At one time, all manufacturers offered inline four-cylinder naked models in the 400 cc class.
Yamaha's representative model in this category was the "XJR400. Although an air-cooled naked model that came out somewhat later than the Kawasaki Zephyr, it was very popular for its sporty characteristics and was later produced as the "XJR400R" with upgraded equipment and specifications until 2007.
We had a chance to check out the details of this early model, which is still very popular today.
Interviewed by: Red Baron
Naked modeled after the sporty CB-1, not the classic Zephyr
The ZEPHYR, released by Kawasaki in 1989, brought the naked bike boom into full swing in the early 1990s. In addition to the latest technology and high-spec power that had been the focus of the spec boom up to that point, models with a classic flavor were also attracting attention.
It was against this backdrop that Yamaha released the "XJR400" in 1993.
XJR400 [Yamaha] Naked sports bike was introduced in 1993. Its unique style, which pursued a sporty feeling, created many fans.
The XJ400, on which the name is based, was Yamaha's first 400cc inline 4-cylinder model, launched in 1980. While it is true that the styling is a bit similar, the XJR400 was never intended to be a retro model. It is said that the Honda CB-1 and Suzuki Bandit 400 were used as references during development, but both were sports naked models that used all the latest technology and were equipped with separate handlebars. The XJR400 also considered these factors, adopting a newly designed engine with an oil cooler as standard equipment and a maximum output of 53 hp at 11,000 rpm, and adding a touch of torque trough to create a style that can be enjoyed at high rpm.
The following year, the XJR400S, specially equipped with Öhlins rear shock, was introduced.
The following year, the XJR400RII with a number plate type short cowl and the XJR400R with Ohlins suspension and Brembo calipers as standard equipment were also introduced, and the standard XJR400 was integrated into the R model after the 1996 model year. As can be seen from the motivated equipment of the R, the XJR400 continued to evolve in terms of strengthening its sporty flavor. Production continued until 2007, and it is still popular among many fans today as a long-lived model and as a representative of the Yamaha air-cooled 400.
The newly designed inline 4-cylinder engine delivers 53 PS. The powerful style became very popular and evolved into the XJR400R.
Foot grounding and handling are friendly like a naked motorcycle.
The XJR400 we interviewed this time is one of the earliest standard versions of the XJR400.
Although designed with a focus on sportiness, the XJR400 has good footing and the upright bar handlebars allow the rider's arms to reach out naturally. The seat height of 770mm is slightly higher than the 755mm of the CB400SF, the most famous 400cc inline four-cylinder model, but it does not feel unstable at all. The standard weight of 178 kg gives a very friendly feeling, without being overbearing in starting and maneuvering the machine.
The model is 170 cm tall and weighs 65 kg. Seat height is 770mm, which is standard for a 400cc naked model. It has a good foot grounding.
The upright position allows for easy balance.
Legs are slightly open, but not to an uncomfortable level. The thick-walled seat seems to be easy to tandem with.
The engine delivers 53 PS at 11,000 rpm. Yamaha had an air-cooled 4-cylinder engine before this, but the XJR is a new design.
The choke lever is directly attached to the carburetor but was later moved to the handle position.
The fuel tank has a capacity of 18 liters, and the linear design of the silhouette is more sporting than retro.
In terms of equipment, the vehicle is equipped with sporty items to support the high-power engine. The front suspension uses a large-diameter fork with a 41mm inner diameter, and the rear shock is twin with a reservoir tank. Wheels are 17 inches front and rear, and the rear is equipped with the widest tires in its class at the time. Both front and rear brakes are discs, especially the front which has a double large-diameter 298mm floating disc and two odd-shaped 2-pod calipers for high braking performance. The rear brake calipers are also a subset, floating style.
Even the side covers and chain guard are made of aluminum, and the bolts are chrome-plated for a high-grade finish. The exhaust system is a 4-on-1 style, with the second and third exhaust pipes connected to reduce exhaust pulsation. The 18-liter tank has a straight silhouette, with the knee grips cut into the shape of a teardrop, which is a departure from the retro teardrop shape.
Many fans say, "This tank is cool!"
The headlights are orthodox round, and the bullet-shaped meter case is classic. It is a shape that will appeal to retro fans.
The wide bar handle creates an upright and casual position. Handling, however, was modeled after sports models such as the CB-1.
The meter is a two-light system with a speedometer and tachometer and a fuel gauge in the center. The design is simple and orthodox, but the visibility is excellent.
The seats were stamped with a distinctive pattern. Later, "Wyrax" was embedded to improve seating comfort.
Double disc brakes are used at the front. The floating 298mm disc has high braking power. These were later replaced by Brembo brakes.
The rear brake also has a bottom-mounted, racy style. This emphasizes the sporty image..
The exhaust is a single right-side, collective type with a long silencer.
The exhaust is a single right-side, collective type with a long silencer.
As mentioned earlier, the XJR400 was a big hit for its sporty characteristics pursued even during the naked boom. In 1996, the XJR400R, with its more sporty characteristics, was the last model in the lineup, and the standard XJR400R was discontinued. However, the popularity of the XJR400R did not wane, and it continued to be sold until 2007, increasing its value among the 400cc air-cooled naked models that are now attracting renewed attention.
XJR400(1993) Major Specifications
Overall Length x Overall Width x Overall Height:2,075 x 745 x 1,080 mm
Wheelbase: 1,435mm
Seat height: 770mm
Weight:175 kg
Engine: Air-cooled 4-stroke, in-line 4-cylinder DOHC 4-valve 399cc
Maximum output: 53 PS at 11,000 rpm
Maximum torque:3.5 kg-m at 9,500 rpm
Fuel tank capacity: 18.0 liters
Transmission:6-speed return
Brakes: F=double disc, R=disc
Tires:F=110/70-17, R=150/70-17
Price:(approx.) 4032 USD (1993)
