Author Topic: CB400f-Servicing and General repairs + Wheel removal. Lifts and stands ??  (Read 2509 times)

Offline 400 Cafe Racer

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Hi Guys,

You guessed it - my good lady said "what would you like for Christmas". ;D ;D ;D

Since I am only back into biking for the past 3 yrs, I haven't invested into any special kit for balancing/lifting the bike to do work.
I was trying to get the benefit of your experience on what works well for lifting/suspending the 400f to do:

1. Work with the bike suspended about 1 foot from the ground with both wheels free, using a central lift from the sump and tubular frame area. This would be my preferred option if there is a suitable piece of kit.

My experience while improvising with a trolley jack is that the centre of gravity is well forward, and jacking there results in lifting the rear wheel, rather than the front, with a tendency for the bike to tip forwards. Blocks are needed to clear the exhaust pipes near the frame.  Would  straps onto a lift platform achieve a satisfactory balance ?


2. And if using pit type stands, would the removal of the front wheel  present problems due to the fork cap and spindle design.?

What works well for you on your 400f. ;) :)

Appreciate your experience on this type of kit.

Thanks

Dennis
Retired Automotive Engineer   MIMI, MITRE, DMS, MCMI.

Latest    - 1979 CB400/4  Cafe Racer - Parakeet Yellow
              - 1939 Velocette GTP 250 twin port Two stroke

1988-91 - Lamborghini Countach QV replica design and
                 build - 3000hr spare time project

In 1956 at 12yrs old and dirt tracking
              - 1937 Rudge 500 4 valve
              - 1940s Royal Enfield 225sv
              -  Ex WD Norton 500sv

Offline billdn

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Re: CB400f-Servicing and General repairs + Wheel removal. Lifts and stands ??
« Reply #1 on: November 12, 2021, 05:49:06 PM »
Hi ,I invested in a lift called Easy Rizer, not cheap but leaves both wheels off ground and lifts to good height so no more aching back or floor scrabbling. 

Offline billdn

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Re: CB400f-Servicing and General repairs + Wheel removal. Lifts and stands ??
« Reply #2 on: November 12, 2021, 05:53:03 PM »
https://youtu.be/tKh6d7RPiag

Try this link.
Cheers
Bill

Offline 400 Cafe Racer

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Re: CB400f-Servicing and General repairs + Wheel removal. Lifts and stands ??
« Reply #3 on: November 12, 2021, 06:34:13 PM »
https://youtu.be/tKh6d7RPiag

Try this link.
Cheers
Bill

Thanks Bill, ;D

The link is very useful and I can see the range of models they offer.  I will keep this one in mind.

Was yours the blue or red design ?

How did you secure it when lifting ?

Thanks

Dennis
Retired Automotive Engineer   MIMI, MITRE, DMS, MCMI.

Latest    - 1979 CB400/4  Cafe Racer - Parakeet Yellow
              - 1939 Velocette GTP 250 twin port Two stroke

1988-91 - Lamborghini Countach QV replica design and
                 build - 3000hr spare time project

In 1956 at 12yrs old and dirt tracking
              - 1937 Rudge 500 4 valve
              - 1940s Royal Enfield 225sv
              -  Ex WD Norton 500sv

Offline Laverdaroo

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Re: CB400f-Servicing and General repairs + Wheel removal. Lifts and stands ??
« Reply #4 on: November 12, 2021, 06:37:47 PM »
put it on its centre stand so the back wheel is off the floor and suspend the front with a strop from the bars to the ceiling...cheap and simple and it'lll never move. That way you can have some shiny spanners in your stocking  as well!

 8)
Mornings are the invention of the devil!

1977 CB550F (current money pit!!)
2002 VFR800 VTEC (The Beloved)
1977 CB400F (the last money pit!)
1998 Ducati 748\853 conversion(sold :()
1980 ish CB750KZ in a billion bits (need to get rid, anybody want one?))

