Description
For reluctant sale is my completely restored 1976 Honda Supersport CB400F. As you'll know they're fast appreciating classics where original, operational examples are well respected. This is an original bike (frame number and engine number are the same as they always were) and it's registered as a Historic Vehicle on the log book. This means no road tax and no requirement for an MOT. There are 12 former keepers listed on the logbook, but essentially this is not relevant due to the extensive work carried out.
It's listed in the log book as Blue, the tank was a complete mess when I got it so quickly obtained a replacement in the (in my opinion) far better looking Light Ruby Red. Since I couldn't decide whether to change the logbook though I also obtained a Varnish Blue tank, and have finished the side panels in the later scheme of black and gold to allow swapping between. I will include the Varnish Blue tank for the full asking price.
I undertook the rebuild myself, contracting out to specialists where necessary. I wanted to produce and authentic experience and not 'factory fresh'. I value originality over modern replacement so tried very hard to retain features where I could. The rebuild took just over a year and no expense was spared on quality or attention to detail. The bike has been on the road since August 2019 now and I've completed over 500 miles, to local bike shows and to potter to the coast on sunny days.
The work is far too much to list here, but basically:
Frame blasted, inspected and powder coated. Special care was taken to retain the frame number.
Forks hard re-chrome and ground back by specialist, then rebuilt with new seals.
Engine completely overhauled, including vapour blast by a restoration specialist, then inspected by an engineering specialist where it was found to be within tolerances of the original size pistons so received a light hone. All engine components were measured and those within acceptable tolerances used and new old stock parts sourced before reassembly.
New parts include:
Seat
One of the side panels (saved the original other side)
Rear shocks
Tyres & tubes
Steering security lock
Brake pads, master and slave cylinder, all brake pipes
Chrome mudguards front and rear
Chain & both sprockets
Engine internals (pistons, rings, all main bearings, main bearing shells, primary HyVo chain and cam chain, cam chain tensioner repair kit, all seals and gaskets)
Battery, bulbs, fuses, horn, spark plugs and caps, points
Clutch and both throttle cables
Everything else has been meticulously restored while retaining the patina a 46 year old bike deserves. Other highlights include the headlight shell, clocks, regulator, wiring loom, horn and passing light button (which was 3d printed!)
If you know the 400/ 4 you'll be aware of the familiar faint cam chain rattle at idle speed. This one is no different! Also the earlier engines had shorter head bolts, later revised to cure a slight oil weep sometimes visible on the left side - again, this one does show small signs after high revs. The left frame rail has been previously repaired with an external sleeve. The repair was inspected after blasting and found to be very secure so it was left in, and the powder coat went on. The red tank has some light damage, small dent near the seat (you can't see it when the seat is in the usual position) and some scratches around. I may be being picky referring to these points but I'd hate for someone to arrive to see the 45ish year old motorcycle expecting to compare with something brand new!
Everything works on this bike as I believe it should. The switchgear is positive and tactile, the ignition barrel is positive. There are 2 keys (one new and one original with the same pattern), the keys fit the ignition and the seat lock as intended. The steering lock has been replaced as the bike came to me without the key - so that's restored and working well. It starts, stops, handles and behaves exactly as the 400/ 4 should, and represents a good, honest, reliable and fun bike.
I do not have any warranty to offer, this is a private sale. Viewing is by appointment, I'm flexible as I work from home. I'm located in Somerset near M5 J23/ J24.
For the full asking price, the bike will come with spares:
Reproduction, but sadly slightly dented Varnish Blue tank, complete with fuel tap
2x banks of unrestored carburettors
Haynes manual
