Author Topic: Modern Replacement For A CB400F? (Read 3353 times)

Justin · « **on:** July 07, 2005, 03:53:29 PM »

Given the bike I've been riding has a fair bit of senority on myself, I figure it's time to at least look at a new, modern replacement.

Bike ('75 CB400F) has plenty of power for me, even with a large aftermarket fairing.
I don't ride that fast...70MPH max.
Whatever I get will need to have a rear rack and large, touring windscreen.
I ride on both backroads and the interstates and like long tours.

Although I've never been out on one, a smaller cruiser seems to fit the bill, although I don't know how they do on the backroads...can they even go around corners at any speed?

Gordon · « **Reply #1 on:** July 07, 2005, 04:08:42 PM »

If the 400 is suiting your needs, then why replace it?

Justin · « **Reply #2 on:** July 07, 2005, 04:18:07 PM »

Well, it's an exercise in the possibilities at the moment...just want to take a look at the field and see what's out there.

Tim. · « **Reply #3 on:** July 07, 2005, 04:40:51 PM »

1989 gb500

1990 cb-1

1988 Hawk

Ahh... the wish list.

Chris Liston · « **Reply #4 on:** July 07, 2005, 05:24:32 PM »

Triumph Bonneville, good performance and great looks. Rides awsome too, my uncle has one. I love the thruxton model also.

Uncle Ernie · « **Reply #5 on:** July 07, 2005, 05:32:15 PM »

Have to agree with the GB500 and the Hawk. The GB is really tons of fun, but putting a huge fairing on one would kill it. Around 1990 Suzuki made the first Bandit a 400- refered to as a baby Ducati. Ab-so-lutely gorgeous. And too fast for it's size... but not fairing material either. Yamaha Radian. If you're good at kick-starting, there's the Yamaha SR500 single. Suzuki GS500. BMW 650s are bullet proof, handle well, and are good for touring. SV650, definitely (early models like 2000 are better). Most early Yamaha 650s.
Something cruiser-like would work if you don't put much emphasis on handling. Honda made the Rebel in a 450 size that is relatively collectible now. Looks like a baby Harley, has decent power and is actually fairly comfortable (if you're not too tall). Harley 883 with bar snake. Moto Guzzi Breva runs nice and is comfortable. Older Guzzi V50. Moto Morini 3 1/2 or 5. I know- a mid-'70s Honda 400/4! They're comfortable, good looking, you can ride 'em all day, great in the turns but stable on the slab an... oh never mind Did I hit on anything?

Uncle Ernie · « **Reply #6 on:** July 07, 2005, 05:35:23 PM »

That reminds me- Kawasaki W650. Every magazine including Cycle World thought it was a better Triumph than any Triumph Triumph ever made if it could chuck wood. Huh?

Tim. · « **Reply #7 on:** July 07, 2005, 08:21:16 PM »

Ooops! I didn't read the bit about racks/windscreens etc.

pmpski_1 · « **Reply #8 on:** July 08, 2005, 02:33:09 PM »

There was a beat up CB1 in my neighborhood a while back. I left a note on it to see if he wanted to sell it but I never heard back from him. I'd love to get a hold of one of those bikes. They're pretty expensive around here. IF you can find one.

Apparently they were pretty expensive when they were new too. I heard that is why they weren't offered for very long.

jotor · « **Reply #9 on:** July 08, 2005, 03:29:40 PM »

A modest proposal (because I happen to own one).

You might want to consider a 1982 650 Nighthawk. Has a bigger engine than the 400F so it's not working as hard--mine easily gets 60 MPG or more crusing around town. Has electronic ignition & screw adjustable valves for easier maintenance. Styling is not completely cruiser, it's kind of a cross between a cruiser and Vetter's Triumph Hurricane, but lends itself to a windshield and rack or hard bags. Comfortable seat for 100-150 miles at a stretch. It's no sport bike but does OK in the curves with modern tires. Low seat makes it very easy to putt around town on. They aren't too pricy, either.

AND........it's still a SOHC4 so you can stick around here.

IMHO

Buffo · « **Reply #10 on:** July 08, 2005, 05:17:05 PM »

I had an 82 suzuki GS550. It was a nice little bike and you could scare yourself in the corners. Good engies too.

Don

74cb750 · « **Reply #11 on:** July 08, 2005, 07:09:34 PM »

I have a GS550 1982? if you need one? michel

cb750_chris · « **Reply #12 on:** July 08, 2005, 07:30:55 PM »

I was thinking kawasaki W-650 as well. You can get them now for under 5 grand used. You can also get a vintage one but I think you are not interested in an even older bike than your 400.

The first modern W-650 I saw freaked me out. I thought some one took a vintage one and tricked it out with a modern front end. It's really a nice looking bike.

Philly550K1 · « **Reply #13 on:** July 09, 2005, 08:30:41 AM »

maybe an early silver wing/gl500? oh. define modern. i keep thinking about a 250 ninja i saw recently, of all things. some people apparently tour on those with success. brand new for $3K, too....

SteveD CB500F · « **Reply #14 on:** July 09, 2005, 12:05:56 PM »

For high reving fun on a small bike its got to be a CBR250 Four!

Uncle Ernie · « **Reply #15 on:** July 09, 2005, 06:54:13 PM »

Wow! A 250 four! That sounds cool. I'm sure Honda realises Americans are too fat to ride something like that.

SteveD CB500F · « **Reply #16 on:** July 10, 2005, 01:19:13 AM »

Sorry I meant of course the CBF250 Four (They call them Hornets in UK and they run "naked" ie no plastic to hide all the good bits). They are imported and I've seen a few. Also saw a 250/4 Kawa at a local bike show recently.

Ted Nomura · « **Reply #17 on:** March 16, 2006, 01:11:23 PM »

Honda had a new version of the CB400F for domestic market during the 1990s but it just wasn't as cool as the original 1975-77 CB400Fs. Of course the US version of 1975-77 CB400F had 408cc engine while the Japanese version had the 398cc engine to comply with their under-400cc licensing laws.
Just checking the old sights to see if I missed anything.

ttr400 · « **Reply #18 on:** March 16, 2006, 01:40:15 PM »

Steve you also get the CBR250R MC19 and MC22 race reps down here in sunny South Africa. I was trying to do a deal on a motor today.

Kevin.

Uncle Ernie · « **Reply #19 on:** March 16, 2006, 07:09:03 PM »

While reading this I get to thinking the SOHC4s are really the ultimat milk crate bikes. The CX500 is mighty ugly, but a stout and loyal work horse.

JHansen · « **Reply #20 on:** March 18, 2006, 06:58:58 PM »

Have to agree with the CB1 and W650 reccomendations, but if it's a cruiser you want, check out the v-star 650. Excellent bike-

ofreen · « **Reply #21 on:** March 18, 2006, 10:16:45 PM »

Quote from: Uncle Ernie on March 16, 2006, 07:09:03 PM

The CX500 is mighty ugly, but a stout and loyal work horse.

And about as slow...

mrbones · « **Reply #22 on:** March 21, 2006, 11:17:11 AM »

The CB-1 (CB400F) was imported to the US in '89 & '90. I just happen to have one BTW. Check out the pic. I rode it to Daytona Bike Week just last week. I was actually thinking of selling it. I'm in Tampa, FL.

FYI: Awhile back I started my own site about the bike, it's www.hondacb1.org. Check it out.

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Author Topic: Modern Replacement For A CB400F? (Read 3353 times)

Justin

Justin

Buffo

cb750_chris

mrbones