Topic: CB400F alternative front ends?

[gsnorcal]

Hi,

I'm just getting started on my new-to-me '75 CB400F. There are a number of front-end problems on my bike which have me wondering if I shouldn't just do a front-end swap before fixing all that's wrong (rebuild or replace caliper with broken bleeder and pitted piston, wheel is lousy, new brake lines, rebuild failed MC, replace pitted fork tubes). I'm gonna try to fix the bleeder with one of these repair kits (http://www.levineautoparts.com/bleederrepair.html). Marginal room for error since there is little material to tap into.

Options are???

CB550 - beefier forks, but same vintage problems??

CBR600F2 - anyone done one? What about 17" wheel size? I want to keep a spoked wheel.

CB-1?

Or do I just fix what I have?

Is there a caliper upgrade to be had? Anyone adapt a new-ish caliper to these old forks?

Just looking for the options before I spend too much on the wrong choice. Kinda trying to get this thing running/riding on a budget. Bling will come later.

Thanks,
Dave

[plug1]

Or you could get yourself a set of these bad boys. http://www.400fourstore.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=4&Product_Code=SB-7100S-SS&Category_Code=C
This guy's a member here. He's got the sickest billet parts for 400f's around.

[FunJimmy]

Dave

There are lots fork swap options that have been done on the old CB's over the years.

Most modern fork setups will require some jiggling of the bearings to fit, so the good folks at All Balls Racing have put together a bearing conversion chart to make it a snap.
https://www.allballsracing.com/index.php/forkconvertion

If you want to use the stock hub and spoked wheel, have a look at my CB550 fork conversion. http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=27159.0

You can find lots of different combinations just poking around the projects section of the forum too.

Have fun and keep us posted on your findings.

Cheers
FJ