Author Topic: My first ride on the 400/4 more like an Ealing Comedy!  (Read 6230 times)

Offline McCabe-Thiele (Ted)

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My first ride on the 400/4 more like an Ealing Comedy!
« on: April 20, 2022, 11:31:42 AM »
So this morning with the battery fully charged decided I would give my bike it's first run around the housing estate behind us.
Firstly I need to make some excuses before I set the scene - the sun is out but it's a chilly morning I manoeuver the bike out of the garage I have found my crash helmet in the bedroom wardrobe right at the back - the last time I rode a bike was on the 19th July 2009 when I parted with my XJ900F. I am now 73 yrs 11 months old.

I get my full face crash helmet and do my best to get it over my head I am met with three obstacles, firstly one of my hearing aids falls off and I can't get it over my spectacles that I did not need in 2009 except for reading. Both hearing aids removed with specs, helmet on then I realise I have forgotten how to fasten the strap throught the two loops.

Helmet removed - test run on fastening the straps - helmet on - still can't fasten the chin strap - into house with the aid of a mirror, helmet is now secured - visor up, feed my specs into the helmet now I can see the driveway ahead. Into first gear I ride off with a bit of a learners low speed wobble - can't find second gear or neutral again. Complete my maiden voyage in 1 st gear and back home.

Lack of gears is due to the rear link striking the rear footrest pivot pin - easy enough fix - no problem - no idea why I did not notice that when I replaced the shift lever.
Safely navigate into the garage and dismount from the bike that is on the centre stand again back on the ramp.

As I stride towards the house well not so much a "stride of pride" more of a hobble as both my hips now ache from the cold plus the stress of keeping balance at a steady 10 mph in first gear for a staggering 5 tenths of a mile. Odd thing is I feel strangely elated and youthful provided I do not try to walk for at least 20 minutes whilst the adrenaline wears off.

Despite this iffy virgin ride I am still high on the experience - plus the brakes actually work!
« Last Edit: April 20, 2022, 11:54:02 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: My first ride on the 400/4 more like an Ealing Comedy!
« Reply #1 on: April 20, 2022, 11:40:52 AM »
Congratulations Ted. It’s a quality test ride account, better than anything I’ve read in the MCN…😀

Offline Bryanj

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Re: My first ride on the 400/4 more like an Ealing Comedy!
« Reply #2 on: April 20, 2022, 11:53:44 AM »
I think thats a fantastic writeup Ted and better luck with the MK 2 testride.
I know age shows up, i have my second stress test on Friday and finding the treadmill more difficult this time round, buggers neglected to tell me it was every 3 years

Offline AndyD

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Re: My first ride on the 400/4 more like an Ealing Comedy!
« Reply #3 on: April 20, 2022, 11:54:37 AM »
Brilliant Ted,
Well done getting the bike up and running and total respect for venturing out on her.
Sure you'll have her out and about again soon, reliving those youthful days.
Cheers,
Andy

Offline McCabe-Thiele (Ted)

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Re: My first ride on the 400/4 more like an Ealing Comedy!
« Reply #4 on: April 20, 2022, 12:00:51 PM »
I think thats a fantastic writeup Ted and better luck with the MK 2 testride.
I know age shows up, i have my second stress test on Friday and finding the treadmill more difficult this time round, buggers neglected to tell me it was every 3 years

Just make sure they do not let you get your heartbeat higher than needed during the test. In 2009 after completeing my second Treadmill Test I had my first heart attack in the grounds of the Derby Royal Hospital immediately afterwards - they let my heart rate hit 186 bpm as I was told to stop taking my Beta Blockers 48 hours earlier. They should have terminated the test when I reached 136 I found out later.
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 Nurse Julie

  • 1977 CB550/4 Mongrel Brat. 1974 UK 500/4 K1. Honda CD250u.
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Re: My first ride on the 400/4 more like an Ealing Comedy!
« Reply #5 on: April 20, 2022, 12:41:45 PM »
That is fantastic Ted and so very, very funny🤣🤣🤣🤣
LINK TO MY EBAY PAGE. As many of you know already, I give 10% discount and do post at cost to forum members if you PM me direct.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/julies9731/m.html?item=165142672569&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.m3561.l2562

LINK TO MY CB400/4 ENGINE STRIP / ASSESSMENT AND REBUILD...NOW COMPLETE
http://www.sohc.co.uk/index.php/topic,14049.msg112691/topicseen.html#new

