 4 stroke in '97 made every smoked clutch, wacked out timing chain, clapped out suspension piece, etc. so worth it! Said goodbye to that sweetheart at the end of the 1999 season in order to snag one of the last YZ426s available in about a 300 mile radius, and got my first overall win. That XR400R taught me so much about how to work a 4 stroke to it's potential, and because of that, the 426 was almost like cheating....a little disclaimer is needed here though. Our promoter only allowed my bikes to run in either the 250A class or the open class, which at the time was being dominated by a bud of mine on his CR500. Naturally, I raced in the open class, and destroyed the entire field after passing my buddy halfway through the first lap. He might've actually been more ecstatic for me than I was when I won that overall. He thought it was so awesome that a 4 stroke won. I absolutely love dirtbikes regardless of what powers them, so don't get my comments and/or story twisted everyone. The late nineties was just a special time that saw many people stirring the pot by racing 4 strokes, and because I was able to be a really invested part of it all, it'll always conjure up feelings of nostalgia for me. Thanks again!
My guy we need so much more of these videos I can't get enough of watching all you guys rip around the shop 🙏 pay attention young fellas lots of old school riding tricks from this legend 🙏 watch closely
I heard you say the CR500 is the best 2-stroke motorcycle ever built. As a 16 yr old, in 1987 I had one of my neighbors & best friends father give a CR490, the last year model they were made. He worked on the offshore oil drilling rigs with my stepfather & hurt his lower back & couldn't ride big bore 2 strokes on the giant sand dunes, anymore. They ended up tearing down all the sand dunes & trees & making a big Naval Base out on Ingleside on the Bay in 1992. Before that back in the 70's & 80's, they were called the Sanderos. Next to the Corpus Christi Ship channel the sand was hard packed like concrete, a 100 yards inward, they had 15ft to 60ft high sand dunes with oak trees all over that grew bent over from the constant wind coming off Corpus Christi bay. Down on the hard packed sand near the channel it was 3 or 4 miles long & straight. The CR 490 had a paddle tire on the back, & a runner on the front. All the bigger bore bikes had rear paddle tires on the back if you could afford one, that was the only way to stay on top of the sand. At 16 I had 2 CR's I bought from mowing yards & shrimping in the summers. A had a 1983 CR60 air cooled, & CR80 water cooler, a friend of mine named Brock brought me back a paddle for my CR80, I believe it had 16 inch in the front & 14in rear, the CR60 was 12 r & 14 f. I was totally afraid of the 490, the motor had just been overhauled. He said it had a full circle crank, he cleaned the cylinder up & went 10 or 20 thousands over, he said the full circle crank was a little shorter stroke so he had to mill the cylinder height down a little, & took a little to much off. He said even with a thick gasket or 2 thin ones the compression ratio still went up from 9:1, to 12:1. The only way to start it, was to pull it with a truck. So we would pull start it with my friends 4wd blazer, & pop the clutch while we were in 3rd gear on the street, with the choke on. When my older brother got back from Pin state, they would drag race buggies, dirt bikes, the girls would even race horses down the beach. There were 2 brand new Yamaha Banshee 4 wheelers 350cc 2 cylinder 2 strokes that these 2 rich white boys had, they could do like 90 mph in 1/4 mile. My brother was the only guy that could keep up with them. Their father flew twin engine piston turbo charged planes, & they would put like 110 av gas mixed with mc+1 bellray 2 stroke oil, the best at that time. In my own personal opinion, I still think the Maiko 685/700cc 2 stroke dirt bike is more powerful than a CR500 in H.P. & torque, both in stock form. I really wish you guys would get one & put in on the dyno. By the way I love you channel. I disabled now & I'm poor af & live in the most expensive state of Hawaii. I would be glad to have a used big wheel KX100 or a KTM 112cc 2 stroke big wheel. We have a cool mx track here on the North Shore of Oahu in Hawaii.
You should do some more testing with the XR400s. Best mods for your buck and see what differences they actually make. I like the 650 tests, great work!
Awesome Ride!!! You whip that 400 around like it was a XR100. Lots of Talent to ride like that!! Thanks for all the Amazing work you guys do!! RIDE IT LIKE YA STOLE IT!! God Bless America 🇺🇸!!
