ugly duckling CM400T build - Calling it finished

[fresh_c]

Re: ugly duckling CM400T build

Wow...where have I been...oh I know out in the garage. No seriously I need to check all my spam settings and notification settings on the DTT forum, I seem to have missed a lot of bikes and progress. Yours in particular has been impressive since your April start, keep up the passion and the good work.

I have flashbacks seeing you go through a lot of the same issues I dealt with on my CM Build. As you know by now these ain't no CB350. There aren't formulas to follow, and off the shelf parts hahaha ha ha. The frame lines in particular are a real challenge if you want the flat line of a cafe'. I think your solution with the mesh filler was brilliant ...simple and nice. The adaptation the the tail section worked out nice. (What is the current plan for the tail light?)

It is a shame how many CM/CB400T builds I have followed that played out or died in the garage. I guess it has a lot to do with the fact that so many are started by first time builders (Like you and I) because the CB purists turn their nose up to these bikes. I guess Like the DOHC4's CB750 owners may be snubbed by SOHC4 CB750 purists. (I should talk ....I now prefer only the 1969 - 1976 SOHC4's..but I digress)

Many of us "Newbies" have the dream but not the funds or skills to realize it and end up taking on more than they can. Many are not thought out and start on all the "Cool stuff" before ever seeing if it will run. Some frankly, dare I say it ... shouldn't be let near a wrench and a rattle can.have the right to say this as the author of "So you bought a CM/CB400....Now What...Over 50 Build links" Linked Here http://www.dotheton.com/forum/index.php?topic=26184.0

Just don't let this bike thing become an addiction ..lol.. What started as a "It would be fun to build a little cafe bike" has turned into an old Honda addiction (Now with emphasis on the various SOHC4's) here is a little peak into my garage currently with 7 bikes. Link Here http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=113041.0

If you follow suggestion above it won't take you 3 years 6 months and 14 days from the day you brought that Ugly Duckling home like mine has to look like below. My Build Thread http://www.dotheton.com/forum/index.php?topic=20018.0

Keep up the great work I like the more modern version your going with. Can't wait to see it finished.

It has definitely been rewarding building this bike up and honestly I like that there aren't many of these bikes built up cafe style. It does kinda suck because you can't just click and order parts, but at the same time these bikes are more unique and special when done correctly (yours is in the correct column as it is turning out great). Over on caferacers people seem to be very passionate in their hatred for CB/CM400s and are quick to tell you they suck and are worthless and are slow and handle bad and will never be done correctly. I say BS. I think my bike handles nicely and is peppy enough for me with the mikunis installed. To restate what hallin told me when I started, you have to be able to see through the ugly. The mesh idea was his, btw.

I do want to build another bike (or two) but I need to finish this one before I start another. Then there is the fishing skiff that's flipped upside down in my garage waiting on fiberglass, and the ski boat in the driveway that needs a new floor. I would love to have a stable to bikes, but just the one, for now.

Thanks for the kind words and support. Here is an off the bike photo of the tail light. It's an ebay LED unit with integrated plate light and follows the contours of the KZ tail good enough.

 

[onetruepunk87]

Re: ugly duckling CM400T build

you have to be able to see through the ugly.

Truer words were never spoken.

 

[longhorn717]

Re: ugly duckling CM400T build

Nice looking tail. What part of our great state are you from?

Fresh_c I know the resistance will be a little more and I did have the same thought about the electrical maybe interfering. I'm going to go with the graphite suppression wires, but if it doesn't work I'll relocate some things.

 

[fresh_c]

Re: ugly duckling CM400T build

I'm in San Marcos. I moved here for college and haven't left. Where are you located?

 

[longhorn717]

Re: ugly duckling CM400T build

Down in the Kerrville area. You going to the Harvest Classic next weekend in Luckenbach?

 

[jacobperkins]

Re: ugly duckling CM400T build

When you replaced the tank, did it drop on without a problem, or did it take some banging around?
I ask because I'd like to replace the tank on my CM400 with one that has more fuel capacity.

 

[fresh_c]

Re: ugly duckling CM400T build

When you replaced the tank, did it drop on without a problem, or did it take some banging around?
I ask because I'd like to replace the tank on my CM400 with one that has more fuel capacity.

It takes a little modification to the frame but not much else. You would need to move around some wires and maybe the stock coil. Go for it!

 

[jacobperkins]

Re: ugly duckling CM400T build

Got it! Thanks for the help, man.

 

[Seakers]

Re: ugly duckling CM400T build

Love what you have done with the bike! Just a question about the (crash bars / highway bars). Do you still have them? Been looking for over a year off and on since I got my CM400T and as a disabled Vet been doing what I can my self to make it more rideable for my own needs and don't want to spend a bunch of money on a new custom set just so I can ride comfortably. And my dad won't have the same problem when I give the bike to him so he can start riding as well. Since he is almost a foot taller then me. With the crash bar and highway pegs even he will be able to stretch out when we are riding with our group. Please let me know, thanks in advance.

Seakers

 

[Frankenfe]

Re: ugly duckling CM400T build

Love what you have done with the bike! Just a question about the (crash bars / highway bars). Do you still have them? Been looking for over a year off and on since I got my CM400T and as a disabled Vet been doing what I can my self to make it more rideable for my own needs and don't want to spend a bunch of money on a new custom set just so I can ride comfortably. And my dad won't have the same problem when I give the bike to him so he can start riding as well. Since he is almost a foot taller then me. With the crash bar and highway pegs even he will be able to stretch out when we are riding with our group. Please let me know, thanks in advance.