Offline 400 Cafe Racer

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Re: CB400f-Servicing and General repairs + Wheel removal. Lifts and stands ??
« Reply #5 on: November 12, 2021, 06:51:53 PM »
put it on its centre stand so the back wheel is off the floor and suspend the front with a strop from the bars to the ceiling...cheap and simple and it'lll never move. That way you can have some shiny spanners in your stocking  as well!

 8)

Hi Laverdaroo,

Defo a cheap option to keep in mind.
I've just done a quick garage survey of roof supports in the garage. Span of 3mtrs of 6"x2" wood beams 15"spaced for the "Sky Hooks" to screw into , supporting a flat roof.

What do you recon ??

Thanks :)

Dennis
Retired Automotive Engineer   MIMI, MITRE, DMS, MCMI.

Latest    - 1979 CB400/4  Cafe Racer - Parakeet Yellow
              - 1939 Velocette GTP 250 twin port Two stroke

1988-91 - Lamborghini Countach QV replica design and
                 build - 3000hr spare time project

In 1956 at 12yrs old and dirt tracking
              - 1937 Rudge 500 4 valve
              - 1940s Royal Enfield 225sv
              -  Ex WD Norton 500sv

Offline billdn

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Re: CB400f-Servicing and General repairs + Wheel removal. Lifts and stands ??
« Reply #6 on: November 12, 2021, 07:34:39 PM »
https://youtu.be/tKh6d7RPiag

Try this link.
HI,  went for the red one, blue more for Harleys etc. No need to fix to floor , free standing , brackets go over foot rests but bit of jiggery pokery required around olive pan area, wedge block of wood - I'll take some pics of mine in use. 👍
Cheers
Bill

Thanks Bill, ;D

The link is very useful and I can see the range of models they offer.  I will keep this one in mind.

Was yours the blue or red design ?

How did you secure it when lifting ?

Thanks

Dennis

Offline billdn

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Re: CB400f-Servicing and General repairs + Wheel removal. Lifts and stands ??
« Reply #7 on: November 12, 2021, 07:35:44 PM »
Oops read oil not olive 😬

Offline Laverdaroo

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Re: CB400f-Servicing and General repairs + Wheel removal. Lifts and stands ??
« Reply #8 on: November 12, 2021, 07:36:15 PM »
Grab a suitable strop with a ratchet mech, (easier  and safer if you're on your own) and make sure the hooks go around the bar diameter and take up the tension just making sure to not scratch the granny out of your bars.
   place as required on under the bars and crack on, it will be a level lift. If you cant get any with big enough hooks, use two smaller strops and just form a loop on either joist and put over the bar ends.

Your joists sound more than up to it but to spread the weight just chuck your single strop over two joists it'll spread the weight a bit if youre worried, it also allows a bit more space if your working around the bars during the fettling period and off the floor.

Just be careful hoisting the bike up with the strop on the twistgrip. Old plastic twist grips wont handle it and may crush so if you can, get the strops on the bar metal, it just reduces  the 'Please make that just didnt happen' moments ;) :D 8)
Mornings are the invention of the devil!

1977 CB550F (current money pit!!)
2002 VFR800 VTEC (The Beloved)
1977 CB400F (the last money pit!)
1998 Ducati 748\853 conversion(sold :()
1980 ish CB750KZ in a billion bits (need to get rid, anybody want one?))

Offline McCabe-Thiele (Ted)

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Re: CB400f-Servicing and General repairs + Wheel removal. Lifts and stands ??
« Reply #9 on: November 12, 2021, 07:37:40 PM »
I would not stress a flat roof if it's a single garage putting a steel joist across is better. Why not push the boat out and get a proper bike  ramp or a riser as stated previously.
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 Laverdaroo

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Re: CB400f-Servicing and General repairs + Wheel removal. Lifts and stands ??
« Reply #10 on: November 12, 2021, 07:42:21 PM »
Aaah, now I was assuming it was a pitched roof on the garage as my shed is a pitch and I hang Chewy off with no prob's and its made from dehidrated balsawood from Mr Shed or something ;D. Mmmm, if its a flat roof be careful or bob an acro in ;D
Mornings are the invention of the devil!

