1985 Honda NS 400R vs 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3
Full specifications comparison •
2 motorcycles
Full Specifications
Differs
Same
| General |
| Year | 1985 | 2018 |
| Make Model | Honda NS 400R | Yamaha YZF-R 3 |
| Dimensions |
| Seat Height | 780 mm / 30 in | 779.7 mm / 30.7 in |
| Wheelbase | 1385 mm / 54.5 in | 1379.2 mm / 54.3 in |
| Ground Clearance | - | 160 mm / 6.2 in |
| Height | 1150 mm / 45.2 in | 1 135.3 mm / 44.7 in |
| Length | 2065 mm / 81.2 in | 2090 mm / 82.3 in |
| Width | 720 mm / 28.3 in | 718.8 mm / 28.3 in |
| Weights & Capacities |
| Dry Weight | 163 kg / 259.3 lbs | - |
| Fuel Capacity | 19 Litres / 5.02 US gal | 14 Litres / 3.7 US gal |
| Wet Weight | 183 kg / 403.4 lbs | 169 kg / 373 lbs |
| Performance |
| Top Speed | 202 km/h / 125.5 mph | - |
| Max Power | 72 hp / 52.5 kW @ 9500 rpm | 30.9 kW 41.4 hp @ 10750 rpm |
| Max Power - Rear Tyre | 59 hp @ 8500 rpm | - |
| Max Torque | 5.1 kgf-m @ 8000 rpm | 29.6 Nm / 3.0 kg-m @ 9000 rpm |
| Standing Start ¼ Mile | 13.03 sec / 164.2 km/h | - |
| Engine |
| Stroke | 2 | - |
| Fuel Control | Membrane | - |
| Engine Type | V3 | - |
| Displacement | 387 cc / 23.6 cu-in | 321 cc / 19.5 cu-in |
| Engine Detail | Two stroke, 90°V-three cylinder, reed valve | Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder |
| Bore x Stroke | 57 x 50.6 mm | 68.0 x 44.1mm |
| Compression Ratio | 6.7:1 | 11.2:1 |
| Cooling System | Liquid cooled | Liquid cooled |
| Fuel Consumption | 30 mpg | - |
| Fuel Induction | 3x 26mm Keihin carburetors | Electronic Fuel Injection, 32 mm throttle body |
| Ignition | CDI | TCI: Transistor Controlled Ignition |
| Lubrication | - | Wet sump |
| Starter | Kick | Electric |
| Drivetrain |
| Clutch | - | Wet, multiple-disc coil spring |
| Final Drive | Chain | O-ring chain |
| Gear Ratios | 1st 2.500 / 2nd 1.714 / 3rd 1.333 / 4th 1.111 / 5th 0.965 / 6th 0.866 | - |
| Gearbox | 6-speed | - |
| Transmission / Drive | 6 speed | Constant Mesh, 6-speed |
| Chassis |
| Frame Type | Double cradle | Delta box |
| Suspension - Front | Air assisted forks. adjustable anti-dive | 41mm KYBø telescopic fork |
| Suspension - Rear | Pro-link adjustable preload | Adjustable KYB® single shock |
| Rake | - | 25° |
| Trail | - | 93.9 mm / 3.7 in |
| Wheel Travel - Front | 120 mm / 4.7 in | 130 mm / 5.1 in |
| Wheel Travel - Rear | 100 mm / 3.9 in | 124.4 mm / 4.9 in |
| Wheels & Brakes |
| Brakes - Front | 2x 256mm discs 2 piston calipers | Single 298mm disc 2 piston caliper |
| Brakes - Rear | Single 220mm disc 2 piston caliper | Single 220mm disc 1 piston caliper |
| Tyres - Front | 100/90 -16 | 110/70-17M/C 54H |
| Tyres - Rear | 110/90 -17 | 140/70-17M/C 66H |
Verdict
🏆
Winner on specs
2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3
The 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3 edges out the 1985 Honda NS 400R thanks to its lighter kerb weight, fuel injection and higher front wheel travel. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.
Key Differences
1985 Honda NS 400R - Advantages
- ⛽Larger fuel tank: More range between stops - an advantage on touring routes and remote roads.
- 🔩Larger displacement: 387 cc vs 321 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.
2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3 - Advantages
- ⚖️Lighter: 169 kg vs 183 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
- 🔧Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.
- 🔄More front wheel travel: 130 mm vs 120 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.
1985 Honda NS 400R vs 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3 - FAQs
What are the engine differences between the 1985 Honda NS 400R and 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3?
The 1985 Honda NS 400R uses V3, while the 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3 is powered by Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder.
Which is lighter, the 1985 Honda NS 400R or the 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3?
The 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3 is lighter at 169 kg compared to 183 kg for the 1985 Honda NS 400R - a difference of 14 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which has the larger fuel tank, the 1985 Honda NS 400R or the 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3?
The 1985 Honda NS 400R has the larger tank at approximately 19 litres vs 14 litres for the 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3. At 5-6 l/100 km that is roughly 316-380 km vs 233-280 km between stops.
Which should I buy, the 1985 Honda NS 400R or the 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3?
Both are strong choices. The 1985 Honda NS 400R has the edge in larger fuel tank and larger displacement, while the 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3 stands out for lighter kerb weight and fuel injection. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.