1977 Honda CB400F

Summary:

Fantastic, very reliable, economical and fun

Faults:

Genuine Honda coils don't last very well, but are easily replaced by reliable Boyer equivalents.

Electronic ignition is a bonus, especially after pattern points snapped.

Head gaskets tend to go after a while, but it's still possible to enjoy the track at Knockhill with a blown head gasket!

Seats tend to break after about 30,000 miles.

Gear changes occasionally need replaced due to the multi linkage breaking with high mileage and continual use.

General Comments:

Very reliable, I've covered well over 100,000 miles on challenging roads in Scotland, Ireland, Europe, etc with few problems.

Returns 60mpg regardless of how fast I run it. Currently I'm doing an 80 mile daily commute on a mixture of country lanes and city streets.

Superdream wheels and brakes with good-ridge hoses improve braking.

Only drawback is attitude of a lot of guys who think of it as only a womans bike; their problem, not mine. Wonder how many of their bikes will still be going in 30 years?

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd October, 2006

29th Oct 2006, 16:12

I love the CB400. Keep it mate, their opinion is their problem, as you say, not yours. I have a few mates that think little of the CB400 and I often correct them. I would like to own one and would be proud to do so.

I would love to get hold of an old CB400F.

24th Feb 2007, 11:33

Two years ago I piked up a beat-up 75 cb400 for fifty bucks. I rode it hard and often.

By winter it was time for a rebuild. It was remarkably easy to work on (however parts are not easy to find in the US). I added some performance upgrades (mild grind cam, as well as some intake and exhaust work). This little bike is now a head turner.

I get a lot of guff for it being a woman's bike, and many question it's power. I'm over six feet tall and 225 lbs, and still this bike remains very competitive. It is a joy to ride, nimble, and FAST! I have yet to be beaten by any Harley. Why on earth did Honda stop making them?

14th Jul 2008, 13:28

It's so good to hear such comments about a CB400. I hope you are able to keep that thing running for many more years! Most folks I speak to here in the U.S. have no idea what great bikes these are. I sold my 1978 CB400T2 Hawk in 1994 because I did not have time to do some major maintenance that kept it off the road - and I was moving to a new home and did not need the extra expense of moving the bike. Every day I wish I could have kept it.