Seakers

eBay

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=cm400+hi+way&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313&_nkw=cm400+crash&_sacat=0

 

[Seakers]

Re: ugly duckling CM400T build

I can't do the eBay thing, the iPad won't work right so I don't bother with it. I was just hoping to find some one on here that may be selling one. But thanks tho.

 

[fresh_c]

Re: ugly duckling CM400T build

I sold the crash bars a few months ago, sorry.

 

[Dannomite]

Re: ugly duckling CM400T build

My solution is to add some comfort is going to be make and install some rear sets. I'm going to use the peg mounts off a CB400 to start with and go from there.

I'm just curious as to why you bought CB400T peg mounts instead of just installing rearsets to the stock passenger peg holes? Is the positioning very different? It looks great and I look forward to some updates.

 

[fresh_c]

Re: ugly duckling CM400T build

Great question. After riding around with pegs in the stock location it was very evident via the numbness in my legs that the pegs needed to be moved back. Bars that would be considered slammed compared to the stock mini-apes won't work with forward/mid controls. I chose the CB400 peg mounts because I was looking for something that would be a direct bolt on (these aren't) and would look fairly stock. Not to mention the factory cheese wedge mounts aren't that appealing to the eye. So, after a little research I found the frames between the two bikes CM and CB were similar but not exactly the same in the rear. They might be different on the front portion as well, but I have not paid much attention to my donor bike. The differences are not that far off and making everything fit was a small chore, but nothing that isn't manageable.

I've got new rear sets in the works. I bit the bullet and bought prefabbed units but haven't worked on the bike much. Went to motoGP in Austin today so now I really want to get everything finished. More updates to follow soon.

 

[Drey6]

Re: ugly duckling CM400T build

Anything new going for your build? I would love to see where you are with it now!

 

[coldfuzion76]

Re: ugly duckling CM400T build

I saw that you used a nighthawk swingarm a while back. Did you have to change anything else to use it, like an offset sprocket or wheel spacers?

 

[Swamp Slinger]

Re: ugly duckling CM400T build

More updates to follow soon.
[/quote]


Great ride dude. I just bought a '79 CM 400T. It's a little beat up but it runs Great. I was touring around looking for upgraded headlight opotions when I tripped over your thread. It made me join the Forum.

Have you any photos of painted product?

I originally bought my bike just for a daily rider for work. But having seen how much you did with limited investment, I might just rethink my intentions.

I really like what you've done.

 

[fresh_c]

Re: ugly duckling CM400T build

Hello All! First let me apologize for not posting on here for a while. To be honest, I haven't touched my bike in months. It has sat in my garage under a sheet while other projects have been getting all of my attention. It hasn't been run, ridden, or even looked at. It's a shame, I know. However, that has all been changing over the last week or so. A friend of mine politely asked me the hurry the hell up with cleaning out his KZ tank. So for John, here you go. It should be ready this weekend.



While in the garage with that, I decided to get a list of everything I needed in order to get the bike running properly. First was to check the gas in the tank. Bam, failure. It looks like when I POR15'd my tank, the first coat stuck really well, but the second coat didn't. After draining the tank, I was able to pull out this, and many other pieces like it. I'm going to see if I can get only the second coat out without effing up the good coat. We'll see.

So since I don't have a tank I figured it would be a good idea to pull the carbs and see how they looked. It wasn't much better so I took them apart for a thorough cleaning. They now both look fantastic. Here is a photo comparison of good and ugly.

With the longer swingarm and rear shocks, the kick stand was a little on the short side so I lengthened it about an inch and removed the goofy looking wear indicator.

 

[fresh_c]

Re: ugly duckling CM400T build

I mentioned that I purchased some Loaded Gun rear sets (which are very nice and easy on the wallet as far as rear sets go) a while back, and I've been stuck on figuring out the rear brake linkage. After much debate, I decided to go old school and run a cable actuated brake. It's still needs some work before I call it done, but for the first time in a while I have a functional rear brake.



I also ordered a Mikuni tuning manual which is full of really helpful information. And for about $10 it's a cheap investment for anyone trying to figure out VM carbs.

Some parts came in from McMaster to set up the shift linkage with the rear sets. Stainless rod, clevis ends, and sleeve bearings. The sleeve bearings are made from a graphite rich bronze that will both lubricate and reduce the holes size in the LG rear sets to some closer to what I need. I've got a universal shifter arm coming from the boys at DCC so the setup isn't finished, but close.

 

[fresh_c]

Re: ugly duckling CM400T build

In addition of the McMaster order the UPS man dropped off this evening, he brought some exhaust tubing from Summit. The pieces are 1.5" diameter 16 gauge j bends and they run about $12 each. I'm building this with an angle grinder and a flux cored welder. We'll see if lack of "proper" tools comes back to bite me in the ass at some poiint.

Ever since I purchased this bike, I've wanted to replace the stock exhaust and with my new foot position, the shorty pipes had to go. Nothing like cutting up perfectly good pipes.

Here is what I came up with tonight. I reused the stock flanges, but pulled the bend closer to the head so the exhaust will more closely hug the frame/engine.


More progress...

And you can see what I'm at on the other side. Hopefully hallin will come over this weekend to assist with finishing everything up.