SOHC.co.uk Forums > CB350/400

Newbie 400 build advise

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beemsquar:
Hello all

I am a newbie to the forum and am just after a bit of advice, this is my first ever proper bike, ( I had a DT50 when I was a young) but I have restored a few classic cars in the past and have always worked on my own vehicles, so I have some mechanical knowledge.

I'm just about to pick up my first honda CB400 super sport 1976 f1 as a restoration project or possible brat tracker project, I haven't decided yet!
The bike is running, but has a lots of parts in boxes so isn't road worthy yet.

I m thinking modify it, as I'm looking for a winter project and have seen some very inspirational 550 cafe racer/brat trackers, but I guess this will be worth more in original spec?

My main questions are mechanical for a first time bike project ...

Are the bolts etc imperial or metric on this year?
Could you recommend an average priced / good quality socket set?
Are there any speciality tools I might need with this honda?

I have a reasonable selection of mechanics tools at the moment, but i'm looking to expand my range. I would also like to know if there are any bike specific tools you guys found have made your lives a lot easier?

I am borrowing a motorcycle bench from my dad, as he has restored a few triumphs in the past.
I am also looking at a cheap parts washer and possibly a soda blaster as I'm planning on doing as much work myself.
I was thinking of doing a complete engine rebuild, but what do you guys think? its currently got 46000 on the clock.

Again I've never taken a bike apart, but I did completely rebuild a Triumph spitfire from the chassis up to a very high standard.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Andy

mike the bike:
Welcome to the forum from a fellow 400four owner.
Go for the single hex 3/8 sockets; they are less likely to round the bolt heads. 
Pt 2 Phillips screwdriver (with the tip ground off) fits the crankcase screws.
Pt 1 Phillips screwdriver
Impact driver for the hard-to-shift screws.
22mm ring spanner/ socket for the rear wheel.
No doubt you'll add to your toolbox as the need arises.
Mike

beemsquar:
Cheers guys!

Good advice on the single hex mike, i have never heard of them before but a quick google search shows they are much better for removing rusty bolts.

I have a snap on 3/4 and a mediocre 3/8 set and a  good 3/8 torque wrench too, but was going to buy a new 3/8 set tomorrow as I don't want to be rounding off bolt heads and damaging a nice new painted frame!   

What do you guys think of this set?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Britool-E031806B-8-inch-Socket-Pieces/dp/B004ZDVF2A

Yeah I would like to strip the motor just to be sure, plus that's part of the fun! Would you upgrade anything while you're in there?
I know I will need a new gasket set and cam chain, what about upgrading the carbs?

Are there any online tutorials or books you would recommend for stripping the engine?
I have a haynes for it and was going to buy a Clymer manual too.

Can you recommend any online specialists to get engine parts from and what would you replace as a minimum?

Thanks again for all your help!!!!

royhall:
Your easiest option for parts is David Silver Spares. Very good online service or phone, not the cheapest but very reliable. Or there's CMS in Holland, and a fair number in Germany plus good old fleabay. Good luck with the build, If you get stuck just ask. Cheers Roy.

mike the bike:
I'd strip the carbs completely and dunk all of the jets, emulsion tubes into an ultrasonic cleaner One of those little jewellery cleaners will do but bigger is better.

As for the socket set, you don't need the whole kit.  You could buy just the sockets you need;
8, 10, 12, 14, 17, 19, 22.
Better than single hex are wall drive sockets.  These grip the walls of the nut or bolt rather than the corners. Like this one...
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Sealey-WallDrive-Socket-17mm-3-8-Square-Drive-Individual-Impact-Socket-S3817-/191412487348?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item2c9112c4b4

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