I've wanted one of these since they were made. Honda should never have stopped making these air cooled XR's. Just upgraded the chassis, brakes and suspension and they would sell heaps even today imo
Emissions...ruining everything. Suzuki would have made a new Drz already. I'm, as of recently, you resident bitter hate the government guy. I'm that way after getting into bikes, loving it, and seeing how many legends are killed off or not updated because manufacturers aren't allowed to. All these bigger air cooled thumpers are accused of climate killing. Such BS. Gsxr750 and 600 gone for Euro 5 elsewhere. CBR600, etc etc. We need a guy like Kaplan in the white house. They're killing everything faat.
That's how you stay young! Also I'd like to add how much cooler the xr400 is vs the new crf300L. I really think this old 400 is better everywhere. I wish they made then again. Closest thing they have is a crf250F air cooler trail bike
Near me, you need a dual sport to ride anywhere legally on public trails. That 400 with brake lights and turn signals would be ideal. Currently ride a KLX 300 (same theme as CRF300L), and it is fine for trails. But man, a 400 like that would be perfect. Sure, we have the DRZ 400 as an option. Bu that badly needs a 6th gear and FI.
@@lowlevelcritter7577 a carb swap really wakes up the street legal drz. Doesn’t need fi. A carb is way cheaper then a ecu tuner so I’d rather have the carb personally. I have an 01 klx300r and it rips with a carb swap and an exhaust. Still the same motor as the new ones but kickstart so it’s a good 30-40 pounds lighter which helps.
I have a xr400r and am looking to get a newer crf250f due to weight but I’m 200 pounds 6 ft. So idk. I only ride trail/fire road back roads. But it’s my first bike ever so still learning.
I miss being able to ride a motorcycle. 7 leg surgeries ended that for me sold my 97 cr 250 that was completely modded. Still help clean trails and work with the local ATV club to keep the trails open. You sir are an asset to the sport. Really enjoy the streams! Thank you!!
As Burt Munro said in reply to they guy that said you'll burn your leg off. He replied "screw it I have another one" just ride one anyway mate, where there's a will there's a way👍
Thank you! That's the first time I rode it hard it just came in last week, i havent even set the tire pressure. Just checked to see the oil and airfilter are good. Less than 20 minutes on it so far. Just send it!
Same engine im my Mash TT 40 cafe racer. Bought it new last year, never ever had so much fun motorcycling. One cylinder, heavy vibrations, shake it baby...Greetings from Hamburg, Germany. Bless not only America, bless all of you!!!
Man... Kaplan, i've ridden XR's since growing up and as i've gotten older i wanted something with more power and modern suspension.. But for the kind of riding i do, I don't even think the Modern YZ250X is much better than this tried and true design. The XR is the best endurance desert bike ever made. Watching you rip the 400 reminded me of what's possible with these. You made that thing look like such a capable bike which i have to remind myself, IT IS. Looks so amazing with the A-Loop kit... In a world of 10,000$ KTMs and husqvarna fans.. These tried and true stone reliable hondas will be riding for miles beyond all others. Air cooled, simple, no broken radiators or extra maintenance. Just oil and gas. They go forever, I really value lightweight bikes.. But in the hands of a skilled riding, these big red pigs really are some of the best all around 4 strokes ever. Infinitely buildable and ride forever. My dad's lasted from 1989 and he still rides it to this day in his 60's.. Mine i've had since 16 and i'm 28 now... I also ride a YZ 250 , but man, you look like a better rider on this XR than i do on my YZ. Making me rethink my respect for these bikes.
Ken this video of you riding that bike, reminds me of when my cat all of a sudden starts freaking out and running full speed all over the house!!! Semper Fidelis🇺🇸
This was an awesome video I stumbled across. I just acquired a 2001 XR400R about a year ago and I’m going to race it in a local Cross Country series here in West Virginia. These bikes RIP!!!
Yessssss!!! Thanks Senior!!! I been saying in the comments I wanna see some videos of you and jr rippin around the museum and hittin all your hillclimbs out back riding wheelies and all that fun stuff pretty much just tearing shit up having a blast and you guys make this!!!!! I love it and it makes me wanna rip so badddd!! Have some fun for me while your at it!!!
