Description
A 2005 CB400SS in excellent condition with less than 5000 miles. Not to be confused with the 4 cylinder CB400 this is a lightweight single cylinder aimed at anyone who would like a retro styled lightweight with the assurance of modern Honda technology.
My hobby is restoring old motorcycles and cars so I can’t resist improving on some features of the bike without changing the look or character. At first glance it looks just like a standard CB400SS….. but read on...
As the CB400SS is a detuned version of the well proven XR400 Honda dirt bike (also the same engine is used in some Honda quads). The CB camshaft was changed to a new XR400 cam and the piston changed to a Wiseco with a compression of just short of 10:1. This has added a little more power without sacrificing tractability or reliability. Both the XR400 and CB400SS have automatic decompressors to aid starting so this feature is retained and the bike starts easily by kickstart or the electric starter. The jetting was adjusted to suit the new cam and it runs as sweetly as ever.
The tyres have been changed to Bridgestone BT45 and are excellent. Many of these import bikes still have their original, very old and hard plastic tyres, beware. New tubes at the same time of course. Next the original wheel rims which look like aluminium but are in fact steel were changed to alloy rims with stainless steel spokes (front and rear).
Many little things such as wheel spacers and engine plates were remade in aluminium to shave off weight but painted black just as the originals.
Fork oil and brake fluid changed of course, oil and filter changed annually.
The indicators have been changed from the plastic items to new ones from a 1970’s CB750 (also fitted to the CD175 but heh let’s brag a little). They are now rubber mounted on custom machined stalks. The mirrors are also changed for similar retro items. I think these items just add to the retro look of the bike and now use standard parts.
I believe the mileage to be less than 5000, certainly I have only done about 2000 miles in the last ten years. However when I bought the bike it read in kms but has been converted to read directly in miles. So about 3000kms plus 2000 miles equals not a lot really.
The paintwork is excellent save a small mark on the white section of the tank. My friend who is a professional car body worker polished it all up like new.
The original exhaust system has been replaced with a custom stainless steel item. Most replacement exhausts are short and very loud but this looks similar to the original and won’t upset the neighbours. The exhaust is held by a custom hanger as the original passenger footrests etc have been removed, (they come with the bike with all the original parts that were upgraded).
A new battery, one of the yellow motoblatt types which has more power than the original and much better quality.
There is a small topbox which is lockable and quick release. It is mounted on a custom made luggage rack.
A new chain and lightened sprockets.
There is a workshop manual for the XR400 which covers 90% of requirements but also a photocopy of the Honda workshop manual and owners manual. I also keep records of all maintenance so there is a folder of receipts and notes of work done.
The bike is in Halifax and is currently on sorn.
I am happy to send more pictures or answer any questions, just email or call for a chat.
The price is non negotiable at £3500 which I believe compares very favourably with those recent imports found with dealers…... but this bike is so much better!
Graham
