Topic: 1976 CB400F

[Original Owner]

I purchased this CB400F new in 1976 when I was 21 years old. I gave it to a buddy about 25 years ago and he restored it to near perfection. His family gave it back to me recently when he passed.

So far I have adjusted and lubed the chain, replaced the battery and headlight and taken it for a couple short rides. What a blast! I have not grinned so hard in decades.

It is unable to exceed 8K RPM, unlike the old days when it would easily exceed red line at 10K. Where should I look for help with this?

[MD]

Welcome from NE Minnesota,

Can  you blip it to Red Line while stationary?

-MD

[Stev-o]

Welcome..that is quite a story!   That bike is over 45 yrs old, I would be very happy riding it at 8K rpm and not risk internal damage.   But if you really want 10K rpm, it may need larger jets...

[tool14]

welcome aboard

[Original Owner]

Good point Stev-o. I was reluctant to take it to 10K in 1976, no reason to start now.

In 1976 my mother took me to pick up the new bike at the dealer in Phoenix, Arizona. As I was finalizing the deal a young man pulled out of the service bay riding an identical CB400F. He pulled the bike into a wheelie and rode it into two lanes of traffic causing both lanes to screech to a halt. I promised my mother I would not do that, and I kept that promise.

[BenelliSEI]

Check ignition timing, at full advance, with a timing light. Maybe treat it to a new set of plugs.