Honda-SOHC

Y'know, I have to admit that I am slightly biased re. DSS.  I purchased my 400 in 1988, so I am just about getting used to it now. Within a short period, due to my poor storage conditions, it needed a new camchain, new camshaft, and a few rockers. My local dealer in Dagenham at the time did not hold much hope of getting the parts through the official channels.  He gave me the phone number of a chap that had set up a business of buying new/old stock from Hinda dealers.  A quick phone call resulted in me receiving what I needed using the good old fashioned COD method, Remember that???  This man eventually set up a large warehouse in Suffolk, and 22 years ago I moved house to Suffolk, meaning that he is just a 25 minute ride away along some marvellous roads. For my sins, over the past few years, I have played with a couple of obscure Hondas, an American import CL160, along with a 500cc Bacterian Camel, known as an XBR500. During this period, I had the chance to see inside the warehouse, and the amount of stuff carried is bloody ginormous, and for a vast array of Honda models, not just our beloved 400's.  I would imagine, that much of this stuff is not very fast moving off the shelf, and remember, if it's on the shelf, then it ain't in the bank. I remember working in a motor parts distribution warehouse, and seeing the look of glee on a customer's face when he realised that you stocked a very rare part, and the subject of discount was not even mentioned.  In a moment of madness, 2 years ago I bought a GB250 Japanese domestic market only model, some of the bits are common to other models so DSS have been able to help out.  I needed an air filter, the only place that had one was Megazip in Japan, now, if you want ultra expensive along with unbelievable postage costs, that's the place to go.  Regarding magazine articles, I'm old enough to remember the theatrical claims that were published some years ago, so, lots of stuff is re-gurgitated to make column-inches.  This is why we need good forums such as this one.  The rain is getting warmer, so it must be summer, stay safe everyone. Mike.

Whilst this may be good news for some, £1,000 is an awful lot of dosh just for a silencer. I see that DSS has very good pattern ones in stock for £188. Is it worth an extra £800 just to obtain the correct name/number engraving? 

Having the nut as per the photo means you can slide the axle out without having to disturb the exhaust.

Very valid point re. import taxes, postage etc.  Honda UK will not supply you with any parts for a model that was not sold in the UK. The fact that DSS has an American warehouse and ships parts over here negates many of the problems. DSS have even managed to obtain a few parts for my GB250 which is a Japanese domestic model only.

Well here we are, halfway through March, so, the 400 was re-introduced to the wonders of daylight. Last use was late November. After checks on tyres/chain/battery etc., the petrol was turned on and left for about 2 minutes, no drips, OH JOY!.  I had not kept the battery on charge at all, so, seeking forgiveness for all my past sins, it was ignition on and press the starter. Engine turned over about three or four times, and it only bleedin'  started eh?  Couple of trips round the block then back into garage to change oil and filter.  Last time I rode it I had absent mindedly left a key in the steering lock, bad idea.  So,as everything had gone well so far today that I dug out the new replacement I had bought earlier this year.  My bottomless gratitude to all the people who have contributed to this forum on the subject of lock replacement, I wish you had warned me that I needed the Oxford Concise Dictionary of mechanical obscenities!! But I got there eventually. Thanks everybody, have a great weekend.  Mike.

As with all parts, Honda didn't make them Dave, so we think it was a sign from the brake manufacturer that the item has been tested 🤔🤔🤔🤔

  The manufacturer was short sighted, and instead of Honda, he thought it said Hindu.

This is purely a personal opinion, but if you consider your bike to be in very good mechanical and safe  condition, then there is no reason not to use it for touring.  One of my main criteria when riding anywhere is to avoid motorways and similar like the plague. These bikes were more than capable in their heyday, but nowadays we are outgunned by virtually any type of family car being driven by someone who has NOT been taught to drive, only how to pass their test. Plus of course, where is the enjoyment of just riding a motorcycle in a straight line?  I don't do the mileage that I used to years ago, but a couple of times a year I visit a lifelong fellow rider which involves a 140 mile ride from Suffolk to Sussex.  No sat-nav, so it's a case of using a map and plotting a route using minor A and B roads all the way. (Apart from the Dartford crossing!). The following few days are spent touring Kent and Sussex using back roads which is totally what these bikes were made for.  I normally(sic) keep my rev limit to about 7-8.000, but in general I cruise at about 60-65MPH and enjoy the ride and the scenery.  Regarding carrying luggage, the kit that is available nowadays is beyond belief, and bear in mind that the bike was designed to be capable of carrying a pillion passenger, so if you are riding solo, weight of luggage should not be a problem. Spare spark plugs, points and condensers,  clutch cable, fuses, and a good breakdown recovery membership card.  I have listened to many people who have told great stories of riding the length of France without using the Autoroutes. Go and enjoy yourself. Regards, Mike.