Topic: 1975 CB400F

[Kevin]

Wow!!! Just WOW!!!
I'd like to come over and apprentice for you for a while. :-)

[NobleHops]

Wow John,

You did an incredible job on this bike, and faster that I would have believed possible. Really impressive, and I learned a lot from your thread, even just having finished mine.

Thanks a ton for taking us along and photographing and documenting it so well. This thread is a fantastic resource for those that will follow, and just enjoyable to read.

Nils

[Restoration Fan]

I would like to retract my earlier praise and change it to a big thumbs down to John. 

After looking at this thread last night, I spent 30 minutes looking through eBay and Craigslist looking for a stinking CB400F and we haven't even finished this doggone 750 build yet! 

Just kidding on the thumbs down but I did, in fact, spend time looking for a 400F last night. 

[nvr2old]

The 400F looks great.  Time spent and attention to detail has proven itself.  You should be very, very proud of the results.

[przjohn]

It's crazy how this day sneaks up on you. Today was finish the bike day. The main issue was the mirrors. Due to the tower length of the front master the throttle side mirror looked high to me. This bike didn't have mirrors when I got it and the mirrors I bought were Honda mirrors, it just didn't look right to me that one side was higher, especially with the low bars.







I ended up cutting 25MM off the throttle side mirror and threading it down to be the same height as the other mirror.




Not sure if they were that way stock but for me they look better.

[przjohn]

Thanks to all who viewed my thread and those that responded. Special thanks to too many bikes mike for finding me this gem and fellow CT Rambler Larry Kilgore for the fantastic paint. So, until next Winter and a bike yet to be determined, well maybe 2 bikes. The KTM 250 needs to be done and I have a few other ideas on a street bike too. Mike, we'll talk about what to start looking for. The Sun came out for a few minutes and I took the finished pics, hope you enjoy them.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Ready to fire?

[przjohn]

It's all stoked, tuned, and has been ridden thru all 6 gears. Just needs some seat time when this hellish Winter is over.

[Jp from Oz]

I know it's been a while but I was wondering if you ever did go with the lithium option?
Awesome work on your build too mate.

[przjohn]

I know it's been a while but I was wondering if you ever did go with the lithium option?
Awesome work on your build too mate.

Yes, I did end up going with a Lithium, an Antigravity Brand. I am a fan of Lithiums because you can let the bike sit and not worry about the battery. I have a few vintage bikes on Lithiums and they all have one thing in common, a modern regulator/rectifier, no problems. If I have a bike that needs a new battery it gets a Lithium. Thanks for your like on the build.

[Bootsey]

Just caught up on your build, brilliant stuff, incredible transformation!
Did you do the zinc plating yourself? If so, would you be able to give a run down of the details on your setup and process?

[przjohn]

Just caught up on your build, brilliant stuff, incredible transformation!
Did you do the zinc plating yourself? If so, would you be able to give a run down of the details on your setup and process?

Yes I did the Zinc plating with the Caswell kit. There are some other less expensive home made options on the internet but the Caswell Kit works well. It is pretty easy to do.

[kap384@telus.net]

Incredible build.  Dammit I need to start on mine!  If only it ends up as nice as yours!

[jerry h]

Hi John,

Absolutely beautiful bike!   Really enjoyed reading through your restoration.  Can't wait to see some nice summer "out on the road pics". 

Very nice!!

[iiAtlas]

Hi przjohn just wanted to chime in and say I thoroughly enjoyed reading this rebuild!  Congratulations on a wonderful, well documented job.  Thanks for bringing us all along for the ride.

[thirsty 1]

Fantastic!