Topic: Old School New Boy from Blighty

[SPunky]

Hi I'm a motorcycle nut from Derby in Sunny United Kingdom.

I recently finished a custom build on a BMW K100 ex-Police machine and almost by accident stumbled on my next Project. A 1974 Honda CB400F with a vin number 1001279 imported from the US.
As a lad I had a thing for the little Honda 400 (My first bike was a CB200) but never got round to owning one. The bike is in a right mess as its been standing for a long time. Having said that the engine turns and its only showing 6763 on the speedo. The engine looks clean with no oil leaks and everything is present and correct. The only damage being to the headlight glass (Which I would have to change anyway) and some dents in the tank.

My last Project was a custom and this one will be a restoration as I feel that the little Honda had so much appeal with all its chrome etc. Although I may add more modern touches such as electronic ignition and perhaps new wiring possibly with a m-unit and LED bulbs.  I look forward to sharing my build with you and will start a thread (with Photos) on the build pages.

[MD]

Welcome from Minnesota,

We like before, during and after pictures.

-MD

[calj737]

Would love to see the K bike too!

[SPunky]

[spotty]

Welcome from bloody freezing and wet Australia.
In a past life I used to ride scooters and knew a few guys from derby/Notts

[Sapphireminer]

Welcome from warm sunny Queensland Australia Spotty must be down the other end. First bike was cb350 tried hard but couldn't kill her a great bike. Have fun with your build.
Dave

[SPunky]

Would love to see the K bike too!

BMW

[MD]

Thanks for the pictures.

-MD

[spotty]

nice work on the BM ,. but lets face it, you can't make them any uglier than the factory managed, thats not a criticism of your work at all, just try getting a Vmax to look like anything other than a hideous mid 80s jap cruiser thingy, god knows i've been trying for years

just a suggestion ( again certainly not a criticism ) , have you thought of visually flattening the lower edge of the tank by just painting the droopy down pointy bit black in a line with the seat , it gets rid of the slightly awkward looking factory line that sort of looks like it should be going somewhere or joined to another bit

[SPunky]

nice work on the BM ,. but lets face it, you can't make them any uglier than the factory managed, thats not a criticism of your work at all, just try getting a Vmax to look like anything other than a hideous mid 80s jap cruiser thingy, god knows i've been trying for years

just a suggestion ( again certainly not a criticism ) , have you thought of visually flattening the lower edge of the tank by just painting the droopy down pointy bit black in a line with the seat , it gets rid of the slightly awkward looking factory line that sort of looks like it should be going somewhere or joined to another bit

Hi It was my original intention to do that but its awkwardness has grown on me. It's well put together machine and a fast brute of a machine.

[calj737]

Always preferred the K75S to the K100, having had both. Nearly as fast, far quicker, and more nimble in my experience. Plus, I think the 75S fairing is a great design solution to the awkward lines of the K bikes. Really "chiseled" and "chopped up" sections.

Perhaps some USD forks for your K bike will add the needed "bulkiness" upfront to offset the brick?

[70CB750]

Welcome