Topic: Newbie w/ a CB400A

[marvellous]

Just wanted to introduce myself.  Recently purchased a 1978 Honda CB400A for $200 and boy will it be a project.  I've worked on cars before but never really a motorcycle (own a Ducati Monster and have done SOME work on it but not much).  My fiance and I really look forward to tearing it down and building it back up. 

Well met everyone and hope to post often!

Marvel

[Spikeybike]

welcome ,  sounds like you got a sweet deal at 2 bills. 

remember one thing about the forum,   take lots of pics, no matter how unimportant ,
take pics and the people will love you 

never heard of and "a" model  (well not a 400 anyway)
is it an automatic? 

[marvellous]

Yeah, it's called a Hondamatic.  I guess it has two gears, and the clutch lever is a parking brake, not a clutch.  Kinda interesting... heh

Here's a pic for ya, or two, or three...

[Spikeybike]

looks like you got alot to do

[marvellous]

Yeah, but it's something I've always wanted to do.  I almost did something similar a couple of years ago but purchased the Ducati instead.  This bike is actually for my fiance and we'll be building it together. 

Had a quick question: Should I purchase a Haynes manual or Clymers or both?  Just looking for starting points.  Will be tearing it down to the frame, have that stripped and painted (dark metallic blue), then going from there...

Muchos thank you!
m

[Spikeybike]

well if you must have one of them it really doesn't matter witch one.  they are both "decent" references but , you'll find that they are kinda like "working on a bike for dummies"

certain steps are missing ,...  do a search on the forum there are manuals and wiring diagrams  here .  can't recall where or i'd just tell you   

[marvellous]

Cool, thank you... will do a search then... Just looking for a starting point...

[333]

Welcome and cool find.  I would suggest the Honda factory manual over the 2 you mentioned.  My philosophy: Nobody knows more about the vehicle than the people who built it.