I am at the very start of my planning of a around Africa trip, aiming for 2010 and im not sure which bike to use. After some research, i have come almost done a full circle. I narrowed it down to three bikes - the XR250 (again) XR400 (older version) or the XR400Motard. I am worried about the XR400 as it is only a kick start, and when it was getting below zero camping in the middle of Siberia, i could not kick start my xr250 - battery was flat and i had to flag down truck drivers to help push start my bike! What are your thoughts on the XR400 motard or fitting out the normal XR400 with a kick start? or do you have any other suggestions.

For my first trip through South East Asia and Russia and Mongolia, I used a XR250L but in the end i had a few problems, with piston rings, the cam chewing out the rocker and a few other minor problems that would come with using the bike 8 hours a day for ten months! It was a perfect bike in the sense, that it was light and not to height for me (not to put my self down or anything but I'm pretty short!). The only time, i felt like it wasn't responding how i would want it too was, when i was in Russia heading along the main road to Moscow - it didn't have the power for the motorway, i was full throttle, which i imagine will cause more wear and tear on the engine.

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Ehhh?

do you mean to outfit with electric start or ??

that won't help when the battery is flat

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Poul
May you enjoy peace and good health !

Haha.. yes that is what I mean.
I have heard of people fitting out their XR400 with electric start.

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Yes available here, at a price !!

XR Stuff

I don't have a XR yet, but I bet that a can of diesel star at 3£ is as effective. I always use that for my Honda generator and my trackbikes in the spring, after standing for 1/2 a year during winter.

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Poul
May you enjoy peace and good health !

Hi Maxi
Take the 400! Why would you want an elec start for a big trip across Africa? It's just another thing to go wrong. Despite all the gossip about xr400s being difficult to start, after owning one for 8 months I now dissagree. There is a knack to starting them....mine starts every time now on the second kick when cold and first kick when hot. Excellent bikes!!
Kev

Oh I agree the 400 is a great starter once you learn the knack of your own. Strangely what works for one seems different to another. Check valves when needed and plug and its all good.

I had a go on the Honda XR400 in the weekend, but I could not even attempt to start it as it was too tall for me!! If I do end up buying one, I think ill have to some how get it home and then lower it, then learn how to start it! lol should be good fun.

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Did you try leaving it on the side-stand, standing up on the pegs and then kickstarting it?
Stephan
PS Completely agree with Wide Phil, what works for one XR400 seems different to another.

You can get a talon lowering link as well

I have e start XR400s and they are great. I agree with all that's been said above - kicking a well maintained XR isn't a problem. However the electric start is great for starting the bike in difficult off road circumstances, after you've crashed for the umpteenth time and you're completely knackered or just for general ease of use.