So just what CB400F is it?

[XS850]

From my post earlier for various help, question about Speedo was answered (thank you) and since purchased “correct” set of clocks - thanks Ted!
Now I’m in a quandary, been researching the age etc of my 400/4 as I’ve seen some publications that show the clock speedo as 110 not 120mph.  I’m now not sure this was a UK bike or maybe a very early demo one brought in.  Registered May 75 with Reg JCD636N which isn’t far different from the “test” bike used for journalists JGC606N.
Would anyone have an idea if this was a non UK bike at all - if so, which market likely to be from?
Minor difference seen so far - 110mph clock (not original possibly, even though it matches the specs after all given in my previous post - push on trip knob/angled rear drive output.  Second area - it’s got a vin plate that doesn’t seem to be recognised anywhere as “usual” for a UK bike and doesn’t match anything else I can find - see photo

[Deano400]

I have used this link before with success to query my 400s.

https://www.honda.co.uk/general-information/contact-us/pan-divisional-contact-us.html

Might be worth asking as they may be able to tell you where that frame was exported to.

[Nurse Julie]

It's a UK bike, but it doesn't mean to say the frame is the original, or the engine is original as it left the factory. VIN plates were fitted on UK 400/4's right from the start of production. That is a standard UK 400/4 VIN plate. The VIN plate is in the correct place fora UK bike and is held on with the correct rivets.
UK production of the F model started with frame number 1007709 and ended with frame number 1073399, so yours being 1026254 is number 26,254 built for the UK market.
Your bike is a standard UK F model frame with an F2 engine.
Sorry, I keep adding things, I'm cooking dinner at the same time 🤣🤣🤣
[ Guests cannot view attachments ]

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

The frame number is also stamped on the frame - does your V5 log book show the same details for frame & engine number?

It's surprising but back in the day a lot of folk did not bother notifying DVLA about a change of chassis number or engine number when it was relatively easy - not like today when you  have VOSA or DVSA inspections with receipts needed for some changes.

[AshimotoK0]

JGC 606N was an import with the larger style indicators.

[honda-san]

400-4's had 130 mph speedo's (as picture) up until frame number 1044029, then 120mph.
110mph speedos are I believe actually 250G5 units.

Also picture of the road test bike JGC 606N as it is today....

Chris R.

[Nurse Julie]

400-4's had 130 mph speedo's (as picture) up until frame number 1044029, then 120mph.
110mph speedos are I believe actually 250G5 units.

Also picture of the road test bike JGC 606N as it is today....

Chris R.

Is it part of your fleet Chris?

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

With a quoted top speed of 103.8 mph 130 was a tad over optimistic.

[XS850]

Thank you for the various replies, most confirm my thinking it’s a UK bike (confirmed by Honda this morning - thank you deano400 for the link).
Nurse Julie - a wealth of info there - thank you (hope dinner wasn’t spoilt!). I’ve searched for an identical vin plate but none come up the same size and “wording”, resigned to making good what I have (as previous post on this) - was thrown a bit by other threads that stated Honda didn’t fit vin plates on UK bikes until it became law (1976 I think.
Ted - yes, stamped on headstock & all marry up with V5, looking for 130 speedo now as Chris R has said. Your set I got I can still use as they’re in much better condition to refurb than my originals
Cheers - Bruce

[XS850]

So, just a thought - is the 120 speedo a re-faced 130 one?  I note the 120 has graduations to 130 but only marked to 120 while the 130 type “stops” at a marked 130 - if I’m going to be nit picking with this rebuild (my usual way 😳) then it’s helpful to know - thanks
Bruce

[honda-san]

One further difference between the early 130mph speedo and the later 120 one is that the 70mph graduation is in orange on the 130 unit.
Julie - yes, I am the current custodian of JGC 606N. I would tell a little more of its "history", but not relevant to this post so maybe the subject of a new topic if anyone interested.

Chris R.

[XS850]

Thanks Chris R - did note the mark at 70, do you know if this was America specific or generalised for UK as well?
Funnily enough, I got the reg of your 400 from a post from here about 4 years ago where published magazine tests were highlighted and yours is of course THE Test bike!  For me, I would love to read more of its history if you feel up to posting it!
Bruce

[honda-san]

UK and US market bikes shared the same speedo's - I do also have an early UK market bike (N-reg) which still has its original 130mph unit with orange 70mph graduation.

Chris R.

[XS850]

Ah, that’s great - thanks for the confirmation! Now to try and find relevant clock faces or speedo 😳
Are you aware of any other small changes that were apparent on the “early” F models apart from the speedo?
Bruce