Some assistance re venders...

[Oddjob]

Have you compared the new ones to the old ones Mike?

Are the bars still genuine Honda? they should be drilled for the switchgear to position correctly, if they are not the genuine bars you can position the switchgear too far onto the bars and then the grip won't reach.

[Mikep328]

TOTALLY MY ERROR!

It occurred to me that I didn't use much lubricant, maybe I had compressed the grip while installing - I pushed pretty hard from the end at one point.  So I went back, removed the grips (PITA) and reinstalled using more lubricant.  They fit as they should! 

Yes, they are the original bars with the locating holes/wire holes, etc.  I removed my previous post to avoid criticizing someone who didn't deserve it.  But the brake bleeder fitting from Honda Classics definitely does not seat in my caliper, the hex head bottoms before bleeder seals.

[Oddjob]

I've got some bleed nipples for those type of calipers that fit so they must be available from somewhere.

[Mikep328]

I see that the ones DSS carries appear longer in the threaded area - like my original - than the one from Honda Classics.  Maybe I'll order one from DSS...or just clean up the original! 

[Mikep328]

FWIW, I received a bleeder screw from Nurse Julie which DOES fit/seal my OEM caliper.  It is 2mm longer than one from Honda Classics.  Not sure what caliper the HondaClassic screw fits.  It allegedly fits the '76 400 four but it didn't seal when "bottomed" on mine.

[teenybop1]

FWIW, I received a bleeder screw from Nurse Julie which DOES fit/seal my OEM caliper.  It is 2mm longer than one from Honda Classics.  Not sure what caliper the HondaClassic screw fits.  It allegedly fits the '76 400 four but it didn't seal when "bottomed" on mine.

Probably a kawasaki 

[Nurse Julie]

FWIW, I received a bleeder screw from Nurse Julie which DOES fit/seal my OEM caliper.  It is 2mm longer than one from Honda Classics.  Not sure what caliper the HondaClassic screw fits.  It allegedly fits the '76 400 four but it didn't seal when "bottomed" on mine.

Great, I'm pleased you got it sorted. I knew it would fit as long as it was a standard caliper that hadn't been tampered with.

[Mikep328]

OK...As you know I am very new here and to Honda CB400s so it may not seem to appropriate for a total new guy to complain about a vendor but of the three items I ordered from HondaClassic, two did not fit.  The bleeder screw, already discussed, and - this morning - the "close throttle" cable.  The open throttle cable fit correctly into the OEM switchgear/throttle but the ferrule on the close cable is too large diameter-wise to fit into the receptacle for it.  I can work the ferrule down with a file or sandpaper to fit but, of course, that shouldn't be necessary with a part that is supposed to fit a specific motorcycle.  So the bike has a new open throttle cable and the original close throttle cable. 

[teenybop1]

Over the past couple of years, I posted regular updates on the ongoing issues I was experiencing with a well known honda restoration company (that's currently for sale).
The latest chapter, is that, having spent in excess of £4000 including shipping to and from this workshop, the bike was eventually returned in a shocking state of repair.
It was immediately obvious that there was major issues with the standard of repair. The owner of this company claims to be enthusiast who craves originality.
Following emails pointing out the problems found on return, I took some time out to see where to go next.
I then decided that I would ship the bike to a workshop in leyland. I've just been informed that the bike has been returned from Daventry with the carburetors missing parts etc, im waiting on a full report on exactly what happens next.
The pics of the carbs I was sent during the rebuild are not the carbs fitted to the bike, clearly the fuel lines are completely different.
The upshot is once I find out just what's needed I may be looking for a set of carbs to use as spare parts.
Every email has been saved regarding the job and what was required, not corners were to be cut.
There's been times during this period that I have come close to throwing in the towel, I might yet,who knows.
Be careful with some venders, there's some good, some not so good, then there's some out and out crooks, unfortunately mine was the latter, might be ok for supplying a throttle cable, but not much else. Wish I had done more homework before I started this journey or found this forum 1st woulda saved much anguish, money and frustration

[SteveD CB500K0]

Quite a salutary tale.

I guess the only way we can help on this forum is to ask “how can we help?”


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Johnny4428]

Absolutely shocking way your project has been treated. Cant believe the betrayal of trust you put in some so called expert. Hope you get sorted! Suing is likely expensive action to take. Nice picture of the three fours by the way.

[Laverda Dave]

That's a terrible story to hear. I feel your pain, when you pay a lot of money for an expert to build you a roadworthy and reliable bike but what you eventually receive is something else your faith in human nature takes a hit. I remember when I was 17 and my Honda CB160 blew a head gasket I took it to a well known dealer to fix it. After a couple of weeks it was ready for collection. On the ride home it was gutless so I rode it back to the dealer where I was told they 'did the best the could with an old bike'. This is reason why I try to do everything myself now unless the job requires special tools such as a rebore or crank grind, repaint, chrome etc. Having said all that I still got caught again 20 years ago and ended up with a bike that was unrideable and dangerous.
Hope you get it sorted before the end of summer.

[Oddjob]

Not trying in the slightest to defend the restorers but if I had been doing the carbs I'd have replaced the fuel pipe as well. You need to as the old pipe won't resist ethanol fuels we use these days. So you need to replace not only the fuel lines but the orings inside the carbs with stuff that will.

I'd be interested in seeing what the missing parts are, not that many that can be missing and have the carbs still working properly.

[teenybop1]

Absolutely shocking way your project has been treated. Cant believe the betrayal of trust you put in some so called expert. Hope you get sorted! Suing is likely expensive action to take. Nice picture of the three fours by the way.

Hi Steve, thanks for the reply, the help I get is being able to come to the forum and vent. The personal messages I've had from members is much appreciated and has helped me not to throw the towel in with the bike. Cheers Peter

[teenybop1]

Not trying in the slightest to defend the restorers but if I had been doing the carbs I'd have replaced the fuel pipe as well. You need to as the old pipe won't resist ethanol fuels we use these days. So you need to replace not only the fuel lines but the orings inside the carbs with stuff that will.

I'd be interested in seeing what the missing parts are, not that many that can be missing and have the carbs still working properly.

Hi, I don't know if you recall I posted some pics of the carbs I was sent from the restorer, all new fuel pipes etc, those carbs were not on the bike on its return!!! Trust me, the pics of before and after were not from my bike. Guys a charlatan, he may be OK for selling a spark plug or some obscure part that's sitting gathering dust, before he bolts, but try finding a running restoration that's been done by them,, Oh and the engine paint is another story.. I'm happy to share the emails from over 2 years, dealing with this crook, angry doesn't come close,taking me all my time not to do a 700mile round trip for a wee chat and a straightener, it's a Glasgow friendly greeting,, :-) cheers Peter