Honda CB-1 400 - Great little fun bike

[AlanH]

Well I just MOT'd my little CB-1 today and I've done under 200 miles on it in the last year as I usually take out the RD04. Leaving this bike in the garage is a real waste so maybe it's time to sell it on for someone to make use of. New MOT, 27,000 miles and Taxed 'til July.

Here it is:


It is a Honda CB-1 400 1993 on an L plate. It is a US Import, not a Japanese one, so it has an mph speedo and is not restricted. Normally the US model has a mild steel exhaust but this one has had a full stainless systrem off a Jap model fitted.

I bought this bike in 2006 as a project with a totally knackered rear shock, pitted forks, dodgy headrace bearings and sun faded switchgear. I stripped it completely and powder coated the frame satin black along with aa load of other parts:



I had the forks hardchromed and ground to spec and rebuilt them with new bushes:


After giving the motor the satin black treatment, the rolling chassis was built up with a new Hagon rear shock an new bearings throughout.





I replaced the faded switchgear with newer CBR600 items. It has almost new BT090 tyres on it and rides like a new bike. It would make an ideal first proper bike or great fun daily transport/commuter.

Now, I know it is possible to pick one of these up for around the £800 mark but it won't be in the same league as this one. I'm asking £1095 for it and have posted it here first before putting it on Autotrader. I'm not open to silly offers as I'd rather keep it than give it away.

[anton88]

Wow, - thats a great looking bike - love the black powdercoating

Good price too with all the work youve done

[AlanH]

Yeah, I'll be sad to see this go. Still, hopefully nobody will be interested and I'll be forced to keep it.

Riding it today back to back with the @ was weird. It handles like it's on rails by comparison. That reminds me - I forgot to add that it has hagon fork springs in it too so no soggy front end - oh, and a dynojet kit - and an ignition advancer I imported from the US - and the silly day running lights have been converted to UK spec switched...

The more I think about the amount of work that went into this, the more I don't want to sell it. I just know I'm going to regret this

[boboneleg]

hmmmmmmmmmmmmm, are you sure you want to do that Alan?

[AlanH]

No, not sure at all. I can just about get away with two bikes as far as SWMBO is concerned but three would be an absolute no-no. As I fancy a cheap and cheerful single for getting muddy (something like your little Yam or an XR maybe), I have to make some room.

[Austin]

I am trying to get son #2 interested in this Alan. Looks like a cracking bike. He's out partying just now but I showed him the pics, said I would "lend" him the money and he went off to get an insurance quote - which is about as keen as a 17yo gets. I will let you know later - he will want to know a bit more about the model, see some pics, find out how fast etc etc.

[AlanH]

Hi Austin. The CB-1 is full power (around 50bhp - my previous one was 52bhp on the dyno). It will probably need to be restricted for your son wouldn't it? It's ages since I've looked at licence requirements so I may be wrong.

Anyway, if that is the case,there are kits around for the CB-1 and they are generally anywhere from £100 to £200 fitted with certificate to prove. They consist of a set of restrictor washers that fit into the carb rubbers and restrict the inlets.

Not wishing to talk myself out of a potential customer, but for someone with a 33bhp restricted licence, the Bros 400 is a good alternative as it only produces 33bhp as standard. It feels far more natural than a strangled higher power bike and is a great allrounder.

[Austin]

Hi Austin. The CB-1 is full power (around 50bhp - my previous one was 52bhp on the dyno). It will probably need to be restricted for your son wouldn't it? It's ages since I've looked at licence requirements so I may be wrong.

Anyway, if that is the case,there are kits around for the CB-1 and they are generally anywhere from £100 to £200 fitted with certificate to prove. They consist of a set of restrictor washers that fit into the carb rubbers and restrict the inlets.

Not wishing to talk myself out of a potential customer, but for someone with a 33bhp restricted licence, the Bros 400 is a good alternative as it only produces 33bhp as standard. It feels far more natural than a strangled higher power bike and is a great allrounder.

good point Alan, that'd be another £200+to factor in. We are hoping to get a look at another Cb1 for sale in Blackpool soonish and we will make a decision after that.

He hasn't even passed his test yet so no rush.

[AlanH]

good point Alan, that'd be another £200+to factor in. We are hoping to get a look at another Cb1 for sale in Blackpool soonish and we will make a decision after that.

Things to look out for on these are knackered rear shock and pitted forks - both of which are expensive to fix properly (speaking from experience). The motor should be silky smooth and sewing machine quiet. If they've been abused horribly or crashed hard on the gear lever, second gear can fail so make sure you give it a thorough road test.

[Austin]

Things to look out for on these are knackered rear shock and pitted forks - both of which are expensive to fix properly (speaking from experience). The motor should be silky smooth and sewing machine quiet. If they've been abused horribly or crashed hard on the gear lever, second gear can fail so make sure you give it a thorough road test.

thanks I'll be sure to check.