Various queries - help please!

[XS850]

Hello All - hopefully I can pick the brains of the knowledgeable (please!).

Acquired a CB400F a while ago with the thoughts to rebuild (slowly). Registered May 75 on Frame 102****.  The Engine serial is 108****.

I know Hondas didn’t then have matching frame/engine numbers but the 108**** does seem a bit high for the year so I’m assuming it’s had an engine swap in its lifetime. Is there any difference in the “later” engines compared to the earlier?  If I was to change Crankcase set to an earlier “number” and reuse internals from the later will they all transpose - with new bearings etc?

Second query - the Speedo/tachometer could do with new faces, my Speedo only goes to 110mph - is this correct for the year or should it have a 120mph Speedo?

Thirdly - I have two rear brake levers, both need re-chroming, I know it’d probably be cheaper to replace with a DS (for example) one but would anyone know which one might be original (which I’d prefer to keep)? Both look identical except the footpad “knurling” - one has a definite edge to the knurles (machined?) and the other looks to be a stamped footpad

All help gratefully received thank you - Bruce

[Nurse Julie]

Your VIN and Engine number fit in as not correct combination for a 1975 UK model or USA. Your speedo is incorrect for a 400/4, it sound like you have a 350/4 one fitted.
Edit... Should have added the engines are the same throughout the model years so no benefit in changing it to an earlier one, it won't increase the value of the bike or make it more desirable unless you are doing a concourse restoration.
[ Guests cannot view attachments ]

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

"If I was to change Crankcase set to an earlier “number” and reuse internals from the later will they all transpose - with new bearings etc?"

You will certainly run into issues regarding a crank case switch unless you found  a case with the same bearing code letters in sequence for the main bearings.

[XS850]

Thank you both - Julie, good to know there’s no difference between early & late engines, the number just offends my urge to keep main components (where possible) within the model year.  Not after concourse but close as I can get it for outlay expected. So it looks as if I’ve got an F2 engine in an F frame. Thanks for the Speedo info - more bits to acquire then!
Ted, yes, I’m aware I’ll have to change the shells to match whatever codes are there - this is not going to be a “no expense spare” rebuild but i know it’ll be expensive, it’s for my own future use!
Bruce

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

Hi Bruce, are your rear footpegs on the frame or the swing arm I have been told early models had them on the swing arm. Ted

[XS850]

On the swinging arm Ted - I’ve ridden pillion on one before when they first came out and it’s an “interesting” experience!

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

On the swinging arm Ted - I’ve ridden pillion on one before when they first came out and it’s an “interesting” experience!

Sounds like a built in exercise machine for your legs.

[kent400]

It's possible you have a CB350 Four speedometer fitted and that's easy to identify. Attached an image the both, one on the left the 400 Four one and on the right is 350 Four. In fact you don't need to remove the speedo to check, the trip knobs are different and the the 350 one is secured by a tiny screw while the 400 type and pressed on.

It's more likely to be a speedo from a CB250 or a CJ and that on the underside looks the same. However as both the CB350 four and the CB250 share the same front wheel size as the 400f it should be accurate. Best to use the term accurate loosely as most read 10% fast.

[XS850]

Thanks Kent400 - your pictures marry up with what I’ve got for a CB350 so now on look out for CB400F set of clocks!