1977 CB550F (current money pit!!)
2002 VFR800 VTEC (The Beloved)
1977 CB400F (the last money pit!)
1998 Ducati 748\853 conversion(sold :()
1980 ish CB750KZ in a billion bits (need to get rid, anybody want one?))

Offline 400 Cafe Racer

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Re: CB400f-Servicing and General repairs + Wheel removal. Lifts and stands ??
« Reply #11 on: November 12, 2021, 09:01:40 PM »
Thanks Laverdaroo and Ted,

I can see the obvious concerns, its good to get your points of view though.

At this stage I am just weighing up what you guys use and seeing what comes up.

Cheers ;)

Dennis
Retired Automotive Engineer   MIMI, MITRE, DMS, MCMI.

Latest    - 1979 CB400/4  Cafe Racer - Parakeet Yellow
              - 1939 Velocette GTP 250 twin port Two stroke

1988-91 - Lamborghini Countach QV replica design and
                 build - 3000hr spare time project

In 1956 at 12yrs old and dirt tracking
              - 1937 Rudge 500 4 valve
              - 1940s Royal Enfield 225sv
              -  Ex WD Norton 500sv

Offline Laverdaroo

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Re: CB400f-Servicing and General repairs + Wheel removal. Lifts and stands ??
« Reply #12 on: November 12, 2021, 09:47:15 PM »
Preference is always going to be a proper bike bench, they're ace and I wouldnt be without mine now but even second hand ones are dear unless you can catch a bargain. Second hand you're looking at £250+ but once in the shed you realise what good value it is.
Mornings are the invention of the devil!

1977 CB550F (current money pit!!)
2002 VFR800 VTEC (The Beloved)
1977 CB400F (the last money pit!)
1998 Ducati 748\853 conversion(sold :()
1980 ish CB750KZ in a billion bits (need to get rid, anybody want one?))

Offline 400 Cafe Racer

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Re: CB400f-Servicing and General repairs + Wheel removal. Lifts and stands ??
« Reply #13 on: November 12, 2021, 10:08:42 PM »
Preference is always going to be a proper bike bench, they're ace and I wouldnt be without mine now but even second hand ones are dear unless you can catch a bargain. Second hand you're looking at £250+ but once in the shed you realise what good value it is.

Can I ask you what you felt best suited you for your own use now and how well it handles the 400f.

Thanks

Dennis
Retired Automotive Engineer   MIMI, MITRE, DMS, MCMI.

Latest    - 1979 CB400/4  Cafe Racer - Parakeet Yellow
              - 1939 Velocette GTP 250 twin port Two stroke

1988-91 - Lamborghini Countach QV replica design and
                 build - 3000hr spare time project

In 1956 at 12yrs old and dirt tracking
              - 1937 Rudge 500 4 valve
              - 1940s Royal Enfield 225sv
              -  Ex WD Norton 500sv

Offline Laverdaroo

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Re: CB400f-Servicing and General repairs + Wheel removal. Lifts and stands ??
« Reply #14 on: November 12, 2021, 10:22:08 PM »
Well, I spent 25 years grovelling about under bikes and always wanted a lift. When I got Chewy it was always going to be a lift job as I’ve a bit of a dicky hip but I didn’t have the cash until I was ready for reassembly but what a joy!

You can sit on a chair and do engine work and as you don’t have to bend down you don’t drop yer goggles off yer head and have to grovel about trying to hunt with one hand
The 400 fits it well with about 2 foot to spare on the end. Wouldn’t be without it now. I found mine on flea bay and snagged it for £175 as I turned up with it all in fivers so it looked like a good wodge of cash. It’s old but spot on.


Before n after’s, my sheds, 6m x 3.5m and full so it’s a squeeze but worth walking about sideways
The front ends off it there and you can see the strip on the front. That was there for 4 months, no dramas


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Mornings are the invention of the devil!

1977 CB550F (current money pit!!)
2002 VFR800 VTEC (The Beloved)
1977 CB400F (the last money pit!)
1998 Ducati 748\853 conversion(sold :()
1980 ish CB750KZ in a billion bits (need to get rid, anybody want one?))

 

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