Author Topic: 1979 Honda CM400T - cafe? crotch rocket wanna be? You decide (Read 12529 times)

nerdsports · « **on:** March 18, 2013, 09:17:20 AM »

UPDATE: I'll spare you having to scroll and/or read...

Decided to post my build on here. It began in October of 2012 so there is a lot to post.

Night I picked her up. Got her running the next day or so with new plugs, fresh gas, and minor cleaning of the carbs (gunked up jets, etc).

Chopped off this stamped metal piece of the frame.

Getting this changed the whole direction of the build.

Said to hell with those ugly frame hoops and cut them off too.

Yamaha R6 rear shock added to the build.

Decided I loved the look of this tank so I went with it. '82 Honda XL500 tank.

Ignition coil fits snugly under the tank tunnel.

My bikes ('90 Harley Sportster built by myself)

CB400 rear peg braces now rearset braces.

UNI pods for fresh air.

Made this seat hoop angular to match the tank.

Another angle.

Braced up. It's sturdy but will add more bracing if it needs it.

Tank rust removal.

Cafe styled tail to hide the battery and also because the seat hoop didn't have that high of a kick.

First time fiberglassing anything.

Smoothened it out a little but still needing some more layers.

GSX-R peg mounts and CBR pegs (There are 2 left side pegs here, still sourcing the right side one).

New coil mounted fuel tank tunnel.

Added 2 fuel feed lines to the tank.

Brake side lever done for now. Still needs finishing work.

Moved to a new warehouse where I'm not sharing the space.

Removed the engine to run wiring through the backbone. CDI and voltage regulator will be mounted where the center stand pivots from.

Handlebar switches - left is headlight hi/lo and right is starter button (button not pictured here).

Wiring in progress.

CBR front master cylinder

Got the chain on (test ride is so close!!)

In-depth carb cleaning and soaking.

Was originally running a Honda Ruckus headlight (the dual light setup) but I wasn't feeling it. Modified the light frame for one beam.

Machinist friend SOKfab spun these shifter pegs for me.

Finish up the tank - adding the fuel cap. Had to cap the stock hole because it was bigger than the cap I'm using.

And that's it for now.

Steve_K · « **Reply #1 on:** March 18, 2013, 02:34:54 PM »

Great looking start! I will keep watching this. This should be fun and a quite original build.
Steve

nerdsports · « **Reply #2 on:** March 18, 2013, 08:07:02 PM »

Thanks, Steve_K!

Got the fuel cap welded in.

Bankerdanny · « **Reply #3 on:** March 27, 2013, 12:27:45 PM »

That's some impressive fabrication work. Looking forward to the rest.

nerdsports · « **Reply #4 on:** March 27, 2013, 01:40:03 PM »

Quote from: Bankerdanny on March 27, 2013, 12:27:45 PM

That's some impressive fabrication work. Looking forward to the rest.

Thanks, bud!

Some updates:

Finally got around to installing the stem bearings.

Then I took her for a spin.

Reversed the mounting tabs on the headlight ring.

The headlight mount that still needs work. Have to clean it up.

Reworking all the wiring with expandable sleeving.

Tex · « **Reply #5 on:** March 31, 2013, 12:33:32 PM »

this is a great build i love it keep up the incredible work

nerdsports · « **Reply #6 on:** April 21, 2013, 06:56:35 PM »

Progress has been slow. Working on a 2 to 1 exhaust. Need to make a collector next.

worlddrum13 · « **Reply #7 on:** May 01, 2013, 11:31:15 AM »

this is really cool. im looking forward to see the finished bike!

davidtime · « **Reply #8 on:** May 01, 2013, 11:54:03 AM »

I sure do wish I had these skills and the tools. How did she ride? Looking great.

nerdsports · « **Reply #9 on:** May 11, 2013, 09:10:00 AM »

Made some changes in my warehouse. Added this pallet rack to have more floor space and it helped create a little area for my tool box and drill press. Also added much needed lighting.

Redid the pipes to tuck them in and make them tighter to each other.

Made a 2 to 1 collector.

I was going to add this little detail to the end of the exhaust but I fear it might create TOO much back pressure and lose power.

Mount I added at the collector. Plenty sturdy.

I liked the GP shifter so much that I decided to stick with it.

Decided to add details to the stator cover.

Trevor from Warragul · « **Reply #10 on:** May 11, 2013, 05:37:55 PM »

If you had a show on cable I'd watch it

Trevor

Elan · « **Reply #11 on:** May 11, 2013, 08:30:53 PM »

awesome man!

nerdsports · « **Reply #12 on:** May 18, 2013, 03:36:29 PM »

Taking the engine out and everything apart for paint, powdercoating, and polishing.

Bare frame.

More fiberglassing on the tail. Making the tail meet the tank so the upholstery would look tight up against the tank.

nerdsports · « **Reply #13 on:** June 14, 2013, 06:37:58 PM »

Working on giving the exhaust tubes a seamless look. A lot more work than I imagined.

Fiberglassing done. Working on smoothening the mess I made. And the seat pan & foam is ready for upholstery.

Frame painted & clear coated.

CDI and regulator mounted under/inside frame.

Assembling it as I finish each piece.

nccb · « **Reply #14 on:** June 14, 2013, 08:23:06 PM »

good god, thats cool.

750K · « **Reply #15 on:** June 14, 2013, 10:46:16 PM »

I can appreciate all the work you've done to it but I don't get why you would spend all that time and parts on a bike that can barely get up to 120km. My wife has a 78 cb400t and while it's fun in the city it's a gutless bike on the highway...

nerdsports · « **Reply #16 on:** June 15, 2013, 08:32:35 PM »

Quote from: 750K on June 14, 2013, 10:46:16 PM

I can appreciate all the work you've done to it but I don't get why you would spend all that time and parts on a bike that can barely get up to 120km. My wife has a 78 cb400t and while it's fun in the city it's a gutless bike on the highway...

I don't think that's going to be a problem, honestly. With UNI pods, exhaust, and carb tuning it should have a little more balls than a stock, plugged up motor.

nerdsports · « **Reply #17 on:** July 01, 2013, 07:52:23 PM »

Dropped off the tank and tail with the painter today. I honestly don't know when they'll be ready but the rest of the bike will be ready to go when they're back.

Exhaust is done.