Topic: Pacific NorthWet - CB400F Cafe build - winter 2010

[HalfFastMoto]

Hello, I'm new to the forum. Started an intro thread shortly after I purchased my 1976 CB400F - http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=79144.0

I've been in research mode the last month and ordered my first part off fleabay, a Cafe seat-



Seller uses USPS and I have yet to receive the part      Tracking number on USPS site shows delivery two weeks ago too the wrong ZIP.  Seller basically says sorry but not his problem      Headed to Post Office today but I don't have high hopes - son is a Post Master and from what he says there's zero accountability - Buyer's beware, use UPS for packages!

Hoping the rest of the build goes better!

[HalfFastMoto]

Turns out the seller included insurance - Postal Office is going to take care of the missing seat and the seller is sending out a replacement to me today   

[ksmith0034]

Wow, that's lucky!  Take some more pictures and give us a rundown on your plans.
Welcome to the time/money-suck addiction that we all LOVE!

[HalfFastMoto]

Haven't decided on the seat cover material yet, one thing is for sure, I like the gel seats on my other bikes!  Given that I want to keep the seat padding thickness to a minimum I opted for a gel pad kit -



After considerable research I've selected the tail light from a GSXR600, should work well with the seat -



As I mentioned in my intro post my goal for this build is to modernize the bike while keeping core 70's era styling where ever possible.  For the front end I've purchased the forks, triple and clip-ons from a 2003 CBR600RR -



From the same bike I also picked up the rearsets which I will adapt to the CB400 -



I'm leaning towards purchasing the MAC exhaust but that can wait.  My current investigation is focused on the rear shocks.

[ProTeal55]

Nice screename....

[HalfFastMoto]

Nice screename....

Yeah, been sportin that name for about six years.  I know there's a go-cart racing team called Half-Fast Racing and after I joined this forum I found a post about Half-Fast Chicago.  Of course it does lend itself to abuse but as I have in my sign on some other forums -

Better HafFast than HalfA$$ed   

[Industrial Rat400f Killer]

If you're going to put those forks on with those brakes you might think about reinforcing the frame a bit, it wasn't made to withstand that kind of pressure from the front end and can bend.

[HalfFastMoto]

If you're going to put those forks on with those brakes you might think about reinforcing the frame a bit, it wasn't made to withstand that kind of pressure from the front end and can bend.

Interesting, I definitely need to reseach this, tweaking the frame would suck 

[tweakin]

Nice.  Good to see you started a build thread.

[kajtek]

great stuff, whats the plan for the rear swingarm?

ashley

[HalfFastMoto]

great stuff, whats the plan for the rear swingarm?

ashley

Well, I wasn't gonna post this until I had pics but since you asked   

I purchased a 1983 FT500 parts bike for the fork tubes on a 1984 VT500 commuter/ratbike project I'm working on.  Took some measurements and found that the swing arm is the correct length from pivot to axel and same width between the frame ears @ the pivot.  This gives me a much stronger swing arm & rear disc brake.  I also plan to use the FT500 wheels.  Eventually I'll build some nice spoke rims but for now the cast wheels will do, correct size and all   

More pics soon.

[Zaipai]

Sounds like a great project bike. Love that rear tail light. Hope it goes well for you..

.: Scott :.

[HalfFastMoto]

Love that rear tail light.

.: Scott :.

Recieved the seat pan and taillight yesterday and much to my dismay the taillight is much larger than I had expected. At first I thought I'd simply shorten the tail section of the seat pan to accomodate the taillight but once I drew out the cut lines (in pencil) on the tail section I didn't like the resulting shape.   So now I'll need to come up with a different solution 

[Zaipai]

Too bad, I hope what ever you come up with you get to keep the tail light its awesome.. Good luck, keep us posted.

TTYS,
.: Scott :.

[flybox1]

Nice work on your 400F.
I work by the Seattle Times/Home Depot buildings in Bothell.
Hope to see flying around.  I'm on a stock white 350F.

[tom8Toe]

I work by the Seattle Times/Home Depot buildings in Bothell.

I used to work over at the AT&T Wireless call center on Monte Villa Pkwy. Now I'm at the old HQ in Redmond.