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Author Topic: Picked up a new bike today. New PICS posted.  (Read 2297 times)

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Offline billdramp

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Picked up a new bike today. New PICS posted.
« on: June 11, 2007, 04:22:08 PM »
Picked up a 77 400four today from a guy out in the sticks for $350. ;D
Problem is it does not want to go over 50 mph. It runs and idles fine... it just does not have any power. Any ideas on where I should start to look?
The PO said that he thought it was an issue with the points. But that doesn't seem likely to me... The points appeared fine and the timing was spot on.
Any ideas?

Thanks for any ideas.

« Last Edit: June 15, 2007, 02:42:28 PM by billdramp »
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Offline Gordon

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Re: Picked up a new bike today.
« Reply #1 on: June 11, 2007, 04:31:09 PM »
That leaves a lot of things wide open.  We need some more info before we can give any real suggestions.

Has anything been changed from stock?  Exhaust, air filter, etc.  How do the plugs look?  Is the choke operating properly?  Are the brakes binding?  And anything other info you can think of that may in any way affect the performance.
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Offline billdramp

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Re: Picked up a new bike today.
« Reply #2 on: June 11, 2007, 05:17:19 PM »
Sorry. Guess that was kinda vague. The bike is stock. The exhaust is stock and in perfect conndition. I'm not sure about the air filter I will have to check. Plugs looked a bit wet to me. Brakes are not binding.

I believe the choke to be functioning properly... But I'm not positive because of the airbox I can't actually view at the choke working. But it feels like it working to me.

It is firing on all four cylinders. And is getting good spark. All the carbs are getting gas.

Just kinda want some opinions about the most likely causes before I tear into it too much.

Thanks!
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Offline mb3000gt

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Re: Picked up a new bike today.
« Reply #3 on: June 11, 2007, 06:36:16 PM »
could be lots of things. ignition advance unit stuck, gummed up carbs, low compression....
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Offline .RJ

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Re: Picked up a new bike today.
« Reply #4 on: June 11, 2007, 07:28:39 PM »
Put the bike on the center stand and spin the front wheel - does it turn free?  If not, the front brake is adding to your issues.  Check the plugs, timing, and it might be time to pull the carbs and take a look - if the floats are very low, you may be running the floats dry as you get up to speed, or you could have something clogged.  Even well tuned the bike will still only do ~85mph! :)  Good luck!
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Offline billdramp

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Re: Picked up a new bike today.
« Reply #5 on: June 12, 2007, 02:27:06 AM »
So... I took a look at the spark advancer and it seemed fine. Checked the front brake for drag (there was none). Took a look at the air filter, and it looked like the previous owner had just crammed any old air filter in there and then stuffed some foam rubber around it... so that couldn't help. I replaced the air filter with a stock spare I had.
I took off one float bowl to check the general carb condition and they didn't appear to be too bad, Not that this would actually tell me much.

So then I took it back out for a spin on a stretch of straight road near the garage where we usually hit 90 or so. So I opened it up all the way, and it seemed to have a tad bit more power which I would attribute to the air filter, but it still would only do 60 downhill.

My other 400 would do 95 easy on this road. (well, easy may be stretching it ;))

Oh yeah, I also checked the compression and I don't remember the number but all the cylinders were about the same. It was kind of hard to tell as I only had one of the testers with the rubber nozzle on the end instead of the screw in type.

Anyhow, what would you guys try next if you were me?

Thanks for all the suggestions as always.

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1975 CB750K (daily rider), 1974 CB550K (sold), 1974 CL350 (sold), 1973 CL350 (when I get around to it...), 1971 CB750 (in boxes), 1978 CB750F in boxes, 1976 CB750F SUPERSPORT (sold), 1975 CB400 FOUR (crashed), 1976 400 FOUR (work in progress), 1977 cb400f

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Offline bryanj

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Re: Picked up a new bike today.
« Reply #6 on: June 12, 2007, 03:43:27 AM »
Do a full "service" then pull and clean the carbs is the way i would go.
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Offline mb3000gt

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Re: Picked up a new bike today.
« Reply #7 on: June 12, 2007, 05:55:09 AM »
when you pull the carbs make sure the main jets are the correct size (75?)
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Offline nickjtc

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Re: Picked up a new bike today.
« Reply #8 on: June 12, 2007, 06:30:52 AM »
Quote from: bryanj on June 12, 2007, 03:43:27 AM
Do a full "service" then pull and clean the carbs is the way i would go.

