50 year 400 four event DS suffolk

[davidcumbria]

Whilst not an owner of these fine bikes myself ( I remember being at uni with the now famous actor Tim mcinnery who had one in 1978 when we had some  500 v 400 discussions) I do think this event might well be of interest on here.

[Johnwebley]

I,and several others from here ventured to the wilds of Suffolk,

It was very enjoyable,

Chance to explore the museum,

Seem to remember it rained both on the way and back!!


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[Laverda Dave]

I intend on going, should be a good day out. Hopefully the spares shop will be open and a discount given for the day 👍

[AshimotoK0]

Should be there with Cathy... don't reckon he will give you any discount off spares though Dave.

[taysidedragon]

Looking forward to meeting any forum members at DSS. I'll probably be wearing my SOHC t-shirt.  Look out for an old git with a limp. That's probably most people there though! 🤣

[AshimotoK0]

Will have my Tiger Tim badge on

[taysidedragon]

Will have my Tiger Tim badge on

😂😂

[Nurse Julie]

Did those of you that went have a good day? If the weather was like it's been here, it was a cracking day for it.

[Laverda Dave]

It was a great day NJ, very warm unlike my ride down to Leiston yesterday when it was horrendous traffic around the north circular and then a very long tailback on the A12. I did the last 50 miles in total darkness apart from a punny 35w single headlight, very scary especially hitting so many potholes!
DSS had a special cake made and everyone had a piece. I counted over 40 400/4’s although there was probably a lot more. The autojumble had crates of 400/4 parts at very reasonable prices. A very good day and I got to meet Ash and we measured the centre band on the DSS 250RSA for Ash to replicate on his rebuild.
I'll post some photos in the next couple of days.
On thing for sure though, I'm too old to be doing 130+ miles in a day holding 70mph on a small bike with a plank for a seat!

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

"Plank for a seat" that made me laugh Dave.

[Nurse Julie]

Ah yes, the plank seat, I remember it well and just the thought makes my back side ache 😂😂😂😂

[Athame57]

I was looking forwards to it so I really wanted to be there, but getting ready this morning bright and early I realised I just wasn't up to it health wise.   I hope those who went had a great time and I look forward to pics!

[Athame57]

Ah yes, the plank seat, I remember it well and just the thought makes my back side ache 😂😂😂😂

But have you had an operation there like I have? You too would learn to ride side saddle ( sort of) 

[AshimotoK0]

Great to meet Laverda Dave at last (thanks for the moral support measuring the RS tank Dave ) plus Chris (Hondasan on here) & Lynne Rushton were there too with two 400F's one of which won best restoration. One of those was the red  Honda Press UK bike JGC 606N as reviewed in 1975 in MCM by John Nutting.

Got talking to a chap who once worked for Gilberts of Catford. They got a batch of 400's after the production had ended from Italy and he bought one in the crate, assembled it but it's never been run, registered and has zero miles on the clock. Much nicer than the 'push miles' yellow one that was auctioned a while back and sold for £15k plus from memory. Won the 'most original unrestored' award of course.

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Below is the  Honda UK Press Bike JGC 606N

Here is the 1975 MCM review. (note USA indicators and rear lamp)

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/ko1moqpxglp1828zbdsl8/CB400F-now-and-then-Review.pdf?
rlkey=0hf7ee92shztmitjzd7zr8hse&st=troc6lid&dl=0

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[Laverda Dave]

That was a lovely bike Ash and a great reference for anyone restoring one of these. In particular the yellow passivated carb parts and the two silencer mounting bolts together with the rear brake lever spindle.
I heard one guy ask him if he kept the crate the bike was delivered in as like a matchbox toy, they are worth more if they have the original box😁.
It was a shame we couldn't get the 250RS out the door before anyone noticed, it would have saved you restoring yours😉.
Julie, I always remember the 400/4 road tests and they all said the seat resembled a plank after 50 miles 🥴. No wonder 2:4 and Gulliari sold so many aftermarket seats to 400/4 owners back in the day! Luckily with my bike being a yellow one I was able to get home faster to ease the pain😉