Topic: New cb400f project

[fatmatt650]

Brought my new project home today(Thanks Devilbrad!). 1975 cb400f, 12,500 miles, decent shape, not too rusty. Tank and tail were stored outdoors though and so are pretty much shot. Not bad for free!


Went to install the exhaust and discovered the studs were too short, they're about a half an inch shorter than on my 76. Anyone know what's up wit dat? Could the exhaust collars be different sizes from year to year and perhaps the ones in the box were from a different bike?

[Bodi]

There were two collar types, a finned one and a plain one that looks like it's cut from flat plate then chamfered and chromed. I don't know if the studs were different lengths but I don't think so. Are there stacks of exhaust gaskets in the ports?

[fatmatt650]

I'm talking about the 2 piece dealywopper that goes under the finned piece. I'm tempted to cut them down to fit but I'd probably regret that. No gaskets stacked up, the difference is about a 1/2 inch or more.

[fatmatt650]

According to Bikebandit the collars are the same part as the 76 so perhaps the studs were changed for an aftermarket exhaust? Is this something that would be done?

[domer]

i dont have the same bike, but the studs on my 500 for the kerker are about the same length you have there.
 i always loved that poor rotting vw... the square back out there is f'n rad too...

[Tim2005]

The studs were shorter on the 77 model heads, maybe it's been swapped out at some time.

[fatmatt650]

"poor rotting vw"? Come on man, that things cherry! Tim, thanks. I guess I'll be on the lookout for some later collars or maybe I'll just cut mine down.

[domer]

sorry... i didnt mean rotting, i meant "pacifica".... that poor pacifica vw.  

[fatmatt650]

Yeah, it's pretty much the same thing, I love it just the way it is though.
In other news - IT LIVES! Hasn't run since at least '94 but a little tappet massage, carb cleaning, points adjust and creative re-wiring and she kicks over first try! I love these old bikes, hard to believe someone put her out on the curb for the trashman.

[fatmatt650]

Throttle installed, new clutch cable, tank and tail swap and off for the first ride around the parking lot! Tracks straight, shifts smooth, purrs like a kitten. Now for some serious de-snotting.

[domer]

nice... and free too, cant complain! i might have a beat up points cover, if you need one to get by...

[fatmatt650]

Thanks anyway, dude. I just hadn't reinstalled it yet. What I really need are those exhaust collars, I think I'm about to attack the old ones w/ a hacksaw and a grinder. Wish me luck!

[fasturd]

1977 and some euro versions for the 400F had the flat plate style VS the finned ones that we got in the US. The flat ones are thinner. I used a set on a custome 400F a few years ago and the 75 studs were a bit long for the application. So I assume bikes that had the plates had shorter studs.

[fatmatt650]

BRAAAAAAAAAAAP! Gettin' there! 

[fatmatt650]

Headlight mock-up. It's off an older cl350. I'm thinking of going a little more flat tracker on this one. Any thoughts on tires? I'm thinking big fat Metzeler Block-C's. I plan on using this as a dirt/street cruiser (nothing crazy, just fire roads).

[domer]

maybe some shinko 700's, awesome aggressive tread pattern and well priced too. not so aggresive but still a nice all around enduro tire is the pirelli scorpion mt90....

[fatmatt650]

That shinko looks pretty sweet! I swapped an IRC Durotour onto it today from my other 400. It was first time installing a moto tire and it wasn't that bad. The scary thing was finding out that K.C. Engineering sold me a cheap chinese tube that was WAY too big. It was all folded up and creased inside the tire just waiting to start splitting, thanks guys. They are always super cool in there and I love the prices, service and selection but C'MON! Have some self respect as a shop. Also put some progressive rear shocks on today and new rear brake pads, sittin' much nicer now.