So you bought a CM400 / CB400T, now what...(50+ Build Links!)

Hey guys, I thought I would post up a quick tip for all CM400 owners.
The two inside head bolts for the left side rocker arms have a rubber ring just above the threads that are about 1 inch long. Good luck trying to find replacement ones. Well I decided to try and rebuild them using Plasti-dip and it seems to work pretty well. Plastic-dip has about the same texture as hard rubber when it dries. Just cover up the threads with tape and dip the end of the bolt. I put on two coats. That seems to do it.

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In regards to those with running only on one, here's my .02. I was having the same problems. The right side would not idle, unless given a little throttle. I amped up the jets a bit. And opened the butterfly on the throttle sync as much as I could. It's not perfect, but I now have a starting point to tune from. Check the link in my sig for more details.
 
Sup guys? Got an 82 cm450c a few years back and have been doing a little this and that to it lately. You can check out the hack job/learning experience from my signature link. Haven't updated it in a while but after I get the latest pieces all put back on I'll show you how she sits these days. It's not really a cafe, bobber or anything else, just a nasty little WTFer. 8)


Anyway, thanks for all the info so far. I think this was actually the first thread I read and the reason I signed up on here. So I just thought I'd join in and show some love.


-Tyler
 
Kickstand supposed to stay down?

My cm400c Side Stand does not stay down, I have to hold it with my foot while I rest the weight of the bike on the stand. When I lift the bike up the stand springs up to the retracted position.

I'm worried that someday this is going to make me drop the bike.

Is is supposed to sty down? do others have stands that are the same is is there something wrong with mine?

I messed with it yesterday, it sure looks like it is connected properly. anyone want to take a photo of theirs for me?

Andrew
 
Some stands are designed like that - my BMW R75/6 is the same way - you have to hold the stand in place and it pops back up when you lift the bike. Prevents you from riding off with it down, which is far more dangerous than dropping your bike on its side when standing still.

The 2011 Suzuki TU250X I just bought has a stand that stays in position, but the bike won't start when it is down, and in fact it kills the engine when you put it down. So it's like a kill switch when you park the bike.

My XS650 is a complete safety disaster :) Stays down and the bike doesn't care where it is, so all bets are off and you better know what you're doing.
 
Tim said:
My XS650 is a complete safety disaster :) Stays down and the bike doesn't care where it is, so all bets are off and you better know what you're doing.

Thanks, That's what I'm looking for really, haven't ridden off with a kickstand down in 10 years of riding. I'd rather make my own safety decisions than have someone else make them for me.

Plus what I'm really afraid of is someone else dropping the bike because the kickstand springs up an they didn't notice. You never know who is going to sit on your bike when it's parked and you are not around!

I will live with it for now until I find time to modify it. anyone else have a cm400 with a similar stand?
 
Not sure what year yours is there, but it looks pretty damn close to my 82 cm450c (stand stays where I want it) so I'll PM you some pics. Has it always done that? You check the manual to see if it is supposed to?
 
I have had my 79 CM400T for 15 years, and my 80 CB400 Hawk for the last 3 years, never had the kick stand not stay down. Sounds like a defect to me, one your right to be concerned about. I would replace it all together. They don't cost that much and it could be bent somewhere you can't see or maybe the spring is shorter? It should not pop up on you and I don't recall ever hearing of any of the hondas having a feature like that on these models. Fix it before it fixes you. If you need any pics PM me your email and I'll send 'em right over.
 
I have a 79 CM400T and mine stays down. They're around 20 bucks on ebay, probably cheaper if you can find one at a junkyard.
 
Ok, so it's still got some work to go, mostly little stuff, but here's how she sits now. I just finished with the paint and exhaust this past weekend.

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If you want to see some other pictures or how it went along the way check out my build and let me know what you think :1979 Honda CM400T Half-cafe
 
So finally getting around to working on my bike again after so long, thought i'd share. I feel like i'm on the home stretch but have a couple questions..

heres the bike (1982 cb450t) that i.ve been working on:
2012-07-01184648.jpg

i've done a couple things like add the cafe seat via ghetto rigged mounts, clip on bars, air box delete, and harness tuck, heres more or less how she sits now, just with the tail painted and new tires:
2012-06-29102128.jpg

here a better shot of the seat:
2012-07-01182138.jpg


on to my questions: I'm having a hard time figuring out what to unplug/get rid of in terms of cluster harness. I purchased a speedo from do the ton and that's ALL I plan on running. If i unplug the harness that rides up to where the cluster was will it be okay???

Also, My ignition is pretty sketch and only works when it wants to. I've looked everywhere for a 6-plug that will work but had no luck...please help!!!!
 
far as only running the speedo, you should be fine with it all just left unplugged. may have to get creative with grounds.
 
So my first build pics are in the main list here: http://www.dotheton.com/forum/index.php?topic=20560.0

I've since started a re-build, taking things a little farther. Posted it over on the HondaTwins site here: http://www.hondatwins.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=17879

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This keeps me from having to post it twice! ;D
 
So I know all of you know how finicky these CV carbs can be. They're the absolute devil! Well here's a handy guide to cleaning them out nice and proper. It's for the DOHC CB750, but it's the same principal, eh?

http://www.cb750c.com/publicdocs/SeanG/Honda_Carb_Manual_revD.pdf
 
That's wicked handy. Should be able to bridge any gaps in differences between those and what are on mine. Just have to pay attention right?
 
I'm getting to replacing my front brake on my 1978 CB400T2. Has anyone here used a different front cailper other than stock?
 
I have a twin piston caliper from a CB900F that appears to fit nicely. The only issue I see is that the bolts are too long. I will have to try and find ones about a half inch shorter.
 
Some great ideas on this thread not to mention all the easy to use links. I intend to have mine added one of these days when I get a thread going. Few pointers for anyone new to the game.

Don't sit your motor on a 2x10 board to prop it up while the front end is off. It will fall and it will put five stitches in your foot.
2. wear rear shoes in the shop. lol I'm a welder I should've known this.
3. If you do wire a toggle switch as suggested because you lose your keys or whatnot. make sure your connections are good and not loose. some of the wires came undone on mine when it was running. and it no longer ran!!! now I know most of you think 100 bucks is highway robbery for an ignition coil and SO DO I. but go look up how much a stator is if you can find one! I bought a used one.(i know I know) for 100 didn't work(go figure) finally ponied up and paid 250!!! to get it rebuilt at Rick's Motorsports. nice people and did a great job. This is just an FYI about how much you can screw up if you're not being careful.

My '80 CB400T that came with 35k on the clock and some signs of serious use already has been good to me even though I've thrashed it. Hasn't been ridden or started in a year because of budget and other priorities. but starting a new really good paying job in the next couple weeks and hope to get the few parts this bike needs to really transform and then it'll just be changing up the frame and putting it all together.
 
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