Yamaha SR400 (2014-2018) - Review & Buying Guide

During the early 2010s, Yamaha were pushing their ‘Sport Heritage’ concept and that led to a run on not only ‘Yard Built’ specials (terrible lash-ups by ‘famous’ custom houses that hipsters swooned over) but also heritage models being reborn. Or more precisely, reintroduced. One such bike was the SR400. A bike with a genuine heritage to Yamaha, the SR400 was originally introduced in 1978 (alongside the SR500, which was a European model) and won an army of fans worldwide for its simplicity and rugged nature. A massive seller in Japan were sub-400cc models fit within their licencing laws, it retained a huge cult following, something that led the firm to create a ‘new’ SR400. Although it’s not really new, the SR400 has actually been on sale in Japan continuously since 1978 with a small hiatus in 2008/09 before the firm stuck fuel-injection on it for 2010. So the ‘new’ 2014 Yamaha SR400 was basically a Japanese domestic market bike that Yamaha Europe spotted and decided fitted with the ‘hipster’ scene’s love of retro and decided to import into Europe...

Pros & Cons

2014 Yamaha SR400 - Price

When the SR400 was introduced to Europe in 2014, Yamaha priced it at a fairly expensive £5200. While this may not sound like a lot nowadays, in 2014 that would have also bought you an MT-07 – which was considerably more high-tech than the SR! As a result sales were slow and that has led to a bit of confusion in the used market over the SR400’s value. Realistically, a 2014-2018 Yamaha SR400 is worth about £2000-£3000, however there are some advertised for much more as dealers play on the fact that as it was unpopular, the SR is moderately rare in the used market. Don’t pay over £3000 for one, it’s not worth it.

2014 Yamaha SR400- Engine & Performance

The SR400’s air-cooled single engine has remained basically the same since it was first introduced all those years ago and while the latest model does have fuel-injection, it still has a kickstart with no option of any electrical assistance when it comes to getting it going. While this might strike fear into anyone who has owned a British single, the truth of the matter is that getting an SR going is child’s play. Honestly, it is. In a wonderfully Japanese way, the SR comes with a small viewing window on the right hand side of the cylinder head so you can tell when the piston is at the optimum position for starting (there is a decompressor lever to help you get it there with minimal effort) and then a quick kick and as well as the precise fuel-injection, a transistor ignition system gives a lovely big spark and away you go. Simple. Or it should be, if the bike you are viewing is in any way a pig to start, that’s a worry and hints at either a lack of maintenance or something electrical breaking down... Generally the issue will be incorrect valve-clearances (4000-mile service intervals, valve-clearance check at each service) or a dirty plug but you never know. Happily, the sohc motor is incredibly easy to work on so service costs are very reasonable at around £200 a go, although many owners choose to do it themselves. Interestingly, the SR’s engine is a dry sump design and the oil is carried in the frame’s main downtube. Just check its level, this design makes it quite easy to accidentally over-fill.

On the go the go the SR delivers what is best described as an authentic retro ride. Far from quick, the SR plods along merrily (with a few vibes) and if you are happy to take it slowly, it is acceptable. Feeling and sounding right, it is a proper reminder of days gone by and records impressive economy. Could it be better? A few more ponies certainly wouldn’t go amiss but it is what it is and if you are happy to stay below 60mph, all is well. Don’t worry about major mechanical issues, the engine is virtually indestructible if left standard. The SR’s engine cases are polished with a clear-coating buff finish while the exhaust has a nano-film to prevent discolouration, just check both for any signs of corrosion. Generally finish isn’t an issue as the SR is very well built but once corrosion sets in, you are fighting a losing battle.

2014 Yamaha SR400 - Handling & Suspension (inc. Weight)

Weighing just 174kg, the SR400 is wonderfully light and nimble to ride and makes for a great town bike that laps up traffic. When in an urban environment you tend not to notice a few of the SR’s downsides as much and its basic suspension and brakes aren’t an issue at all. However get out of town and all is not quite as rosy...

The SR’s skinny 18in wheels and its light weight and fairly basic suspension (you only get preload adjustment on its shocks) can make it feel a bit skittish when flat out. It’s not terrible but it feels much like a 125 when you are really going for it. But are you likely to treat it as such? No, this is a sunny day potterer and that’s why you can forgive its single brake’s slight lack of power, it’s rear drum’s weakness and the suspension’s soft nature. Up the preload, stick a pillion on the back and just get out there and enjoy the dry road at a sedate pace.

2014 Yamaha SR400- Comfort & Economy

For gentle pottering about on, the SR400 is perfectly comfortable (unless you are quite physically large, it’s a bit like a 125 in stature) and its slow speed means there is no real need for a screen to add weather protection. And while pottering, owners report that economy figures of anything between 60 and 80mpg are possible, making it pleasingly frugal to run.

2014 Yamaha SR400 - Equipment

The SR400 is a retro, and a very retro retro at that, and as such has basically no flashy tech. No ABS, no TC, no fuel gauge, not even a starter motor! Even the switchgear is old-school in its design, it has a drum rear brake and, pleasingly, even a fuel tap – despite its fuel warning light! Nope, as standard the SR400 is about as basic as they come.

When it comes to accessories, as you would imagine for a cult bike, there are quite a few options out there – but you need to go searching for them. The SR400 scene in the UK is quite subdued and not a patch on the vibrant Japanese scene. As the 2014-2018 bike wasn’t that well received, most used examples in the UK stay pretty much standard. You might stumble upon one of the ‘customised’ SRs that a few owners paid to get done but these are best avoided unless you know the history of the bike, the competence of the mechanic and really like the look yourself. Remember, a customised bike is only worth what someone wants to pay for it and if in a few years’ time you want to get rid of one, you need to find a buyer with similar tastes to yourself. Ideally, buy a standard one or very lightly modified. Interestingly, there was a 35th Anniversary SR400 released in 2013, which came in Leaf Green Metallic paint with white stripes, a brown seat and 35th Anniversary written within its clocks. It is a Limited Edition with just 1000 units produced worldwide but you would have to be a real SR400 fan to pay extra for what is effectively just a paint job.

2014 Yamaha SR400 - Rivals

When it comes to authentic retros, the choice is a bit limited. Realistically, you are looking at the Yamaha SR400 or an older air-cooled Royal Enfield model or a basic 125. Some might be tempted by the reborn BSA or a Triumph, but they are liquid-cooled and retro more in styling than engineering.

Royal Enfield Bullet 350 (1990-2000)| Approx Price: £1000-£2500

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Power/Torque

21bhp / 15lb-ft

Weight

180kg

Suzuki VanVan 125 (203-2016) | Approx Price: £1000-£2000

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Power/Torque

12bhp / 7lb-ft

Weight

120kg

Royal Enfield Bullet 500 (2009-2020) | Approx Price: £1500-£4000

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Power/Torque

28bhp / 30lb-ft

Weight

187kg

2014 Yamaha SR400 - Verdict

There is a lot to love about the Yamaha SR400 and if you are into easy-going retros, it is a good option. Reliable and with bags of heritage, the SR400 is a charming bike to ride but has it moved on much from the original 1978 model? In all honesty no and that’s both its charm and what disappoints about it. The engine is a touch sluggish (it would be better as a 500), the brakes disappointing and the suspension acceptable at best. But there again, does it need to feel more modern? It’s the most authentic Japanese retro you can buy and that’s what owners love about it – as well as its impressive fuel economy...

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2014 Yamaha SR400 - Technical Specification