Author Topic: Jessezm's CB400F cafe  (Read 49225 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline jessezm

  • '77 cb400f cafe build
  • Expert
  • ****
  • Posts: 1,004
  • Always wrenching...
Re: Jessezm's CB400F cafe
« Reply #125 on: May 13, 2012, 12:45:13 PM »
Thanks!  I should really update my build thread, I've actually had the motor back apart twice since posting the thread.  I ended up having the head ported and added HD springs and bronze valve guides and new valves, and also had the carbs bored out and switched the exhaust and added an oil cooler.  Oh and I upgraded the front and rear suspension, converted to a 520 x-ring chain, and added a fork brace as well.  I'm very happy with the results all around.


Offline RickB

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 571
    • Pop Magazine
Re: Jessezm's CB400F cafe
« Reply #126 on: May 14, 2012, 12:18:20 PM »
Nice! Thanks for the update. The bored carbs, notice any difference?

Offline jessezm

  • '77 cb400f cafe build
  • Expert
  • ****
  • Posts: 1,004
  • Always wrenching...
Re: Jessezm's CB400F cafe
« Reply #127 on: May 14, 2012, 12:25:46 PM »
Hey Rick!  Yes, with the bored carbs it just feels like it breathes easier in the higher rev range.  I find that I spend a lot of time around 8k and 9k RPM, and it just feels really response up there all the way to redline.  I don't recall how much of an issue that was before, but I think with the overbore, hotter cam, ported heads, and free flowing exhaust, it just made good sense.  Given that many others had reported good results, I felt comfortable going ahead with it, as I didn't really see a downside besides being a couple hundred poorer...

Offline socalenduro

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 611
Re: Jessezm's CB400F cafe
« Reply #128 on: May 14, 2012, 01:42:06 PM »
lets hear about that fork brace....

Offline jessezm

  • '77 cb400f cafe build
  • Expert
  • ****
  • Posts: 1,004
  • Always wrenching...
Re: Jessezm's CB400F cafe
« Reply #129 on: May 14, 2012, 02:11:00 PM »
Ooh I love it!  It's a Tkat fork brace I picked up second-hand from a member here liquidating some go-fast parts from a project that was never fully launched.  It's a very robust brace and given I'm running fenderless it has really improved handling.  I don't know that he lists this on his website but I'm sure I runs in the same price range as the others.

Offline T!nk

  • Full Member
  • *
  • Posts: 7
  • AF Recruiter
Re: Jessezm's CB400F cafe
« Reply #130 on: August 04, 2012, 12:22:06 AM »
Jessezm, what configuration did you end up using in order to brace your exhaust in the rear? I love the look of the pipes, but when you mentioned they didn't come with brackets for the rear, I became a little apprehensive about purchasing a set for my 400. BTW, do you have any sound clips yet?

-T!nk

Offline jessezm

  • '77 cb400f cafe build
  • Expert
  • ****
  • Posts: 1,004
  • Always wrenching...
Re: Jessezm's CB400F cafe
« Reply #131 on: August 04, 2012, 06:36:44 AM »
I'm not using a bracket at the moment actually.  I made one out of a strap of steel but it wasn't shaped quite right.  You could buy the cheaper unfinished version and then have a bracket welded, then coat the whole thing, which is what I'd do if I did it again... 

I thought I put up a video of it running somewhere, I'll have to go back and look.  If not, I'll try to get one up for you when I get back from the beach.

Offline Felix

  • Full Member
  • *
  • Posts: 74
Re: Jessezm's CB400F cafe
« Reply #132 on: February 08, 2013, 08:40:47 AM »
Did you remove the muffler in your exhaust? And if so, how?
Honda CB500F '72 in progress

Offline jessezm

  • '77 cb400f cafe build
  • Expert
  • ****
  • Posts: 1,004
  • Always wrenching...
Re: Jessezm's CB400F cafe
« Reply #133 on: February 09, 2013, 08:05:41 PM »
The baffle was held in with some kind of high-temp silicone, so I took a razor blade and removed that from where it was holding it to the inside circumference of the pipe.  Then it took some serious (careful) prying with various instruments and it finally gave way.  Then I made a frankenstein baffle using its parts and a wider perforated baffle from a VW exhaust pipe (cheap on Ebay).  Some minor welding involved.  Then I repacked it, shoved it back in, and siliconed it back in place.

Honestly, though, I kind of wish I had left it alone.  I was thinking the more flow the better but I wonder if that mod has anything to do with the lean popping I get on decel with the throttle closed.  I can't seem to get rid of it entirely (without compromising something else...)

