Author Topic: 1977 400F2 first restore project  (Read 22572 times)

Offline smoothoperator

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Re: 1977 400F2 first restore project
« Reply #210 on: April 04, 2022, 06:26:31 PM »
Thanks for the words of encouragement guys, it's appreciated. Bryan, on the twisting method, do you do that with the bolts slackened, then tighten after getting alignment, or is it done after initial tightening. We used a similar method back in the day after one of our many minor tumbles, but I don't recall if we slackened off the pinch bolts first, in fact there are a lot of things I don't remember.
Steve
2017 Triumph Bonneville T100
1977 Honda 400 Four Restored April 2022

Offline Trigger

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Re: 1977 400F2 first restore project
« Reply #211 on: April 04, 2022, 06:58:39 PM »
Thanks for the words of encouragement guys, it's appreciated. Bryan, on the twisting method, do you do that with the bolts slackened, then tighten after getting alignment, or is it done after initial tightening. We used a similar method back in the day after one of our many minor tumbles, but I don't recall if we slackened off the pinch bolts first, in fact there are a lot of things I don't remember.

Just slacken off the top yoke pinch bolts  ;)

Offline smoothoperator

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Re: 1977 400F2 first restore project
« Reply #212 on: April 05, 2022, 07:51:35 AM »
Cheers Trigger  :)
Steve
2017 Triumph Bonneville T100
1977 Honda 400 Four Restored April 2022

Offline Trigger

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Re: 1977 400F2 first restore project
« Reply #213 on: April 05, 2022, 11:33:43 AM »
Engine looks a lot better than when i see it in the boot of your car in Peterborough  ::)

Offline smoothoperator

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Re: 1977 400F2 first restore project
« Reply #214 on: June 05, 2022, 10:40:54 AM »
540 miles done, changed the oil and filter at 500. I've had the plugs out a few times to check the mixture and bit by bit making adjustments to the airscrews. Put a new DS (Brituro) silencer on which I'm very happy with, especially now that the rattling baffle has gone. It did change the mixture though, leaner, so I'm still tweaking. Throttle response is now good with the revs settling back quickly to tickover after revving. I have been up to 7000 rpm, it certainly makes an induction roar when accelerating hard through 6000 rpm, it did bother me at first but I'm getting used to it now! I also had a bit of a misfire which became more noticeable when riding harder, but happily this has completely gone after replacing the plug caps on 2 and 3 with the elusive NGK XD05F's. The search for the next project has begun!
Steve
2017 Triumph Bonneville T100
1977 Honda 400 Four Restored April 2022

Offline McCabe-Thiele (Ted)

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Re: 1977 400F2 first restore project
« Reply #215 on: June 05, 2022, 02:06:44 PM »
540 miles done, changed the oil and filter at 500.

Nice one Steve 540 miles that's impressive - I'm still stuck at 1.4 miles - as soon as the weather breaks I hope to have a ride out out to Ashbourne or similar as I need to know it will get me to Crich & back.
So what is your next project going to be staying with Honda?
Honda CB500 K1 (new pit dug out ready)
Honda CB400 four super sport (first money pit)
Link to my full restoration http://www.sohc.co.uk/index.php/topic,23291.0.html

Offline smoothoperator

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Re: 1977 400F2 first restore project
« Reply #216 on: June 06, 2022, 10:48:29 AM »
Maybe a 500 or 750, non Honda would be a Yamaha RD 400, reliving the seventies again. Other than that I'm fairly open but I do want something that is fun to ride. I don't have room for another bike yet so I plan to enjoy the 400 over the summer then take a look at what's about.
Steve
2017 Triumph Bonneville T100
1977 Honda 400 Four Restored April 2022

Offline McCabe-Thiele (Ted)

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Re: 1977 400F2 first restore project
« Reply #217 on: June 06, 2022, 08:13:08 PM »
Maybe a 500 or 750, non Honda would be a Yamaha RD 400, reliving the seventies again. Other than that I'm fairly open but I do want something that is fun to ride. I don't have room for another bike yet so I plan to enjoy the 400 over the summer then take a look at what's about.

Is that a 2 stroke  or a 4 stroke I do not know my Yamahas asside from RD 250's etc ?
I've ridden a 305 GT I think it was Yamaha  with Ape Hangers it was mental. I am led to believe the spares are very expensive.

Honda CB500 K1 (new pit dug out ready)
Honda CB400 four super sport (first money pit)
Link to my full restoration http://www.sohc.co.uk/index.php/topic,23291.0.html

Offline Oddjob

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Re: 1977 400F2 first restore project
« Reply #218 on: June 06, 2022, 08:55:25 PM »
RD400 was a surprisingly quick 2 cylinder 2 stroke Ted. An upgrade on the RD250 which was very popular in the early 80s. IIRC it looked identical except for the twin front discs.
Kids in a the back seat cause accidents.
Accidents in the back seat cause kids.

Offline McCabe-Thiele (Ted)

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Re: 1977 400F2 first restore project
« Reply #219 on: June 06, 2022, 09:49:47 PM »
RD400 was a surprisingly quick 2 cylinder 2 stroke Ted. An upgrade on the RD250 which was very popular in the early 80s. IIRC it looked identical except for the twin front discs.

Sounds like a great bike my  mates 305GT  if I have the name right was impressive - I rode it in 1977 I still remember clinging to the rubber mounted bars in fear as I took off!
« Last Edit: June 07, 2022, 09:42:53 AM by McCabe-Thiele (Ted) »
Honda CB500 K1 (new pit dug out ready)
Honda CB400 four super sport (first money pit)
Link to my full restoration http://www.sohc.co.uk/index.php/topic,23291.0.html

Offline Sesman

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Re: 1977 400F2 first restore project
« Reply #220 on: June 07, 2022, 07:43:00 AM »
YM1:305GT Big Bear. A rare beast indeed.

Offline Oddjob

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Re: 1977 400F2 first restore project
« Reply #221 on: June 07, 2022, 12:54:34 PM »
Very dated look compared to the RD400 though, never a 2 stroke fan myself but the RD400 was an impressive bit of kit. The RD500 was pretty impressive as well, got to ride one on a test ride after servicing it, long first gear and not comfortable around town but went well  ;D ;D
Kids in a the back seat cause accidents.
Accidents in the back seat cause kids.

Offline Sesman

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Re: 1977 400F2 first restore project
« Reply #222 on: June 07, 2022, 01:00:36 PM »
Yes, agree. I think the last coffin tank 400 was the best.

Offline Bryanj

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Re: 1977 400F2 first restore project
« Reply #223 on: June 07, 2022, 05:49:46 PM »
It was the over 100 in 3rd that got me on the RD500 i set up

Offline K2-K6

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Re: 1977 400F2 first restore project
« Reply #224 on: June 07, 2022, 06:24:44 PM »
Yes, agree. I think the last coffin tank 400 was the best.

Definitely a very good bike, looked after and rode extensively a friend's one (last I think 400 E) so much fun and very different from the Honda, a huge contrast.
I liked the earlier type brake calipers of twin piston much like the TZ of the time, but they put single piston sliding caliper on the E and lost a bit of race cachè in my view, still an effective brake system though.
A real classic I feel.

 

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