CM400T Cafe >FINISHED!

Re: My CM400T Cafe Retro Tech Build

I had made up a button to replace the fake key latch on the gas tank lid. After getting the bike back together i decided I did not like it.....a new button
 

Attachments

  • 101612151150.jpg
    101612151150.jpg
    65.7 KB · Views: 1,507
Re: My CM400T Cafe Build - Now a CMB400 Frankenfe

Long story but, I had planned to put the 79 engine in from my parts bike because it had a kicker and I could loose the starter. 79 engine turned out to have too many issues so the the original '80 no kicker went back in. I eventually will find a good 79 kicker or go with a 450 6 speed.

Since I thought I was loosing the Starter so I did not plan for a starter relay under the seat. To get this back together I mounted the Relay on the right side of the frame. Yea I like the raw look, but this was just ugly. Made a "disguise" cover for it out of a small aluminum cover I had laying around.
 

Attachments

  • relay.jpg
    relay.jpg
    109.4 KB · Views: 1,487
  • 101712205721.jpg
    101712205721.jpg
    107.5 KB · Views: 1,517
Re: My CM400T Cafe Build - Now a CMB400 Frankenfe

Bless you for posting these pics!! Let me explain: I have a CB400 Ti...it's a strange model-no it's not a hawk (if I had a dollar each time someone said that ;) ) or, even "that model doesnt exist" (according to the young dude behind the counter in Honda spare parts.) When we got him, he was an ugly little f#$%er, with a hideous fairing and welded on eagle emblems from a belt buckle (no, Im not kidding, I have the photos to prove it!) Anyhoo, the tank is incredibly bulbous, and when viewed from the top the effect of the tank and seat together is very ant like. No, I dont have anything against ants, but I dont reaallyy want to ride one. :eek: So I've been trolling the sites, trying to find a solution thats going to be an easy swap but keep the orginal look of Walter (yeah, when I imagine my bike, he's kinda a mix between Cary Grant & Bogart-hey Im a chick, what do expect!) So cheers for providing me with an easy peasy solution! Im going to swap out the tank for the CB400a, as you have done.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_3164.JPG
    IMG_3164.JPG
    863.6 KB · Views: 240
  • IMG_3166.JPG
    IMG_3166.JPG
    635.7 KB · Views: 236
  • IMG_3316.JPG
    IMG_3316.JPG
    788.6 KB · Views: 250
Re: My CM400T Cafe Build - Now a CMB400 Frankenfe

zeke54 Glad I gave you an idea, I like what you have done so far, if I have it right...Mini Gauges, Euro Bars, Smaller Turn Signals, Lucas Bates Tail Light, Headlight and Headlight Brackets.
 
Re: My CM400T Cafe Build - Now a CMB400 Frankenfe

;) Yep youre right! I really love how your bike is turning out-the headlight with the gauge insert is really beautiful (Im actually a little jealous) :p Like everyone thats building their bike, I've changed my mind a thousand times about what I want to do. Once I get the new tank things will be clearer I hope!! LOL.
 
Re: My CM400T Cafe Build - Now a CMB400 Frankenfe

Got a few things done. Refined the relay cover and hand fit an aluminum seat pan to upholster. Made it a little small to allow for the covering ..leather or vinyl?? Still need to work out how I will mount it, and thinking about forming a small lip along the edge to allow for bunching cover material around corners.
 

Attachments

  • Seat Pan (1).jpg
    Seat Pan (1).jpg
    77 KB · Views: 1,423
  • Seat Pan Closer.jpg
    Seat Pan Closer.jpg
    83 KB · Views: 1,464
Re: My CM400T Cafe Build - Now a CMB400 Frankenfe

Forgot the pic of the refined Relay Cover...
 

Attachments

  • Cover Side.jpg
    Cover Side.jpg
    78.1 KB · Views: 1,604
Re: My CM400T Cafe Build - Now a CMB400 Frankenfe

The pan looks nice. Are you going with a color to break up the all black, or are you keeping everything stealth? Vinyl is low maintenance but leather sure does look good.
 
Re: My CM400T Cafe Build - Now a CMB400 Frankenfe

fresh_c said:
The pan looks nice. Are you going with a color to break up the all black, or are you keeping everything stealth? Vinyl is low maintenance but leather sure does look good.