Offline jessezm

  • '77 cb400f cafe build
  • Expert
  • ****
  • Posts: 1,004
  • Always wrenching...
Re: Jessezm's CB400F cafe
« Reply #134 on: February 09, 2013, 08:44:11 PM »

Offline RickB

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 571
    • Pop Magazine
Re: Jessezm's CB400F cafe
« Reply #135 on: February 09, 2013, 09:43:08 PM »
Jesse,

I get a 'gurgling' sound on decel with a closed throttle too. I wouldn't call it popping, but it certainly sounds like a back pressure type thing.

I just thought it was my peashooter exhaust, is this detrimental to performance in someway? Is it an indication of running too lean? My plugs say I am on the lean side ever so slightly, but I have heard that isn't unexpected with CB400F's so I left it.

I'd be interested to get your thoughts.

Rick.

Offline chris mcshifty

  • Enthusiast
  • **
  • Posts: 107
Re: Jessezm's CB400F cafe
« Reply #136 on: February 09, 2013, 10:08:26 PM »


These rearsets from the 400fourstore freaking rock!




[/quote] Sweet rearset does anyone make some like that for the 500's

Offline RickB

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 571
    • Pop Magazine
Re: Jessezm's CB400F cafe
« Reply #137 on: February 10, 2013, 01:14:38 AM »
Chris,

When you get the bike up and running I'd like to hear how the rear braking works for you. I have the MC Again ones which are similar but the leverage on the rear brake doesn't seem to be up to par.

Rick.

Offline chris mcshifty

  • Enthusiast
  • **
  • Posts: 107
Re: Jessezm's CB400F cafe
« Reply #138 on: February 10, 2013, 10:11:43 AM »
Chris,

When you get the bike up and running I'd like to hear how the rear braking works for you. I have the MC Again ones which are similar but the leverage on the rear brake doesn't seem to be up to par.

Rick.
Rick , will do . Do you think the 400' s rearsets will fit a 500 . I tried looking them up but all .Saw where the 4s I mostly use the front brake anyways

Offline Mugen_Stumpo

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 287
Re: Jessezm's CB400F cafe
« Reply #139 on: February 10, 2013, 11:27:08 AM »
don't want to copy anything... but can you please get some measurement on the rearset plates... i want to make some similar for my setup...

your 400 looks fantastic btw... inspirational for sure

Offline Felix

  • Full Member
  • *
  • Posts: 74
Re: Jessezm's CB400F cafe
« Reply #140 on: February 11, 2013, 12:06:41 PM »
Thanks for your response Jessezm, I guess I'll keep mine as it is now.
And Chris, if you don't mind me asking, how much did those rearsets cost?
Honda CB500F '72 in progress

Offline chris mcshifty

  • Enthusiast
  • **
  • Posts: 107
Re: Jessezm's CB400F cafe
« Reply #141 on: February 11, 2013, 10:49:06 PM »
Thanks for your response Jessezm, I guess I'll keep mine as it is now.
And Chris, if you don't mind me asking, how much did those rearsets cost?
I don't have them those are Jessezm . I wish I could find some like those for my 500

Offline Felix

  • Full Member
  • *
  • Posts: 74
Re: Jessezm's CB400F cafe
« Reply #142 on: February 12, 2013, 07:42:06 AM »
Thanks for your response Jessezm, I guess I'll keep mine as it is now.
And Jessezm, if you don't mind me asking, how much did those rearsets cost?
I don't have them those are Jessezm . I wish I could find some like those for my 500

My bad. Fixed it now. ;D
Honda CB500F '72 in progress

Offline cgarbe

  • Enthusiast
  • **
  • Posts: 213
Re: Jessezm's CB400F cafe
« Reply #143 on: April 17, 2014, 10:45:00 AM »


These rearsets from the 400fourstore freaking rock!




Sweet rearset does anyone make some like that for the 500's
[/quote]

What model rearsets are those?
1975 Honda CB400F
1978 Honda CB750F

Offline grcamna2

  • Not a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 15,144
  • I love to restore & travel. Keep'em Going Strong !
Re: Jessezm's CB400F cafe
« Reply #144 on: April 17, 2014, 08:21:57 PM »
Jesse,haven't heard from you for a while...hows that CB400F ?
75' CB400F/'bunch o' parts' & 81' CB125S modded to a 'CB200S'
  I love the small ones too !
Do your BEST...nobody can take that away from you.