Topic: Latest Addition - 1975 CB400F

[mwvachon]

They say good things come to those who wait... Can't argue with that today!
I've been looking for a decent CB400F for a long time. The ones I did find were either ratty, or the asking $ was a bit more than I could justify.
Just picked up this 1975 CB400F. Just under 7800 mi. showing on the odometer. Came with a brand new NOS gas tank and a few other goodies.
The motor spins over freely, but the clutch is stuck. Oh well. For now, it's going to sit in the shop and just look pretty. I still need to finish my CB350F before I even think about doing something with this one.

[ekpent]

 Clutch plates get stuck easily from sitting. When you go to start it up eventually tie the clutch handle back to the grip while the engine is running and the oil is getting warm and circulating again and bet it will break free without to much hassle in a pretty short time. Nice bike.

[jakec]

Let me know if you want to sell that NOS tank 

[mwvachon]

Um... no. That's the biggest reason I bought this one! ;-) Nice example you have there yourself!

[jakec]

Oh is the tank on the bike? I thought it was a spare tank. my Bike looks nice as long as you keep the image under 2mb

[mwvachon]

Yeah, sorry. Just took a couple quick snaps w/my crappy phone camera. Your bike looks fab!

[Stev-o]

Congrats but why wait?  Get it running before the snow flies!

[mwvachon]

Stev-o, I did a quick assessment and found the front caliper is bound up (not a big deal); couple small electrical issues (lamps, horn); and front tire has severe dry rot. That said, I did throw a new battery in it and am planning on hooking fuel to it and at least firing it up this weekend. As much as I'd like to take it out for a cruise, I think it needs a good going-over before I take that step. So many bikes, so little time!

[pjlogue]

Stev-o, I did a quick assessment and found the front caliper is bound up (not a big deal); couple small electrical issues (lamps, horn); and front tire has severe dry rot. That said, I did throw a new battery in it and am planning on hooking fuel to it and at least firing it up this weekend. As much as I'd like to take it out for a cruise, I think it needs a good going-over before I take that step. So many bikes, so little time!

Very wise decision considering you don't know the history of a 44 year old bike.  Wheel bearings are something to check/repack/replace before you take it out for a spin. 

-P.

[mwvachon]

...and it runs! Started it today and it fired right up without any issue. Took a couple minutes for the 'clacking' to quiet down (no idea how long this sat), but warmed up nicely and was able to free up the clutch by Pulling it in, shifting up to 6th gear, and tapped the rear brake a couple times. Found some other issues - the kill switch doesn't... ;-(
It also looks like the return throttle cable elbow hits the fuel tank before the triple tree stop contacts when turning the wheel to the right. I'm going to do a separate post on just that item to get some input.

Not sure if this works, but video is here...
https://photos.app.goo.gl/zrGypEs7LYGJxLgT6

[jakec]

Mine makes that sound when it's cold too. It goes away once it's warm. I haven't got a good explanation yet for what it is.

By the way, you look more like a 750 guy, are you sure you don't want to sell that bike to me?

[MoMo]

Return throttle cable hitting tank:  wrong handlebars, detent that locates switch broken, steering stem problem-stop on frame broken or pin on stem bent. 

[emiller412]

Wow nice.   I'm looking for one too .. it's been 38 years since rode my first one..   If anyone knows of a 77 Yellow 400F I'm interested..that was my first bike...

[jakec]

Wow nice.   I'm looking for one too .. it's been 38 years since rode my first one..   If anyone knows of a 77 Yellow 400F I'm interested..that was my first bike...

There is one for sale in Bellingham, WA asking $5,000.