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[Nurse Julie]

Thanks matthewmosse for your advice. Sounds like a bit of a minefield out there! I think I need to be very careful about what I buy.

The problem that regularly occurs is if you 'think' about it too much or try and find the 'perfect bike' for you, the chances are you will never buy one. Then when you do buy one eventually, because you have such high expectations based on your research, you can be very disappointed. Sometimes you jyst have to throw caution to the wind and take a chance. Have you ever owned a classic bike before Bradders?

[Bradders]

Hi Julie. No never owned a Classic before, CJ250 when I was 17 and a Kawasaki 305 and Yamaha XJ 600 about 20 years ago.

[Laverda Dave]

Bradders, I agree with Julie. Jump in whilst you can and have the enthusiasm.
The advantage you have at the moment is now its winter bikes are cheaper. If you leave until spring prices will only go up.

[matthewmosse]

Thing is most bikes are good because the quality was ace when built. Bear in mind I buy the cheapest old bangers out there and ran them as daily transport on a budget of pence. If your going out with a decent bank balance then your odds are you'll get a decent bike if you just go in with some basic idea of what might warn you of bad news. My most expensive bike ever was a BMW with a slight leak by the gearbox, turned out it was a warning the gearbox was toast, not the worst news ever, but for a commuter bike, spending an extra £500 replacing the clutch and gearbox with all new or recon bits.

[Green1]

Just do it.
Nothing wrong with a US import more or less the same as a UK equivalent to the untrained eye and a lot cheaper 
You can't get simpler or more reliable then a classic Honda 

[Bradders]

Thanks to you all for the advice and encouragement. What a great forum you have, helpful and friendly.

[philward]

Thanks to you all for the advice and encouragement. What a great forum you have, helpful and friendly.

Bradders, have yo seen this - Interesting to see what this goes for - UK model and good basis for resto
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1980-Honda-400-4-CB400F2-V5C-Running-Bike-ideal-Light-Project-Ride-Or-Restore/352558801175?hash=item5216246117:g:y5IAAOSw-iZcLPm-:rk:23:pf:0

[Nurse Julie]

Blimey, that's a late one, 1980 W.

[dave400]

Some 400’s got found in a wharehouse in Italy, my mates other half got a 400 new on a V plate it was the yellow version....nice.

[Bradders]

Interesting. I was going to say I didn’t realise they were made that late. Looks very different to a normal 400/4. What would be the cause of the engine running problems?

[philward]

Blocked carbs due to old petrol residue - most bikes that have been standing for any length of time. Needs carb  strip and clean.

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[Nurse Julie]

Interesting. I was going to say I didn’t realise they were made that late. Looks very different to a normal 400/4. What would be the cause of the engine running problems?

1977 was when manufacture finished. Sounds like the carbs need sorting out for starters, he says the engine is quiet. Looks bloody horrible with that seat and those pipes. Will be interesting to see what it goes for though.

[Nurse Julie]

Front end looks weird with that plastic mudguard and all the wrong headlamp / indicator assembly.

[philward]

I agree ref the looks and depends what it goes for as to whether it's worth buying - could be good basis for rebuild at right price - sell exhausts for decent money to fund standard parts

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[Rob62]

Looks fairly solid, not too much corrosion to contend with... a few non std parts but overall a decent starting point