Last New Car Impression】Test Ride of the "Real" Final Edition Yamaha SR400 in Thailand

After the Yamaha SR400 was discontinued in Japan in 2021, production and sales of new models for the Thai market continued, but this August, the final edition was announced locally as well, and the SR400 is now completely out of production. We succeeded in covering the "truly last new SR" in Thailand! We would like to report on the last test ride of the SR400, along with a large number of newly shot photos.

⚫︎ Text and photos by Yusuke Takahashi ⚫︎Wear cooperation by Kushitani Thailand

A single-cylinder of youth that was still being sold in Thailand

The Yamaha SR400 was introduced in 1978, and its production and sales continued for 43 years without changing its basic configuration. However, production and sales of new models continued in Thailand, where regulations are not as strict as in Japan.

However, with the introduction of "Euro 5" exhaust gas regulations in Thailand from 2024, the SR400 also became subject to exhaust gas regulations. With the introduction of the Thai-spec "Final Edition" in August this year, the SR400's model life has truly come to an end.With the cooperation of a local Yamaha dealer, we were able to take close-up photos of the Thai-spec SR400 Final Edition and even briefly test-ride it, and would like to report on the true and genuine final version in the 46-year history of the SR.

A luxury car that costs 1.4 million yen locally

The local price of the Final Edition is 298,000 baht (about 1.4 million yen), 3,000 baht higher than that of the STD, and since the local price of the YZF-R3 is 208,200 baht (about 1 million yen), it is considered a luxury car in Thailand. It is one of the most popular heritage models in Thailand.This time, the vehicle was rented to us at Yamaha Riders' Club Kaset Nawamin, located in Nawamin, a little distance from downtown Bangkok. The store is spacious and clean, and only handles large models, making me feel as if I were in a Japanese dealership.In Thailand, the mainstay models are 125cc class scooters and small displacement models such as the YZF-R3, and there are only two stores in Bangkok that sell large Yamaha models. However, in recent years, the popularity of MotoGP (with the appearance of Thai riders such as Toprak) has also made sports models popular.

Yamaha Riders' club Kaset Nawamin and his staff cooperated in photographing the vehicles. The premium nature of the store gives a sense of the premium nature of large motorcycles in the local market.

Early model color with a premium feel

Now, let's get on the Thai-spec SR400 Final Edition, which was loaned to me. I have test-ridden the 1979 SP, the 2013 35th anniversary model, and the 2021 domestic final edition, and as a 173cm average Japanese rider, I was able to put both feet down on the Thai final edition as well.Looking at the details, the words "Final Edition" written softly in the tachometer and near the seat of the gas tank jumped out at me. This is the same as on the Japanese version of the Final, but once again, it evokes a sense of melancholy that the SR is truly coming to an end.

Even with the Thai specs, the SR400's slim chassis still offers good footing. At 173cm tall, both feet touch the ground up to the heels.

The meters feature the same black dial type as the Japanese-spec Final Edition Limited, which was limited to 1,000 units. The words "Final Edition" appear in the tachometer.

This is Dark Gray Metallic, another color of the Thai-spec Final Edition. This one was also present on the Japanese-spec Final.

Good start-up and light driving feel

The SR's famous decompression system was installed, but the engine started smoothly with a single kick, even though it is a big single with an older design. The high daytime temperatures may have been a blessing, as the engine started without any problems during the time we borrowed it.Idling was similar to that of a Japanese FI vehicle, and when the clutch is engaged at low rpm, the engine has a strong torque feel that follows strongly, and although we only turned the engine up to about 4000 rpm because it was a new car, it was very comfortable to drive.

The Thai spec SR400 is just as light as its Japanese counterpart, and the engine started right up.

Yamaha SR400 Final Edition (Thailand Specifications) Specifications []: Japan-specification Final Edition

Overall Length x Width x Height: 2085 x 750 x 1100 mm- Wheelbase: 1410 mm - Seat Height:790 mm - Weight: 175 kg- Engine: Air-cooled 4-stroke single cylinderOHC 2-valve 399cc- Maximum Power: 23.8hp [24ps](17.5kW)/6500rpm- Maximum Torque: 2. 8[2.9] kg-m(27.8Nm)/3000rpm・Fuel tank capacity: 12L・Transmission: 5-speed return・Brake: F=Disc R=Drum・Tire: F=90/100-18 R=110/90-18 ・Price: 298,000 baht (about 1.4 million yen) [STD: 605,000 yen /Limited: 748,000 yen ] Image gallery (33)