Author Topic: 75 CB400f Massive restoration and Cafe project.  (Read 32268 times)

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Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: 75 CB400f Massive restoration and Cafe project.
« Reply #100 on: June 09, 2015, 12:04:46 PM »
That beefier lower triple should provide some improved rigidity to the forks.
1975 CB550K1 "Blue" Stockish Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135005.0)
1975 CB550F1 frame/CB650 engine hybrid "The Hot Mess" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,150220.0.html)
2008 Triumph Thruxton (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,190956.0.html)
2014 MV Agusta Brutale Dragster 800
2015 Yamaha FZ-09 (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,186861.0.html)

"There are some things nobody needs in this world, and a bright-red, hunch-back, warp-speed 900cc cafe racer is one of them — but I want one anyway, and on some days I actually believe I need one.... Being shot out of a cannon will always be better than being squeezed out of a tube. That is why God made fast motorcycles, Bubba." Hunter S. Thompson, Song of the Sausage Creature, Cycle World, March 1995.  (http://www.latexnet.org/~csmith/sausage.html and https://magazine.cycleworld.com/article/1995/3/1/song-of-the-sausage-creature)

Sold/Emeritus
1973 CB750K2 "Bionic Mongrel" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132734.0) - Sold
1977 CB750K7 "Nine Lives" Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=50490.0) - Sold
2005 RVT1000RR RC51-SP2 "El Diablo" - Sold
2016+ Triumph Thruxton 1200 R (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,170198.0.html) - Sold

Offline straat-toe

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Re: 75 CB400f Massive restoration and Cafe project.
« Reply #101 on: June 09, 2015, 11:30:23 PM »
Hi Don, yeah I believe it will. I also have some of Kevin's pre-load adjusters to help with the front suspension. And I'm planning on bracing the rear swing arm. Don't hold me to this, but I will be trying my hand at some 3d modeling software soon(I work on graphics software so it shouldn't be to big a jump) to make a aluminium fork-brace/Carbon mudguard combo that bolts straight onto the fork lower where the caliper mounts would go. Ala BMW R nineT. I dont really like the look of any of the 400 braces out there.
 I'll get the parts cut by waterjet. And I'll be making a few Carbon Fiber fenders anyway. Two for the  550's One of them is getting a Tarozzi brace and the other 550F's mudgard is just in a bad way. And I prefer the shorter sportier F  fender to the wrap around one on my K frame.

Big dreams for the little lady.


« Last Edit: June 09, 2015, 11:39:06 PM by straat-toe »
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Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: 75 CB400f Massive restoration and Cafe project.
« Reply #102 on: June 10, 2015, 07:47:40 AM »
Great ideas. Looking forward to it.
1975 CB550K1 "Blue" Stockish Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135005.0)
1975 CB550F1 frame/CB650 engine hybrid "The Hot Mess" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,150220.0.html)
2008 Triumph Thruxton (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,190956.0.html)
2014 MV Agusta Brutale Dragster 800
2015 Yamaha FZ-09 (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,186861.0.html)

"There are some things nobody needs in this world, and a bright-red, hunch-back, warp-speed 900cc cafe racer is one of them — but I want one anyway, and on some days I actually believe I need one.... Being shot out of a cannon will always be better than being squeezed out of a tube. That is why God made fast motorcycles, Bubba." Hunter S. Thompson, Song of the Sausage Creature, Cycle World, March 1995.  (http://www.latexnet.org/~csmith/sausage.html and https://magazine.cycleworld.com/article/1995/3/1/song-of-the-sausage-creature)

Sold/Emeritus
1973 CB750K2 "Bionic Mongrel" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132734.0) - Sold
1977 CB750K7 "Nine Lives" Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=50490.0) - Sold
2005 RVT1000RR RC51-SP2 "El Diablo" - Sold
2016+ Triumph Thruxton 1200 R (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,170198.0.html) - Sold

Offline straat-toe

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Re: 75 CB400f Massive restoration and Cafe project.
« Reply #103 on: June 10, 2015, 11:02:40 PM »
Thanks. I hope I can pull it all off.
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Offline straat-toe

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Re: 75 CB400f Massive restoration and Cafe project.
« Reply #104 on: June 19, 2015, 01:56:00 AM »
Finally got some parts back from the powder people.
 I think it looks pretty good. You can still see some of the pitting that was on the original rims. But thats going to have to do. I upgrade what I can and restore where possible when the part is still usable. And just the postage and the cost of a new set of rims would kill my build budget for a few months. And this build has been waiting to happen long enough. 

