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Author Topic: Total noob - '78 Honda CB TII maintenance?  (Read 786 times)
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awesomerobot Topic starter
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Bike: 1978 Honda CB 400 TII
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« on: March 31, 2011, 08:22:38 AM »

Hi there - total n00b on multiple levels here. Just got my license through the MSF course two weekends ago. I just won a fully restored '78 Honda CB 400TII on eBay (it's really beautiful, I'll post photos when I get it) - the owner will be riding it the 160 miles or so to deliver it to me this weekend (which is a nice boost of confidence for the condition of the machine). I'm going to be gently riding it to my train station to work (about 2-3 miles of back roads) until I feel more comfortable taking it on some long weekend cruises.

Anyway - I'm going to be digging through these forums for quite some time, but I was wondering if anyone has any advice for maintenance or things to look out for on these bikes?
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hppants
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« Reply #1 on: March 31, 2011, 11:15:01 AM »

Welcome to the group, ride safe.

You bike's model is somewhat rare on this site.  Personally, I can't comment on anything specific to the 400.  However, in general (and in no particular order):

1.  Tires - check the date stamp.  If older than 3 years, regardless of wear, pitch 'em.  It's dangerous.  If you end up replacing your tires, while the wheels are down, examine the wheel bearings and replace as necessary.

2.  Manual - get the Cylmers or Honda service manual for your bike.  Check here is you can't find one:

http://www.helminc.com/helm/homepage.asp?r=

3.  Alternator - check your manual, but I would imagine you should expect about 12.5 volts with the engine off, around 13.5 volts with the engine running at least 2500 rpm.  The stators on these bikes don't put out at low rpm.

4.  I'd change the oil and filter (if it has one) pronto.  Cheap insurance.  Be sure to use a motorcycle-specific oil.

5.  Bleed the front brake to flush out the old fluid.  If the clutch is hydraulic, bleed it also.

6.  Chain/sprockets - check for wear, excessive stretch - clean, adjust, and/or replace as necessary.

7.  Examine the air filter - if it's dirty, replace it.  I'd be leary about pitching the stock air box and replacing with POD filters - that will likely require carb re-jetting.

8.  Lubricate the clutch cable.  Examine it and if frayed - order a new one. 

www.bikebandit.com

9.  Make sure all of the lights work and the horn.  Test the emergency kill switch.

10.  Get the friggin riding GEAR!!!  Don't play around.  You don't want to take the pavement ride without it.  It might save your life.

and most importantly.....


Enjoy your new toy.  Have fun and post a couple of pics.
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awesomerobot Topic starter
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« Reply #2 on: March 31, 2011, 03:06:15 PM »

Sounds like solid advice. Thanks.
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fortyhourdays
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« Reply #3 on: March 31, 2011, 03:09:24 PM »

 welcome Pants gave you some good advice.  Looking forward to seeing some pic's of the bike.  Where are you from?
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Jon
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« Reply #4 on: March 31, 2011, 07:34:25 PM »

Here's an image from the auction - I'll get better ones this weekend.

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fortyhourdays
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« Reply #5 on: March 31, 2011, 09:14:05 PM »

That's a classy looking bike  thumb
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Jon
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« Reply #6 on: April 01, 2011, 09:55:56 AM »

Classy looking for sure...

I have a 78 CB400TII too.  I love it.  The place for you to really be checking out is http://www.hondatwins.net/forum/index.php.  Another great forum with some really helpful folks.  They helped get me started working on bikes.  The folks here at NHF have been great too and helped dive even deeper into motorcycle mechanics.

A couple pics of Elmo and me.



Enjoy your bike!
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« Reply #7 on: April 01, 2011, 01:19:48 PM »

Hey Baileyman, are the mags on those riveted to the rims, like you see in other late 70/early 80 Honda's? Or are they solid?
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« Reply #8 on: April 01, 2011, 02:37:18 PM »

I love the look of the 4xx hawks.  Except the front fender.  Looks like it's a little too large.

Bet you could throw that bike around in the twisties.   ricky
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Baileyman
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« Reply #9 on: April 01, 2011, 04:10:20 PM »

I don't think the mags are riveted, but they're not solid.  I think they're bolted on.  I know some folks have removed them and painted / powder coated them.  They don't recommend it though, I think because it can ruin the wheel...

It is great fun all around.  With softer tires it would be even more flickable in the twisties.  I've got a harder tire on them now, as its mostly an around town bike, and I'm not much of a knee dragger.
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« Reply #10 on: April 01, 2011, 07:49:46 PM »

I don't think the mags are riveted, but they're not solid.  I think they're bolted on.

The little bolt's are referred to as rivets. Don't ask me why.
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« Reply #11 on: April 03, 2011, 10:10:35 AM »

Welcome to the fold. I bought a new '78 just like Baileyman's, it was a great bike. It turned out to be my son's first street ride, we put many miles on it. Get an FSM and start reading, the better you know your bike, the more enjoyment you will get from it. It's already been said, but I will repeat, wear the proper gear and ride safe.  gerg
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