Post by: McCabe-Thiele (Ted) on September 20, 2024, 01:45:05 AM
.https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/126669079649
Post by: Bryanj on September 20, 2024, 08:18:35 AM
I had one at Meads when i worked there that holed a piston and needed a new generator assembly to cure it which was expensive, balance chain can be a bit of a pain and blocked carbs can be a real nightmare, localy the dealers used to send them away once for ultrasonic and if that didnt work new carbs
Post by: AshimotoK0 on September 20, 2024, 08:41:40 AM
Much unloved big brother of the 250 wet dream.
I had one at Meads when i worked there that holed a piston and needed a new generator assembly to cure it which was expensive, balance chain can be a bit of a pain and blocked carbs can be a real nightmare, localy the dealers used to send them away once for ultrasonic and if that didnt work new carbs
For some strange reason Bryan the Generator was totally different on the 400N but still unreliable and I remember my friends 400N CDi failing with only a couple of thousand miles on the clock. Funnily enough, like you said, the carbs too were problematic and the guy US cleaned them but still ended up getting replacements from a breakers. . Seem to be plenty of spares and groups around for the Superdream though (tons of them sold in the UK) . Rex's do replacement Cdi's and the alternator stator can be repaired (it's the HT/pickup coils that fail not the alternator coils themselves).
Bit of a Marmite one there Ted .... I personally prefer the CB250RSA single that was sold alongside the Superdream ...that's why I bought one to restore.
Post by: Rozabikes Tim on September 20, 2024, 09:11:24 AM
I had no carb or generator issues or any others not related to abuse.😱 I don't know if the later and rarer 450 version was more reliable with the generator etc. Basically the same bike in most aspects I think
Post by: AshimotoK0 on September 20, 2024, 09:33:33 AM
https://honda-superdream.co.uk/
https://www.ebay.co.uk/str/livingthesuperdream
Post by: AshimotoK0 on September 20, 2024, 09:39:04 AM
Mine was a great bike in doing what it should - and more when i tuned and raced it! A bit a bit characterless as standard. It just did everything well.
I had no carb or generator issues or any others not related to abuse.😱 I don't know if the later and rarer 450 version was more reliable with the generator etc. Basically the same bike in most aspects I think
I think the problems start when the bike is unused for a long period Tim...certainly the case with the carburettors ... my mates was bought new by a work colleague who did a couple of thousand miles and then didn't use it for years. He went into all of the dealers in Hull to buy a new 400F, as he loved mine at the time .... but they were all gone, so he bought a new 400N instead (salesman told him faster than the 400F .. not sure if that's true or not ;D).
Post by: McCabe-Thiele (Ted) on September 20, 2024, 10:39:10 AM
I liked the 250 version but back in the day I liked the idea of a 400 more. I am going to be sensible and not rush into anything - only definites are it will be a Honda with only 1 or two cylinders that will not break the bank with essential spares available.
I'm going to Stafford show with BiL next month so I'll see what floats my boat.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/276642125451
Post by: Rozabikes Tim on September 20, 2024, 02:33:34 PM
Post by: McCabe-Thiele (Ted) on September 20, 2024, 06:38:58 PM
The reality is I've spent much more time restoring than riding so for me with my low annual miles it's pretty much irrelevant I guess.
Post by: AshimotoK0 on September 20, 2024, 07:19:50 PM
Look up CL77 (350cc) / CL72 (250CC) US soft off road look, raised pipe, lovely looking motor. I love them but not everyone's cup of tea!!
