What did you do to your FJR today?

[El Toro Joe]

With large hail forecast for last night, I had to put the bike back to it's winter spot in the back of the garage so I could pull the car in.

[Hppants]

Love that bridge pic, Jim!!! I've seen photos of that general "area" from you before. I shall like to ride that one day.

BC - with all due props to your FJR love, I can't keep my eyes off that old Honda Four (what I can see of it). Arguably, one of the finest looking motorcycle exhaust in history. Don't ever sell that bike, man....

[raYzerman]

Yes Chuck, tell us more about that Honda.......

[wheatonFJR]

Man, those wear bars aren't worn down to nothing yet! Lol.

Pretty '13!!

[D-Eagle]

Found a slow leak on the lower valve stem, rear.

[BkerChuck]

Yes Chuck, tell us more about that Honda.......

Ray, 1977 Honda CB400F Super Sport. That bike was sold new in 1977 at Bob's Honda and Indian a small shop less than 2 miles from where I live now to a high school teacher at my old high school. The math teacher Mr. Bowman bought the bike I now own and a Graphics Arts teacher Mr. Donnely bought the same bike in the Parakeet Yellow. Mr Donnely never really got into riding and I don't know if he wrecked his or just sold it shortly after purchase. Mr. Bowman owned his for over 20 years riding it but eventually deciding he wanted a bigger bike buying a Harley Davidson Road King.

The Honda was sold to a female friend of mine when she decided she wanted to ride her own bike instead of always riding with her then boyfriend, now husband, on the back of his Harley. By this point the Honda had been parked for some time and so it never ran right for them. Knowing nothing about inline 4 cylinders or multiple carbs they had no idea how to go about getting it back on the road and didn't want to put money into paying someone to help them so it continued to sit. I first saw the bike in their detached garage around 2007 or 2008 and asked what they were going to do with it. Mary still hoped at some point they'd get it back on the road and asked if I was interested in doing the work if they'd buy any parts. I wasn't really looking to volunteer my time at no pay while already working 2 jobs but said I'd consider buying it if they choose to sell.

It took me 3 years to finally convince Mary that she was never going to fix it and it was just going to need more repairs the longer it was left go. It was indoors but uncovered in an unheated detached garage so mice and the occasional bird managed to find a way inside. Mary asked what I thought it might be worth and I told her I'd do a little research before making an offer. At that time a clean, running example was hitting around $2500 but at the lower end closer to $600. I offered her $600 and we went back a forth a bit until she finally relented. Her thought was that I would get it running then flip it for a profit. I assured her getting it running was my plan but flipping it not likely. I also gave her right of first refusal if I choose to sell it which helped seal the deal.

It took me 12-18 months getting it running and later ironing out bugs that popped up. Rebuilt the carbs after ultra sonic cleaning them multiple times to get all the passages cleaned out. New petcock, both sides switch gear, rebuilt front brake caliper more than once before purchasing a repro caliper to finally stop fighting the first one. New chain, tires and tubes, rebuilt front forks. Replaced the fuse box with an upgraded one a forum member makes converting from old glass fuses to the spade type. Had a dent pulled out of the gas tank, found NOS side covers in the correct Candy Antarres Red then had tank repainted and reproduction decals installed and clear coated. Found a NOS muffler at a swap meet. Replaced the sealed headlight with a Hella H-4 set up I found at a swap meet as well. That headlight is a 6-1/2 or 6-3/4" and used only on about 3 bikes ever so that's a pain in the ass to find.

Better picture:

[fontanaman]

Love that bridge pic, Jim!!! I've seen photos of that general "area" from you before. I shall like to ride that one day.

BC - with all due props to your FJR love, I can't keep my eyes off that old Honda Four (what I can see of it). Arguably, one of the finest looking motorcycle exhaust in history. Don't ever sell that bike, man....

Come on up Pants. We got a spare bedroom. The riding around here is pretty damn good too. No traffic to speak of, speed limits are notional - the sheriff didn't bother me despite doing 15 over and the sight seeing is pretty good too.

Thanks for sharing the story of the Honda 400-4 BC.

[wheatonFJR]

Yes Chuck, tell us more about that Honda.......

