Want some peoples thoughts on a imperfect CB400A for a new rider

[Pseudo]

I found a listing of a 1978 CB400A Hawk Hondamatic for $1,000. This would be my first motorcycle and I wouldn't mind having to fix and tinker with it since it won't be my primary vehicle and I like to tinker and fix stuff anyway. The biggest reason I'm entertaining the idea of this bike is not only is it cheap, but my father's first bike was also an old CB400 that he had to tinker and fix with years ago so I would have someone in my immediate circle to help me out when I would need it. They say that the title is clean and that the price will go up as they work on it. Thank you for your time

This is the list of things that they claim are new
-Battery
-Brake master cylinder
-ignition switch
-starter solenoid
-spark plugs

Things wrong with it
-Carburetor needs to be rebuilt
-Parking brake cable is stuck
-Tires ( they don't state anything specific I assume they just need to be replaced

 

[ancientdad]

Is this from an individual without an ad posted somewhere? The pictures won't enlarge and are only at angles, so getting a visual on many components is more difficult. The only component we could visually check is the master cylinder, but it's too far away in the picture to know anything about it.

 

[Pseudo]

Is this from an individual without an ad posted somewhere? The pictures won't enlarge and are only at angles, so getting a visual on many components is more difficult.

Yeah sorry here's the listing https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/2078428519350009

 

[tomeben]

I think the 400/450 twins are great starter bikes. As a sort of buyer’s guide, this may be worth reading over before you buy… it will give you an idea of what you’re in for since these are 40+ year old machines. Good luck in your search!

https://www.vintagehondatwins.com/forums/threads/basic-checklist-for-the-new-to-you-old-bike.79/

 

[ancientdad]

Yeah sorry here's the listing https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/2078428519350009

Thanks, but sadly the ad doesn't offer much more and no sound in the short video of it riding by. @LongDistanceRider and @Maraakate are among our resident experts on this model, and the fact that it runs and rides says it has promise. You should know that this engine runs off its self-powered CDI so it will run without a good battery. You should also know to be extremely careful removing the plastic sidecovers as they crack easily, and to lube the rubber grommets they attach in to avoid problems in the future (just not too much lube or they'll fly off while you're riding). I will say the front master cylinder does look cleaner than usual so it may well be new, battery is under the right sidecover so hard to know if it's new.

 

[LongDistanceRider]

Appears to be a complete bike including original mufflers. $1K is a good price.

 

[tomeben]

You should also know to be extremely careful removing the plastic sidecovers as they crack easily, and to lube the rubber grommets they attach in to avoid problems in the future (just not too much lube or they'll fly off while you're riding). .

The side covers are also getting expensive to replace, if you can even find one. So yes, be careful with them.

 

[esmith250624]

The shift lever looks to be at an odd angle, I would check into that, maybe they have one from a different model on there, even with that I see nothing that would prevent me from pulling the trigger on it. this looks to be a very nice example that should clean up very nicely. I have the CB400T and it's very comfortable and easy to ride, Plenty of experience on this forum regarding working on and maintaining this model.

Since I mentioned the shift lever, If you are not aware the "A" model has a Hi/Lo selector for the foot pedal. So it is either Hi, Lo or Neutral.

This morning I went for a ride on mine and I thought I was just cruising at the speed limit until I looked down and saw I was going 70. this model is very underrated IMO.... They will get you where you need to go.

 

[LongDistanceRider]

The shift lever looks to be at an odd angle,

Good catch, it's the wrong lever, too short.

 

[Maraakate]

The shift lever looks to be at an odd angle, I would check into that, maybe they have one from a different model on there, even with that I see nothing that would prevent me from pulling the trigger on it. this looks to be a very nice example that should clean up very nicely. I have the CB400T and it's very comfortable and easy to ride, Plenty of experience on this forum regarding working on and maintaining this model.

Since I mentioned the shift lever, If you are not aware the "A" model has a Hi/Lo selector for the foot pedal. So it is either Hi, Lo or Neutral.

This morning I went for a ride on mine and I thought I was just cruising at the speed limit until I looked down and saw I was going 70. this model is very underrated IMO.... They will get you where you need to go.

Yes, they can do 70 pretty well. Things start getting squirrely around ~75-80mph imo. Top advertised speed is about ~87mph which is only achievable tucked, bombing a steep incline.