Author Topic: CB350F/400F Hybrid Cafe Build DONE (Read 17658 times)

Owned · « **on:** November 21, 2010, 12:17:23 PM »

It's been a while since I've been back to the board with a project. I'm really excited to get my hands into this one. Life has kept me busy with other projects, but now that winter's here it's a great time for hobbies and I think I can get back on track.

You may have seen a project of mine a little while ago, I did a CB350F for the wife:

While I was working on that project, I ran across a super incredible cheap sub 4k mi CB400F engine on fleabay (like $37). I couldn't resist picking it up for a future build. Brought it home and tore it down. It was in wonderful shape internally. Rebuilt it with new rings/bearings/gaskets and seals and let it sit on an engine stand in the garage...just waiting for the right time. As luck would have it, Craigslist soon had a 350F rolling chassis w/o seat/tank. I negotiated and found the owner to have a nice carb rack that I also needed. It was mine and the 'next' project was soon on.

I'm following the same formula as my previous build. Differences are complete stealth of all electrical items, rear-sets in the former rear passenger peg locations, clubmans and I'll be using the stock air box with a single oval shaped K&N. Learned my lesson cutting teeth with the Pods on the 350F. Pods work, but there are downsides!

Here's where I'm at today guys, sorry for jumping into this build midway:

I plan to get items off for powdercoat this week, next at the latest. What do you think?

kajtek · « **Reply #1 on:** November 21, 2010, 01:31:34 PM »

very very cool. i have a 400 and the work with your 350 is inspiring for sure. look forward to seeing you progress with the 400!

ashley

Greggo · « **Reply #2 on:** November 21, 2010, 03:46:20 PM »

Nice score on that engine!! Consider me subscribed

jakecb420 · « **Reply #3 on:** November 21, 2010, 04:05:33 PM »

sure looks like you do nice work. that engine looks great.

fmctm1sw · « **Reply #4 on:** November 21, 2010, 05:04:27 PM »

man, I wish I could weld...

Owned · « **Reply #5 on:** January 09, 2011, 05:00:20 PM »

It's been a few weeks, but I've finally managed to get some real progress. All items have been returned from powder coat and look nice. The frame was finished off in a medium grey metallic with rims/hubs and brackets in a chassis black.

Today, I pressed in the All Balls stem and wheel bearing kits. I have to say the job went super smooth.

Reading through other posts, I decided to pull the swing arm grease zerk in favor of a modern replacement. Somehow, I was not getting my 6mm tap to cut very well. If I had to guess, it's because the tap is cheapo Chineese junk. I'll pick up a new one tomorrow and have another crack at it.

Avon Roadrider's have been ordered and should arrive this week. Once these are mounted and balanced, I'll be able to get quite a bit of assembly done.

tweakin · « **Reply #6 on:** January 09, 2011, 05:39:04 PM »

Nice, I look forward to following this project. Love what you did with the first 350.

A350- 4 me! · « **Reply #7 on:** January 10, 2011, 12:11:13 PM »

Great start and awesome price for the 400f motor. Looking forward to seeing what you do with it as I am trying to get my engine together.

fasturd · « **Reply #8 on:** January 11, 2011, 04:56:50 AM »

Very cool, you are officially on your way to a "gaggle" of cool cafe racers.

RickB · « **Reply #9 on:** January 11, 2011, 04:51:27 PM »

This looks fantastic! Well down. I also thought, 'man I wish could weld/fabricate anything!'.

You should consider selling those alloy seats for the 350/400. I've had a hell of a time making a decent seat for mine. If I could buy a ready made cafe seat for the smaller 400, I would in a heartbeat.

Rick.

bluesmoke69 · « **Reply #10 on:** January 11, 2011, 05:07:01 PM »

Looks great, love the looks of your wife's bike.

Really? · « **Reply #11 on:** January 17, 2011, 02:57:45 PM »

Quote from: Owned on November 21, 2010, 12:17:23 PM

You may have seen a project of mine a little while ago, I did a CB350F for the wife:

Nope. if I had, I would have recommended the bike for BOTM. Me likee!

RickB · « **Reply #12 on:** January 18, 2011, 09:14:26 PM »

Owned,

When you mount the rear drum brake and adjust the rear light brake switch and the brake rod and arm, could you take some photos? I just can't seem to get it to fit on my 400F. The brake rod arm just doesn't mount vertical enough and the rod isn't long enough to hold tension on the light switch spring. Something isn't adjusted right and I have no idea what it is.