Ray, 1977 Honda CB400F Super Sport. That bike was sold new in 1977 at Bob's Honda and Indian a small shop less than 2 miles from where I live now to a high school teacher at my old high school. The math teacher Mr. Bowman bought the bike I now own and a Graphics Arts teacher Mr. Donnely bought the same bike in the Parakeet Yellow. Mr Donnely never really got into riding and I don't know if he wrecked his or just sold it shortly after purchase. Mr. Bowman owned his for over 20 years riding it but eventually deciding he wanted a bigger bike buying a Harley Davidson Road King.

The Honda was sold to a female friend of mine when she decided she wanted to ride her own bike instead of always riding with her then boyfriend, now husband, on the back of his Harley. By this point the Honda had been parked for some time and so it never ran right for them. Knowing nothing about inline 4 cylinders or multiple carbs they had no idea how to go about getting it back on the road and didn't want to put money into paying someone to help them so it continued to sit. I first saw the bike in their detached garage around 2007 or 2008 and asked what they were going to do with it. Mary still hoped at some point they'd get it back on the road and asked if I was interested in doing the work if they'd buy any parts. I wasn't really looking to volunteer my time at no pay while already working 2 jobs but said I'd consider buying it if they choose to sell.

It took me 3 years to finally convince Mary that she was never going to fix it and it was just going to need more repairs the longer it was left go. It was indoors but uncovered in an unheated detached garage so mice and the occasional bird managed to find a way inside. Mary asked what I thought it might be worth and I told her I'd do a little research before making an offer. At that time a clean, running example was hitting around $2500 but at the lower end closer to $600. I offered her $600 and we went back a forth a bit until she finally relented. Her thought was that I would get it running then flip it for a profit. I assured her getting it running was my plan but flipping it not likely. I also gave her right of first refusal if I choose to sell it which helped seal the deal.

It took me 12-18 months getting it running and later ironing out bugs that popped up. Rebuilt the carbs after ultra sonic cleaning them multiple times to get all the passages cleaned out. New petcock, both sides switch gear, rebuilt front brake caliper more than once before purchasing a repro caliper to finally stop fighting the first one. New chain, tires and tubes, rebuilt front forks. Replaced the fuse box with an upgraded one a forum member makes converting from old glass fuses to the spade type. Had a dent pulled out of the gas tank, found NOS side covers in the correct Candy Antarres Red then had tank repainted and reproduction decals installed and clear coated. Found a NOS muffler at a swap meet. Replaced the sealed headlight with a Hella H-4 set up I found at a swap meet as well. That headlight is a 6-1/2 or 6-3/4" and used only on about 3 bikes ever so that's a pain in the ass to find.

Better picture:

I, too, bought a Honda brand new in 77. It was the middle sister CB550F.
(Sold it two years later for the new XS1100SF when my saved up college money needed a place to go when I said fk accounting.)

Great work there Chuck!

[BkerChuck]

On the CB400F story, when I first picked it up I gave serious consideration to making it a cafe racer style bike. I spent a LOT of time researching the history of it, finding photos on the internet, and chatting with the 2 brothers that still run Bob's Honda and Indian. The more I found out about this particular example the more I found just how original it still was and how rare. Total production in 1977 was reported at 5068 units worldwide. I even have the original 1977 sales brochure and a period correct key fob like the dealer would have given out in 1977. I know I made the right call keeping it as original as possible.

[raYzerman]

Very nice, Chuck, you stole it. I'm very familiar.... hang out on the SOHC4 forum. I suppose it's time for me to spill about my project.... '72 CB350F... many parts common to the 400 but the 400 had slightly different carbs I think. Same headlight. One needs a perfect tune on the ignition, hopefully you've got OEM points and condenser, and original brass in the carbs. Hondaman makes a superb little electronic ignition that keeps the points, disconnect the condensers, and I can tell you it makes a difference. I got the stuff to dial stuff in, I should pay you a visit for a SOHC4 tech day.

Here's a pic the day I brought it home, looks good from a distance and I've spent a lot of time on the restoration.

