Reporting in from San Diego with my first bike!

[timeconsuming]

Hey guys (and girls?)

Recently bought my first bike after a few tedious months of craigslist hunting and a mounting impatience and anxious excitement.

Here's the bike as I bought it, a 75 Honda CB400f:

The bike runs great and it's just about the perfect size for me (5'6").

I have noticed it takes a long time to warm up (lots of playing with the choke to keep it idling), but I figured it's an old guy and is it CB's in particular that are known to be a bit cold blooded?

Anyway I'm psyched to have found such a useful forum and hopefully my complete lack of knowledge (accompanied by my eagerness to absorb as much as I can) doesn't annoy the shit out of you!

Cheers.

 

[timeconsuming]

Oh and I haven't made the TON yet on the old guy, highest I've got was about 90 going downhill on the freeway, but that's at 8k rpm in 6th gear... so you think somethings not tuned right or the 400 just doesn't have the juice for the TON without some engine expansion?

 

[Finnigan]

Didn't realize you're also from SD, I live in the gaslamp district if you want to grab a beer and talk bikes

 

[timeconsuming]

Right on! I've heard there is a wednesday morning ride at Luigi's pizza in golden hill (where I live), but have yet to check it out. Know of any good group rides in the area or big ones coming up?

 

[Finnigan]

Nope, dont know much about actual riding because i dont have a lisense yet :-\

When my bike is closer to being done I'll take care of that

 

[timeconsuming]

Ah, well that's understandable. Have a build thread goin?

 

[yorkie350]

Hi fella thats a great looking 400 ya got real clean wots the mileage on her ime over in the UK

 

[timeconsuming]

Thanks, I think I'm just above 22k now.

 

[yorkie350]

Hi thats nothing for a motor like these looks like its been well treat regular oil / filter changes is the main , see ya running pods instead of airbox same here although ime rebuilding her little sister cb350f '72 at moment i am using 400f carbs as the bike came without any gonna have to fiddle with them to run proper she coughs n sputters at moment ha wot ya pay for ya wheels over here in UK ya looking at £1800 bout $2400 up for a good looker like yours great bike for project ime goin caferacer bout 75% comp but got paint to do am using a 400f tank as well ,guess i should have got a 400 haha ;D i aint no mech / tech guru but am all ears if ya get stuck or need ideas got a few ways to get round stuff heres a couple of pics of how she coming on

 

[Finnigan]

yup: http://www.dotheton.com/forum/index.php?topic=44308.0

Most of the details and pics are in 1-800-Help! forum but hopefully I can post everything in the build thread

 

[Sonreir]

Looking sharp.

 

[timeconsuming]

Dang that thing is polished, york. Mine is definitely in need of some degreaser and a hose down, along with some serious scrubbin... been too busy riding it!

Cost me about $2200 american, which was pretty accurate for the value as for as I could tell.

Definitely a lot of fun for a little guy. 6 speed shifting is a blast.

 

[LovingtheCLE]

Mine is definitely in need of some degreaser and a hose down, along with some serious scrubbin... been too busy riding it!

My bike stays a little dirty unless I get caught in the rain ;-) Riding comes first...everything else is secondary.

 

[timeconsuming]

Couldn't agree more! Having too much fun riding to tear it all down and polish it up.

 

[yorkie350]

Oh i feel the same way guys but not at -3 and piss icy roads like here in uk at the mo but when i finish building the "shiny thing " 8) wheels will be turning until then i get my fun from riding the tits of this baby cheers ;D

 

[timeconsuming]

Haha yeah I don't blame you. I'm pretty spoiled in terms of San Diego weather.