Topic: 1st Post and question on possible purchase.

[bigbadbowtie]

1st off... This looks to be a great forum for old school bikes.

I hope I have posted this in the right section.

I have the opportunity to purchase a 1975 CB400F super sport from a neighbor. The guy that owns the bike is the 2nd owner.  I have looked at the bike(parked in front of his house) and what little I have talked to him....he has told me it has 18000 original miles on it. What parts have been replaced were with genuine Honda parts(accept tires,battery and sissy bars). The bike has the original blue paint and in my opinion the bike over all is a strong 9 out of 10.

He said it does need a new front caliper as it is currently froze up.

I have been out of bikes for quite a few years and have never really owned a streeter(raced motox).
I do though have a great personal mechanical background as I have been drag racing for many years.

My questions are .......
What are things I should look for on this bike that could be a future issue?
He did not give me a price but what should I expect to pay for it?

Thanks guys/gals.... I look forward to being a part of this great site.

Ray in Bama

[supersport_CB400F]

If the engine is well maintained should be no issues….the value depends on the bikes condition.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Honda-CB-1975-Honda-CB400F-Super-Sport_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ80647QQitemZ4613348182QQrdZ1

[eldar]

It may not need a caliper, probably just needs a good cleaning. Well I would say to find out what he knows about bikes and if it is not much, probably try $500 as a start.

[mrbreeze]

You don't mention if the bike runs or not. If it sat around for any length of time. It sounds like it is in great shape visually but if it's been sitting around, it could have alot more issues than the front brake being locked up. I would first make sure the motor isn't seized up. Check inside gas tank for rust, bad gas. Maybe pull a spark plug or 2 and inspect. How does the oil look? Ask when he rode it last and if there were any issues with performance or handling. Just knowing that the brake is stuck tells me it has sat awhile and could possibly have other problems. I would say $500 is OK if it looks good but if it is locked up,maybe less.It is hard to acess condition of the whole bike if it isn't running. It could burn oil or wobble going down the road.... You never know till you start it and ride it. Good luck though.

[bigbadbowtie]

Sorry for the lack of info. The bike starts and runs. I only had a chance to hear it idle but it hits on all 4. I has been garaged for the last 6 years and ridden a few times a year according to him.

He called me back today at lunch and said 800 firm.

Bike has fresh tires,plugs,carb cleaning,clutch and fork seals.

Im going to stop by today and ride it as well as take some pictures.

Thanks
Ray

[dusterdude]

my opnion is 800 is too much

[bistromath]

If the frozen caliper is all that's wrong with it $800 is a good deal, IMO, for a 9/10.

Let's see those pictures!

[mrbreeze]

Be careful on that test ride if the brake is locking up!!!!

[Lumbee]

...keep in mind the engine size too...it is a 400.  No disrespect to any of the sub 750 folks (they are all great bikes), but many people "outgrow" the smaller bikes rather quickly.  You said you came from a  MX background so you may have an expection of power that might not be met by the 400.   In addition the 750 also has more options for upgrades (big bores/cams ect...).  Just something to consider...

[bigbadbowtie]

Thanks for the info....

I'm not looking for a powerhouse. I just want something to take to work on occasion and run around town on( that and with
a truck the gets 15 mpg, hotrod that gets maybe 8 mpg.... I'm looking for something economical  ;-)  )
I have looked at newer bikes but they just don't have the "cool" factor of old school bikes.

Thanks for the info guys.....

[cbjunkie]

the smaller bikes are exactly what you need for this type riding. i would go so far as to say that a 750 is too much of a thouroughbred to use for this kind of riding - not even enough time to stretch the legs and warm up...

cbj...

[heffay]

buy it for what he's askin... but, offer 600 just to be an a$$.     um, er... save some money.

[Kelvin8]

That's a great little bike. See if you can talk him down, but with new tires et c and in running condition I think $800 is reasonable. You probably don't need a new caliper. The front brake on mine was frozen when I bought it. Blew the piston out with compressed air, brass wire brush on my dremel to remove some rough spots, cleaned out lines, fresh brake fluid and it works fine.

[n9viw]

Typically, the reason the caliper seizes on these old bikes is due to corrosion in the slot the piston seal sits in. Do a search on front brake rebuilding here at the forum, you'll come up with a dozen results or more.

[supersport_CB400F]

That guy knows what he's selling..... $800 wow that's expensive   what's his phone number ? do you think he can ship the bike buy it mate they little buggers are more fun than you could imagine   The caliper thing is nothing can be fixed in an hour.

[jtb]

Hey Bowtie,
Where in Alabama?  I'm in Irondale.  If you don't buy it, call me at 243-4354 and I will.

John