Offline K2-K6

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Re: My first ride on the 400/4 more like an Ealing Comedy!
« Reply #6 on: April 20, 2022, 12:47:49 PM »
Cracking work Ted, exiting too now that you've got out for a sample ride. :)

Offline Bryanj

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Re: My first ride on the 400/4 more like an Ealing Comedy!
« Reply #7 on: April 20, 2022, 01:13:22 PM »
You stay on all meds now, but thanks for the info

Offline Laverdaroo

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Re: My first ride on the 400/4 more like an Ealing Comedy!
« Reply #8 on: April 20, 2022, 01:44:10 PM »
Congratulations Ted. It’s a quality test ride account, better than anything I’ve read in the MCN…😀
I'll 2nd that! ;D ;D ;D

Bloody marvelous Ted and a top read to boot. Glad you've had the first 'soul reviver' since 2009 (but get yerself a new crash hat that needs binning as its well over ten years old mate!)
First gear or not, it moved....... with you on it after a mammoth effort, good on yer mate. Have a brew and a quiet 'fizz' in a chair and then get out there and write yourself a snagging list of tweeks and fettles, its deffo game on now! 8)

So chuffed you got out make, made me smile from ear to ear;) :) :) :)
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 Moorey

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Re: My first ride on the 400/4 more like an Ealing Comedy!
« Reply #9 on: April 20, 2022, 02:25:20 PM »
Eagerly awaiting the adventures of 2nd gear.. well done.  👍

Offline McCabe-Thiele (Ted)

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Re: My first ride on the 400/4 more like an Ealing Comedy!
« Reply #10 on: April 20, 2022, 02:41:37 PM »
Congratulations Ted. It’s a quality test ride account, better than anything I’ve read in the MCN…😀
I'll 2nd that! ;D ;D ;D

Bloody marvelous Ted and a top read to boot. Glad you've had the first 'soul reviver' since 2009 (but get yerself a new crash hat that needs binning as its well over ten years old mate!)
First gear or not, it moved....... with you on it after a mammoth effort, good on yer mate. Have a brew and a quiet 'fizz' in a chair and then get out there and write yourself a snagging list of tweeks and fettles, its deffo game on now! 8)

So chuffed you got out make, made me smile from ear to ear;) :) :) :)

What I need to replace my £208 Everoak Classic composite crash helmet that I bought at huge expense in 1995 when I bought the XJ?

It will be bad enough when I fork out for new boots & leathers to try & look the part and keep my body temperature the right side of 98.4 F.
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: My first ride on the 400/4 more like an Ealing Comedy!
« Reply #11 on: April 20, 2022, 02:51:51 PM »
Yup, the very one

I had all my old Arai’s filled with compost and plants and hung them as hanging baskets at one point
What size hoof are you,  I’ve loads of boots, some new. (Used to be a buyer for one of the big groups a while ago and got a few samples knocking about I think in the lock up) summut might fit you.


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?))

Offline Laverda Dave

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Re: My first ride on the 400/4 more like an Ealing Comedy!
« Reply #12 on: April 20, 2022, 04:12:28 PM »
Great start to your 'Born again' years Ted.
Time to dump that 27 year old lid though :o. I always find AGV's fit my head just right, Arai's pinch my forehead. Tip if you wear glasses, put the lid on and then feed the glasses in then do up the chin strap, I dont know why but I cannot get my glasses on if I do the chin strap up first.
If you want comfort buy a heated jacket, they wire straight into your battery, get the one with sleeves the vest ones leave your arms cold! And if you can afford it get the controller for it, that way you can turn it up and down easily. I never have mine on above low, its as warm as toast. Mine is a Keis.
1976 Honda 400/4
1977 Rickman Honda CR750
1999 Honda VFR 800FX
1955 750 Dresda Triton
1978 Moto Morini 350 Sport
1978 Honda CB400/4 'Rat' bike
1982 Laverda 120 Jota

Offline McCabe-Thiele (Ted)

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Re: My first ride on the 400/4 more like an Ealing Comedy!
« Reply #13 on: April 20, 2022, 04:14:51 PM »
Yup, the very one

I had all my old Arai’s filled with compost and plants and hung them as hanging baskets at one point
What size hoof are you,  I’ve loads of boots, some new. (Used to be a buyer for one of the big groups a while ago and got a few samples knocking about I think in the lock up) summut might fit you.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I'm a wide size 11 fwiw.
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: My first ride on the 400/4 more like an Ealing Comedy!
« Reply #14 on: April 20, 2022, 04:18:57 PM »
you would be.................nope ::)
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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