I love the way you're mounting the rear-sets cleanly to the frame like that. No brackets. How are you doing that? What rearsets are those? I forked out for the MC-Again ones and they have some large bolt-on brackets.

Thanks mate,

Rick.

RickB · « **Reply #13 on:** January 18, 2011, 09:16:15 PM »

Oops just noticed that you're working with a 350F frame that has an extra tab off the frame that my 400F doesn't. That's why you're able to mount the rearsets without a bracket.

Kanticoy · « **Reply #14 on:** January 18, 2011, 09:42:36 PM »

Looking very good man. From your first hand experience with the two frames, other than the foot peg brackets (passenger pegs and mid controls instead of the 400 "rear" sets), what have you noticed that is different between the two frames?

Owned · « **Reply #15 on:** January 19, 2011, 03:19:29 PM »

Quote from: Kanticoy on January 18, 2011, 09:42:36 PM

Looking very good man. From your first hand experience with the two frames, other than the foot peg brackets (passenger pegs and mid controls instead of the 400 "rear" sets), what have you noticed that is different between the two frames?

While I've not had a 400F frame next to the 350 to compare. My brother does have a 400. You've pointed out most of the differences, also the exhaust hanger is different. The under seat factory mounts may differ. There's nothing else that I know of that differs.

If you're thinking of doing the same, go for it. I'm anxious to get this guy back together. The devil is in the details. There's still a bit of things to still finish, but I'll be done for spring.

A350- 4 me! · « **Reply #16 on:** January 20, 2011, 05:28:39 PM »

Great job!! I am reading this post in my thermodynamics class, that is how interesting your build is. I was also thinking about putting together a set of rear sets mounted the same way as yours. Keep up the good work!

Kwality · « **Reply #17 on:** January 20, 2011, 09:23:54 PM »

Looking good - will follow with interest!

YogiBear · « **Reply #18 on:** January 21, 2011, 12:13:32 AM »

I love the bike you put together for your wife, and I'm looking forward to the new build as well. Looks like you have very good taste. Quick question on your wife's bike if you don't mind: Where did you find a tail light like that that is dual filament?

Owned · « **Reply #19 on:** January 21, 2011, 05:45:21 AM »

Quote from: jk333 on January 21, 2011, 12:13:32 AM

I love the bike you put together for your wife, and I'm looking forward to the new build as well. Looks like you have very good taste. Quick question on your wife's bike if you don't mind: Where did you find a tail light like that that is dual filament?

Thanks.

Yes, it's a dual filament bulb. It's actually a Lucas unit commonly found on 50's English cars. I bought mine from Moss Motors ($25 I think). It's actually made out of thick glass believe it or not. 10 years ago, I restored a '59 Austin Healey Bugeye Sprite and loved the tail lights. If you get one, you need to order the bezel from the tail light and the electrical connection from the front turn signal. (on the car, the tail light is a single filament, but the front turns are dual. Same housing, one is clear, one is red). I'm using the same tail light for the 400.

RickB · « **Reply #20 on:** February 18, 2011, 05:54:16 AM »

Looking good mate, any updates?

socalenduro · « **Reply #21 on:** February 18, 2011, 06:37:44 AM »

im very curious as to what rearsets your using and exactly how your going to get the linkage to work....

beautiful build

Owned · « **Reply #22 on:** February 18, 2011, 05:15:57 PM »

I feel that I've done very little unfortunately. However, that will change soon.

The rear sets are FZR600 variety. I am in the process of moving the connecting rod mount on the rear brake lever to a more upright position. Where it currently sits, the connecting rod will not connect to my brake pivot mount. More on this in two days I promise. My friend who built my seat is doing some minor welding for me. Pictures will explain it all soon.

RickB · « **Reply #23 on:** March 10, 2011, 06:21:24 PM »

Looking good mate. Those CB400F headers really are unique. I just mounted a Norton Commando style peashooter to mine, I think it looks great:

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=51957.msg957010#msg957010

Keep it up.

Rick.

johnny · « **Reply #24 on:** March 11, 2011, 04:25:46 AM »

Looking good. Your motor finish looks very similar to mine. Great work!

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Author Topic: CB350F/400F Hybrid Cafe Build *DONE* (Read 17658 times)

Author Topic: CB350F/400F Hybrid Cafe Build DONE (Read 17658 times)