CB400N Cafe (possibly) Project

[AllanC]

So, back into it again. I just got the seat back from DR Auto Trim in Morrinsville. They did a really excellent job of rebuilding the seat on the original pan, I'm really stoked with how it turned out (included some before and after pics below),


and on the bike:


Need to get onto painting it now, and still need to decide what I want to do about a rear guard.

[dogsnbikes]

Thats looking really nice Allan,

[AllanC]

Trying to sort out a speedo and am struggling to get my head around the ratio thing. I found this on eBay http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...=p5197.c0.m619 which is the sort of thing I'm after (as it also includes the neutral, high beam, indicator, oil lights) but it talks about a ration of 2:1:1 and the only thing I can find anywhere on the ratio for a CB250 / 400N is an estimate of 2240:60.

Does this make sense?

Also, is there any reason (WOF) why I can't use an mph speedo or do I have to worry about the fact that the mileage will go back to 0? Are there any local suppliers of this sort of thing (can't see anything on TradeMe)?

[FJRider]

As I understand ... speedos must work for a WOF ... no rule says they must be accurate.

You however ... must know how fast you are travelling to prevent yourself from exceeding the posted speed limits.

[AllanC]

Found a post somewhere that says a 2:1 ratio is for 19" wheels ( which mine is) and a 2244:60 is for 16" wheels?

Also found the same speedo in Australia that's in kph but it's more expensive. Apparently the lights are all LED so don't know if that's a problem.

[AllanC]

Finally got the tank etc back from painting Now I just need to get some decals on it (thinking a stripe down the middle of the tank and front guard along woth a Honda wing). Really pleased with how it's come out - has a slight pearl to it.

[AllanC]

Have put it back together, now if only I could get it to run. Well, I did have it running but then it just stopped so buggered if I know what's going on. Suspect with different pipes and pod filters the carbies probably need some work (not a strength of mine!). Anyway, some pics attached:



I'm liking it. Still trying to decide if I want a stripe going through the tank and front guard and still want to change the gauges. The pics don't really do the paint justice, the pearl looks great in the sunlight

[Latte]

Looks great, i'm jealous.

[AllanC]

Still got to get it going tho!

[nzspokes]

Found a post somewhere that says a 2:1 ratio is for 19" wheels ( which mine is) and a 2244:60 is for 16" wheels?

Also found the same speedo in Australia that's in kph but it's more expensive. Apparently the lights are all LED so don't know if that's a problem.

Robinson instruments in Onehunga will calibrate your speedo to whatever you want.

Mint bike.

[AllanC]

Robinson instruments in Onehunga will calibrate your speedo to whatever you want.

Mint bike.

Thanks mate. I'll contact them.

[ducatilover]

Bloody awesome build mate! Much jealous!

[nzspokes]

Have put it back together, now if only I could get it to run. Well, I did have it running but then it just stopped so buggered if I know what's going on. Suspect with different pipes and pod filters the carbies probably need some work (not a strength of mine!).

It wont be the jetting stopping it from running. It will still run, but maybe badly. I did pods on my little Honda and ended up going up 2 main jet sizes and now it goes like a cut cat compared to what it used to do. I would check spark first, my guess is a plug has fallen off that youve not noticed. If your in Aucks I can pop round and have a look if you want, I know these little hondas fairly well now.

Im also about to start a similar project soon.

[Drew]

Didn't read all the thread, just went through looking at the photos. If you didn't clean the carbs before you put them in, I reckon that'll be the problem as to not running, or starting then shitting itself rather.

Clean them, and chuck new plugs in. Ensure there is a fuel filter in the line too.

[Conquiztador]

What a mammoth task that was, will get somebody to give me a hand next time. Felt like I had to lift the thing about 10 times!

I have a trick I would normally charge for... But as you have no use for it anymore: To get a motor in a frame I put an old blanket on the lawn (nice and soft, no damage), then I drop the bike on it's side on the blanket. Then I drop the motor as close I can get it. Now the only thing you have to do is jiggle it all around (I normally find that it is easier to move the frame than the motor). A couple of bolts in and you can stand her up.

And brilliant work there!