Going black with this, I want simple classic. Not sure about the material yet, kinda thinking a perforated material.
 
Re: My CM400T Cafe Build - Now a CMB400 Frankenfe

Something like this...
 

Attachments

  • DSC_0038.JPG
    DSC_0038.JPG
    218.5 KB · Views: 734
Re: My CM400T Cafe Build - Now a CMB400 Frankenfe

That's some sweet vinyl. I thought about using something like that or a basket weave, but it would have bumped the price of the seat up to high. You should try running solid vinyl down the sides with perforated down the middle (top). That would look nice. Maybe some silver or grey stitching to offset it a bit.
 
Re: My CM400T Cafe Build - FINAL STRETCH !

Been making some progress on the CM lately. Haven't got the seat done yet, still trying to find an Upholsterer that I feel I can trust and won't rip me off.

Finally got the Painted Headlight Bucket (Painter had forgotten to bring in the booth when he sprayed the tank & seat) That meant I could finally finish the Wiring with all the connects in the headlight.

Fired right up and everything worked, lights, horn etc. The Rear brake light switch needs some adjusting asnd carbs a little work but I have a bike again....

Well sort of. I noticed a problem when I had it fired up ..... the statement I read on the internet ain't true, that all Honda's 550cc and smaller used the same tach ratio.... Not a 60's CB450 and a 1980 CM400 at least. So my cool gauge isn't going to work.

I'll let the pictures tell the story (for the most part)
 

Attachments

  • Build (112).jpg
    Build (112).jpg
    61.4 KB · Views: 1,542
  • Build (113).jpg
    Build (113).jpg
    87.5 KB · Views: 1,531
  • Build (115).jpg
    Build (115).jpg
    138.3 KB · Views: 1,530
  • Build (116).jpg
    Build (116).jpg
    60.6 KB · Views: 1,548
Re: My CM400T Cafe Build - Now a CMB400 Frankenfe

Still trying to decide on the hardware. I like the look of the brass accents but don't really have any other brass on the bike. If I can find a way to add Brass accents that make sense and don't look "Forced" I may go that way, Otherwise I will just use Stainless and aluminum hardware.
 

Attachments

  • Build (117).jpg
    Build (117).jpg
    76.9 KB · Views: 1,565
Re: My CM400T Cafe Build - Now a CMB400 Frankenfe

Slick gauge mounts you got there. nice work. realy like the brass hardware.
 
Re: My CM400T Cafe Build - Now a CMB400 Frankenfe

Thanks Oldskool, unfortunately it means My "Vintage" Look has to go away...
 

Attachments

  • Build (11a).jpg
    Build (11a).jpg
    94.6 KB · Views: 1,459
Re: My CM400T Cafe Build - HOME STRETCH

Frankenfe said:
Thanks Oldskool, unfortunately it means My "Vintage" Look has to go away...

If you're thinking about selling that gauge, I'd be interested in buying.
 
Re: My CM400T Cafe Build - HOME STRETCH

Shamus,

Sorry but I already have the gauge on ebay, ends Sunday evening

eBay item # 190791713787
 
Re: My CM400T Cafe Build - HOME STRETCH

So I got it all worked out and decided to keep it simple ...like the bike is ....the Brass made it look like Flava Flav Cafe'...
 

Attachments

  • Build (118).jpg
    Build (118).jpg
    110.1 KB · Views: 1,378
  • Build (119).jpg
    Build (119).jpg
    131 KB · Views: 1,401
Re: My CM400T Cafe Build - HOME STRETCH

You know, Frank, every time I get to start feeling good about myself, Wizards like you make awesome shit appear out of thin air. Hell I can't even keep my bike together, the muffler fell off yesterday & a screw fell out of the clutch box!

Seriously though, that looks real good man, amazing work. You ought be proud.

BZ
 
Re: My CM400T Cafe Build - HOME STRETCH

cgguy09 said:
You know, Frank, every time I get to start feeling good about myself, Wizards like you make awesome shit appear out of thin air. Hell I can't even keep my bike together, the muffler fell off yesterday & a screw fell out of the clutch box!

Seriously though, that looks real good man, amazing work. You ought be proud.

BZ

Thanks for the compliment.

Amazing what can be done in a simple garage when challenged, made using an Angle Grinder, Bench Grinder, Hand Drill and Files.
 
Back
Top Bottom