New to me... '78 cb400t

[mckutzy]

Well I finally got a "real" motorcycle... A Honda cb400.

It's been sitting for about 4 years in an underground parkcade. So this is it's first being out for a long time.
It turns over, the gas tank doesn't smell super bad, and it's a complete bike.

It will need a good going over, front brakes seem stuck(seized or gummed up), but from what I can tell... It has compression.
So over all... Alright news.

 

[mckutzy]

Now I can't figure out why, it won't load a second pic,

When I got it it looked like a popular styled motorcycle that is from Japan. I'm unsure of the name, but they tend to have large high back end seats, funky handlebars and racing inspired front wind screens. Almost like a chopper from the '70's but not...
Well I just had to take off the seat and wind screen thingy. It looks stupid...

Here almost the exact example of my bike done up with the exact parts it had(well in stock format paint)...

 

[landuse]

Now I can't figure out why, it won't load a second pic,

When I got it it looked like a popular styled motorcycle that is from Japan. I'm unsure of the name, but they tend to have large high back end seats, funky handlebars and racing inspired front wind screens. Almost like a chopper from the '70's but not...
Well I just had to take off the seat and wind screen thingy. It looks stupid...

Here almost the exact example of my bike done up with the exact parts it had(well in stock format paint)...

Yeah.....I am not surprised you stripped it. Those cb400's are great bikes. Nice score

 

[mckutzy]

It's pretty cool so far. I have to get a new ignition switch, but all the wireing seems there.
It will most likely need a serious carb clean, I'll have to get some lemon juice from the dollar store soon.

 

[mckutzy]

Last night before it got too late. I went and took off the tank and carbs.
Kinda of a pain but they came out. Buddy was nice enough to drain the tank and the carbs when he left it years ago, but there was still a bit of a nasty mess of carmelized goo that had seized everything. I can barely move the choke plate. Throttle won't move as its glued in place.
I didn't take a pic of the stuff cause my hands were covered in that horrible old bad gas stank and liquid. Really nasty.
I opened the top and bottom covers to just assess the overall and aside from a good cleaning it looks nice and not abused.

 

[landuse]

That is good to hear. At least you can clean everything instead of buying new

 

[mckutzy]

Ya that is good.
Off hand I'll need...
New oil(s)(I'll have to check if the clutch/trans oils are separate oil from motor),
Filters, I couldn't find a fuel filter anywhere, so must be totally stock.
Brake fluid. No leaking so I assume they're good, obviously I'll do a good check when things are more road worthy.

I'm assuming the forks are good and seals don't need to be changed, no oil leaks and seem to recoil nicely.

 

[Flyinhillbilly]

Now I can't figure out why, it won't load a second pic,

When I got it it looked like a popular styled motorcycle that is from Japan. I'm unsure of the name, but they tend to have large high back end seats, funky handlebars and racing inspired front wind screens. Almost like a chopper from the '70's but not...
Well I just had to take off the seat and wind screen thingy. It looks stupid...

Here almost the exact example of my bike done up with the exact parts it had(well in stock format paint)...

Bosozoku is what they're called, goofy looking IMO. I'm pretty well versed in old Japanese bikes, particularly CB's, KZ's, and XS's. I've built several choppers from each, and know them pretty well. If you have any questions, just ask.

 

[Lucky7]

Nice bike. I like Hondas.

 

[itsid]

Well I just had to take off the seat and wind screen thingy. It looks stupid...

Here almost the exact example of my bike done up with the exact parts it had(well in stock format paint)...

I fully understand.. that is by far the ugliest motorcycle I have seen in a while.
it makes me want to wash my eyeballs with bleach.
just to unsee this agony

'sid

PS as if "child of the seventies" is an excuse for that *blech*

 

[Desertduler]

I fully understand.. that is by far the ugliest motorcycle I have seen in a while.
it makes me want to wash my eyeballs with bleach.
just to unsee this agony

'sid

PS as if "child of the seventies" is an excuse for that *blech*

Now that is some funny sh-t!

 

[mckutzy]

Thanks guys... Ya it's goofy... Kinda faintly cool in an odd foreign way.
It's Japanese and I'm assuming the previous owner was too...

With the high up bars like that, what a pain to move it... It's 750#.

I live in a town home complex... What a pain pushing through the house to the back yard..

 

[mindymogul]

Honestly as an owner of 3 of these... I'd dump the ape hangers and get a set off a '80-'85 Suzuki GS series. A lot more comfortable and a lot better grip... plus you won't get yelled at by a $#!tty Asian accent by some redneck...

But h-ll of a find though. It's not in bad cond. Especially the tank!