Topic: First Time CB400 Owner

[Apexxn]

A friend calls me up and says hey my dad just told me that his friend is about to throw an old motorcycle away because it's beyond rebuilding. I ask what is it. I'm thinking Virago or something so I can tell him yes please take that to the dump. He says, I think it's a 400 Supersport. Lets go pick it up.

It's been sitting out side for 15+ years so it's really rough. When he brought it out it had a creeper under the front wheel so he could roll it since the front brake was locked solid. 

So after about 40 hrs of work it's running. Not great but it's running. I almost have all the electrical working but could really use a wiring diagram or service manual so I don't have to hunt and peck so much. lol

[MoMo]

Not bad for a freebie   Take all that touring stuff off and you'll have a sharp looking bike.  Welcome...Larry

[jas67]

Welcome!   I too and a new CB400F owner -- though, I paid a pretty price for mine.   There is just something satisfying about getting a decent bike cheap or free, and then bringing it back to life, so kudos to you for saving this special bike from the dump.

Yes, a CB400F is as great bike to get as a freebie.    The paint on the fuel tank looks to be in very good condition, and you've got the original exhaust too.   All-in-all, it looks way better than I'd expect for having been outside for 15 years.   I would have expected the sun to fade the paint into oblivion, and since I live the wet northeast, I would expect all the chrome surfaces to be red/brown with solid rust.

Yes, pull off the touring stuff, replace that hideous seat with a proper one, spend a good day with some chrome polish, and it'll be looking great!

Enjoy!

[Stev-o]

welcome. +1 - pull off the fairing, trunk and seat!  The 400F's are coming out of the woodwork.

[jackseattle]

you lucky dog!  Take off that fairing and rear end stuff - these bikes are meant to be naked.  enjoy your ride

[Apexxn]

Thanks for the welcome.

This is a good forum with lots of info that has been helping me out big time.

It looks better in pics than in person. The wheels are actually green they are so corroded. 

So I got everything working, lights etc. Running well. Still a slight clicking from the engine possibly the dreaded cam chain tensioner.

I started pulling off a few parts to clean, paint etc. and I guess I got carried away because this is what the bike looks like now.

I hate when that happens.

[Stev-o]

Wow....you id get carried away!  Time to paint or PC the frame...

[Apexxn]

Yea the frame had a lot of scratches with surface rust here and there so figured I'd shoot it with some single stage.