I concur. And don't forget the carb balance. What is it with you guys getting these stonking deals?? They never come up here. Never.
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Offline dusterdude

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Re: Picked up a new bike today.
« Reply #9 on: June 12, 2007, 06:41:28 AM »
nick,dont feel bad,same thing here too.
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Offline Seyser

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Re: Picked up a new bike today.
« Reply #10 on: June 12, 2007, 06:53:09 AM »
My guess is the valves need adjusting.
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Offline billdramp

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Re: Picked up a new bike today.
« Reply #11 on: June 12, 2007, 02:57:57 PM »
The story behind this deal.

1.) Read this guys listing on Craigslist

74 honda supper sport - $700
Reply to: sale-346340027@craigslist.org
Date: 2007-06-06, 12:59PM PDT
i have a 400 honnda suppersport it is restored and a nice clasic i am moveing and not ride it any more

Well... Although I had never heard of a SUPPER sport. I gave the guy a call anyhow.

2.) No one else showed up.

He lived deep in the sticks... At least an hour outside of town. Down three gravel roads into a lot of 100 acres with a broken down RV and a couple of mangy dog's
He said he was moving, and had to sell everything. He said he had over a hundred emails, but I was the only person who came to actually look at the bike after I said I would.
The ad had been up for at least 3-4 days before I called him. I looked it over and told him I had $350 in my budget... he didnt blink and pulled out the title.

And now... I am the owner of the Honnda's only 74 supper sport. ???

Called a guy about a 71 750 on Craigslist listed for $200 today. Guess someone beat me to it. (thankfully)


I'll try and post some pics tonight.
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1975 CB750K (daily rider), 1974 CB550K (sold), 1974 CL350 (sold), 1973 CL350 (when I get around to it...), 1971 CB750 (in boxes), 1978 CB750F in boxes, 1976 CB750F SUPERSPORT (sold), 1975 CB400 FOUR (crashed), 1976 400 FOUR (work in progress), 1977 cb400f

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Offline billdramp

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Re: Picked up a new bike today.
« Reply #12 on: June 12, 2007, 04:13:35 PM »
Looks like Paul (paulages) is gonna get that $200 71 750  that I was talking about in my last post. Damn you Paul.

Glad to keep it in the family at least.

Man... there has been some good deals lately.
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1975 CB750K (daily rider), 1974 CB550K (sold), 1974 CL350 (sold), 1973 CL350 (when I get around to it...), 1971 CB750 (in boxes), 1978 CB750F in boxes, 1976 CB750F SUPERSPORT (sold), 1975 CB400 FOUR (crashed), 1976 400 FOUR (work in progress), 1977 cb400f

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Offline nickjtc

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Re: Picked up a new bike today.
« Reply #13 on: June 12, 2007, 06:40:15 PM »
Quote from: billdramp on June 12, 2007, 02:57:57 PM
And now... I am the owner of the Honnda's only 74 supper sport. ???

Good enough to eat off?? ;D
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Nick J. Member #3247

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Offline Dougy Dougy Dune Buggy

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Re: Picked up a new bike today.
« Reply #14 on: June 12, 2007, 06:54:21 PM »
Billy, check your air filter first, points second..NEVER get rid of it, i regret getting rid of mine, hence the 500/550 Cafe project
I think it was the most fun i've ever had on a bike, mine was rebuilt by an ex. superbike racer when i sold Hondas in Walnut Creek..i had a kerker, fox shox, fork kit, low bars rear sets etc. i got pulled over by the CHP doing 120 mph..he was pissed AND impressed, said he was writing me up for 69 otherwise he'd have to take me in(he got another call!) so he told me to walk it the 25 yards to my house where my buddy was waving-dickweed. I sold it to put tires and a clutch on the wifes car(girlfriend then)..dumbest #$%* i ever did
thanks for listening
DWYJ/DoG/Doug
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Offline billdramp

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Re: Picked up a new bike today.
« Reply #15 on: June 13, 2007, 02:05:44 PM »
Well... It is about as crappy as a picture as you can have.  But my cell phone was all I had on me

Not bad for $350



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1975 CB750K (daily rider), 1974 CB550K (sold), 1974 CL350 (sold), 1973 CL350 (when I get around to it...), 1971 CB750 (in boxes), 1978 CB750F in boxes, 1976 CB750F SUPERSPORT (sold), 1975 CB400 FOUR (crashed), 1976 400 FOUR (work in progress), 1977 cb400f

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Offline billdramp

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Re: Picked up a new bike today.
« Reply #16 on: June 13, 2007, 02:29:23 PM »
Ok... So I adjusted the valves last night. And that seemed to help a bit... but I don't think that was the primary issue. I'm afraid I am going to have to eliminate the carbs next. I was hoping I would not have to take the damned things off, but of course, nothing can be THAT easy, ,now can it?

