Author Topic: 1975 Honda CB400 Four Supersport Cafe South Africa - #SuperTramp (Read 12798 times)

Leonardovans · « **on:** August 23, 2015, 01:51:23 AM »

Hey guys,

This is my first build thread here on SOHC forum.

I have been a member of the cx500 forum for quite some time and did a CX500 Cafe build thread there. I am busy with my second one now.

http://cx500forum.com/forum/cx-customization-modifications/28595-1978-cx500-cafe-racer-south-africa-first-timer-build.html

http://cx500forum.com/forum/cx-customization-modifications/32879-1979-cx500-cafe-racer-south-africa-second-build.html

I love vintage and classic Cafe's.

Don't get me wrong, I love original vintage classics too.

The only reason I am doing this one cafe, is because it is missing the seat and some other original parts.

For the purists, I am not chopping this beauty, I will be doing mild mods. Seat, handlebars, lights, indicators and other small stuff.

Anyway, here goes.

My latest acquisition is this '75 CB400 Four Supersport. I could not believe my eyes when I saw it in the local classifieds. They do not come available often. I have never owned one of these, but I am looking forward to making her purr again.

Looking forward to input from the SOHC members.

I got it delivered tonight after two weeks of waiting. It came from the other side of the country

She need a LOT of TLC and the tank is dented badly. Wiring also seems to be a mess.

The exhaust is almost perfect, NO DENTS!!!

BUT...she does run. (Video from the previous owner sent before I bought her)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LaXiphzGvrM

Leonardovans · « **Reply #1 on:** August 23, 2015, 02:10:46 AM »

So I cleaned the bike this morning. She is sooo purdy.

Because I got her last night, I couldn't really inspect he. So after the wash I did, and found a surprise.

I should have known something was wrong when I saw the huge dent in the tank and the fact that it actually came up for sale.

I suspect the frame is bent. One would think the seller, being a bike shop, would tell you about this!

calj737 · « **Reply #2 on:** August 23, 2015, 05:31:15 AM »

I think the term to describe that frame is "scrap metal"

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #3 on:** August 23, 2015, 07:54:22 AM »

If it was an eBay transaction, ask to rescind the sale. If the seller refuses file a claim.

Leonardovans · « **Reply #4 on:** August 23, 2015, 09:01:55 AM »

Nope, unfortunately this was bought in South Africa on a site similar to craigs list. The seller is 1650km away from me. I am going to phone him tomorrow and see if anything can be done.

I really hoped there was a way I could save her.

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #5 on:** August 23, 2015, 09:55:41 AM »

That frame is tweaked. Maybe he can refund some of your money and you can keep the parts, to find another donor frame?

FGKouki · « **Reply #6 on:** August 23, 2015, 10:21:50 AM »

If you didn't pay too much it might be okay for parts for building another bike. The head pipe looks pretty decent, and the motor? How's the compression?

Leonardovans · « **Reply #7 on:** August 23, 2015, 10:39:00 AM »

The motor does run, but I have not checked anything else after seeing the twisted frame.

I didn't pay too much, but I am going to have words with the seller. I am expecting some $$ in return.

Finding another 400F frame is near impossible. I might be able to get my hands on 350F frame from a mate is USA, but I don't know if it will work. Does anyone know if it would?

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #8 on:** August 23, 2015, 10:59:18 AM »

Maybe Kevin aka TTR400 can give you some leads on a new frame. He makes aftermarket performance parts for the CB400F and he's in South Africa.

Leonardovans · « **Reply #9 on:** August 23, 2015, 11:14:42 AM »

I actually emailed him when I bought it, it just took a while to get a reply.

I emailed him again this morning when I got the surprise. I will wait to hear what he says.

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #10 on:** August 23, 2015, 12:55:47 PM »

Quote from: Leonardovans on August 23, 2015, 11:14:42 AM

I actually emailed him when I bought it, it just took a while to get a reply.

I emailed him again this morning when I got the surprise. I will wait to hear what he says.

Kevin's a great guy. He makes quality parts and he's extremely helpful with advice.

754 · « **Reply #11 on:** August 23, 2015, 01:04:56 PM »

Kevin is sometimes gone weeks at a time, and not caught up on email...nice guy really knows his 400,s.

MRieck · « **Reply #12 on:** August 23, 2015, 01:07:18 PM »

Quote from: CB750 Cafe Racer Fan on August 23, 2015, 12:55:47 PM

Quote from: Leonardovans on August 23, 2015, 11:14:42 AM
I actually emailed him when I bought it, it just took a while to get a reply.

