New Bike: 1975 CB400

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Found on Craig's List, hasn't run in about a year and the old gas has a terrible turpentine smell, but for $300, how could I go wrong?

My big question: should I pull off the carbs myself and clean them, or drop it off at a Honda dealer and ask them to "get it running"? What is the range for bringing a bike back from storage?

A few pics

[The Gaijin]

Sweet.

[Dueller]

That's a steal! Dayum Shaun...you don't waste no time. Cafe time?

[scottmandue]

First... I recommend you get a kick stand for it!

[Noah930]

Would NOT drop it off at a stealership for them to work on. That bike will be older than anyone they'll assign to work on it. Either do it yourself, or find an independent shop/mechanic. It'll be more fun and rewarding to DIY. Congrats on the buy.

Oh yeah, 'cause you're a newbie: There's a saying in motorcycling: keep the shiny side up.

[nostatic]

I know you're new to motorcycles, but you're supposed to ride it upright. Bad things happen in that position.

If you have the tools and a manual shouldn't be too tough to get running. Rebuild the carbs and brakes, new hoses, etc. I'd bet you'd be looking at more than you paid for the bike for a shop to get it running.

[varmint]

flushing the tank, and de gunking the carb are relatively simple jobs. expect to double what you've already spent by taking it to a dealer.

nice find though. will be a lot of fun.

[Porsche-O-Phile]

Awesome!

Congrats on the find and best of luck bringing it back!

[hardflex]

sold a 76 cb550 about a year ago, which I think is the same bike with a different motor. Nothing hard about the carbs except getting them off the bike and tuning them after. Bike itself was sweet to ride, light and nimble.

I had a bit of trouble with the front brake caliper wanting to stick. They are prone to corrosion, so clean up the parts and replace the fluid right away.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Thanks guys! I'll get a manual this week and hopefully get it running this weekend.

My budget is very limited, so other than getting it running and safe, my only plans for the bike are handlebars and to take anything I can off of it.

Dad bought it for his son 2 years ago. Son rode it 3-4 times. Dad says son doesn't want it anymore. Real nice guy, I felt sorry for him, he brought it up a lot. I let him know it was going to a good home.

Motorcycle safety class is May 9-10. I walk away with a license and 10% off my insurance.

This bike is going to save me a ton of money on gas, even after the class, registration, insurance, helmet, etc.

Anyone have a recommendation on a cafe racer handlebar?

[Tim Hancock]

Shaun, give me a call and I will walk you thru this..... I just spent the last several weeks getting 5 street bikes (friend's, family, neighbor's and mine) been sitting running again. I can get you running again with minimal costs.

PS: I hope you drained the oil and gas and removed the battery before hauling that thing on it's side

[LakeCleElum]

I've bought many, many of these types of deals. Before you try to start it, do the following:
1) Drain and clean the fuel tank, including the petcock.
2) Pull the carbs and clean - Some of the idle and pilot passages are very small, ensure they flow
3) Install a fresh battery and fire it up.
4) Ride it for about 50 miles and change oil/filter

Taking it to a dealer will make your good deal go sour very quickly.....

[Noah930]

Originally Posted by Tim Hancock

PS: I hope you drained the oil and gas and removed the battery before hauling that thing on it's side

Shaun: "Um, yeah, sure." [running quickly outside]

[hardflex]

You can get some friends to help you with a couple six packs. A Dealer doesn't want to mess with older bikes in my experience.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Tim, thanks! Will call later this week, count on it, and I have some more shirts for the nephews.

Uhhh, yeah, no, we just sorta threw it in the back of the 4Runner. When he took my offer, I wanted to get the bike out of there pronto! Mind you the comforter shown is the entire interior of the truck.

[vash]

wow! is that a supersport???!!!!(maybe not, i think the SS comes in only certian colors)

$300 is a great deal. for that money try fixing everything yourself.

[legion]

My friend bought a similar bike a few years ago (an '83 Nighthawk). He bought it for $1.

He dropped it off at the dealership. Two months and $1,500 later, it was running again.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Don't think it's a supersport.

OK, dumb questions:
Where can I get a manual and a battery? Do I need to go to a repair/parts shop or is there a Pelican Parts of bikes I should visit.

Handlebars. Got to have the right bars for this bike. Suggestions?

[Rot 911]

Originally Posted by vash

wow! is that a supersport???!!!!(maybe not, i think the SS comes in only certian colors).

When I saw that exhaust that is the first thing I thought. Looks like the tank and side covers have been repaiinted so it could be an SS. Shaun we need more pictures!

[Rot 911]

Originally Posted by Shaun 84 Targa

Don't think it's a supersport.

OK, dumb questions:
Where can I get a manual and a battery? Do I need to go to a repair/parts shop or is there a Pelican Parts of bikes I should visit.

Handlebars. Got to have the right bars for this bike. Suggestions?

Clymer manual is actually very good for your bike. Get it here: http://www.whitehorsepress.com/product_info.php?products_id=2093

Walmart will have a battery that fits. Just measure the dimensions of your battery box and note which side is positive.