Author Topic: CB400 4 rebuild Where do I start  (Read 3709 times)

Offline stuartb

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CB400 4 rebuild Where do I start
« on: January 18, 2010, 01:07:25 AM »
Hi, I am in process of starting rebuild on a 1978 400/4..its in poor order cosmetically, but otherwise ran fine till about 5 years ago, hasn't turned a wheel since..  I expect all the usual probs.  However, where do I start...  Do I pull apart, or try and get it running and assess whats required.  I rebuilt a CG125 around 25 years ago and have a mech/eng back ground so pretty handy with the tools..

Any advice would be great.

Thanks  Stuart
02 Blade, Blue and White..  Grotty CB 400/4 and a Grotty 1980 wing

Offline Bryanj

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Re: CB400 4 rebuild Where do I start
« Reply #1 on: January 18, 2010, 05:29:32 AM »
Get it running and maybe MOT'd first then start tydying up

Offline SteveD CB500K0

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Re: CB400 4 rebuild Where do I start
« Reply #2 on: January 18, 2010, 07:26:46 AM »
I'm with Bryan.

Get it running, sort the brakes etc, MOT and ride it around for a while (doesn't matter how ratty it looks).

When (if?) you decide it's the bike for you, then set off on the refurb route (expect to spend
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Offline matthewmosse

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Re: CB400 4 rebuild Where do I start
« Reply #3 on: January 18, 2010, 08:04:44 AM »
I'd also go with getting it running, that gives you the confidence to know what needs attention so you don't either refurbish something that's dead - frustrating, or refurbish/replace something that was fine anyway - expensive.
Got a 500/4 with rust and a sidecar and loadsa bits. nice and original and been round the clock

Offline Spitfire

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Re: CB400 4 rebuild Where do I start
« Reply #4 on: January 18, 2010, 01:24:15 PM »
I would also go down the get it running route at least then you will know what it is that you have.

Cheers

Den
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1977 CB750F2 In bits

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Offline stuartb

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Re: CB400 4 rebuild Where do I start
« Reply #5 on: January 20, 2010, 09:39:34 PM »
Excellent guys TYVM...Ill keep you all informed...Do you know of anyone who is selling good body parts  tank, panels etc


Stuart
02 Blade, Blue and White..  Grotty CB 400/4 and a Grotty 1980 wing

Offline UK Pete

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Re: CB400 4 rebuild Where do I start
« Reply #6 on: January 20, 2010, 10:12:54 PM »
If you do start taking it apart get as many photos as you can. they always come in usefull plus every one loves to see progress in pictures on the forums, i would suggest before you go too far cost up the bits you think you are going to need, i recently started a rebuild/ restoration of a 750, and it stands me in at least 3 times what i wanted to spend already.
 
Pete

Offline stuartb

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Re: CB400 4 rebuild Where do I start
« Reply #7 on: January 21, 2010, 11:18:03 PM »
Sound advice again pete, thanks for that.


Cheers


Stuart
02 Blade, Blue and White..  Grotty CB 400/4 and a Grotty 1980 wing

 

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