Author Topic: Third times a charm 75 cb400F, parking light bike. (Read 15928 times)

Don R · « **Reply #50 on:** April 27, 2018, 03:24:05 PM »

Thanks for that, it's good to hear. I may have googled some old or bad info.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/rXekBKkEN5tWe3kr8

I screwed in all the preload because I'm a fat ass and am assuredly heavier than the lady that it was set up for. After a few test rides that may be excessive.

Don R · « **Reply #51 on:** April 29, 2018, 02:29:38 PM »

Quote from: SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan on April 27, 2018, 09:29:24 AM

Quote from: Don R on April 27, 2018, 09:12:00 AM
I checked on these rear shocks, I had incorrectly assumed they were cheap offshore shocks. These things list from 6 to 7 hundred dollars. They are USD and appear to be working properly I believe they are shorter than the original ones. Apparently the owner of the company passed away and the business may be closed.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/FsovDGy73DqMGWfz1

Works Performance is in SoCal/LA County. They are still in operation. They make great products -- like RaceTech, they can build you custom suspension components to fit your particular application.
818-701-1010

I see they are now Worx shocks, Gils daughter has picked up the shock business since he passed. Still in Canoga park at the same phone number.

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #52 on:** April 30, 2018, 08:10:45 AM »

Quote from: Don R on April 29, 2018, 02:29:38 PM

Quote from: SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan on April 27, 2018, 09:29:24 AM
Quote from: Don R on April 27, 2018, 09:12:00 AM
I checked on these rear shocks, I had incorrectly assumed they were cheap offshore shocks. These things list from 6 to 7 hundred dollars. They are USD and appear to be working properly I believe they are shorter than the original ones. Apparently the owner of the company passed away and the business may be closed.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/FsovDGy73DqMGWfz1

Works Performance is in SoCal/LA County. They are still in operation. They make great products -- like RaceTech, they can build you custom suspension components to fit your particular application.
818-701-1010
I see they are now Worx shocks, Gils daughter has picked up the shock business since he passed. Still in Canoga park at the same phone number.

I didn't catch that slight name change. Thanks for the info. I hope they continue making great suspension products.

Don R · « **Reply #53 on:** May 03, 2018, 06:25:40 PM »

Me too, they say they still rebuild other brands also. I believe the name change had to do with a former partner and those issues.

I've been busy with getting our race car ready for the season. I put on a new parachute today. When I get caught up I'll throw a set of Avon road riders on the lil' bike. These shocks are an inch plus a fraction shorter than stock. I may lower the front back down to correct the rake and trail some, and see how it handles there.

Don R · « **Reply #54 on:** May 06, 2018, 06:51:02 PM »

I took it to the drag strip for a pit bike. I got an offer to trade it for a cb500. I declined. We went to the semi finals on our first race and didn't get any pictures of the bike there.

I bought an amber LED today for the park lamp. The blue looks awesome with the headlight on but is too blue for daytime running lamp use. Often I'll use the high beam in daytime anyway. I'm considering stock shocks for the rear and an original type muffler from DSS.

Don R · « **Reply #55 on:** May 09, 2018, 09:28:44 PM »

A friend is bringing a trailer and his doctor to buy a cb in three weeks. He's a beginner rider and I'm thinking he's interested in the 400F, the friend saw the bike at the track last weekend. I ordered stock shocks and new tires for it tonight. It won't be cheap even without the $700 works shocks. I also have a k2 750 running and a kz1000 ready to go.

I'm up to 10 total 3 licensed and insured, I'd like to keep the 400f but I don't like it better than the two 750's or my gl1000. My self imposed limit on keepers is 3.

Don R · « **Reply #56 on:** May 12, 2018, 01:11:04 PM »

New tires and stock repro shocks came over the last two days. I got a set of Shinco tires, the old ones looked really good but were 06 on the date code. I'm on break right now, getting ready to wrestle the rear tires off and on. Now where did I leave that tire soap?
I let the Kawasaki 1000 carbs sit dry for a couple weeks after cleaning and testing them. Now that they are on, the fuel tees leak. What a pain getting the air box and even fuel lines on that beast. I'm going to let them fuel soak for a day or so in a probably vain attempt to not take it all apart. Again.

Don R · « **Reply #57 on:** May 12, 2018, 05:14:16 PM »

I'm taking off a 12 year old tire and can still see where the nubs were from when it was new. It wants to stay on and get it's turn. I'm betting it has a hundred or so miles on it.

I popped the old tires off this am with a little silicone spray and almost used my bare hands to put the new Shinco's on. Way better than soapy water. I think next I'll rub out the paint, order up a DSS muffler and gasket then call it good.

