Derby Biker

[Skunky]

Hi I'm a motorcycle nut from Derby.

I recently finished a custom build on a BMW K100 ex-Police machine and almost by accident stumbled on my next Project. A 1974 Honda CB400F with a vin number 1001279 imported from the US.
As a lad I had a thing for the little Honda 400 (My first bike was a CB200) but never got round to owning one. The bike is in a right mess as its been standing for a long time. Having said that the engine turns and its only showing 6763 on the speedo. The engine looks clean with no oil leaks and everything is present and correct. The only damage being to the headlight glass (Which I would have to change anyway) and some dents in the tank.

My last Project was a custom and this one will be a restoration as I feel that the little Honda had so much appeal with all its chrome etc. Although I may add more modern touches such as electronic ignition and perhaps new wiring possibly with a m-unit and LED bulbs.  I look forward to sharing my build with you and will start a thread (with Photos) on the build pages.

[petermigreen]

Welcome to the (400) club.
Get ready for some serious flak regarding ANOTHER 400.
Peter


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Nurse Julie]

Hi and welcome. Good luck with your project. Has it recently been imported?

[Skunky]

Hi and welcome. Good luck with your project. Has it recently been imported?

I
Hi, It was imported in May and has sat since. I cant tell if its 6k or 106k but I took a punt. Despite the poor condition the engine dosent
look like its been round the clock vin no is 1001279 so quite an early one. Its my intention to carry out a resurrection rather than a restoration as its pretty tatty. I will post photos.

[Nurse Julie]

I suppose 130 odd miles per year does sound unlikely but whether it's 6 or 106k, the fact it came from USA, it will need every single rubber part changing, including everything rubber in the engine.

[Skunky]

Hi All, here are a few Pictures [ Guests cannot view attachments ] [ Guests cannot view attachments ] [ Guests cannot view attachments ] [ Guests cannot view attachments ]

[Trigger]

The front end is bent and out of line 

[Skunky]

The front end is bent and out of line 

Speak for yourself😂. That will straighten on reassembly as long as the frame is straight. There’s no sign of damage or impact so it should be good

[JamesH]

Nice early project there.

[royhall]

Most USA bikes imported in that condition have very low mileage showing on them. Very unlikely to be anywhere near the real mileage. You will know when you strip it from things like wheel bearings and cylinder wear etc. Anyway, good luck with the build. Enjoy it.

[Spitfire]

I think it's great that bikes are being resurected like this, the alternative is to let them slowly rust apart, which would be a waste

Cheers

Dennis

[Johnwebley]

  welcome to the fun forum !!

  enjoy your 400

[UK Pete]

Welcome aboard fella
Pete

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

[Moorey]

Welcome to the 400 forum. Have fun. 

[JamesH]

Most USA bikes imported in that condition have very low mileage showing on them. Very unlikely to be anywhere near the real mileage. You will know when you strip it from things like wheel bearings and cylinder wear etc. Anyway, good luck with the build. Enjoy it.

I disagree with you on this one Roy. Certainly agree you need to undertake a thorough recomission, but the guys in the US rarely used these bikes as a primary mode of transport in the 70’s - hence many were left languishing in storage for decades...