Topic: new here and need some help/advice quickly

[dirt286]

ok so ive been looking around here a lot lately and decided i need a project.  i plan to cafe a honda cb.  I found a local guy selling a 79 cb 400.  I know its a twin as opposed to the fours but is this a total waste of time and money?  I mean there is obviously a huge following for the four cylinder cb (this site proves that) but do the twins just suck? Ive been emailing him back and forth and told him I would take a look tomorrow.  Basically I want to  know if this is not the bike to cafe.... is there any other differences beside the twin motor that are just no good.
thanks in advance
he want $600 for it

[scunny]

can't comment on the merits of the 400 motor, but, if it suits your purposes and budget"why not".. wasn't the dodgy one the 500 with the cam chain too long and causing problems

[Stev-o]

Can't hurt to go look at it.
Yes, the SOHC 4's are much more popular and probably run a lot smoother, but a twin is good too.

Check it out and if it is a clean good running bike, make him an offer!

Good luck.

[KB02]

Lets see, a '79 400, that would make it a Honda Hawk. I've been looking around for one to do a cafe build with myself. I vote yes. 

[dirt286]

i missed it...oh well i think i really want a four anyway....thanks a lot guys, hope to join the ranks soon

[Stev-o]

i missed it...oh well i think i really want a four anyway....thanks a lot guys, hope to join the ranks soon

Don't worry, there will be a better one that comes along.

I am glad I did not buy the first one I looked at!

Good Luck.

[Alan F.]

$600 sounds a bit steep to my cheap taste for a bike you're gonna carve up anyway.
Get one with papers and a few without for parts for $100-300 and you'll have plenty to work with.

Check the forums on www.dotheton.com for lots of cafes made from cb400 twins, and even a few made from cm400's too, lots of ideas around.
-Alan