Is this a 1998 XR400 ?
 

Can anybody confirm that this is indeed a 1998 model XR400 ?

How can I check it on the bike itself ?

http://www.motorcykelgalleri.dk/uploads_mar/103516.jpg

more here:
Honda XR400 R 400 ccm '98

Doesn't the registration papers say?

I havent't seen it yet. I am going to see it tomorrow but its quite common here in Denmark, that people import a bike and use it for offroad and register the bike later, so the papers can be wrong.
I haven't been able to find this paint scheme anywhere on the net.

He announced in two different places, but the headlights in the photos, are not the same, strange!

Ok, I see.

According to Motorcycle Specifications (no guarantee for its accuracy) one of the 1998 paint schemes was like this.


http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/Gal...096%20%202.jpg


But then again it could be other colours too. If I'm not totally wrong (not being a Honda expert) the XR400R has been around since 1996, so if it's good all over and the price is good - what does a couple of years to or fro do? ;)

Oh, and as for the headlights: The ones on the photo you've enclosed seems like aftermarket stuff. He should have the original headlamp laying around.

On another site they listed this for 1998, but I think the schemes differed between the countries

http://www.cyclechaos.com/wiki/image...nda_Xr400r.jpg

Its a very low km bike but if its an older year, than advertised, I might be able to get it at a lower price ;o)

can't you run a check on the VIN? I think there are free sites that let you do this (in australia anyway)

I've just found a site that cites starting serial numbers for the years 1996, -97, -98 so I should be able to check it when I see the bike.

Honda XR400 - CycleChaos

Don't worry too much about what year it is. I have bought hard-used older bikes that are in better condition than low mileage newer bikes. Once you have decided that the engine is ok, look at the consumables, tyres, chain & sprockets, brakes, etc.

Not That easy.

XR's are avery good bike's but there are a few things that can go wrong.

On a older bike I would want a detailed service sheet from the owner.
You need to know if they have at least once a year striped the rear linkage and re-greased the bearings,if they have not done this it can be hell trying to strip the linkage as the pivot bolt seize in place.

XR400's also suffer from quick ware on head stock bearing's due to the oil cooler being placed infront of the bottom head bearing.
again if they are stripped and re-packed with high melting point grease they will last .

High milage one's can use a bit of oil if they have had a hard life.

Remember..what sometime look's like a cheap bike can cost more than a few year's newer model if it needs a lot doing to it.


I see that the frame guards look new,check behind then to see if the paint is worn off the frame, because I notice that the rider's boot as worn off the paint from the engine cover and the honda logo from seat

If you can take some one with you that know's what to look for,it could save you a lot of money.

all the best Dazzer