Topic: 1975 CB400F Build in New Zealand

[MauiK3]

Super project, I wish I could find a 350 or 400 F here to save, I've only seen one and it was in good shape.

[fishman_Phil]

I like the fuel tank cap with the gauge on it. Was that standard with Kiwi CB400F's? Can I get one for mine?

Hi... the fuel cap was probably an aftermarket extra. Not sure if they are still available. This one will be coming off the tank and the standard cap fitted, as the glass is missing, and if memory serves me correct what ever was underneath to control it. Should be doing the work required on the tank this coming week.

[fishman_Phil]

Super project, I wish I could find a 350 or 400 F here to save, I've only seen one and it was in good shape.

Hi ... the 350 and 400 f's are getting hard to find now over here. Not many around and although I have sold a few parts lately for the 350f I think people will start to find it hard to get what they want for them to do them up. I have had to go offshore to get some parts for the 400f. Really do feel now that I have saved this bike from being broken up. I have 2 x 1973 CB350F bikes and this 1975 CB400F. If it were not for some of the spares I had put away for the 350f bikes the rescue of it may not have been able to be done.

[fishman_Phil]

I like the fuel tank cap with the gauge on it. Was that standard with Kiwi CB400F's? Can I get one for mine?

Googled and found this so they must be available
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Fuel-Gauge-Cap-for-Honda-CB250T-CB350F-360-CB400F-CB500T-CB550K-CB750-K0-K4-/223018711110?oid=222979253812

[Bodi]

Whatever floats your boat, but these caps are really crappy fuel gauges. The span between E and F is not adjustable in the gauge, so the float height difference will very probably not match your tank depth. You can set it to hit E when reserve is imminent, but it likely will never be F... or be F for the top half tank.
The chain and float rattle around in the tank, maybe not super annoying but definitely noticeable.
I had a couple of these, probably not the identical same model of course... one I bought and one came on a bike I bought. Never happy with them.
I would find better uses for $100.00

[fishman_Phil]

Have built up a set of carbs for the bike, rebuilt the speedo that was on the bike as I wanted the original mileage to stay with it, have done a great deal of prep work on the tank and now should be ready to spray. Will get the paint tomorrow for it. Still waiting for the hand grips, master cylinder, clutch cable and clutch adjuster bolt to arrive. The led bulbs I had ordered from China, damn they sent the wrong units, so made a claim against them and have ordered some more. The led bulbs are for the gauges on the bike and will last a long time being able to put up with the bumpy Taranaki roads.

[jaytee-nz]

Phil - who is going to paint it for you, as I'll be looking for a painter for my CB500 soon ?
Is Pat Fake still around ?
Cheers - John

[fishman_Phil]

I believe Pat Fake is retired now. He is in New Plymouth still and in our NP Classic Motorcycle Club. I will be painting this bike myself, as there are no candy type colours like the earlier fours had. Pat Fake did my CB350F and refused to use the transfers I had for the tank stripes. He did them in paint and he just makes one magnificent job. You can get him at pat.fake@gmail.com

[fishman_Phil]

Nice sunny winter's day here today, and just warm enough after lunch to get the paint on the tank and side covers in my open air spray booth. Pics are when they had had their first coat, but applied 3 coats all up. Looking good. Sprayed them in Dulon paint in the colour of Honda Milano Red. Once hardened off will buff them up and then apply the decals.

[Don R]

 I added the park light and right side switch to my US model. It took a bit of head scratching but when I found and removed the us only jumper from the wiring it got easy.

[fishman_Phil]

The bike is just waiting for the new decals from Canada, Tank securing rubber from the States, and some led bulbs for the gauges from China. Put some petrol in the tank today and she burst back into life. Not been ridden since 1988 to the best of my knowledge and I was able to give it a little run around the yard and down the driveway and back. There will be some little things to sort out as time goes by. The riding position with the low handlebars and rear sets are a bit tough on my hip joints, so it is most likely be put up for sale when finished rather than change it from standard. I know, you want pics, but I am waiting until the decals for the tank arrive and led bulbs for the gauges and then I will treat to some before and after pics.