The First Big Bike I Ever Rode: Yamaha XJR 400
Back in the day, I had the chance to ride a Yamaha XJR 400—and to this day, even in 2025, I still think about that bike.
It wasn’t mine. I borrowed it from a friend—let’s call him Gov. He trusted me enough to hand me the keys and told me, “Just take good care of it.” I had the XJR 400 for around two weeks, and honestly, those two weeks changed how I felt about motorcycles.
That was the first big bike I ever rode. And I really loved it.
Raw and Real: No Rider Aids, Just You and the Machine
The XJR 400 wasn’t perfect by modern standards, but that’s exactly why it was perfect for me. It had no ABS, no traction control, no rider modes—just a raw, air-cooled inline-four and a throttle that talked back. You felt everything. It was all you. The bike didn’t try to ride for you. You had to listen, you had to shift at the right time, you had to stay sharp. And that’s what made it such a joy.
Every ride gave me this feeling of happiness I can’t explain. It wasn’t just about power—it was about connection. The sound when I twisted the throttle, the way the engine screamed at high revs, the balance of the chassis—it all felt real. The kind of real you don’t always get in modern bikes with electronics doing half the job.
Timeless Design That Just Works
And the look? Timeless. Round headlight. Analog gauges. That classic tank and stance. It didn’t try to be retro—it just was. That’s what makes it even better in my eyes.
Why It Beat the Modern Option
What’s funny is, around that time, I almost bought an NK 450. On paper, it had everything—modern features, aggressive styling, decent power. But when I rode it, something felt empty. I wasn’t satisfied. It didn’t spark anything in me. No connection. It just felt like a machine.
The XJR 400, on the other hand, had soul. I didn’t even own it, but I rode it like it was mine. I took care of it. I respected it. And it gave me back an experience that stuck with me to this day.
Still Thinking About It in 2025
Even now in 2025, I still think about that bike. I’ve ridden others since then, but that first real ride on the XJR 400 left a mark. It was more than a motorcycle—it was a reminder of why I fell in love with riding in the first place.
If I ever find one again, I’m not letting it go.