Author Topic: 1975 CB400f Chain Maintenance  (Read 1033 times)

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Offline csantelle

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1975 CB400f Chain Maintenance
« on: May 06, 2020, 08:55:19 PM »
Realize this is a basic question but it's another first for me and who better to ask than the gurus on the SOHC4 forum!

I've got tons of slop on my chain and from the looks of it, this chain has been on the bike for decades. Very gummed up and there were 1.5" grease stalagmites on the chain guard! Thinking it's time to swap them but know diddly about chains and am hoping you guys could point me to a good brand/type/source for one. I counted 96 links which, from looking at the parts guide, seems to be correct.

Also thinking it'd be good to swap both front and rear sprockets while I'm at it but I'm waffling because the rear sprocket looks okay in terms of wear and I'd think the front would wear at a similar rate. On the flip side, I'm reading that it's good to go ahead and replace when replacing the chain.

As always thanks for your help!

Offline Bodi

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Re: 1975 CB400f Chain Maintenance
« Reply #1 on: May 07, 2020, 05:59:16 AM »
With stock shocks there are no problems using a modern o-ring chain on a 350/400 four but full length spring aftermarket shocks don't have much clearance and the thicker chain (thicker than plain chain) may hit the shock. You don't need a super strong chain like litre sportbikes do, a midrange name brand would be more than strong enough. Normal non sealed chains are certainly ok as well - if there are globs of lube hanging from the guard you probably take decent care of the chain lubing.
Sprockets should be replaced along with a chain, sprocket wear is not entirely obvious as the chain and sprocket wear together. The basic test is to pull on a new chain at the back of the rear sprocket, it should not lift up much at all. But worn sprockets will damage a new chain, as will a worn chain damage new sprockets. After decades and many miles, assume they are well worn.
JT sprockets are good in my opinion. OEM are no longer available but can be found NOS at rather crazy prices. Aftermarket rear sprockets will not have the cover plate but it isn't really needed.
Avoid cheapo chains: these can be industrial chain meant for things like conveyor drives and they stretch rapidly with motorcyle stress. These are cut off a long roll and sold either bare or in a white box. There are also counterfeit name brand boxed chains. Buy from a reputable dealer.. ebay, amazon, alibaba etc are full of scams.
Expect to pay around $50.00 for an adequate chain. You could pay well over $100 but you don't need that strength for your under 40hp 400.
« Last Edit: May 07, 2020, 06:38:02 PM by Bodi »

Online Tim2005

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Re: 1975 CB400f Chain Maintenance
« Reply #2 on: May 07, 2020, 11:26:43 AM »
Yes as Bodi says JT sprockets, and DID, Regina, RK or Renthal chains are all good

Offline csantelle

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Re: 1975 CB400f Chain Maintenance
« Reply #3 on: May 09, 2020, 04:26:47 AM »
Awesome advice guys, thanks again. Think I'll be going with JT in stock gear ratio - thought about increasing gear ratio for a little better lower end but we'll save that for another day!

Last question: in regards to chains, what does the number after manufacturer name and before chain model refer to - i.e. JT Sprockets 428 Heavy Duty Drive Chain? Follow up question, is there a specific number for my cb400?

Online Tim2005

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Re: 1975 CB400f Chain Maintenance
« Reply #4 on: May 09, 2020, 07:18:08 AM »
The number is the chain size, you need a 530 for a CB400F. By the way, although JT sprockets are great quality, their chains are terrible.

Offline csantelle

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Re: 1975 CB400f Chain Maintenance
« Reply #5 on: May 11, 2020, 10:09:46 AM »
The number is the chain size, you need a 530 for a CB400F. By the way, although JT sprockets are great quality, their chains are terrible.

Thought it'd be size but wanted to confirm. Thanks for tip on JT chains. I'm thinking of going with this chain: https://www.common-motor.com/honda-cb-cl-cj-sl-cb350-cb360-cb450-drive-chain

Realize it's not a reputable brand per se but I dig this company and their online content and found this product on their website. Most attractive to me is the clip style master link which doesn't require a chain tool to install - thoughts?

I'm told by some folks that these clip style master links aren't really used too much any more in preference to the riveted type but again, I know nothing!

Offline csantelle

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Offline csantelle

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Re: 1975 CB400f Chain Maintenance
« Reply #7 on: May 12, 2020, 02:51:08 PM »
Sorry to double post but can anyone confirm the parts I linked above? Really itching to get these ordered and riding again!