Topic: Project Just started CB400F AND MORE!

[RickB]

Yep, you're right. It is a CB400F but with a CB350F tank on it. I too liked that shaped better. Although your 500T tank has me thinking I should have gone with that! Although I read that you had some issues with getting the coils to fit? How have you solved that? Were there any other issues with fit?

[dawdish]

Yep, you're right. It is a CB400F but with a CB350F tank on it. I too liked that shaped better. Although your 500T tank has me thinking I should have gone with that! Although I read that you had some issues with getting the coils to fit? How have you solved that? Were there any other issues with fit?

To get the tank to mount up, I had to "massage" the rear underside of the tank, and reshape some front rubber mounts to get it level. I thought I had a good pic of the coil mounting, (I'll get a pic tomorrow), but I got a pair from Dime City,(see pic), @ 32.95 ea. and mounted them under the rear of the tank, under the front of the seat mount,(see pic).

[dawdish]

Got those pics of the coil mounts. Using these coils makes it easy to use whatever wires you want.

[RickB]

Interesting, thanks dawdish.

I've got Dyna coils so could theoretically do the same thing.

However I found I had tremendous trouble with getting my bike to run with long resistive spark plug leads. It wasn't until I got the multimeter out and noticed that the voltage was substantially lower on the longer spark plug leads which was inevitably the suspect cylinders that I chopped them all to the same short length that I was able to get it to run without dropping a cylinder.

Regardless, I'll be sure to keep up to date on your build thread to see how it all runs when you get it finished.

Thanks,
Rick.

[dawdish]

Interesting, thanks dawdish.

I've got Dyna coils so could theoretically do the same thing.

However I found I had tremendous trouble with getting my bike to run with long resistive spark plug leads. It wasn't until I got the multimeter out and noticed that the voltage was substantially lower on the longer spark plug leads which was inevitably the suspect cylinders that I chopped them all to the same short length that I was able to get it to run without dropping a cylinder.

Regardless, I'll be sure to keep up to date on your build thread to see how it all runs when you get it finished.

Thanks,
Rick.

My pleasure Rick. I rode the 400 today for the 1st time, and except for the jetting being WAY LEAN, it rode well. Really though, wire length shouldnt be a problem. Auto engines have had varying length wires forever and in this application they are near the same.

[dawdish]

Rode the 400 for the 1st time yesterday, WOOHOO! Today I jetted the carbs, went from 70 to 100 and dare I say WOOOOHOOO! That little motor screams.
 I've had some wonder about the coil placement, since they dont fit under the 500T tank. I moved them under the front of the seat, and used some coils from DCC. There is absolutely no problem with the wire length.

[dawdish]

Well, finally...got the seat back from the upholsterer, and with some minor tweaks here and there, the CB400F is done! I'm still looking for a good oem header, but may have to go with a MAC. The bike runs very well and handles well with the Dunlaps.
Thanks to DCC for great service and parts, Hot wing Glass, Mike Barner of Leather Works for the seat, and my friend Dave who did the paint. 

[Mugen_Stumpo]

NICE! i love the seat on it

[RickB]

I might just have to get my 400 a 500t tank! It looks great, well done.

[dawdish]

Thanks guys, I wanted to post more pics. I got a small polishing kit and cleaned up the side covers while still on the motor. I used a product made by Ford Motors called Bright metal cleaner polisher...it works very well. I also picked up a stator cover off EBAY for 25.00

[dawdish]

Its been a while since I've posted pics of my 500. I had a SNAFU, and didnt quite get the stand down, and dropped it. Bent the tank, so it gave me the opportunity to change it to the 500T tank I got from a fellow sohc4 member. And you cant have a red tank and green side covers...Today I installed short shocks and dropped the forks 3/4 of an inch. So here are some then and now pics

[Tews19]

Looks damn good!

[dawdish]

What a beautiful day... my son and I went riding for lunch and I took this pic of the "twins". What a great time spent with my son.

[dawdish]

Its been a long time since I've updated this thread, It's been a busy season. I titled this thread "and more" because I knew Id have a lot going this year, and as of now I've built 4 bikes.
Now, these are not "trailer queens", or show bikes, these are daily riders. The CB500 is a work in progress, as is the Virago. The CJ360t is the latest build, (for my daughter), The Virago, is for my son.
These pics were taken this last Saturday just before we rode up to Rico Colorado.

[Mugen_Stumpo]

love all of them...

the yama a bit less

[dawdish]

@Mugen_Stumpo...Thanks, I'm a bit the same way on the big"V", but after seeing the other Virago builds, I was able to pick this one up for 500. The price was right:) But all the Hondas are a blast to ride and they fit me better.