I noticed last night when I was messing about with the shiny bits that my new spokes from DSS  doesn't fit the holes in  both hubs....The powder def isn't thick enough to effect it that much. I don't think anyway. Has anyone else experienced this? I can either make the diameter if the knob on the end of the spoke smaller or file the holes in the hubs bigger. hmmmmm. What to do.
« Last Edit: June 19, 2015, 02:40:05 AM by straat-toe »
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Offline calj737

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Re: 75 CB400f Massive restoration and Cafe project.
« Reply #105 on: June 19, 2015, 05:37:36 AM »
Very gently ream the holes in the hub with a rat tail file to remove any powder coat accumulated. It doesn't take much to cause an interference for spokes. I would not whittle on a spoke...
'74 550 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=126401.0
'73 500 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132935.0

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Offline straat-toe

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Re: 75 CB400f Massive restoration and Cafe project.
« Reply #106 on: June 19, 2015, 05:46:59 AM »
Thanks Cal. Will do. Also need to get onto that wiring on the 550. Weather's been really bad here and the 550 is on the deck of my cottage. No garage. I need a bigger house.
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Offline straat-toe

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75 CB400f Massive restoration and Cafe project.
« Reply #107 on: June 26, 2015, 05:27:40 AM »
Well. I figured out I was being a dumbass with the spokes. They actually fit the hubs fine. I was just looking at them late at night.  So I laced them up. I will take it to someone to get trued before getting new rubber, bearings and the like. The pic with both wheels in is closer to the actual colour.
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Offline Leonardovans

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Re: 75 CB400f Massive restoration and Cafe project.
« Reply #108 on: August 25, 2015, 07:34:18 AM »
Following this now. WOW those wheels and engine covers look so good.

Who does your powder coating?
My rides:
1972 Honda CB750K2 - To be restored
1975 Honda CB400 Four Supersport - Supertramp - Cafe-resto in progress
1976 Honda Cb400 Four Supersport - Running well, needs TLC.
1978 Honda CX500 Cafe Racer - The Freeburger - Completed
1979 Honda CX500 - Cafe Racer build in progress.
1983 Honda CX500 - Mono shock cafe build in progress.
1984 Honda XL200R - Restoration
1989 Kawasaki KDX200 - Restoration

Offline straat-toe

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Re: 75 CB400f Massive restoration and Cafe project.
« Reply #109 on: August 25, 2015, 08:02:37 AM »
You can follow but updates are few and far between haha. This build is a money one.
 Thanks on the wheels and covers. Cape Town powder-coaters in Paarden island did a good job. Good guys.  I sadly have no leads on Original 400 seats. Ill be making my own soon hopefully. 
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Offline straat-toe

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Re: 75 CB400f Massive restoration and Cafe project.
« Reply #110 on: November 27, 2015, 02:52:03 AM »
Ok. I'm back. If anyone is still watching this thread my apologies.  I'm so busy that when I do get spare time it tends to get used up pretty quickly by life stuff. 

I started rebuilding my engine last night. Got the primary shaft in and the bearings without to much hassle. New Primary and cam chains Nothing sweeter than no Play. .....Just to realize that in my excitement and beer drinking I forgot about Honda's sick joke on the 400. The Tensioner. I forgot all about that bit of ass backwards engineering on the 400. So now I'll take it all apart and do it again this weekend. Practice makes perfect!

Here's some pics of the 400 start, and some pics of the 550F we are also busy with(it has been taking some more of my time too).
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Offline charlatan

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Re: 75 CB400f Massive restoration and Cafe project.
« Reply #111 on: November 27, 2015, 03:39:23 AM »
I'm still watching!

Offline straat-toe

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Re: 75 CB400f Massive restoration and Cafe project.
« Reply #112 on: November 28, 2015, 01:18:22 AM »
Ha. Thanks. How's the painting going. I have 550 tanks that needs some paint. 

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Offline charlatan

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Re: 75 CB400f Massive restoration and Cafe project.
« Reply #113 on: November 28, 2015, 01:28:58 AM »
You're ahead of me. Cases are split and I have everything except the primary shaft end cap. Can't find a replacement in that size

Offline straat-toe

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Re: 75 CB400f Massive restoration and Cafe project.
« Reply #114 on: November 28, 2015, 06:51:44 AM »
I used a 400 cap. Same size it just has a knob on it that needs to get cut off.  Used Honda bond on it. No leaks.

