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ROUNDUP

HONDA VRX400 Japanese cross between a Norton and a Sportster

CONTRARY TO POPULAR opinion, not all Japan-ese V-Twins are Harley-Davidson repli-cruisers. Take a look at Honda's VRX400 Roadster, now available in Japan. From its classic styling to its spoked aluminum wheels to its chromed headlight bucket, the VRX's roots are firmly planted in British soil—although a few American sprouts are apparent.

Based on a downsized version of the V-Twin found in the Shadow 600 cruiser, the VRX's 398cc engine is a liquid-cooled, three-valve-per-cylinder VTw'in. Bore and stroke measure

64.0 x 62.0mm, and the VRX carries a compression ratio of 9.8:1. Claimed horsepower is 33 at the crank. Maximum torque is said to be 25.3 footpounds at 6000 rpm.

Those numbers are far from headline-generating, and. as you’d guess, overly enthusiastic acceleration is not an option. On the plus side, the motor produces little vibration, even when flogged toward its 7500rpm redline, and the five-speed gearbox is a slick-shifter. Single rotors front and rear are capably gripped by twin-piston calipers, while the Bridgestone tires-120/80-17 front, 140/8017 rear-provide all the grip a VRX rider will likely need.

The 400’s steel frame is of the double-cradle variety. Boasting a claimed dry weight of 418 pounds and a smallish 2.9-gallon fuel tank, the bike certainly seems compact. Indeed, seat height is a low and stable 30.8 inches. Combine this with forward-mount foot controls and the result is a relaxed, upright riding position, though highway commuters will probably want to duck behind a windscreen to lessen windblast at speed.

In the tw'isties, it’s clear that the VRX is no CBR400RR. Steering is on the deliberate side, though the bike remains stable even at full bank. Which brings us to a problem area: For sporting use, the VRX could use more cornering clearance. We found it ran out of lean angle before it ran out of tires and suspension.

Cornering clearance aside, the VRX is a fun motorcycle. W'hether traveling long distances via backroads or on short commutes along crowded city streets, the VRX is an easy, unintimidating ride. And considering the current retro-naked-bike craze holding sway in Japan, the Roadster should find a good home there.

Of course, the real question is, w'ill the VRX ever find a good home in the United States, maybe as a 600? With a price tag of 529,000 yen in Japan, the VRX would cost approximately S5500 Stateside-expensive but not overly so for someone looking to bridge the gap between nostalgia-heavy cruisers and race-inspired sportbikcs.

Don’t hold your breath, though. American Honda officials say they arc unaware of any plans to market the VRX in the United States.

Yasushi Ichikawa