Lovely, early Honda CB400/ 4 in excellent original condition. This bike must be one of the very earliest in existence – frame no 1000518 – so number 518 off the production line? This is a US bike from Florida so has not suffered from our wet climate and appears to have been well maintained throughout. I bought the bike around 5 years ago, but far too many other bikes, work and time has meant I have never really used it. It is however a joy to ride, being immensely flickable, willing, and totally predictable.
Engine
Super smooth 400cc 4 cylinder. Oil and filter changed not many miles ago, valve clearances checked, carbs cleaned out and balanced, aluminium cam chain tensioner arm and new tensioners done by PO. Pulls smoothly in any of the 6 gears. Box, clutch and manual choke fine. These things are very rev. happy and this one feels like it – not that I have tried as it’s not the way I ride.
Electrics
Switchgear all works, ignition fine, newish plugs. Dynamic timing done not long since. Brand new Motobatt. Starts very easily on the button on choke. Kick start as back-up.
Paintwork Frame etc.
Very good condition in the original blue. Suspension all good, no play in swingarm. New seat.
Wheels/ brakes
Decent tyres, plenty of tread left. Brakes bled, they seem fine to me. Unusual standard front brake correctly adjusted.
Shiny bits
All very good here – especially the characteristic standard waterfall 4 into 1 exhaust. Mudguards, stanchions, mirrors all good.
This is a very fine well-maintained example of the 400/ 4 which needs nothing but riding. Honda at their best. Very easy to work on, very comprehensive spares availability – Dave Silver has just about everything. I have some useful spares to go with the bike as well as a battered elderly Haynes manual.
Local specialist bike courier company close by me offers an excellent service. Happy to arrange at cost.
Excellent original early 400/ 4