Agreed it's a pretty bike the CL...... the engine looks lovely but in really is a bit of a pain in the ar$e .... OK it has ball races for the cams, which is great.... But the cam is in two halves and joined by the cam sprocket which incorporates the auto advance, which can be troublesome. A lot of the heads weep oil around the steel skull insert too. There are a total of 5 chains whizzing round but the biggest pain in the flimsy kickstart cover and its associated gears and bushes..... The kickstart kicks forward weirdly, at least it does on the CB.... plus the kickstart shaft runs in needle rollers through the gearbox shaft and when the rollers seize it whacks the kickstart forward. Latter is on the CB model though and may have changed on the CL. I rebuild one these engines when I was a 19 year old student but I steered clear when I got my current '66 CB72 and engine rebuilt by my friend Graham Curtis ... he does all sorts of updates/ modified assemblies/ crank rebuilds for that model. Not my favourite Honda engine though. The CB160/CD/CB175 engines are a peach of a design in comparison and lovely to work on.
Post by: McCabe-Thiele (Ted) on September 20, 2024, 07:34:10 PM
Post by: McCabe-Thiele (Ted) on September 22, 2024, 12:59:24 PM
The 400 superdream for £750.
Post by: Athame57 on September 22, 2024, 01:23:24 PM
One man's dream is another man's nightmare, I'd rather stay awake and ride something else! ;D
Post by: Athame57 on September 23, 2024, 09:29:25 AM
Post by: K2-K6 on September 23, 2024, 10:41:49 AM
I wouldn't count one out Ted. From memory, they're taller and more spacious than the four, with a bigger bike feel to the whole layout. The four being a very good miniaturisation in being so tightly packed into it's form.
Three valves per cylinder (Mercedes did this too) balancer shaft to mitigate vibration, 180 degree crank from memory, a nice running note to them with a "bubbly" overtone.
Comstar wheels that divide opinion, which I like on that period of bike. Not really able to true them generally so inspection should take account of that. The rims are really good quality rolled aluminium section with very good integrity though.
A good contrast to your current stable too, well balanced to moe around easily.
Perhaps even consider a CX 500 as very different project.
Post by: Bryn on September 23, 2024, 07:38:47 PM
Post by: Bryanj on September 23, 2024, 08:40:39 PM
Post by: Spitfire on September 24, 2024, 09:13:58 AM
Cheers
Dennis
Post by: McCabe-Thiele (Ted) on September 27, 2024, 07:15:16 PM
It ticks a few boxes as I used to hanker for one when looking in the dealers shop window when on night shift.
I have a short term storage plan for my 400 if I buy it as my space is limited.
Although there are two websites for this Honda I'm hoping quite a few sohc members might have knowledge of the 400N . Isn't the 400N a sohc engine?
Post by: Rozabikes Tim on September 27, 2024, 08:59:11 PM
Post by: Bryanj on September 28, 2024, 07:23:21 AM
Post by: McCabe-Thiele (Ted) on September 28, 2024, 09:15:39 AM
Post by: McCabe-Thiele (Ted) on September 28, 2024, 07:09:40 PM
Back to square one. :( :( :(
Post by: AshimotoK0 on September 29, 2024, 09:07:31 AM
I know lots of people on here are negative regarding Facebook but the closed private groups are great. I did this when I first got my CB250RS and got loads of valuable advice. I bet if you ask on the forum you joined and on the FB group, if you join, you will get good leads on suitable projects.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1727379610678800
Seems you may be onto something with the Superdeam as DS posted this last year on Facebook.
[attachimg=1]
Post by: McCabe-Thiele (Ted) on September 29, 2024, 09:21:06 AM
Made me wonder if Honda sold more SDs than 400/4s.
At the moment a couple I have found are just way too distant.
It will end up like Buses you don't see one for ages then three come at once.
Post by: AshimotoK0 on September 29, 2024, 09:31:27 AM
I've joined both of the SD forums Ash. I've applied to join the FB group.
Made me wonder if Honda sold more SDs than 400/4s.
At the moment a couple I have found are just way too distant.
It will end up like Buses you don't see one for ages then three come at once.
Evidently in the UK 17000 Superdeam 250's sold in 1980 alone.
Post by: McCabe-Thiele (Ted) on September 29, 2024, 09:39:54 AM
Post by: ka-ja on September 29, 2024, 10:06:37 AM
Post by: McCabe-Thiele (Ted) on September 29, 2024, 12:07:11 PM
Post by: AshimotoK0 on September 29, 2024, 01:10:09 PM
https://www.oxfordclassicmotorcycles.co.uk/bikedetail.aspx?bike=5518
Post by: Rozabikes Tim on September 29, 2024, 03:16:21 PM
The trader (Charlie) here is top notch and never rips you off. Worth a call
https://www.oxfordclassicmotorcycles.co.uk/bikedetail.aspx?bike=5518
Looks tidy! Early CB400NA model with the tidier small tail piece, (later ones were as CB900) and first gen Comstars. However no Kickstart - mine had one before they dropped it.
I actually liked the earlier Dream version looks but usually when you see them they are the awful automatic version.
Interesting to see what they will take for it.
Post by: McCabe-Thiele (Ted) on September 29, 2024, 03:37:39 PM
Post by: Bryanj on September 29, 2024, 05:10:12 PM
Not a difficult job as cover screws have 8mm heads not JIS just more to do on service, you also need to change the rocker cover rubber gasket and the seals under the holding down bolts, again not difficult just something to remember mate.
Whilst it is possible to convert a 250 to 400 it IS NOT just barrels and pistons so personally would not touch a converted one
Post by: AshimotoK0 on September 29, 2024, 06:12:40 PM
The trader (Charlie) here is top notch and never rips you off. Worth a call
https://www.oxfordclassicmotorcycles.co.uk/bikedetail.aspx?bike=5518
Looks tidy! Early CB400NA model with the tidier small tail piece, (later ones were as CB900) and first gen Comstars. However no Kickstart - mine had one before they dropped it.
I actually liked the earlier Dream version looks but usually when you see them they are the awful automatic version.
Interesting to see what they will take for it.
When I bought my Bomber/CB72 etc they were selling a CB400A auto with 148 miles on it that had been left under a tarp outside (not left that long though). He wanted £2k but my mate Roger offered him £400 that he refused ... he later told us that it was sold for £500 but had been nicked from the lockup .. so he got nothing in the end. The person who stole it also stole the gear-lever off a CB250G5 I had bought and was stored with it... obviously didn't know it was an auto he was nicking !
Post by: McCabe-Thiele (Ted) on September 29, 2024, 07:14:27 PM
Ted the later models did not have that screwed plug at the front of the clutch cover if i remember correctly so you have to remove the clutch cover to adjust the balance chain idealy using new clutch cover gasket.
Not a difficult job as cover screws have 8mm heads not JIS just more to do on service, you also need to change the rocker cover rubber gasket and the seals under the holding down bolts, again not difficult just something to remember mate.
Whilst it is possible to convert a 250 to 400 it IS NOT just barrels and pistons so personally would not touch a converted one
I'm only looking at original CB400N models - I've seen a converted one - no thanks.
Handy tip about the clutch adjustment Bryan.
Post by: SteveD CB500K0 on September 29, 2024, 07:17:02 PM
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Post by: McCabe-Thiele (Ted) on September 29, 2024, 07:35:10 PM
Post by: AshimotoK0 on September 30, 2024, 01:11:26 AM
I was always a fan of Silver myself Steve.
Thought you meant DS when I 1st read the post Ted ;D
Post by: SteveD CB500K0 on September 30, 2024, 06:43:48 AM
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Post by: McCabe-Thiele (Ted) on September 30, 2024, 08:14:59 AM
I was always a fan of Silver myself Steve.
Thought you meant DS when I 1st read the post Ted ;D
I was thinking of the Lone Ranger's Horse at the time Ash - Hi-yo Silver away!
Post by: Rozabikes Tim on September 30, 2024, 10:00:03 AM
Honda missed a trick not doing a yellow option as we we know which 400/4 was the fastest.
Post by: andy120t on September 30, 2024, 12:33:52 PM
Post by: Laverda Dave on September 30, 2024, 01:22:51 PM
Think mine was Blue.
Honda missed a trick not doing a yellow option as we we know which 400/4 was the fastest.
😂👍
Post by: McCabe-Thiele (Ted) on September 30, 2024, 01:24:11 PM
1) Flies like to defecate on yellow surfaces.
2) Yellow paint fades quite quickly.
3) A bit of a Marmite colour choice.
Positives for Yellow bikes.
1) Sometimes cheaper used due to reason (3) above.
2) Good road safety visibilty.
3) They are generally faster.
Post by: Rozabikes Tim on September 30, 2024, 03:27:28 PM
1) Flies like to defecate on yellow surfaces
. Jealousy
2) Yellow paint fades quite quickly.
That's down to the speed dragging paint off.
3) A bit of a Marmite colour choice.
Yep salty? That's what attracts the flies too
Positives for Yellow bikes.
1) Sometimes cheaper used due to reason (3) above.
Limited market. Most people cant handle the speed differential against other colours.
2) Good road safety visibilty.
Need it.- be fast be seen!
3) They are generally faster.
Nope - always
😜
Post by: McCabe-Thiele (Ted) on September 30, 2024, 04:02:03 PM
Post by: McCabe-Thiele (Ted) on October 05, 2024, 03:05:32 PM
I'll post some photos when I take delivery, not sure if a project thread here fits the criteria for Steve.
Post by: Johnny4428 on October 05, 2024, 03:07:15 PM
Post by: McCabe-Thiele (Ted) on October 05, 2024, 03:11:17 PM
Post by: Rozabikes Tim on October 05, 2024, 06:13:44 PM
Be good to follow something different.
Wasn't from Matlock was it?
Post by: SteveD CB500K0 on October 05, 2024, 06:33:01 PM
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Post by: McCabe-Thiele (Ted) on October 05, 2024, 08:14:36 PM
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.
Post by: AshimotoK0 on October 06, 2024, 10:01:40 AM
Post by: Mike_Berkshire on October 06, 2024, 10:31:59 AM
Post by: Rozabikes Tim on October 06, 2024, 10:58:18 AM
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 😜
Post by: Laverda Dave on October 06, 2024, 10:58:51 AM
Post by: McCabe-Thiele (Ted) on October 06, 2024, 11:42:57 AM
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.
Post by: andy120t on October 06, 2024, 05:26:34 PM
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.
Post by: McCabe-Thiele (Ted) on October 06, 2024, 05:41:24 PM
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.
Post by: AshimotoK0 on October 06, 2024, 05:51:47 PM
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.
Post by: McCabe-Thiele (Ted) on October 11, 2024, 07:50:16 PM
For the first time I'm going to try to put a cap on my spending from the start, price up what needs doing before I spend any money for a planned 18-24 month project. The boxes of used parts might have some value to help with rebuild costs, or not.
There is a small oil leak at the front of the engine so the top of the engine at the very least will need to come off.
The one thing that is not going to suffer is the seat that has been replaced with a used one & comes with a complete new cover & strap ready for fitting. The base is said to be good so I will speak to some of the restorers that have been mentioned on here.
I have collected all the paperwork and a couple of boxes of used spares today so my first task will be to catalogue all the extra parts then identify them if it's not obvious. There is aso a small box of new parts in the deal. The bike itself is due to arrive sometime tommorow. I'll post some pictures up.
Post by: Johnny4428 on October 12, 2024, 08:28:07 AM
Post by: McCabe-Thiele (Ted) on October 12, 2024, 05:20:55 PM
Looking forward to some pics of the new cash pit Ted!
I'm hoping its just a puddle Johnny not a pit. ;D ;D ;D
I've started a project thread with a picture - timescale is 18-24 months God & Health permitting.🌚