Love the channel. Love my XR400R, great video SR. The XR400R is one of the greatest bikes ever built. I'm glad they are getting the credit they deserve. Hope u do a video on the XR400R and tell us what's been done to that bike. Thanks alot
I was waiting for stoppie down the steps and a quad step up. Is Kaplan accepting résumés for Test Riders !?!?! Entertainment from start to finish !! Thank You for making my suckfest at work so much more enjoyable!!
Man those R4 silencers always had the best thumper sound. Had the R4 slip-on on my 01 and 03 Raptor 660's. Always had the best sounding bike in the pit! Sounds even better when you remove the spark arrestor.
Having a couple hours to let it sink in and really look upon a true life retrospective. I am convinced that this video of senior on the XR 400 is the greatest moment in my life.🤣
I have a 1996 xr400r I've had it for 10 years and it is one of the all around best bikes I've ever had if you treat it right it will never leave you hanging except when you run it on reserve
Is that on a stock carb? That thing sounds like it picks up its revs fast for an XR400. Older guys ripping older bikes is always cool to see👍. I'm with ya Ken!
When I was a kid, Scott Summers was on the front cover of Dirtbike Magazine holding up his XR. I was sold. I started on a early 80’s XR80. Here I am at 41, still riding the XR’s. Some things I need to get done to ol’ girl: IMS oversized tank, CRF fork swap, 440 kit, Hot Cam, 400EX bottom end swap for E-start (I’m getting old) and a Baja Designs 8” racing light. I tried the CRF, and literally destroyed my buddy’s 450X in less than 5 minutes. Great bike, much faster than the 400R, but it can’t handle hard riding on New England trails. It’s a nice day out today, might even have to pull the ol’ pig out for a rip down Salmon River!
Yes, after becoming interested and seeing ever more footage of the XR 400, this very "commercial" was the last drop. This april I bought a 2001 in fine condition for 3500 euros, about as many Dollars I guess. At an off road specialist bike shop in The Netherlands. After he sold me this one, he raised the prize for next available and same year/condition XR's to over 4000! When asked about the new price it appeared that in 2001 these bikes cost around 6500 euros in The Netherlands that is, where we always get ripped off. Still these bikes apparently keep their value, mine is also fully oil tight, like new compression and I can easily start it with flip flops on!
100% this XR400R is a keeper. Let the 4 stroke guru with long hair do the same thing he did on the 650L. Then the XR400R will smoke any 500 two stroke anytime.
You look like you were having a good time ripping on the 400 fore stroke they are all fun when they are running good. I have a little KX 85 big wheel and I take it to a little track in the woods by my house and keep up with the big bikes.
Had a sweet xr 400 way back my buddy fucked around by doing some porting and polishing the heads and intake nice and smooth put a pipe on it bigger jets thing was way faster than a stock xr 500 things are awesome
Mr. Kaplan ( Jr. And Sr.) Have the BEST jobs on the planet! In my book anyways, I am an ex privateer moto cross racer, not by choice ( my bike got stolen) in the late 80's early 90's , in my opinion the best bikes are from that time period, to be able to work around all those older bikes, has to be the most awesome job, keep up the good work, I would love to see your museum, however, I don't think I would ever leave. God bless you guys.
As a kid, my intro to riding with my Dad was between a 1978 RM125 and a Suzuki SP500 (mid-80's I believe). He put some flat track bars on the SP and pulled all the street gear off to remove some weight. Still a tank, but was an earth mover. We called it Thumper! LOL
Sold my '04 xr400 to help pay for my kids tuition. The wife bought me a '15 Ktm 300XC years later but I still miss that XR. Nice to see you riding it hard!
Brings back memories my high school.graduation gift 98 xr 400r with devol suspension man I raced it at the track and in enduro races I even submerged it in a creek once fired right up after kicking the water out thing.was bullet pfoof
I bought one when they first came out , used it for yrs mustering cattle & sheep in some pretty wild country , most reliable bike I owned & pretty much went wherever it was pointed
I have Xr 400 13 years! A real masterpiece! Before 5 days i had a big problem with countershaft pass and i dont know what to do now, cause need much work from mechanic and i can find countershaft only from America.. i am from Greece, maybe it s time for new Bike..😢
snapped my femur in half when i was 15 riding moto and still have a titanium rod in my leg to this day. that was in 2010. haven't rode in the past 4 years and i found your channel about a month ago and thats when i booted up and got back on the bike. good luck on the building resto!