Another strange thing I noticed is when I am at a regular 1000-1200rpm idle and then turn the  choke to  the closed position the idle speed increases to maybe 4-5 grand.

It seems that on all my other bikes if I close the choke the idle speed DECREASES 

Any ideas?

and Doug... don't worry! I'm not getting rid of my 400four... I will at least keep ONE of them. Although... the three I have now is a tad excessive.  ;)

Although... NONE of mine will do 120 like yours. :(
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1975 CB750K (daily rider), 1974 CB550K (sold), 1974 CL350 (sold), 1973 CL350 (when I get around to it...), 1971 CB750 (in boxes), 1978 CB750F in boxes, 1976 CB750F SUPERSPORT (sold), 1975 CB400 FOUR (crashed), 1976 400 FOUR (work in progress), 1977 cb400f

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Offline billdramp

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Re: Picked up a new bike today. Now with PICS!
« Reply #17 on: June 15, 2007, 02:41:31 PM »
Here are some more pictures as promised


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Offline mlinder

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Re: Picked up a new bike today. New PICS posted.
« Reply #18 on: June 15, 2007, 02:51:00 PM »
Man I effin hate you. How the hell did you get that for 350 bucks??
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Offline billdramp

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Re: Picked up a new bike today. New PICS posted.
« Reply #19 on: June 15, 2007, 03:08:44 PM »
Ha... Mark, I thought I told you the story the other day? Guess not  :-\ Anyhow...Read earlier in this post...  The PO was a real character. Said the bike had been in his family since new. He also said that his uncle bought it new, and he (his uncle) was the town drunk... so that it had been in every ditch and creek in Yamhill County. He said the way the townsfolk new if his uncle was alive after a night of drinking was if the bike was in a ditch, and he wasn't dead on the ground near the bike. And he said it was "restored"... although his definition of "restored" and mine appear to be quite different. He said his father and him pulled the bike out of the brush a few years ago and began to restore it, including a supposedly entire engine rebuild by a honda  mechanic. I of course have no way of know whether this is true or not.

He also tried to rent me his trailer, down three gravel roads and a dirt driveway.
100 acres in OR. wine country for $500 a month. :o I was tempted.

Also... wanted to give me 2 full blooded one year old black labs with papers and everything.

What a funny day that was.

Regarding the bike...

I'm still trying to sort out the power loss issue... Checked the compressing with a decent tester last night and it seemed good. SO... that was a relief.

« Last Edit: June 15, 2007, 03:10:35 PM by billdramp »
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Offline mlinder

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Re: Picked up a new bike today. New PICS posted.
« Reply #20 on: June 15, 2007, 03:15:54 PM »
No you didn't tell me :/

All I see is non-running pieces of #$%*e for $400, title-less bikes for $750, and running bikes for 1k or more. Still looking for a bike for the GF, as you know. I'm not sure spending 1200 buck son the CL350 you have is a good investment for her. We'd likely have to buy a more 'roadworthy' bike for her not long after.
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Offline billdramp

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Re: Picked up a new bike today. New PICS posted.
« Reply #21 on: June 15, 2007, 03:40:03 PM »
Mark,

I agree about the CL350. ;) It is likely to be high maintainance... But which ones in the end aren't? Just don't let the GF see it... or else you will be riding it home!

I posted the CL350 on Craigslist today btw. $1350 asking price.

http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/mcy/352325053.html

Hope I sell it. I need the space now. Not to mention the $$$  ::)
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Offline Dougy Dougy Dune Buggy

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Re: Picked up a new bike today. New PICS posted.
« Reply #22 on: June 16, 2007, 09:01:36 AM »
Lucky dog you
i've pared my collection down to just 2 bikes(psst ..at the house!!) but very nice score
D
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