Honda CB400N Super Dream any good?

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

 

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

I've been to look at a 400NA Superdream today and done a deal with the owner.

I'll post some photos when I take delivery, not sure if a project thread here fits the criteria for Steve.

[Johnny4428]

Heh heh! Well done Ted! Good luck with that one.

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

The 500 was going to be my last project, at least this one should be more of a money puddle than a money pit - that's what I told Wendy anyway.

[Rozabikes Tim]

Well done and why not do a thread. Its a SOHC Honda.

Be good to follow something different.

Wasn't from Matlock was it?

[SteveD CB500K0]

Go for it Ted.


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[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

Well done and why not do a thread. Its a SOHC Honda.

Be good to follow something different.

Wasn't from Matlock was it?

I will disclose the location after delivery.
I will pop it on a new project thread.

[AshimotoK0]

I am just hoping it's the one that Charlie at Oxford classics is selling .. cos it's a lovely example with tons of potential and wont give the buyer loads of heartache IMHO.

[Mike_Berkshire]

Great to read this Ted! Congratulations :-)

[Rozabikes Tim]

Well done and why not do a thread. Its a SOHC Honda.

Be good to follow something different.

Wasn't from Matlock was it?

I will disclose the location after delivery.
I will pop it on a new project thread.

The suspense is killing me.

Think we need a round of 20 questions 😜

[Laverda Dave]

Thinking ahead Ted, if the balance chain is worn (and you'll probably replace it anyway) and if it's anything like the chain used used in the CB250RS, you will find it is an odd size. The original is very expensive (CMSNL had a CB250RS chain at something like £260+!!!). I sent my old chain to Andy Chain and he matched it up to a Go-Kart chain. He supplied a top spec gold DID chain cut and riveted to the correct length fir about £40.

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

Thinking ahead Ted, if the balance chain is worn (and you'll probably replace it anyway) and if it's anything like the chain used used in the CB250RS, you will find it is an odd size. The original is very expensive (CMSNL had a CB250RS chain at something like £260+!!!). I sent my old chain to Andy Chain and he matched it up to a Go-Kart chain. He supplied a top spec gold DID chain cut and riveted to the correct length fir about £40.

Thanks for that advice Dave, that chain of yours was good value, the bike is a runner & rider having had the brake calipers sorted - there are bills from the owner for a substantial engine re-build by a firm that cost £1700 some 10k miles ago iirc plus invoices for a fortune spent by the PO in distant & recent years. It might change but at the moment I'm thinking the engine is okay hard to know until the exhuast blow on the balancer box is fixed - needs some cosmetic painting to the engine unit. Seat comes with a good base & new unfitted cover. Body work that is a non standard colour might clean up okay.

My thoughts are to dismantle most of it see if it really needs a frame paint, powder coat the fork ears that probably need re-chroming but I'm being sensible (today) with spending as they are not a high value bike when finished. The Comstar wheels are clean enough but a bit dull - might be worth looking at re-anodising type options or just call it Patina. Lots of bits that I will change like the braided brake lines - I like the standard look.

There is a variety of spare engine casings, parts that came from the last but one owner plus some new boxed parts purchased ready for fitting. He has another bike that needs some mainly cosmetic fettling a Yamaha 1300 that he wants to spend his limited time on as he works away all week. I would not hold him to his offer to give him first refusal to buy the bike back but it seemed a genuine request not BS. It needs at least one new tyre due to age.

[andy120t]

Looking forward to a picture or two!

I had a CB900F for a couple of years. I love the 'Euro' styling but it was a big old bus and to heavy for me to push around the garage - although the moment it started riding it was fabulous and very light and well balanced. The Superdreams (preferably in silver!) have similar styling but far less bulky and less engine weight. I've always liked the look of them.

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

I am just hoping it's the one that Charlie at Oxford classics is selling .. cos it's a lovely example with tons of potential and wont give the buyer loads of heartache IMHO.

I had a provisional price/ ball park figure  on that one - it was above my budget so I may repent at leisure.

[AshimotoK0]

I am just hoping it's the one that Charlie at Oxford classics is selling .. cos it's a lovely example with tons of potential and wont give the buyer loads of heartache IMHO.

I had a provisional price/ ball park figure  on that one - it was above my budget so I may repent at leisure.

Fair do's ... I suppose it was a little too good for a restoration project Ted. He always prices bikes reasonably though .. sometimes a bit low in fairness to him.