SOHC.co.uk Forums > CB350/400

What to look out for when buying

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Greg65:
OK wise sage and all knowing ones what would be your advice when looking for a 400 four. I have been reading the forum and getting some idea, I know a chrome exhaust is expensive and feel happy to be able to judge a good and a bad one. However I would like to buy a runner for the summer with the intention then to restore as required over the coming years. So advice in what to look out for, what is easy to fix  and what could be seriously expensive. I am sure there are as many opinions as there are bikes but any advice would be appreciated.

As far as reading material goes I have a Haynes on order. Is there any other books or manuals worth getting?

Thanks.
Greg

mickwinf:
Best to get one with the expensive parts in good condition, like the exhaust and mudguards. At least with the 400 most things are available new or reproduction, so almost anything possible with a deep wallet!

Piki:
Look camchain tensioner bolt!!! very important!!!

Bitsa (Ralph Wright - RIP):
Hi Greg,
Most parts are expensive does not matter what model you are buying but with 400/4 make sure the cam chain tensioner bolt is intact and undoes.The 400 is a nice bike to work on but until you strip it down the engine that is who knows what you will find.The last one I did bought blind nothing but rust and mud kids been dirt tracking on it.When stripping the engine someone had it apart b4 all the 6mm bolts stripped,no base gasket just red shit goo and all fairly knackered.Total rebuild and restore and turned out a nice bike.Make sure your head rules not your heart.
Wish you the best with whatever you get.Cheers
Bitsa

Lobo:
A very good / complete / used original exhaust is worth £700+, very hard to find, and going up in price all the time. Original seat almost impossible - try & buy a bike with a good OEM one. Most other bits ok to source, though as already said, a bike with great OEM chrome bits will drastically reduce your bills.
Enjoy...
Simon

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