Yamaha SR400 – Perfect to enter India’s retro segment?
The Yamaha SR400 is an elusive bike to many Indians.
But if Yamaha India only wants to focus on the performance and enthusiasts of our buyer market they should bring this bike. While no big manufacturer (barring Suzuki) including Yamaha is planning to participate in the upcoming Auto Expo.
We think launching this bike later in the year could be a good time for Yamaha to expand their line up and at the same time rise above the budget quarter-litre class of bikes it has for commuters on sale today. So check out below why this bike is important, what is it and why Yamaha should get it to India.
Yamaha SR400 What is it?
The SR400 is styled after the design of bikes from the early 1970s. It has a comfortable riding position, large seat, rased handlebars and a round headlight. The bike was interestingly made with more details tuned and designed for convenience when the Technical Director of Yamaha in Japan injured his ankle when testing a prototype. The bike gets a 14 litre fuel tank and a anologue instrument cluster.
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The Yamaha SR400 has an air-cooled 4-stroke single cylinder SOHC 2-valve engine that produces 22bhp and 27Nm of torque. Along with the a dry sump and the downtubes of the motorcycle’s frame serving as the engine’s oil reservoir and cooling system, thereby eliminating the need for an external oil cooler, reducing engine pumping losses, and allowing increased ground clearance as well as reduced overall width.
Price and competition
The bike is going to need modifications like adding a electric start and making sure the bike is BS6 compliant. But apart from that Yamaha could make sure that it is the first of the Japanese makers to enter the segment where Benelli, Royal Enfield and Jawa are competing. This is the segment where the buyer is not only looking for a commuter but something stylish and really capable of going the distance. We think the Yamaha SR400 fits the bill for those criteria and should be bought here.
10 Comments
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Most Welcome. Being a hard core fan of Yamaha since 1997 and always unti now, I recall SR 400 looks akin to the previous 350 cc bike RD 350 with a 32 Bhp engine if I am correct.
But SR 400 belts out much less power at 22 bhp. I feel this should be at least 32 Bhp and above.
Most important and impressive, the price should be between INR 2 L and INR 2.70 L. If this is not feasible, then I can compromise ‘bhp’ factor between 25 and 30.
Even otherwise it is fine for me, though I always look at more power for a comfortable long distance ride and definitely not the mileage.
Congratulations and Best Wishes to Yamaha India.
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Yamaha should launch this bike in India,
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Beautiful bike what does it cost?
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I am waiting to buy in this bike
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Yamaha should compete in all segments and show its strength. It should serve the customers of commuter and executive segments as well rather than focusing only on sports category and only on youth. Have many more suggestions… But will provide them at the appropriate time.
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We all are awaiting for the bike
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Super
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I will definitely buy one even if it has to be imported…. The looks are worth it
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Have been looking for the legendary SR400 to enter India for a long time.
I think its a perfect competitor for RE classic 350 and recently released Honda CB350.