Author Topic: News Flash: 21 Year Old Realizes Dream (CB400F)  (Read 1315 times)

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Offline Mars

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News Flash: 21 Year Old Realizes Dream (CB400F)
« on: February 27, 2011, 11:24:13 PM »
Hey everyone. I wanted a place to create somewhat of a log for my bike. Seems like home!

Backstory: I have had 2 Honda motorcycles before this, only for a short time. The first, acquired maybe 4 months ago, was a 1971 CL100S. It was traded via craigslist for a crappy laptop. It didn't run when I got it, but after a carb clean and new battery, it ran alright. Shortly thereafter, I bought for $300 a titled but not running CB400TII with a full 2nd parts bike. That bike was somewhat of a hassle to get running, mainly because of the bodgy fixes the PO had done. I did however get it ridable, and then sold it. Shortly after that, I decided I'd sell the CL100S because I kept having problems with it, and what I really wanted was a CB400f (I envy my buddies race style CB350f). I put the 100 up for sale, and someone who came to look at it had a 400f that he was ready to get rid of, so I sold the 100, and bought his CB400f.

I payed $700 for the bike, titled in "running condition" (wouldn't start when I went to look at it). Took it home, changed 1 spark plug and it fired up. The timing chain seemed very noisy so me and my experienced friend pulled the valve cover, adjusted the chain (the "loosen the two bolts" method), and adjusted all the valves. It ran much better, but still not like it should. Very low on power. After some tinkering, it tuned out that... the plug wires were attached wrong... (maybe that's why the PO complained about a lack of power...)

I then discovered it has a drilled front rotor, Goki air adjust fork caps, Dyna S ignition and coils, Progressive Suspension shocks, some bastard Yoshima-ish exhaust, new Avon tires, and a rust free tank. I was ecstatic.

So at this point, you may want to look through my eyes. I've been dreaming of having a loud, fast, scary toy to run around on, of course with my girl holding on. I now have that. (So far she has both laughed on it and been scared of it, so we'll see how that one pans out.)

I plan on making this bike like an old Jap race bike. Here goes nothing!

Now, pictures.


Bringing it home (trying not to high-five my friend, and cry with joy):








Just after installing clip-ons. Bought here - http://tinyurl.com/4tz5dc3 (these were very cheap and pretty high quality, plus come in the odd 33mm size the 350f and 400f have). Was a major hassle because of the fork caps:





Laying out my plan for rear-sets. These are off a Yamaha R6, I've since picked up shifter and brake leavers at Bent Bike. Total cost of these so far is $50.



« Last Edit: February 27, 2011, 11:28:16 PM by Mars »

Offline neverendingproject

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Re: News Flash: 21 Year Old Realizes Dream (CB400F)
« Reply #1 on: February 28, 2011, 12:09:45 AM »
Very cool! Looks like you got an awesome deal on the new bike.
'75 CB550 K1 Cafe Project

'72 CB500 Japanese market

Offline MoMo

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Re: News Flash: 21 Year Old Realizes Dream (CB400F)
« Reply #2 on: February 28, 2011, 01:51:16 AM »
You did get a good deal, looks to  be in good condition.  The 400four is my favorite Honda, rode one to New Hampshire years ago, have 3 now. Welcome...Larry

Offline RickB

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Re: News Flash: 21 Year Old Realizes Dream (CB400F)
« Reply #3 on: February 28, 2011, 02:40:37 AM »
Hell yeah mate, glad to hear how stoked you are on your new bike. I'm the same and I've had my CB400F for almost two years (albeit, it only started for the frist time this week).

If you need any help, have a look through my build blog and hit me up with any questions.

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

Rick.