Don R · « **Reply #58 on:** May 15, 2018, 04:15:06 PM »

As posted in the pissed off thread I was finished swapping out the tires and thought I was finished and ready to roll the bike off the lift, when I was cleaning off the bench and noticed the rim strip on the work bench. ?Dagnabbit!

It went in pretty easily, I used an o ring hook to slip the stem through the hole in the strip and worked my way all around making sure the strip went into place. It was easier than it should have been. I rubbed out the paint and gave it a polish job, then took it for a proper test ride. At 8K rpm the exhaust note is amazing. I ordered a stock muffler to finish this one up. I have some 400F parts left over, hmmm. Time to check facebook again.

seanbarney41 · « **Reply #59 on:** May 15, 2018, 07:21:58 PM »

8k?!? Don, stop short shifting the poor little thing!

Don R · « **Reply #60 on:** May 15, 2018, 09:28:52 PM »

I know, but it's probably never been revved this high before. I'm breaking it in easy.

slikwilli420 · « **Reply #61 on:** May 16, 2018, 08:25:32 AM »

Which KZ1000 Don? You selling?

Don R · « **Reply #62 on:** May 17, 2018, 06:32:53 PM »

Yes I am selling a KZ1000 it's an 80, flip flop paint I have a thread in other bikes Kaw Pie
https://photos.app.goo.gl/bYabU6GoVGMBhFQa2

Don R · « **Reply #63 on:** May 21, 2018, 06:33:15 PM »

I got the DSS muffler. It's just OK, not great. The Honda graphite gasket doesn't fit inside it even though those were the two parts I ordered together. The clamp did seem to close up enough though. I used the sheet metal sleeves that came off of the Mac or whatever muffler was on it to shim it up. I may need to make a shim from a piece of copper sheet I have and seal it with some high temp silicone.
I'll probably send them an email, although I doubt I'll return it. It may get a ride yet tonight.

Don R · « **Reply #64 on:** May 22, 2018, 10:19:02 AM »

Here she is,
https://photos.app.goo.gl/3edM2Ce8L6BYcfj63

https://photos.app.goo.gl/hNxp7YXL5J01IWfK2

https://photos.app.goo.gl/1zH0qR00zbcmF8jm1

MoMo · « **Reply #65 on:** May 22, 2018, 10:30:02 AM »

That gets a two thumbs up, Don....Larry

Don R · « **Reply #66 on:** May 22, 2018, 07:26:33 PM »

Thanks Larry!

seanbarney41 · « **Reply #67 on:** May 22, 2018, 07:29:42 PM »

Don, you are truly the saviour of a bunch of old bikes. Another outstanding example!

Don R · « **Reply #68 on:** May 30, 2018, 09:13:55 PM »

Quote from: seanbarney41 on May 22, 2018, 07:29:42 PM

Don, you are truly the saviour of a bunch of old bikes. Another outstanding example!

Thanks, that means a lot to me. It wouldn't be nearly as much fun without all the help and encouragement here.

Don R · « **Reply #69 on:** June 11, 2018, 09:56:08 PM »

I sanded the front brake pad, chamfered the edge and put some brake grease on the backs of the pads. Maybe the squeal will be gone now.

Don R · « **Reply #70 on:** July 14, 2018, 02:54:37 PM »

I sneaked out on the 400 with the license plate from the sandcast. Turns out I hadn't put the sticker on. L0L! I would have been better off with no plate at all. It's a great bike, If I keep it I might put the rack back on less the backrest. Just to make parts store runs.

MoMo · « **Reply #71 on:** July 14, 2018, 04:47:59 PM »

I had a luggage rack "back in the day" on one of my 400 fours, handy device to have

Don R · « **Reply #72 on:** July 31, 2018, 09:41:21 PM »

pic test. https://photos.app.goo.gl/bNsEmEGvL6rQ7otg8 fooey, still a link.

Don R · « **Reply #73 on:** August 13, 2018, 09:19:25 PM »

Here's a close up of the Marchal headlight, with the blue LED. I liked it but it's too blue for a daytime running lamp so I went to a yellow LED. The Doctor's wife won't let him buy the bike, too bad for him.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/fk4amNfq1mw61d837

Don R · « **Reply #74 on:** August 31, 2018, 09:01:14 PM »

David from DSS checked out my bike today, he said the sweet repro muffler is made in Birmingham England. He wasn't as impressed with the euro headlight switch as the locals, he was glad I got from his company though. He also liked the Marchal headlight from Yamiya.
Mostly my observations though. He wasn't finding the bikes he wanted.

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Author Topic: Third times a charm 75 cb400F, parking light bike. (Read 15928 times)