Topic: CB400F with parts bike ---- good deal??

[Operator]

I am not too familiar with the 400's so here goes.

I found a 1976 CB 400F Supersport that comes with a second one for parts

Bike is titled, has been sitting for a few years, has all the parts including side covers, turns over easy, has good compression, tiny bit of rust in the tank, just needs a battery and a good carb cleaning. Wirning is not mouse chewed and looks pretty clean all around. No paint chips or dents in the tank. Exhaust system is not rusted.

Parts bike is 90% complete 400F with original seat with no tears, fenders and lights all in good shape, no rust pitting or dents in the chrome. Exhaust is is good shape

Asking price is $1350.00. Keep in mind I am in Eastern Canada, these bikes are not as plentiful in this area of the world. I trust the seller (not a crook) as he sold me my 750 K3 a couple years ago and is a vintage parts dealer. (if he says all the parts are there, I trust that they are.)

Couple more questions,

How is the availability of 400F parts?
Is there any glaring issues that the 400's have?
Is there a huge difference between working on the 750's versus the 400's?

Thanks for the assistance

[grcamna2]

Operator,
     You found 2 CB400F's of the same year ? Can you give us a picture or 2 ? Parts are not as plentiful as CB350 twin parts, but still available.
If you have a spare set of original low handlebars on you're parts bike that aren't bent(I don't mind rust because I can paint them) and still use-able PM me.
That sounds like a good deal for 2 bikes..one w/ a good title.
The CB400F's are solid machines.

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

Isn't David Silver Spares restoring CB400F's and reselling?! That would/should make parts availability good.

[Operator]

Here is your pictures.

As for the parts bike, I haven't figured out if I would sell of the parts or start my cafe project I have been thinking about for years. It might even make a nice starter bike for my son.

Thanks for any and all input. I do really appreciate it.

Operator/Jason

[camelman]

Oh man!  Good deal, but please keep them both on the road!!  Although, if you decide to part one, I could use a set of good forks.

They are very solid machines, but make sure to read about the cam chain tensioner bolt issues.  Parts are plentiful.

[grcamna2]

Great Deal ! 

[wedoo2]

Seems fair to me.  That little dude is going to clean up good.

[Operator]

I am currently in the market for a bike for my beautiful wife. I think this might be perfect so long as it is not a POS

Thanks guys

[gregk]

Operator

The price is fair, buy them!  X2 on the cam chain adjustment.  Exhaust systems are expensive for the 400's, otherwise most of the parts are available.
You'll love it, or your wife will at least.  they are great little bikes.

[Operator]

I don't think I need to worry too much about the exhaust systems...here is a pic of them

[Bodi]

If you're willing to wait, someone may buy the second bike for what you paid for both of them.
The first one looks great. The second one looks good: the black engine paint could be pretty rough, I can't tell. It doesn't look like a great job to me.
Best would be to keep the second bike for parts. If something breaks... parts are expensive if available. It also lets you do custom work like new rims and stainless spokes without parking your bike.
Get them or tell me where they are

[Doctorlumen]

SCREAMING good deal. Great bike to learn on, and great bike for the experienced rider as well. I love my 400...and in a lot of ways prefer it to my Ducati MS4R. Parts are all over the place but getting more expensive by the minute. Lots of engineers and machinists building "boutique" parts for these bikes as well. And, their resale value is pretty high. 

Here's my 400/four owner's two cents on what to check up on:
Cam chain and valve inspection/adjustment is a must, right along with those carbs. Go the extra mile with the carbs and splurge on some new honda emulsion tubes and needles. Don't waste yer time with that keyster garbage.
I love my braided brake line, phenolic brake piston and Nissin master cylinder, but regardless of any new parts to the brakes, a good cleaning goes a hell of a long way.
The typical dampener rod modification and oil replacement improve the wee little forks pretty well.
I run a dyna s ignition with 3ohm coils, and can't complain. The points rig with a Hondaman transistor gets rave reviews here as well. Also, that Dyna S "found" five more HP in my bike. 

Good luck!

[Stev-o]

I'm looking for a 400 and would buy that deal sight unseen.  Go it it....now!

[turbo_nine]

OP, I hope your delay in replying is because you're busy picking up this pair of 400s.

If nothing else, this forum would help you unload the bikes for a little more than you paid.  Can't lose.

[Operator]

Thanks again guys, this is getting close to a done deal. I am currently arranging a trailer for this saturday and sorting out the method of payment.

I am actually considering the second bike as a cafe project (perfect size). If that is the case there may be a few parts for sale......(with that comment, I can hear the vultures circling already) The primary concern will be getting the main bike up and running for riding season. I want to get my wife on two wheels asap.

Trust me, if anything goes up for sale, I will post it here to give you guys first crack.

[Stev-o]

No vulture here, I need to find a 400F for me first.

[Operator]

Trailer is lined up for Saturday, going to the bank for the cash this afternoon, fingers crossed, wish me luck.......may the SOHC gods be good to me.

[grcamna2]

I hope you enjoy meeting the owner & picking them up 

[MoMo]

Good price, I bought two in similar condition for roughly the same price, did a mild restoration and made 3700 ...Larry

[Operator]

That is great to hear MoMo

GRCamna2, the owner/seller is the same vintage bike/parts dealer I bought my 750K3 from. He is honest and doesn't bullsh*t about what he is selling. I will get his new website address and post it here as well. Specializes in Kawasaki's but dabbles in Honda and Yamaha when it presents itself.

[grcamna2]

He sounds like a rare M/C dealer who is honest?..RARE  All of us here would love to meet more Sincere sellers.

[Operator]

Like I said, I will get his new website info this weekend and post for all to enjoy!!

The honesty is likely that this is not his primary livelyhood, it is his hobby and passion.

[Operator]

The bikes are in the garage! I am hoping to give them a good once over one day this week and start pulling things apart. At the point I will start figuring out the list of things to be done. First thing is the carbs on both need a good rebuild. The tank on the second bike is veeeeery rusty inside. Can't tell if it is totally ruined yet, still optimistic. We'll see what a bunch of bolts and some good cleaner will sort out. Open to suggestions. First tank has a small bit of surface corrosion but that can be sorted easily. Batteries for both, and the second one seems to have thrown up part of it's wiring assembly. Anyone with a resource for a wiring diagram that doesn't require an engineering degree to read would be very appreciated. Will be moving this to the project section as soon as I get a chance to. Thanks again for all the help and advice, very grateful for it!!

Go easy.....