Topic: Will I Enjoy a CB400F?

[Lyle]

Hey Guys,
I've been riding a Honda HawkGT 650 for the last 14 years and love it.  Most of my riding is done in the N. GA. mountains and of course the handling and V-twin are perfect for those roads.  Now, I've really gotten interested in the CB400f.  Those headers just REALLY got my attention.  Plus at 130lbs I like smaller bikes in general, plus the cafe look and riding something a bit different. 

I checked with some of my Hawk riding friends and more than a couple told me the handling on the 400f was especially disappointing; "it felt as if the frame had a hinge in the middle".  And at least two guys who had them said they would never want another.  I'm not getting rid of the Hawk, just looking for something else to ride and polish occasionally.  My riding is spirited but not all that aggressive as I'm scaling back a bit now that I've hit sixty.  If I can find one, will I enjoy it...or has the great handling of the '88 HawkGT ruined me for an even older bike?  I know the CB is slower, but I'm OK with that.

Thanks much.

[Bankerdanny]

Would you? Probably. I haven't ridden a 400, but I have a few thousand miles on a 550 and never felt like there was a hinge in my frame.

A properly sorted 400F should be lots of fun and a great addition to your garage. Plus the SOHC4 community is very active. You should absolutely join us.

[flybox1]

i'm sure you would.  light and nimble, it the smaller cb's love the twisties.  miss my 350F for this reason.
I preferred the 25-50mph roads with lots of corners over the straight runs at 80mph...

here's a well maintained stocker at a local dealership.
http://seattle.craigslist.org/est/mcd/3993314847.html

[MoMo]

Ive only owned 8 and worked on more than I can count-none were hinged in the middle..   Good tires, new shocks and maybe front springs and you should have a blast.  My .066(I get .01 for every year on the earth )..Larry

[Lyle]

Ive only owned 8 and worked on more than I can count-none were hinged in the middle..   Good tires, new shocks and maybe front springs and you should have a blast.  My .066(I get .01 for every year on the earth )..Larry

Hard to argue with a guy who has owned.....eight!   Thanks Larry.

[toytuff]

I was just looking at the Hawk GT. Sweet bike. Prices all over the map.

Yeah, I think you would love one.

tt

[jude0007]

I picked up a '75 while I work on my other project.  I absolutely love it.  Really fun bike to ride, handles well.  My other project is a 650 and I actually like the 400 a lot more now so not sure what's going to happen.... two projects?

[Lyle]

I was just looking at the Hawk GT. Sweet bike. Prices all over the map.

Yeah, I think you would love one.

tt

Wonderful, rock solid bikes.  Great if you have curves nearby or want to do some track days.  They have a solid following and generally speaking a clean one will run $2500-3000.