Honda-SOHC

So, after 38 years of ownership, it' a parting of the ways for my CB400. Finding it a bit heavy nowadays.  !976 (R) model with 37229 miles on the clock.  This is going to be a bit like War & Peace, so I will spread it over a few posts. Original paint on tank, side panels, and frame. Rear mudguard, chain guard, brake pedal, gear lever, headlamp rim, are original, but re-chromed to a high standard by a local BSA Gold Star specialist. The full exhaust is a genuine Honda item. The front mudguard is an OE item fitted in 2020, but the stays are the originals re-chromed. (better than the ones that came with the guard!). The most I have done to the engine was over 23 years ago, when I had the head and barrels off to renew camchain and rings, rest of engine is untouched. Still has the original clutch.
   Photos in following posts, followed by additional items I am letting go with the bike, all for the 400.

Looking back, I realise that I have owned various Hondas since 1967, and no other make.  Can a leopard change his spots at 78 years old???  The answer is yes, I have just recently broken the mould and now am the proud owner of a Ninja!!!   I am amazed at its performance, ease of use, and even its economy, I have never had so little trouble cooking my burgers and chips to perfection!  It's Friday, the sun is out, plenty of beer in the garage, have a good weekend everyone. Mike.

Greetings people, I am just wondering if anyone has managed to fit a throttle return spring of less strength. I have reached the age now where when riding round twisty lanes that need constant speed changes, my poor old right wrist is starting to give me hell. NO! it's totally unconnected with any nocturnal naughties!!!  Considering that it is fitted with a push-pull cable set up, I cannot see the need for such a strong spring.  I tried one of those 'paddle' gizmos thatb sit under the heel of the thumb, but when pretending to be Hailwood, plenty of front brake and blipping the throttle as you change down it got in the way and was quickly sent on its way to the back of the garage.

As it's Friday, and bloody freezin', I was idly attacking the keyboard, and happened upon the Megazip site.  They are offering 20% discount until midnight tonught, 22/11/24.  Whilst scrolling through I saw they have in stock a genuine 400 cylinder block, I looked at the price and had to go and lay down in a darkened room. I then checked the PayPal exchange rate and it worked out at £2175 after the discount, plus £312 shipping!!!  So, if anyone is rich or drunk enough, they only have one left, and I'm sure it would increase the value of a bike by a couple of quid.
     On the other hand, if some dork can command a fortune for a banana held down with gaffa tape, what's a cylinder block in a glass case going to be worth?
  Have a good weekend everyone. Mike.

Well here we are, halfway through March, so, the 400 was re-introduced to the wonders of daylight. Last use was late November. After checks on tyres/chain/battery etc., the petrol was turned on and left for about 2 minutes, no drips, OH JOY!.  I had not kept the battery on charge at all, so, seeking forgiveness for all my past sins, it was ignition on and press the starter. Engine turned over about three or four times, and it only bleedin'  started eh?  Couple of trips round the block then back into garage to change oil and filter.  Last time I rode it I had absent mindedly left a key in the steering lock, bad idea.  So,as everything had gone well so far today that I dug out the new replacement I had bought earlier this year.  My bottomless gratitude to all the people who have contributed to this forum on the subject of lock replacement, I wish you had warned me that I needed the Oxford Concise Dictionary of mechanical obscenities!! But I got there eventually. Thanks everybody, have a great weekend.  Mike.

Y'know, I've owned my 400 for nearly 35 years now, and early this year I replaced the whole front brake system except the disc.   Early this week it suddenly developed the previously talked about sound effect of a pig being dragged along by its wotsits.  2nd bike was occupying the ramp so it was a quick 45 minute curving of the 75 year old spine to split the calliper, scuff the pads, and brutalise the disc surfaces a little. Managed this without having to disconnect the fluid pipe, so floating pad was inserted by feel as has been done many times before. I had put the little blobs of red grease on all the relevant surfaces, inserted the two main fixing bolts lightly using a 3/8dr ratchet ready to finish with a torque wrench. Before the bolts were even fully home, the brake was locked solid. Hm.  Loosen everything, including the adjuster screw, pivot arm nice and free, using thumb pressure managed to push the piston further in. So, re-assemble, same result!!  Rather than attack in temper, down tools, switch off light and go indoors for dinner.  2nd attempt this morning, fresh brain, spine nicely loosened off, split calliper yet again, removed the floating pad, and out fell the white nylon ring 'twixt pad and piston, nicely chewed up! It had obviously dislodged when I inserted pad "blind", and upon tightening the bolts I had destroyed it which meant the pad was sticking out too far. Is it just me, or has this happened to any other unwary person?  Oh God I love this hobby! Mike.  (PS. Yes I did have a spare one)

Greetings gang. Just to set the scene, I now own a 1987  GB250 Clubman grey import, great fun, has managed to release a few remaining 'moments' from this 75 year old carcass. The indicator relay failed last week, a genuine replacement being available in California at an unbelievable price.  Thinking outside the box, it's no different to a car unit, 12volts, 2 x 21watt bulbs plus idiot lights. I looked on the website of my LED bulb supplier (Classiccarleds), and they offer a unit which has done the job, it will cater for filament or led bulbs or even a mix of the two, the flashing rate stays the same, and costs £8.25 + VAT.  After completing the task, I then looked at the 400 and thought hmmm, ordered another unit plus 4 LED bulbs, straightforward swap over of units, just plug and play, and if you are nimble with you fingers the unit will fit into the existing rubber housing for the original. Bulbs were all replaced, and WOW! They're good. Hopefully might help somebody with indicator issues. Stay Safe. Mike.

Good morning world, hope nobody is suffering from Bank Holiday Monday sunburn!  Have just been looking at pics of luggage racks from DSS. The one for the 350 is a chrome finish, and the 400 version is a bright paint finish.  My main query is are the dimensions for the fixing points identical? I have no knowledge on the 350 model at all. If they are the same, then it's just a case of me deciding which finish and price I prefer!  Thanks. Mike.