1980 CM400t/First Bike

[Tattooguy]

Hi all. Been lurking here for a bit. Now time to show you my project and get your help and input.
With no guidance I bought a CM400t that was pretty shoddy. She started right up and ran well from what I could see.(I didn't have a motorcycle license at the time and didn't know how to ride) No Oil or other leaks that I could see.
A week later with license and learners class out of the way I began to ride my ugly girl. Two days riding and the lights went out... I spent a whole day Inspecting the wires, got a manuel, found this forum, and Honda Twins. Discovered the red Ignition switch wire had come unsoldered... re soldered and ta-da fixed! Well kinda... found that if I went over 6 grand the solder would melt again...hummm I have a ground Issue. I found info on here about a ground pigtail under the seat that had "scotched" others electrical. Nowhere to be found... Finally I found what I think is the same "pigtail" next to the CDI. looked clean and solid.... I bought a new REGULATOR off Ebay. No help Then after a Click while trying to start one day It just wouldn't start anymore. I started at the Ignition switch and worked back toward the battery when I found my Major Issue. The main Ground to the battery had a broken terminal that had been overtightened. The terminal was large so I drilled a new hole in it and reattached it. No more electrical Issues! With that lengthy entry I'll stop and let you all see her. Thanks for following.

 

[Tattooguy]

As she came. :'(

 

[Tattooguy]

Like most of us here, I couldn't leave well enough alone. After much research and decision process I chose to go in the Cafe direction. I know your thinking "Bad move" because of her sway back. but I see potential in this frame style. The "Much Much Go bike was the first inspiration I found and then let my brain run wild. My first part purchase was Clubmans and an aftermarket seat. I put the handlebars on and found the seat would take some more planning.

 

[Tattooguy]

After handlebar switch.

 

[Tattooguy]

Seat

 

[Tattooguy]

I rode her for another couple weeks and discovered my sisters new Man is a welder! Talked to him and he was willing to trade his service for my tattoo work. SCOOOORE!!! He also use to work at a local Motorcycle shop thats been around since the 60s. Could I have had better luck? This guy is a Metal Artist! my project will be a breeze with his help!!!

 

[deepwaterimports]

alot of chopping on the much much go bike, i like the seat a few guys here in aus are using that style seat. good luck with the build.

 

[Tattooguy]

Last weekend we started working on her. There is still riding time left in the season so Im hoping to have the cosmetic transformation done before the snow. :-\ Sunday was teardown of the rear and CHOP, monday was metal work and more teardown, and tuesday was teardown of the front forks. My Ideas and his knowledge have led to quite a bit of progress in three days.

 

[Tattooguy]

Stripper?

 

[Tattooguy]

Not planning on useing these, hope I can get her to go without the air box...

 

[Tattooguy]

After the chop he ground down all old welds and I hand sanded till we have clean dimple free tube. And thats the whiz in action.

 

[Tattooguy]

Whole Lotta cleanup to be done.

 

[Tattooguy]

My personal metal guru had an idea for the pan to hide the electronics real nice. 8)

 

[Tattooguy]

Minus front forks. cut and flipped headlight bracket for lower position.

 

[Tattooguy]

And the mock up as she sits after day three of CHOP! Im excited! I hope this gets you all going too!

 

[Tattooguy]

Thanks so much for my first reply deepwater. Stay tuned Lots of work to go.

 

[CafeRacer650]

I guess I'm #2 I like what you've done so far. Signed on!

 

[JustinLonghorn]

Keep up the good work, sir.

 

[Maritime]

Nice, my first bike was a CM400T as well. I half cafe'd it and recently sold it to buy a fridge. You can get it ot run without the airbox, won;t be perfect but I had mine tuned to 95% or so and was happy, the new owner has had no issues either. You are doing a much better job than me on the conversion, I like the seat, the right paint and it will look great on the bike. Make sure you rejet for the pods as these bikes are lean from the factory and can heat seize a piston even if the airbox is on their, ask me and about 10 others on here how we know. Also the crossover under the motor is heavy, like 20lbs and can be replaced with 2 short pieces of exhaust pipe for a large weight reduction. It is the muffler on the bike though so you want to put baffles in the pipes unless your ok with loud.

Cheers.

Maritime

 

[Tattooguy]

Ok two more days and nothing to show. Just a lot of polishing. Front forks off. Gunna bob the front fender. If I wanted to drain my forks... Will there be alot of pressure when I pull the cap? Hopeing to get seat hoop bent tomorrow. Any tips on not getting flat spots or dimples?