Topic: CB400 guys that went the cafe route

[greenjeans]

Hi guys, working on a CB400 for a buddy.  Great runner, has some good things like new aluminum rims w/ stainless spokes.  But, it has one of the more hideous tail sections I've seen in a while.  It would look "too big" on a CB750.

Post of pics of what you are using and where you got it.  Looking for a decent (easy) tail section.  We won't be cutting the frame, so no brat seats.

[fatmatt650]

I cafed out a couple cb400f's a while back. I chose this seat because I thought it matched the lines of the tank and it bolts on to the stock hinges. In retrospect, it does look a little big from some angles but overall, I was pretty happy with it.




The red one is from the companies website - http://www.caferace.com/wordpress/shop/?product=honda-400four-supersport-caferace-tail-usa-shipping-included
Let see some pics of the one your talking about.

[innovativems]

I built my own.  Wasn't happy with the lines on most of what I saw was out there. 


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[greenjeans]

That one is really cool

[Jimray23]

I built my own.  Wasn't happy with the lines on most of what I saw was out there. 


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It looks like a shortened kz tail piece but it looks good on that bike

--------------------------------------------------
Jim
1979 kz1000b ltd
    stage 3 cams
    pod air filters
    4-1 open exhaust(no muffler)
    full rewire
    dyna-s ignition
    dyna 3 ohm coils

[innovativems]

Was kind using a tz tail for when I shaped the foam.


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[Bodi]

I like the overall lines! Interested in seeing it with controls and wires in. Dubious on the shift linkage geometry, I would put the lever joint under the shaft to keep the two levers fairly parallel. That engine cover has been... butchered is the word that comes to mind.

[slikwilli420]

That engine cover has been... butchered is the word that comes to mind.

Ouch bro. I actually dig it. I even thing some brass/bronze screen behind the holes would make it pop against the gold in the paint.

Either way, there are a number of takes you can do on the "cafe" theme. Basically look at and 4 cylinder bike you like and make your 400 like that. I am personally a huge fan of Rickman bikes, and a 400 in Rickman body work with a silver frame would make people look twice.

I saw this one at Barber last year, and I think it is by far the best treatment to a 400 I have seen in quite a while.



I spent 20 minutes pouring over all the details and there was almost nothing I would change.

[innovativems]

I like the overall lines! Interested in seeing it with controls and wires in. Dubious on the shift linkage geometry, I would put the lever joint under the shaft to keep the two levers fairly parallel. That engine cover has been... butchered is the word that comes to mind.

The wires and controls will get covered by a number plate that I will fab once i get fired up.  The shift lever is just on there to keep the lever supported.  Once I'm done with wiring, I will adjust it.  I wanted the engine cover to be as open as possible.  This bike will see some track time once it's done. 


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[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Of these, I like the innovativems seat the best.  Another lower cost option could be a Motolanna seat.  http://www.motolanna.com/ourshop/prod_1910098-Seat-Cafe-Racer-v30.html

[nvr2old]

I started with a 1976 Ducati 750SS tail section for my 400F.  It fit the frame perfectly with no cutting at all.  I modified it a bit to mount turn signals and filled in the step for the Ducati seat to snap onto, but other then that it was like it was made for it.

[540nova]

Nvr2old, that's the nicest 400 I've ever seen. Great job!
What rear shocks are those?

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[nvr2old]

Nvr2old, that's the nicest 400 I've ever seen. Great job!
What rear shocks are those?

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Thanks very much for the compliment.  Sadly, I sold that little gem to a collector in Virgina last Fall.  It went to a good home, but I miss it terribly..as many here mentioned I would..lol.  Those shocks are all over eBay.  They get a few bad raps from people.  A bit pricey at $135, but they worked really well, and fit nicely, but they do rub on a stock chain guard due to the width of the springs.