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Offline Godffery

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Re: 75 CB400f Massive restoration and Cafe project.
« Reply #115 on: November 28, 2015, 03:45:28 PM »
 Looks like your progressing nicely!
LMK if you want to update your stopping power.
http://www.vinmoto.org/gallery/v/VinMoto-Garage/album03/Godfferys-Garage-123/Parts+and+service/


Offline straat-toe

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Re: 75 CB400f Massive restoration and Cafe project.
« Reply #116 on: November 28, 2015, 09:42:00 PM »
Hi Godffery. Thanks for the link. Will definitely order some phenolic pistons for my 550 dual setup in the new year.
I'm going with a more modern brake setup on the 400.

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Offline Zaipai

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Re: 75 CB400f Massive restoration and Cafe project.
« Reply #117 on: November 29, 2015, 04:38:51 AM »
You can't rush good quality work! Coming along nicely.

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Offline Godffery

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Re: 75 CB400f Massive restoration and Cafe project.
« Reply #118 on: November 29, 2015, 11:57:48 AM »
 Groovy.

So what are you using on this one?  period racing Brembos?
Like...

http://s1202.photobucket.com/user/stehard/media/086_zpsmzgxfiz8.jpg.html
« Last Edit: November 29, 2015, 11:59:56 AM by Godffery »

Offline straat-toe

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Re: 75 CB400f Massive restoration and Cafe project.
« Reply #119 on: December 02, 2015, 01:18:38 AM »
Not sure yet.

Need to see what Tokico or Nissin Caliper and disk setup will fit with the spoked wheels and then get onto making a bracket for the new Caliper.
 
 I was staring at the engine with a worried look on my face last night. My Girlfriend walked in chuckled at me saying she was afraid of this. Waiting two years to rebuild a engine....never a good idea. I assured her that I actually know what I'm doing and I was only trying to see if there's a way around the installing the chain tensioner the hard ass Honda way.

I couldn't see a way that doesn't end up with me having crushed fingers or  employing a small child to tighten bolts inside a crankcase once it's been sealed up. Maybe I can train my cat to go in there and sort it out. So I popped the primary out again and decided to be bit more methodical. So the kickstarter shaft went in first this time around.  Then I'll put the crank into the top half of the crank case and the selector drum. Then I'll move on from there. 
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Re: 75 CB400f Massive restoration and Cafe project.
« Reply #120 on: December 07, 2015, 11:37:44 AM »
 The trick is to not be in a hurry, learn to enjoy the process.

Offline straat-toe

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Re: 75 CB400f Massive restoration and Cafe project.
« Reply #121 on: December 07, 2015, 10:12:21 PM »
Yes sir. You would think I  learnt that after my 550 engine rebuild. I need to remind myself to enjoy the journey.

Back to the possible brakes for this bike. I noticed a Royal Enfield GT this morning. It has a 2 piston Brembo Caliper and disc set-up on the front with spoked wheels. This set-up might take the guess work out of my search for the 400. 
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Re: 75 CB400f Massive restoration and Cafe project.
« Reply #122 on: December 08, 2015, 07:06:25 AM »

Back to the possible brakes for this bike. I noticed a Royal Enfield GT this morning. It has a 2 piston Brembo Caliper and disc set-up on the front with spoked wheels. This set-up might take the guess work out of my search for the 400.
Forks & all?

Offline straat-toe

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Re: 75 CB400f Massive restoration and Cafe project.
« Reply #123 on: December 08, 2015, 09:22:33 AM »
Nope. I've re chromed my old crusty forks and I have TTR custom triples so I'll stick to the 400 forks. I'll just make the caliper and disk fit with some bracketry. 
The reason I say guesswork is my fear that the back of modern calipers not clearing spokes. .

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Offline 01Thomas

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Re: 75 CB400f Massive restoration and Cafe project.
« Reply #124 on: December 08, 2015, 12:00:34 PM »
I have two Brembo callipers (LHS & RHS) off my Moto Guzzi and they are for sale. Let me know if you're interested.
(I fitted Yamaha R1 forks & brakes to my much-modified Guzzi SP1000).

Nope. I've re chromed my old crusty forks and I have TTR custom triples so I'll stick to the 400 forks. I'll just make the caliper and disk fit with some bracketry. 
The reason I say guesswork is my fear that the back of modern calipers not clearing spokes. .

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1971 Honda CB750 Four K1 [Engine: CB750E-1113521 / Frame: CB750-1113838]
1977 Seeley Honda CB750F (F1) [Engine: CB750E-2551214 / Frame No: SH7-655F]

'96 Yamaha YZF750SP & '81 Moto Guzzi SP1000 & '80 Moto Guzzi 850 LeMans II & '82 Bimota KB-3 [Frame No 49] & '66 Ducati 50 SL/1 & '53 Miele K-50 & '38 Miele 98