Topic: 1976 CB400f Power Loss at about 7000 RPM

[goldarrow]

hi all, i'm looking at this bike as my first bike, the seller said 1976 CB400f and it loses at hi rpm, about 7000 RPM.  the bike is $2800.   is this something easy fix?  i never took a bike apart before.  how much would it be if taken to a shop?  thank you

[jessezm]

That, in my opinion, is way too much for a bike with a potential engine problem.  Without knowing more, I'd stay away.  Now, if I could go test ride the bike and determine the problem, and it was a simple and cheap fix, and the bike was in otherwise perfect condition, then MAYBE I'd consider it.  But those are a lot of "ifs" and that is a lot of money for a 400f unless it's immaculate.    I would want to know much more about the bike and owner, and why the owner has not fixed the problem themselves. 

[goldarrow]

thank you jessezm for your input.  that's what i initially thought that the price may be high, plus the potential fixes.  i have pictures of the bike posted in the other thread here
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=102061.msg1140413#msg1140413

also, another bike just came up on craigslist here
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/mcy/2835855856.html

[jessezm]

I like the second one much better if you are willing to pay.  That's reasonable from what I've seen for a CB400f in original condition with the original exhaust (unlike the other, though that's a cool exhaust, too).  Besides, the second one seems to have a much more traceable pedigree, and has the added benefit of having been stored inside.

Reading your other thread, I have no idea what jet "plugs" in the carbs the owner is referring to.  Maybe he means plugged jets?  A simple carb rebuild would tell you a lot more, and it's astounding to me that at that price, the owner hasn't done it already.  IF I could verify myself that it was a carb issue and NOT an engine issue, I could see offering $1400 for it.  But it's unlikely he'd let it go for that I think...  If you don't mind spending the cash, purchase that beauty of a bike in the CL add!  Just my opinion!

[goldarrow]

I like the red 400F also, but wondering why the side covers are red, and not black as I have read elsewhere.

Also was thinking if I should offer him at about 3200, I doubt he would go that low though...

How much would be a better price if anything? Because I think 3700 is on the high side?

[jneuf]

I like the red 400F also, but wondering why the side covers are red, and not black as I have read elsewhere.

Also was thinking if I should offer him at about 3200, I doubt he would go that low though...

How much would be a better price if anything? Because I think 3700 is on the high side?

In '75, the side covers matched the tank color. In '76, the side covers were black. So either he has it listed wrong, or the side covers have been painted.

It's hard to give advice on price, as it ranges across the country (or in my case, from country to country) so much. That being said, it does look pretty good though.

[Kurt V]

Unless you like working on bikes and get get a fixer upper cheap, don't buy one with issues like you describe. I just bought a 400F and I can tell you right now the going rate for a decent looking running 400F starts at around $2500 and a pristine one will definitely run you over $3000. If the one in SD is in pristine condition, and without issues, pay the extra dollars and buy it. Of course try and negotiate the price down.

[jonboycox]

  I find these bikes pretty simple, not to hard to diagnose and fix problems. Besides, thats the fun part. Go for the cheaper one but low ball it, then make it look as good or better than the red one.

[grcamna2]

I like the second one much better if you are willing to pay.  That's reasonable from what I've seen for a CB400f in original condition with the original exhaust (unlike the other, though that's a cool exhaust, too).  Besides, the second one seems to have a much more traceable pedigree, and has the added benefit of having been stored inside.

Reading your other thread, I have no idea what jet "plugs" in the carbs the owner is referring to.  Maybe he means plugged jets?  A simple carb rebuild would tell you a lot more, and it's astounding to me that at that price, the owner hasn't done it already.  IF I could verify myself that it was a carb issue and NOT an engine issue, I could see offering $1400 for it.  But it's unlikely he'd let it go for that I think...  If you don't mind spending the cash, purchase that beauty of a bike in the CL add!  Just my opinion!

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