Topic: New member.. Belgian living in Netherlands

[Lampernis]

Hi All,

Thought it would be proper to do an introduction here. I'm not a hardcore forum user but as I was searching the web about my new (old) bike I came across this forum and it looks like a great place with ton's of on topic information and very helpful people.

Day to day I ride a BMW R1200GSA from 2012 but was looking for a nice old bike to restore during winter. I have basic mechanic skills and know my way around most tools but have no specific knowledge or experience with automative further then a standard oil change. This however is one of the reasons I wanted to take on the challenge!

I wasn't in any rush to get a bike (like I said, planning was to start it during the european winter months) but got a hold of a nicely running 1975 CB400F. I did the basic maintenance before starting it up again (was idle for some time) and it the engine runs pretty nice.

Few minor issues with the throttle cables (I think based on what I read here) and front brake needs some service.

So the plan for now is to get it and keep it in good running shape and start on a cosmetic rebuild and full engine service during the winter months.

If I did everything well you should be able to see some pictures too

Looking forward to the whole experience and nice to meet you all!!

[flatlander]

welcome!
that looks very similar to my neighbour's 400/4. they're fun bikes on a small road or around town.
if you need any pointers for getting parts or help in the netherlands give me a shout.

[dusterdude]

Welcome

[Stev-o]

Welcome from Texas.....looks like a nice bike. 

[mystic_1]

Welcome!  Looks like you scored yourself a pretty nice ride there.  Most of the smaller Hondas of that era tend to be zippy and nimble, good for winding roads.  Don't be shy with the RPM's 

How are you defining "full engine service"?  How deep down the rabbit hole do you think you'll go?

mystic_1

[Lampernis]

Thanks all!

@Flatlander, if you live in the Rotterdam area that might be very possible and thanks, I for sure will need some good pointers here and there.

I'm doing first outside cleaning today and noticed that the brake pedal and kickstarter where not in their proper place so trying to get that sorted out now.

All the chrome has rusty points but nothing is rusted structurally including the exhausts, rims and spokes.

The only mechanical issue I seem to have is when the engine is hot it doesn't rev down as much as it should and you have to force it down turning the throttle past its resting point to get the revs down or release the clutch (only occurs when the clutch is pressed or in neutral. Once forced down it keeps normal idle revs.

Checked the cables on both ends but they work fine so guess the problem is with the carbs.

@mystic_1 for sure painting and polishing the outside, inside see as I go along replacing what is out of tolerance, seals, o-rings etc. And more cosmetic work and frame parts work. Like responding the wheels and maybe powder coating the rims.

I would like her to be in good working order and without rust. Looking close to the original with maybe a few personal touches and some compromises due to budget (eg new chrome will probably be too expensive)

[flatlander]

i'm in amsterdam so not your next door neighbour
what i meant is, i know the 400 as i've ridden my neighbours quite a few times. recently she went on holidays for 2 weeks. just dropped the keys off to me: take it for a ride if you want! well of course i had to oblige.

[Lampernis]

I'm living near Utrecht but just bought it from a guy who's neighbour you could have been

Cleaned the air filter and adjusted the idle throttle screw and the problem seems the high throttle on idle seems to be better although now it sometimes stalls on opening throttle from idle...

@flatlander where do you get your parts in NL? Things like copper rings for the exhausts, o-rings, replacement screws etc.

[flatlander]

i don't think you'd want to buy anything from certain ones of my neighbours 

cmsnl.com
for OEM parts. not the cheapest but original and good quality.

honda4.nl
both OEM and aftermarket, and also has used stuff if you ask him. again, not the cheapest but really quick with shipping.

blauweplaat.nl
don't think he runs a webshop any more but if you give him a call or send him a mail with what you need he'll get it for you. can get you a better price than the above, especially if you order in bulk. he's also got lots of used parts.

davidsilverspares.co.uk
exchange rate and shipping make it more expensive than the above but you can sometimes find rare stuff that the others don't have.

off the top of my head, that's the main ones. then you can search for stuff on marktplaats or ebay of course.

[Lampernis]

Thanks, just discovered that I will need a new kickstarter shaft and the kickstarter part (don't know the English word) that fist to it as mine are both short in teeth

Apparently the previous owner turned it about 30 degrees to get some grip then rotated the brake a few degrees so the metal bar of the brake pedal prevents the kickstarter from touching the crankcase.
Quite ingenius if you ask me wasn't it for the very difficult position of the brake pedal and the lack of braking power in the front

[flatlander]

brakes are for sissies! real men kick their bike and never brake. your PO was a real man.

[Lampernis]

Hahaha I see there is a lot I can learn here 

[Stev-o]

flatlndr - You dont buy parts on ebay? I source a lot of parts there.

[flatlander]

yes sure, also ebay. i mentioned that. but there i just search for what seems good and don't remember the names of specific sellers.
and that site marktplaats.nl is the dutch version of ebay.

[70CB750]

Welcome.