Buying a CB400SF, anything I need to be aware of? [Archive]

View Full Version : Buying a CB400SF, anything I need to be aware of?

Oakie

18th February 2005, 10:39

Hi
I'm new here today so howdy!
I'm looking at buying an ex Japan CB400 Super Four (1992, 7500km). Does anyone have any horror stories about these bikes or are there any issues I need to be aware of.
I'm pretty confident the kms are OK. Tires were old and had cracks but weren't overly worn (now replaced by dealer).

duckman

18th February 2005, 10:45

vifferman

18th February 2005, 10:47

I think Mike L has the same (or very similar) bike.

Oh yeah - welcome to Kiwi Biker! :spudwave:

MikeL

18th February 2005, 11:11

I think Mike L has the same (or very similar) bike.

The CB-1 (1989-1990) is also known as CB400F but I'm not sure how different your model is. Mine has the gear-driven cams and mechanically it is very well engineered. Mine is coming up for 60 000 k with no mechanical problems at all. Engine and gearbox still very sweet. I guess the only thing to watch out for is the usual dodgy Honda electrics. Probably the reg/rec is a weak point. I had a complete alternator failure at about 30,000 km but apart from that it's been very reliable. Handles well too.

vifferman

18th February 2005, 11:30

I guess the only thing to watch out for is the usual dodgy Honda electrics. Probably the reg/rec is a weak point. I had a complete alternator failure at about 30,000 km but apart from that it's been very reliable.
So another Honda is afflicted with dodgy R/Rs? Well, well....
Not a big deal though - other brands also have problems with electrics, but just don't advertise it. You might own a Honda for years and years, and never have a problem, or the R/R might cark it within a couple of years. I've had 7 Hondas, and the first 4 had no problems at all. I bought the VF500 when it was 9 years old and sold it 7 years later, with a 7 year-old battery in it! No problems at all, apart from some f'wit leaving the key in the "P" position a few times (easy to do).
Then I had two in a row that had R/R failures. But if that happens, it's not too dear to fix - around $300 for a brand-new heavy-duty R/R, or a few shekels for a secondhand one from a wrecker.

Biff

18th February 2005, 11:31

Welcome.

Good choice for a bike mate. You should have plenty of fun on it and they're generally reliable buggers as well.

Other than the standard checks when buying a bike, as already pointed out some early Honda's have rectifier problems. This widget controls the electrotrickery to major bike components. I think your bike has one of the older rectifiers fitted without the heat fins. So start her up, make sure she is nice and warm then rev her watching out for headlight dimming. Check all the electric's (indicators, horn etc) every time watching out for headlight dimming, as well as making sure that the indicators etc work!

Choke - CB400/600's around this year also had some choke problems. If you start her up, from as cold, pull the choke all the way out and listen to the engine noise. I'm no expert here, other than telling you that if there's a rattling noise, a new choke may be required soon and mine set me back (including fitting) the equivalent of around $200.

Keep you eye open on here for organised rides out of ChCh. You'll be more than welcome to join us :niceone:

wari

18th February 2005, 18:53

HOWdydoodiddleedoodlee to youdiddleedoodlee toodiddleedoodly do tooo ummm ... yeah ... :moon: ... :spudwave:

:sunny:

gav

18th February 2005, 20:45

Some good info here on the CB400SF, looks a cool little bike, nice choice
http://www.wemoto.com/wem/wemsf1.htm

Oakie

20th February 2005, 20:26

Thanks for the feedback folks. It's nice to be made to feel so welcome.
I'm now quite confident that I'm getting the right bike.
What's more, I took my wife down to see it at the shop on Saturday morning and she was suitably impressed (with the comfy back seat and the smooth sounding engine mainly) so I guess I'd better not disappoint her.
Catch you on the road sometime!

moko

21st February 2005, 02:04

We dont get many of these in the U.K. as they were never an officially imported bike.they still get regularly recommended as a "best buy" by RIDE magazine though.only mystery is why Honda didnt import them here as the old 400/4 was massively popular.

Oakie

21st February 2005, 08:06

Yeah Moko. I still remember lusting after a red 400/4 in our local Honda dealership on my first go around as a biker 25 odd years ago. Just loved the the way those 4 pipes swerved down infront of the motor.

dangerous

21st February 2005, 19:10

Hi
I'm new here today so howdy!
I'm looking at buying an ex Japan CB400 Super Four (1992, 7500km)
Welcome to KB there man..... that wouldent be the CB from Trever Pierce now would it, the one I went into have a look at on Sat that was down at the VIN joint.... why dident he tell me it was on the phone.

Oakie

22nd February 2005, 07:55

Hi there Dangerous
No it wasn't that one. Funny you should say that though. I saw that one at Trevor Pierce advertised on Bikepoint before Christmas and went in to have a look when they opened after New Year. I was told that it had been sold but hadn't come off the Bikepoint page. Hmmm?
The one I'm looking at is from Sportzone Suzuki and is just waiting for some new shockies to be fitted so I can take it for a spin. :banana: