| Author | Message | ||
     Whistler |
Sorry, inappropriate subject for this Buell forum. (Message edited by whistler on August 23, 2012) | ||
| Mr_grumpy |
It's a motorcycle forum, so I'd say it's less inappropriate than all the religion & politics threads. Fire away. | ||
| Teeps |
Ask it anyway. | ||
| Reepicheep |
Not inappropriate on the quick board unless it turns into a sale pitch for something. Ask away, it is probably interesting. I got a nice headlight and guages for my KZ400 project from ebay, they were for a KZ-1000 (headlight) and a KZ-750 (gauges). The gauges even have an analog volt meter in them, how cool is that!?!?! They don't make 'em like they used too. | ||
| Whistler |
OK, I have an opportunity to purchase a '81 Honda CB400T from my trusted long time auto mechanic. It has been in storage for 25 years. No damage, low mileage. He will make certain the bike runs properly if I buy it. I know nothing about this make and model but it looks like a fun bike. Other than maintenance I do not wrench and would rather not start now. We would probably settle between $1000 and $1500. I am inclined to do it but I am a sucker for anything under the category of motorcycle. What do you think, worth the money and effort? Passable bike? I would appreciate any comments. Thanks. | ||
| 86129squids |
In that $$$ range, not too bad... Given that it's sat for 25 years, that's the biggest variable- your buddy could blow some major labor just getting it running! How bout some pics? | ||
| Whistler |
Photos not currently available. I have not seen the bike. I base my hopes on my guy's word. If he says he will make the bike right I believe he will make it right. If doing that makes it cost prohibitive we will both be sorely disappointed. It has been a couple of years since the bike has seen the light of day and now the outside of the storage shed is very overgrown. It will take some extra effort to set her free. I suppose we will have to name her the Japanese equivalent of Repunzel. The story will play itself out but what do you think of the bike model in general? | ||
| Reepicheep |
It's a parallel twin, that's a big plus. Much less fussy than an inline four (with four carbs). Its a early UJM, which was a time when the build quality and attention to detail on Japanese bikes was truly remarkable. And lots of parts (stock and aftermarket) available for them. Another plus. And it was a time when Japanese bike makers balanced economy with performance. So it is no 35 MPG gas guzzler, it is probably a proper 60+ mpg commuter that can still outrun most cars. Tires are probably cheap for it as well. Another plus. By 1981 it probably had electronic ignition, not points. Another +. Disc front brakes, so you can ride it on the street and not die. Another +. On the down side... Sitting for a long time may do more harm then light riding. So various seals and important parts may be leaking, seized, or rotted. Most won't be a big deal, but the wrong rotted part could put you in a position where it is necessary to split the cases. Tanks on these bikes are a weak link... so if it rusts through, you have a "situation" on your hands in terms of fixing it or finding a good replacement. It's older tech, so "stuff" will happen. Broken chains? Broken cables? Leaking seals? Jello in carbs? Scored cylinders? misadjusted valves leading to burnt valves? Who knows. So my only concerns about it would be (1) the price, which is fair for an enthusiast looking for a pristine example (but you aren't, and you aren't). And (2) the fact that you say you don't like to wrench. If you liked wrenching, the little stuff that goes wrong would just be hobby opportunities. But if you have a shop do tyeh work, you are looking at $80+ per hour, so even simple jobs could cost you near what you paid for the bike. So you might be better off spending a little more and getting something more modern and younger. I bought my KZ-400 for $260 in a bucket, and I will no doubt be into it for another $500 and 100 hours of work before I am done. But I enjoy wrenching on it, and it will be really cool when I am finished, so its a win for me. | ||
| Argentcorvid |
i bought a '78 400A in pretty good condition for less than that this spring. the engines are pretty solid, but the CDI's, coils, and stators pretty commonly crap out. stators can be rewound, there's a guy on e-bay that makes new CDI's and a GM DIS coil works as a replacement for the stock one. also, find a headlight for an old Shadow (that will accept halogen bulbs) to replace what's on there now. Honda used a sealed-beam in a weird size that isn't commonly available. the right forum for answers to questions is here. | ||
| Hootowl |
Those old CB engines are bulletproof. I've owned several. First street bike was a CB360 twin, followed by several CB500-550 fours. The twin shakes a bit, but you should be used to that  | ||
| Tom_b |
i would make sure the carbs are cleaned properly. the tank is cleaned and maybe relined, cables checked and work properly and new tires. the rest is no big deal. I have pullled "rescue" bikes from near death did these same basic things and have had trouble free use. But also like pointed out above. You can find a pristine example for about 1500 as these are not the most desireable of the old hondas. | ||
| Fast1075 |
 Not a bad little scoot. | ||
| Bartimus |
I think they went for about $1400 new back then, didn't they? | ||
| Cowboy |
I had a motor set in my barn for 20 yrs____cleaned carb mew p;ugs cleaned fuel system it runs perfect. | ||
| Argentcorvid |
That picture is the CB cousin of the CM. The CM is a little more cruiser-y, but with the same engine. The CB400 eventually turned into the nighthawk, and the CM into the Rebels. | ||
| Reepicheep |
Don't line the tank unless its necessary, otherwise it's just another problem waiting to happen. | ||
| Mnrider |
I had a CM400A back in the day. Two speed auto,it was a dog but I rode it for years. Bikes in those days were small. | ||
| Cityxslicker |
I had the CM400A too ! Great bike - It was my first 'street' ride and the bike that got me the "Not as long as you are under my roof" talk traded her in on a Nighthawk 750 - damn I miss THAT bike | ||
| Psykick_machanik |
+1 with Reepicheep. i feel that price is in line with a fully restored/overhauled version. After a 25 year hibernation it could go either way. Another "run like a singer sowing machine, or a Daily maintainer. $500+- sounds like a better price range. Im just finishing up bobbing a 1977 CB400F that runs like a top with 22,000 miles. Honda builds a REALLY good bike (just dont pay to much). |
