Honda-SOHC

Thanks everyone for the help and quick responses!

My paint shop confirmed it was simply stuck on unlike the badge decals, and I had suspected the tank had already been resprayed, which is when the other sticker was obviously applied.  Fortunately no damage/filler was detected when they stripped the tank, and its even rust free and now lined  ready for the next 40 years!

Towards the end of last year, I acquired a nice blue (they are the fastest – correct?) 1977 CB400F.

Has been lightly restored in the past, as frame has been powder coated etc, but has a few kinks to iron out.  Joins my 1978 Yamaha XT500F in the garage – which is clearly the opposite end of the spectrum on so many levels, and an original 1990 MX5.  I just love ‘old’ simple technology, which isn’t overpowered and will overwhelm me.  Not that I don’t like power, as in the past, I have owned some terrifyingly fast motorcycles and cars, but I have simply reached the point when I can’t keep up or react at those speeds anymore (yes, I admit it, they scare the pants off me now)!  Less is more in my book.

I never owned a 400/4 as back in the day I was an RD350LC boy in my Dr Martins and Levis (why did I sell that bike for £800 and buy a 2CV???), but friends did and the looks and build quality always appealed.  The difference between the RD and the CB is quite astounding.  How on earth did Mr Honda make any money?  Just the parts needed for all those carburettors, valves etc compared to a 2-stroke twin must have blown the profit margin.  A bit like my VFR which apparently never made any money.

So far, the replacements consist of:

Tyres, tubes and tapes
Battery
Oil, plugs and filters
Switchgear
4 x carb kits   
Throttle cables
Grips
Odds and ends

The engine was running very rich, so the carbs have been in and out a few times for a thorough clean and adjustments.  There was also a flatspot around ¼ to ½ throttle opening and she didn’t want to rev out.  I think I am now about there, but as the tank is off for a repaint, I haven’t been able to road test her yet but at least she now revs freely, and plugs look clean.

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Tank was the only other problem as a PO had stuck a tank protector on using what looked like Araldite, and whilst the protector had been removed, two large blobs of epoxy remained.  For love or money, I couldn’t remove them.  So off to local painters I have used before to rectify and repaint.

Otherwise, I am in the usual debate as to how far to go and restore and do I really need to polish those crankcase covers?  But ultimately, she won’t be a garage queen as have plans for a couple of road trips to Cornwall, Wales and possibly Scotland.  Will keep you all posted on progress.