New Yamahas

NEW YAMAHAS

IGNITION

NEWS

All-new 2015 5R400 takes us back to 1978; updated 2014 Super Ténéré takes us wherever we want to go

IT TAKES CHUTZPAH TO INTRODUCE A KICKSTARTONLY STREETBIKE IN THE US MARKET...

SR400

It takes chutzpah to introduce a kickstart-only streetbike in the US market, but that’s precisely what Yamaha has done with the narrow 384-pound SR400, a bike whose lineage traces back to the SR500 that made its US debut in 1978. Why 399cc? The bike is built for Japan’s tiered license system that has a 400cc cutoff, and displacement for us is unchanged to keep cost down.

Although the $5,990 SR400 looks like it could actually be a 1978 model-even to the point of still having a little window on the cam coverto help the rider find top dead center-its sohc two-valve engine is now fuelinjected, enabling it to meet emissions regulations and be easierto start, aided by a compression release on the left side of the handlebar. Yamaha, in fact, says the new SR400 can be started by hand.

We’ll have to see about that, but in the meantime we like what we see in the elemental nature of the other hardware. This includes a narrow, double-cradle steel frame, a centerstand, 3.2-gallon fuel tank, a comfortable bench seat, a front disc brake, and a rear drum with a handy pointer indicating brake shoe wear.

Although the chrome-intensive SR looks like a bike from 40 years ago, that’s its appeal.

It’s simple. Easy to ride. And ripe for customization, a throwback to when motorcycling was more mainstream, more accessible.

SUPER TÉNÉRÉ

Loyal readers know we loved our longterm Super Ténéré, the big shaft-drive ADV powered by an 1,199cc parallel twin with a 270-degree crank. Now, for 2014, the bike has been significantly refreshed.

Most important, a new ES model has electronically adjustable suspension, much like that of the FJR1300ES in that there are four preload settings (adjustable only when the engine is running) and three damping adjustments (Soft, Standard, Hard). What’s more, the ES has cruise control and heated grips, which makes us think Yamaha heard our complaints.

Other changes are similarly welcome. These include an aluminum sidestand and new top triple clamp with removable risers, which, together with a new handlebar, move the grips up and back 10mm to make it easier to ride in a standing position. Other changes include a bigger, reshaped windscreen, LED turn signals, and new multifunction gauges with a crossbar CPS mount. Moreover, via altered exhaust ports, Yamaha has found 2 extra horsepower and 1.5 more pound-feet of torque, all while improving low and midrange response.

Although we wish the ABS could be shut off forthose occasional forays onto dirt, the 2014 SuperT ($15,090, $16,190 forthe ES) is still a substantive improvement on one of our favorite everyday bikes.

Andrew Bornhop