Hi from Sheffield, pretty new to Honda's!

[The_TG]

Hi all,

Just an introduction email with some questions on it too!

I've recently inherited a Honda 400f Super Sports.  Its the F model (registered in June 1976) with just over 22,000 on the clock.

It's been buried in a lock up in Chelmsford for the past 27 years and still has a 1987 tax disk!  The engine has been filled with flushing oil and the clutch plate has been held off at the handlebar to prevent it seizing.  I've got a few plans for it (not sure whether to do a custom job on it or restore it) but first things first I need to check that the engine still runs.

All the electrics work (apart from the horn) and it sounds sweet when I kick the engine over.  The plan is to change the oil and filter, plug up a new battery, put in some fresh petrol, check for sparks on all cylinders and hope for the best!  Should I also look at replacing the cam chain tensioner too?  I know these are a weak spot but is the engine an interference engine or not and after 22,000 odd miles, is it going to need doing?  Another question, is it OK on modern unleaded petrol?

Thanks for your help in advance.  I'm a keen motorist (also have a 1991 Porsche 944 3.0 S2 which I regularly grace the relevant forums with questions about!) and have ridden bikes before so I'm looking forward to working on this!

All the best, Tom.

[tom400f]

Hi Tom and welcome.

Must confess, I had to look up what an Interference engine was    suffice to say all these engines are.

You can replace the cam chain tensioner with only removing the head and that can be done without taking the engine out of the frame. It's a good idea to do this at your mileage and you will get some idea of the state of the internals (eg are the cam followers wearing through). The life of these engines depends a lot on how well looked after they were when in general use (and of course whether they were thrashed).

Perhaps a general top-end inspection/refurb (lap in valves, check bores)... it depends on what your ambitions are for the bike (regards condition/usage) but I've inferred you're not diving in to a full strip down initially.

Please post pics

Lots of help available here.

Cheers
Tom

[SteveD CB500K0]

Hi Tom.

All these Hondas work fine on unleaded fuel (and always did).

I've reconditioned / had reconditioned quite a few 70's bikes of all makes over the last few months and every single one of them needed fork seals for the MOT. Most of them also needed a brake clean/refresh (pads and fluid with a thorough cleaning of the calipers). You should budget for that too.

Steve

[tom400f]

Good point. Master cylinder will likely be gummed up too. I used the genuine part from DSS to replace the piston and all seals/clips.

[The_TG]

Hi Tom and welcome.

Must confess, I had to look up what an Interference engine was    suffice to say all these engines are.

You can replace the cam chain tensioner with only removing the head and that can be done without taking the engine out of the frame. It's a good idea to do this at your mileage and you will get some idea of the state of the internals (eg are the cam followers wearing through). The life of these engines depends a lot on how well looked after they were when in general use (and of course whether they were thrashed).

Perhaps a general top-end inspection/refurb (lap in valves, check bores)... it depends on what your ambitions are for the bike (regards condition/usage) but I've inferred you're not diving in to a full strip down initially.

Please post pics

Lots of help available here.

Cheers
Tom

Hi Tom.  Thanks for the message, thats really helpful.  Given it's so easy (I'll quote you on that by the way!!) to access then you're right, its worth an inspection before first start up.  I do know that the bike was very well cared for mechanically and rarely driven hard.  Up until the late 80's it was serviced in line with the handbook and my uncle (who's bike it was) is no Guy Martin!! 

Here's a picture from when I picked it up on Tuesday (surrounded by 1920's Morgan bodywork!):



Thanks, Tom

[The_TG]

Hi Tom.

All these Hondas work fine on unleaded fuel (and always did).

I've reconditioned / had reconditioned quite a few 70's bikes of all makes over the last few months and every single one of them needed fork seals for the MOT. Most of them also needed a brake clean/refresh (pads and fluid with a thorough cleaning of the calipers). You should budget for that too.

Steve

Hi Steve, thanks for the heads up on the fork seals as well as the confirmation on the fuel.  I assume you mean the oil seal rather than the dust seal?  What are the calipers made from?  Is it steel or aluminium?

Good point. Master cylinder will likely be gummed up too. I used the genuine part from DSS to replace the piston and all seals/clips.

Indeed!  The front brake doesn't work at the moment (there's fluid in the master cylinder but no pressure at all from the lever).  I think the bleed nipple is seized and generally the system needs some attention.

This forum is great for advice!  I'll have it up and running in no time! 

Tom

[mickwinf]

welcome and good luck with your bike

[Bitsa (Ralph Wright - RIP)]

Same for me
Cheers
Bitsa

[Bryanj]

The tensioner blade may be OK but the adjuster mechanism can get damaged by a loose chain and that is a bottom crankcase off job, not only is the engine interference it is a big destructo type.  DO NOT run the engine on flushing oil it's way too thin, just do a few quick oil changes using Tesco own brand MINERAL diesel oil 10 w 40. Carbs will probably need a really good clean out and re-setting, new rubbers both sides help as they go hard

[paul G]

Hi Tom,
Welcome you are local to me I live in Brinsworth.
I have a 400 4 and a 550 K3 any questions please fire away.

Regards,

[honstan3]

hi tom, im a newbie as well! with a cb400f-2, and only 18k, with all the old mots, recent purchase,youre in good company here, i like the tank cover, try and check inside the petrol tank to make sure alls well!, are you keeping the rear rack?, as im after one!. good luck.honstan3. and as arnie once said on a beach, oil me back!, cheers.

[Trigger]

Welcome, you will find a ton of info here. Enjoy.

[AshimotoK0]

Welcome from me too (I have '75 400/4)
Looks like a good honest bike that was looked after back 'in the day'

Cheers ..AshD

[mick]

Hello Tom and welcome to the forum :-) cheers Mick.

[UK Pete]

Hi tom a big welcome from me
pete