[raYzerman]

Very nice, Chuck, you stole it. I'm very familiar.... hang out on the SOHC4 forum. I suppose it's time for me to spill about my project.... '72 CB350F... many parts common to the 400 but the 400 had slightly different carbs I think. Same headlight. One needs a perfect tune on the ignition, hopefully you've got OEM points and condenser, and original brass in the carbs. Hondaman makes a superb little electronic ignition that keeps the points, disconnect the condensers, and I can tell you it makes a difference. I got the stuff to dial stuff in, I should pay you a visit for a SOHC4 tech day.

I ran into a guy here in town, rode his CB550 to the barber shop, has owned it since new.... I want one of those for the next resto project if I can find one cheap enough. Maybe next year.

Here's a pic the day I brought it home, looks good from a distance and I've spent a lot of time on the restoration.

[fontanaman]

These older bikes very fun to see and reminisce about. I had a friend with a 550 four. I got to ride it a few times. I remember the redline was quite high for the day, the seat was painful, just as painful as my CB450.

Today I changed the front tire on my FJR. The Dunlop RS4 had 8700 miles, very impressive. The plan was to install a PR4 GT take off on the front with about 1000 miles of life left, to match to PR4 GT take off on the rear with about 1000 miles left.

So much for plans. The tire mounted just fine but the bead wasn't near the rim in a few spots and no matter what I did I could not get the bead close enough to the rim while applying air to seat it. I lubed the valley of the rim to no avail and gave up. It was as if the tire was too stiff and lost its flexibility.

I decided to mount the new PR4 GT instead. So off came the old tire and on with the new tire. Seated the bead no problem. Now I will have to install the new PR4 GT tire because I might as well enjoy a new tire front and rear, but that will be another day.

What went right today, well I learned my air compressor wasn't the problem.

And Motorcycle Connectors is sending me a new connector for the thermostat. Great service from Jeremy at Motorcycle Connectors.

[Toter]

Once they come off, they never go back on. Life is too short to F around with used tires. Besides, new ones feel so good. I could not care less about the last $75 of crappy handling a used tire has to offer. It's like eating cold, left over food off someone else's plate. OK, if I was starving, maybe. Otherwise, no.

[Road Runner]

Today I greased the relay arm bearings, installed the rebuilt Ohlins, installed the forks after new seals and bushings, and 7wt oil. I set all the clickers and now I have to take it for a ride to make sure it's all set. Taking it to work tomorrow and going the fun way. Gitty up.

[fontanaman]

Bought a set of Dunlop Roadsmart 4 for the FJR today for $372 before sales tax.

[raYzerman]

I expect any future tires will cost significantly more now. All are imported AFAIK.

[fontanaman]

I expect any future tires will cost significantly more now. All are imported AFAIK.

Yep. I will finish mounting a set of new tires this weekend so I don't need tires right now so my tire purchase is based inflationary expectations due to tariffs. I did that with a couple of electronic gizmos for my wife as well. I am not the only one pre-emptive buying. I read purchasing managers were trying to pull stock forward.

[Hppants]

Bought a set of Dunlop Roadsmart 4 for the FJR today for $372 before sales tax.

which vendor did you use?

[Hppants]

175 miles yesterday through the local back country. Wind forecast was 20-30, with occassional gust to 40. I tried to lead us into the trees for some help, but honestly, that might have been the fiercest wind I've ever ridden in.

Three out of four of my local riding buddies went today. Rany lives 200 miles away, so he passed. Clockwise: Pants (FJR), Mike (A/T), Alex (GSA), and Tom (Versys 1000)



It was also warm yeseterday (high about 85), so this shade was welcome, mid morning.



In the historic town of Washington, Louisiana, we stopped at this cafe, converted from an old meat market building on the national register of historic places.





I wish I would have teken a few pictures of the inside, decorated with a lot of antique artifacts from early cajun life. Ironically, the food was only..... meh. But we did make one more stop OTW home for a treat.



It was better than staying home.

Stay thirsty, my friends.....

[El Toro Joe]

Bought a set of Dunlop Roadsmart 4 for the FJR today for $372 before sales tax.

Just ordered a set from Amazon...same price + $25.13 in tax