Honda Hawk (Hondamatic) triple tree

[hubbard_86]

Quickie from a newbie: My 78 Hondamatic CB400a has a "cup" style top of the triple-tree which doesn't allow me to unclamp and lower the front end, which I'm looking to do about an inch as part of my cheap build. Any thoughts on what's the best way to accomplish the front end lowering? Would a clamp-on triple-tree fit from another bike?

Oh and thanks in advance for the forthcoming jokes about the granny bike. Hey, at least it has what LOOKS LIKE a clutch lever on the left side (although it's a PARKING BRAKE). I can rev her up at the stop light and hold my hand over the lever to look like a MOTHERFUCKING BAD ASS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[ILoveThumpers]

Internal shortening? You can usually put a spacer in the right spot and lower the forks that way.

Otherwise you're looking at a tree swap. I think the CB A and T along with the CM A, E and T of that era all used the same kind of triple upper piece.

-Deek

 

[Redbird]

I learned to ride and wrench on my Dads '78 400A. Wish I had one just like it

I agree with Thumper on the top clamp swap. I know for a fact that the '80 CM400T uses a clamp style top tree. I lowered the forks through mine, many moons ago

 

[chicano]

Agree with above, my CB has the same top "Plate" as yours which is held on by the top nuts. Best thing to do is change out the top clamp to one from a CB/A of same era with matching diameter. Given they can be had so cheaply I did an entire tree and stem change which was a good time to do new bearings and grease.

For looks sake you'll probably want to change the top fork nuts as well as your current ones have the oversized lip to hold the plate down and that looks a bit gordy once you've lowered the bike through the new trees.

 

[hubbard_86]

Thanks for the advice. I'm going to take a look around for parts. I see what you're saying about the nuts...they have that cheesy flange on them.