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Author Topic: Another 'old' Newbie  (Read 3308 times)

Offline Dave487

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Another 'old' Newbie
« on: October 10, 2015, 09:10:25 PM »
Hi all.
Just joined the forum after recently buying a CB400-4 1976.
I live in south Leicestershire and am a retired Plant Engineer from the textile industry.
I was always interested in bikes and did a bit of circuit racing back in the late 1960s but gave up and took to sailboat racing when the family came along as it seemed to be somewhat cheaper and safer.
After retiring I downsized the house and garage and needed an interest for the winter months when it's too cold to sail so I bought an 87 Yamaha TZR 250. It was almost original but in fairly poor condition so I have done a complete nut and bolt restore and got it on the road in May this year.
It,s really fun to ride short distances but I realise that I don't fold up as easily nowadays and really need something a bit more upright.
The Honda came along by chance and seems to fit the bill for another winter project so I intend to strip and restore it to as near new condition as funds will allow. The bike hasn't been on the road since 2006 and is pretty high mileage at 61k. I got it home, put a battery on it and some oil in the cylinders, gave it a few turns with the kickstart then pressed the starter button and she fired up almost at once with no nasty noises. That's as far as I've gone up to now. It's pretty tatty and will need some re-chroming but all complete as far as I can tell.
Anyway I'm looking forward to getting started and hope that some of you guys can put me right with all the issues that will come up along the way.
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Offline mike the bike

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Re: Another 'old' Newbie
« Reply #1 on: October 10, 2015, 09:17:28 PM »
Welcome to the forum Dave.  You'll get lots of encouragement and advice from us who have restored 400fours, so youve come to the right place.
I hope it all goes well and keep sending in photos and progress reports to keep us entertained.
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Where's that 10mm socket got to?

Offline mick

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Re: Another 'old' Newbie
« Reply #2 on: October 10, 2015, 09:58:02 PM »
Hi Dave and welcome to the forum  ;) cheers Mick.
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Offline RGP750

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Re: Another 'old' Newbie
« Reply #3 on: October 10, 2015, 10:05:14 PM »
Hi Dave
Welcome to the forum
Plenty of help on here ,a good friendly bunch.
Rich
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1972 500/4
1973 CB175
1972 CB175
1959 BSA Super rocket
1927 960cc Matchless 'v' twin
1969 750 K0

Offline Nurse Julie

  • 1977 CB550/4 Mongrel Brat. 1974 UK 500/4 K1. Honda CD250u.
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Re: Another 'old' Newbie
« Reply #4 on: October 10, 2015, 10:09:06 PM »
Welcome Dave.
Lovely to see another 400/4 owner on the forum. Have fun
Julie
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LINK TO MY EBAY PAGE. As many of you know already, I give discount and do post at cost to forum members if you PM me direct.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/julies9731/m.html?item=165142672569&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.m3561.l2562

LINK TO MY CB400/4 ENGINE STRIP / ASSESSMENT AND REBUILD...NOW COMPLETE
http://www.sohc.co.uk/index.php/topic,14049.msg112691/topicseen.html#new

Offline philward

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Re: Another 'old' Newbie
« Reply #5 on: October 10, 2015, 10:21:15 PM »
Welcome Dave
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Current Bikes:-
Honda CB750K2 (1975)
Honda CB500K2 (12/1972)
Honda CR750 Replica (1972)
Honda CB350K0 (1969)
Kawasaki ZZR1100D3 (1995)
Kawasaki ZZR250 (1990) Project (Going on eBay ASAP)

Offline AshimotoK0

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Re: Another 'old' Newbie
« Reply #6 on: October 11, 2015, 06:49:02 AM »
Welcome Dave, Probably more about maintenance (oil changes) than mileage (60k a bit on the  high side  though). I stripped one 400/4 that had done 25k  miles,  8 -owners in ten years and everything was within spec,pretty perfect really. Another one had  a lot less miles but one big end trashed, cam bearing /rockers gauged /pitted, almost certain failure due to oil starvation.
 
Going to Coalville Leics. on business Wednesday and dropping off some more chroming in Hinkley.. he's the best person I have found for chroming.

Service/parts/dealer set up manuals here on my Dropbox

http://www.sohc.co.uk/index.php/topic,8884.msg60526.html#msg60526

Ash
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“Alright friends, you have seen the heavy groups, now you will see morning maniac music. Believe me, yeah. It’s a new dawn.” Grace Slick, Woodstock '69 .. In the year of the Sandcast.

Offline Trigger

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Re: Another 'old' Newbie
« Reply #7 on: October 11, 2015, 01:04:15 PM »
Welcome to the mad world of the SOHC. The 400 is a tough little bitch, with no problems into the red line, enjoy.
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