Bike doesn't run, has sat for the last 15 years! My plans are to do all new fluids, carb clean/adj, battery, etc etc and see if I can get it running. Then ride it this summer/fall and then this winter when I'm loosing my mind due to early darkness and freezing weather, tear it all down in the garage and make her pretty.
I've never taken on a project like this, and honestly I'm not really into vintage bikes all that much, but something about the 400 Four has always "spoken" to me. I think I got a good deal too - a small price to pay for my sanity really.
__________________
Obsession is a word the lazy use to define the dedicated.
Congrats! Looks like Honda's version of the '81 Yamaha xs400 I started on. I had a lot of fun on that bike. I need to get it running again and sell it though.
I moved this thread to it's well deserved Classic forum.
You got a great deal on this CB400F. I was looking at a similar 76' which sold for $3200.
I owned one back in the dark ages, it is a fun bike, bullet proof and easy to work on.
That said... Depending how it was stored, stale gas will be a major concern. Do not try to start it without a thorough investigation of the gas tank and carburetors. If any grunge gets sucked into the carbs. it will be a major hassle to clean.
Feel free to ask as many questions as needed, between Simpson, me, and a few others you should get that beauty up and running in no time.
Brings back a lot of fond memories! My dad had one in the early 80's, he has a 9'ner now, but still gets misty eyed whe he talks about it - his was the 400/4 Super Sport (not sure what the difference is), also in yellow!
I've never taken on a project like this, and honestly I'm not really into vintage bikes all that much, but something about the 400 Four has always "spoken" to me. I think I got a good deal too - a small price to pay for my sanity really.
Yeah, I said something like this once. 20k and two years later here I am...
It's a deep rabbit hole for some folks I guess.
Thanks ya'll. I'll use this thread to update with progress and questions as soon as I have some spare time to get moving on this project. Between work and the social schedule my better half has forced upon me, my head is spinning these days!
__________________
Obsession is a word the lazy use to define the dedicated.
How's the project progressing? I always like those bikes.
Well, maybe he is reading the 1000 posts regarding exhaust mods before he gets to work on it............. You know, some folks struggle to decide what direction to go..........
Well, maybe he is reading the 1000 posts regarding exhaust mods before he gets to work on it............. You know, some folks struggle to decide what direction to go..........
Yes, you are right. But, then again, about 50% of the posts on this site are, which is part of the fun of it. And, I thought I got away with that one.......
I've always liked the 400 4cyl. ....I envy your find ! I think its the perfect city bike. Hop on and go ! The 400s in 2 cyl. just don't appeal to me as much.
Well I originally picked this up with the idea of it being a winter project...hence, it's sadly sat looking pretty in my garage.
Alas, now that I'm freshly unemployed and winter is fast approaching, I will be digging in very shortly and will update accordingly.
We've been having some incredible weather in Ohio recently though too, I rode like 800mi last week on the 919. No time for projects when it's 60 and sunny in mid-late November.
__________________
Obsession is a word the lazy use to define the dedicated.
I'm jealous, very cool. You guys are making me want to find a project bike now! My wife would be thrilled I'm sure, she already refers to the niner as my ho.
I'm jealous, very cool. You guys are making me want to find a project bike now! My wife would be thrilled I'm sure, she already refers to the niner as my ho.
Very nice find. The 400's had that amazing exhaust- you must try and use that head pipe ! Also the only one of the family with 6 speeds. In many ways the most desirable of the little 4 cylinder Hondas. Enjoy your new project.
Found something for ya courtesy of "Dan's Motorcycle Repair Web Page" - Honda CB400F Parts Book
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Experience is the best teacher. Remember , the test is first and the lesson after.
Extremely nice, I had a red 75. Looking back, probably one of my favorite bikes. Great in town runner. I wish I had it back.
__________________ Life is not a journey to the grave with the ultimate goal of making it safely un-scathed,
but rather to show-up, skidding broadside, used up, worn out, and screaming "YeeHaaaaa" at the tops of your lungs.
Christmas came early ! The price you paid is gift city ! Always liked the Yellow. That baby 4 was a jewel of a bike and to see one so intact now puts a smile on my face. I'd keep it stock, although a decent set of aftermarket shocks would be wise - those oldies were pogo sticks. Get a shop manual. The Clymer was good. Get to the sohc4 website. You may be able to get a PDF copy of a complete factory manual, along with all the updates and any Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs). You will be doing carb work. The soh4 site as PDF copy of the excellent 1975 Honda Motorcycle Carburetion Manual, which was actually a joint publication with Keihin. It's about 30 pages and is an excellent book on carbs.
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