Topic: Have 3,000 mile 75 CB400F For restroation reference pics

[Mopar_Tony_SF]

I have recently aquired a very clean extreamly low milage CB400F.  It was "lightly" dropped once and has dings in the tank, new handle bars and sone damage to the tach.  Besides that it is very clean.  Has orignial tires that still have most tread left (hard as aa rock of course!).  Still has some yellow grease pencil marks on the block from the factory.  If anybody wants a picture of a particluar feature of the bike for restoration purposes let me know.

I am debating just keeping the bike parked as its really a museum piece or putting it back on the road for the wife.  These things really are not that rare, but something in the shape of this one is pretty special.

[Gordon]

That bike was made to be ridden, not looked at.  Put some new rubber on it and get it back out on the road!

[Glenn Stauffer]

I'm in favor of using it unless you go out and get the original bars, an OEM tach and tank.   It won't be a museum piece unless you do that.

Please, please, please, take reference pics!  We're more than happy to host them and there are lots of CB400F members who would be very happy to have them available.

[bwaller]

I agree with Gordon and Glenn, repair it and ride it. I made this decision with a 6900 mile mint 76 model CB400 I found a few years ago. My wife loves it, and it's still mint 16,000 miles later.

[seabird]

Here's my '75 CB400F 99% completed after restoration, only the carbs to be installed (eek!).  The brake lines are 100% SS by Terrozzi and the brake action is incredible.

The sticker (by a PO) on either side of the front forks came off today and the lowers are being buffed almost as I write.
There's a drilled front disk on Ebay UK that I covet, and the rear brake shoes will be changed for a new set any time now.

The only thing which worries me is that with the clutch held in (the clutch lever), I still can't spin the clutch (new plates/friction disks throughout) and every other bike I've owned allows me to do this.  There's a hint of wiring showing at the left handlebar switch could this be the problem? (theis withut the battery fitted).

Terry
Seabird

[GroovieGhoulie]

The brake lines are 100% SS by Terrozzi and the brake action is incredible.

Link or phone number?

[cben750f0]

seabird, your description of the clutch is like what i had happen to me, when i got the PO to put a new clutch in mine when i got it years ago, he forgot to put the spacer washer back in, between the inner and outer clutch baskets, then proceeded to tighten the hub nut up.... this then makes your clutch a direct drive!!!.... being inexperienced , he told me it would free up after a while... NEway a long story short, we got it to turn, then i rode it for about 3000km, never being able to find nuetral, and always creaping through traffic lights!!!!! only to pull it apart 12 months later to find the washer not there....!!!!!!! what i am saying, is when you put it back together, you didnt have anything left over?..... peace

[Uncle Ernie]

Mopar,  I assume you'll have some maintenance issues, but once it's going- ride it hard and often.  These bikes absolutely do not like to sit. If you're into dogs, think of these bikes as Australian cattle dogs- they're very smart and need constant exercise.  They're not lap dogs content to sit around all the time.

[Sam Green Racing]

Well spoken Ern.

[cben750f0]

i agree with ern, i bought a modern bike, cos i thought i was doin to many k's, and only rideing it once a week or so... then i get a head gasket leak!!!... i have done 25000km and all is well, then leave it a few weeks and get a leak....  and they do like a good floggin every now and then... peace/

[seabird]

The brake lines are 100% SS by Terrozzi and the brake action is incredible.

Link or phone number?

Hi GG - the URL is:

http://www.discovolantemoto.co.uk

Terry

[seabird]

seabird, your description of the clutch is like what i had happen to me, when i got the PO to put a new clutch in mine when i got it years ago, he forgot to put the spacer washer back in, between the inner and outer clutch baskets, then proceeded to tighten the hub nut up.... this then makes your clutch a direct drive!!!.... being inexperienced , he told me it would free up after a while... NEway a long story short, we got it to turn, then i rode it for about 3000km, never being able to find nuetral, and always creaping through traffic lights!!!!! only to pull it apart 12 months later to find the washer not there....!!!!!!! what i am saying, is when you put it back together, you didnt have anything left over?..... peace

Nope - nothing left over....I stopped the clutch out on a Bench in my study and laid out ecerything in the order it came apart.
Rebiult everything with new parts in the same order (but backwards of course) checking with the Haynes and Clymer manuals as I went and having the parts manual as a third check.

The only thing I haven't yet done is refill the engine with oil (although I did soak the new friction playes overnigh).

[seabird]

Last word on my phantom clutch (not disengaging on kicking over):  I hope....

Put the finidhing touches to the old lady today (with the exception of a charged battery) and in anm idle moment decided to try the clutch action again - gave it some heavy boot action, there was a soft "click" and the clutch did what it should have done the first time,  i.e., disengaged!  Hurrah, I don't have to open it up again!
Perfect Brithday present!

Terry
Seabird UK