Topic: 1977 CB400F help needed

[raisin75]

CB400F experts please take a look at the photo below. My first question is about the front fender. I believe it is original as I have seen a picture of at least one other '77 model without the front strap. Can anyone verify?

Also, the engine case and heads are black. The paint is very smooth as if it were factory, but all photos I've seen indicate silver. Is the black original to this particular model?

Finally, the engine side covers and valve cover having flaking chrome. Would they have been chrome originally?

All that said, I picked this one up for $500 with a clear title and I'm very pleased as it's all there except for original '77 handlebars. Anyone know where I can get original '77 bars? After removing the carbs for cleaning, I started it on carb cleaner through the intakes. Good sign!

Thanks for the help.

[fastbroshi]

  Most likely the original fender, just has the front strap removed.  I did it on my 550.  Heads were not black from the factory, and the both covers you mentioned weren't chromed either.  Please get those bars off pronto, they're hurting my eyes. 
  Nice VFR.  Love the 5th gens in that color.

[raisin75]

  Most likely the original fender, just has the front strap removed.  I did it on my 550.  Heads were not black from the factory, and the both covers you mentioned weren't chromed either.  Please get those bars off pronto, they're hurting my eyes. 
  Nice VFR.  Love the 5th gens in that color.

You should have seen the HUGE windshield and sissy bar that were on when I got it. I guess in '77 even a 400 could be a touring bike!

[fastbroshi]

  If I were to change my bars again, I'd go with some period BMW bars.  Clubmans suck after a couple of hours.  They have a similar pullback, but a shorter rise than the stockers.  They're the same diameter too, I think.

[gregk]

raisin

my 77 original and has only one fender brace on the rear.
the original bars have about a 4" rise. 

[raisin75]

raisin

my 77 original and has only one fender brace on the rear.
the original bars have about a 4" rise. 

Thanks gregk. I was pretty sure there were models with only one strap. I don't believe that the black and chrome engine is correct though.

Any idea what aftermarket style of bars is close to original for '77?
GP touring maybe? 4.2" rise and pullback with 28" width
Euro cafe? 3.04" rise with 4.8" pullback and 30" width

[schwebel]

I think 77 had a little higher bars than the 75-76's. I personally like superbike bars on these bikes. They are comfortable and have a nice sporty look. Are you looking to go for a factory look on this bike, or something else. Also does the fender have holes cut for a front fender strap?

[kurtdesign]

We have tons of parts for your CB350F or CB400F.  We don't use much of it in our creations.  But the frame is a work of art.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120479308282&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT

If you need something we have two complete CB350F engines, carbs, 400F front and rear ends, etc.  Let me know if you need anything and make me an offer as we have no plans to ever use the stuff.  The frame and title is what we HAD to have.

Wait until we pick a day to video in the dry.  Also Version 2.0 puts this to shame.
Later,
Kurt

[gregk]

raisin

The stock bars for a 77 are about 4" rise and 4" pullback and 28" across.  i didn't like them and used the bars from a 75-76 which are low.  unless you are bent on keeping the bike stock, use the lower bars and get a set of footpeg and shifter from the 75-76 and your in business. 

greg

[raisin75]

I think 77 had a little higher bars than the 75-76's. I personally like superbike bars on these bikes. They are comfortable and have a nice sporty look. Are you looking to go for a factory look on this bike, or something else. Also does the fender have holes cut for a front fender strap?

Schwebel, There are no holes in the front fender for the strap, leading me to believe this is the stock setup.
Thanks.

[Joel]

I think 77 had a little higher bars than the 75-76's. I personally like superbike bars on these bikes. They are comfortable and have a nice sporty look. Are you looking to go for a factory look on this bike, or something else. Also does the fender have holes cut for a front fender strap?

Schwebel, There are no holes in the front fender for the strap, leading me to believe this is the stock setup.
Thanks.

My '75 400F was the same way when I got it.  I don't know that the fender on it is original but I don't believe there are any holes in it as if the front strap had been removed.