I emailed him again this morning when I got the surprise. I will wait to hear what he says.

Kevin's a great guy. He makes quality parts and he's extremely helpful with advice.

He sure is. I had the opportunity to sit down and talk with him for about 4 hours several summers ago.

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #13 on:** August 23, 2015, 01:12:32 PM »

Welcome back, Mike!!

01Thomas · « **Reply #14 on:** August 23, 2015, 01:15:10 PM »

Hi
I don't know what your future plans will be for this bike but... I do have the seat foam for a CB400F. If you do rebuild it into another frame give me a mail - I'm in Durban.

regards
Thomas
PS My first bike was a B120, of such a vintage that the tank was a seamed design and had chrome panels and knee rubbers on the sides.

Leonardovans · « **Reply #15 on:** August 23, 2015, 11:12:48 PM »

Hey guys,

Thanks for all the replies. This was supposed to be my build thread. Let's hope I can get a frame and get it back on track.

I have seen the stuff Kevin makes, WOW. I actually came across his site when I bought the bike three weeks ago and started doing research. I realise he is a busy guy, and I don't expect replies immediately. From all the posts and threads I have read, I can see he is a really nice guy.

He emailed me this morning and said he might be able to help. Not all Monday mornings are blue. Now I am exited again about my build.

Thomas, I will send you an email re. that seat. THANKS!!

knowsnothing · « **Reply #16 on:** August 24, 2015, 03:22:13 AM »

#$%* luck about the frame.

.

Quote from: Leonardovans on August 23, 2015, 10:39:00 AM

I might be able to get my hands on 350F frame from a mate is USA, but I don't know if it will work. Does anyone know if it would?

The 350f frame would work. It looks better too!

. Make sure to get the 350f swing arm (doesnt have stupid passanger pegs on it). You will need to use the 400f foot controls. The only tricky part is making the brake/footpeg/ kicker work on the right side. There is some interference.
My 350f with a 400f engine

And yes Kevin is a good bloke who can build one of these from scratch with his eyes closed and his right hand tied behind his back.

Leonardovans · « **Reply #17 on:** August 24, 2015, 04:21:36 AM »

Kevin contacted me today. he is going to sort me out with a 400f frame

BEST MONDAY EVER!!!

calj737 · « **Reply #18 on:** August 24, 2015, 04:28:43 AM »

I swear that guy (Kevin) is trying to put the Pope out of a job! Where I come from, we have a saying to describe gentlemen like Kevin, "He knows no strangers" as he treats everyone as their the most important person on earth.

Leonardovans · « **Reply #19 on:** August 24, 2015, 04:31:18 AM »

Fact!

He is exactly that and I don't know him from a bar of soap.

Leonardovans · « **Reply #20 on:** August 24, 2015, 05:21:35 AM »

So i got hold of the seller. He is not willing to come to the party. he said he did not know.

I am going to have to take this one on my own. Luckily Kevin sorted me out with the frame.

Now to get the frame here and get on with the build.

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #21 on:** August 24, 2015, 06:15:39 AM »

That seller is absolutely full of it. The damage to the frame is so pronounce that the motor mounts do not line up.

If you bought it off eBay, make a claim.

Leonardovans · « **Reply #22 on:** August 24, 2015, 08:37:40 AM »

Nope, nothing I can do. I live in South Africa and it was a local classifieds.
I will take the hit. Karma is a #$%*.

01Thomas · « **Reply #23 on:** August 24, 2015, 11:38:55 AM »

Hello Leo
I've just emailed you but I forgot to add this:
If that classifieds site was Gumtree then take note that it belongs to either ebay Germany of ebay Austria. This is to be seen at the bottom of every page: "@ Copyright 2014 eBay International AG."
You may well have some recourse with the seller. And modern SA law says there's no concept of 'voetstoots' so you may come right in the small claims court.

regards
Thomas

Quote from: Leonardovans on August 24, 2015, 08:37:40 AM

Nope, nothing I can do. I live in South Africa and it was a local classifieds.
I will take the hit. Karma is a #$%*.

Leonardovans · « **Reply #24 on:** August 24, 2015, 11:44:36 AM »

It's really not worth the hassle bud. If he wants to be like that, I will just have to let everyone know what sort of business he runs. I have lots of friends in the cafe racer scene throughout South Africa, and word spreads like wildfire. As I said, karma is a #$%*. I just want to get on with my build.

I won't post it here, but he has a shop in Durban that builds Cafe racers.
If you want to know who it is I will email you.
Cheers

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Author Topic: 1975 Honda CB400 Four Supersport Cafe South Africa - #SuperTramp (Read 12798 times)