1977 Honda CB400F - Runs Great - So We're Tearing It Down?

Part 2 of our CB400F series. Time to pull bits and bobs off the CB400F for cleaning and repair. I want this thing to be RELIABLE. Maybe for an adventure?
See what we're up to in between video releases:
/ golden_boy_garage
0:00 Intro
3:00 Exhaust Removal
4:00 Front Brake
6:40 Coils and Rockerbox
8:18 Cam Inspection
12:19 Head Removal
15:44 Cylinder Inspection
19:00 Head Teardown
35:06 Front End Teardown
40:00 Fork Removal
47:30 Fork Seals
53:00 Fork Tubes
55:25 Fork Assemble
1:00:25 Tire Change and Wheel Polish
1:11:15 Wrap

[@paulkoedinger7607]

Nice videos. You are doing a good job there. I also got a Honda 400 four from 1976 and I bourgt it at new. What a lucky man I’ve been. That’s the reason that I hope you show us more videos about your bike.

[@GoldenBoyGarage]

I am working on the next video where I have it put together, then there will be another one after that where we deal with that cut fender and some other bits! I appreciate you all watching, never imagined it would get so much interest!

[@shaunhardie6077]

A little tip for when you fit tubes into tyres, inflate it slightly just before fitting the second bead of the tyre, that way you easily see where the tube is actually sitting and you can avoid nipping it. Bikes coming along great by the way, 👍.

[@GoldenBoyGarage]

y'know ive had a lot of back and forth about this with my other moto friends. Years ago I was trying to put tubes in my scooter wheels and id inflate them, always pinch. A buddy said thats why, but maybe i had too much? He works on bikes for cash and swears never to inflate. I wont bring up the topic of which way to put the nuts on the valve stem haha. Ill give it another shot with some inflation next time! Thanks a million for watching!

[@shaunhardie6077]

@@GoldenBoyGarage yeah its a fine line to how much air is enough or too much but the good thing is you got it inflated, and to me that's a WIN. Just watched the video where you rode the bike home, looks like an awesome ride and the weather was in your favour too. Bike looks sweeeeeeeeet, and if manage to get the rear fender and tail light sorted its going to be a peach of a machine, 😎.

[@GoldenBoyGarage]

I was pretty happy to get them on without issue, like to have that skill now that I do a lot of dual sporting. Got super lucky with the weather, and I really wanted to ride it home as a test of might, plus it is just a pretty ride to go down along the Ohio river, plenty of good curvy roads too. New fender and taillight have come in from CMS and Webike Japan, just have to find time to put together!

[@piotrpiatek6173]

Waiting for another episode :D greetings from Poland :)

[@GoldenBoyGarage]

We aim to provide the best motorcycle content for our Polish fans! Next video should be up soon

[@Hertog_von_Berkshire]

Against expectations, that front wheel came up a treat. I would definitely get someone in to track down & remove the hornets' nest. Judging by the numbers, it's not too far away.

[@GoldenBoyGarage]

Still shocked how well the wheels came around. This was filmed last fall, I found the nest on my front porch and had been battling the nest for over a week, finally they decided to go elsewhere, but freaked me out a bit when they wound up in the garage! Felt like I was being hunted

[@ajp33green]

Such a golden boy.

[@GoldenBoyGarage]

😘

[@wallacegrommet9343]

This is the dream bike I let go 25 years ago when moving from East to West coast. Couldn’t bring everything. Never got into running condition, nor did I have a motorcycle license.

[@GoldenBoyGarage]

I had never even heard of the CB400F till I found this one. CB350F always loved but this is even cooler in many ways. Seems there are plenty out there in good shape, but folks are asking quite a bit for them. Have considered selling this when its all wrapped up, still have a few more videos to make with it though!

[@JBK647]

Cool vid. Nate. I'm way older than you & have not used a valve spring compr. either! Now I know who to contact!

[@GoldenBoyGarage]

Was pretty easy to do, a little cumbersome maybe, but I think the main take-away was to spend a bit extra on a nice tool instead of amazone junk haha

[@TRyanLearnBikes]

Looking great man .love the concrete counter weight . Idea ..brilliant. Nice tire change too they can be tough .

[@GoldenBoyGarage]

The engine really pulls the front down, usually the center stand is pretty balanced but on this little girl its pretty front heavy. I had only ever solo attempted tubes on scooters before, much easier with the tube deflated IMO, but the fear of the pinches is always there

[@tomo256]

Nice job. Can you please tell me, what was the blue paste in the jar that you were using to polish the wheel rims? Thanks.

[@The9meister]

Hi, I would just give it a light hone, to deglaze the bores, and clean the ring lands on the pistons, the oil rings will be gummed up, while you have it apart, and reconditioning the head, clean the sump and clutch, run for another 30 years. Zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance 👌

[@GoldenBoyGarage]

I appreciate the feedback, i definitely want to check the sump and see what if anything is in the bottom of the pan, trying to decide just how much of a project to make it!

[@edtaylor6431]

I would love to find a ‘76 400F! I grew up with one in high school, wish I still had it! If you ever want to sell this one I would love to buy it.

[@GoldenBoyGarage]

I have been considering selling it, I will probably ride it a bit more this spring / summer. I also have another video Im working through now where I kinda get some of the more cosmetic items buttoned up (like that stupid cut fender). Its a wonderful bike! I cant go anywhere on it without being bothered haha

[@MarkFox]

Good video and project! I'm in Ohio as well and own some old classics myself. Would love to ride with you but I think we are on opposite sides, I'm closer to Canton versus Dayton.

[@GoldenBoyGarage]

Family on my mom's side is from Alliance and Stow, but I must admit probably wont be up that way too soon! Usually hovering near dayton and columbus when in Ohio!

[@user-jo2xz9fz9s]

Need help with my 72 cb500 I believe I'm missing a bolt of some sort on the intake side between #2 and 3 cylinders has oil leaking from that missing bolt. What is the bolt called or what size would I need thought it was the cam chain tensioner bolt but not certain

[@GoldenBoyGarage]

Im not super familiar with the CB500 but I can take a shot here. I usually recommend looking at the micro-fiches provided somewhere like partzilla dot com and either googling the part number for the bit I am missing or if its a common bolt you can hunt at the hardware store. Pretty sure youtube wont let me comment links but you can try here www.partzilla.com/catalog/honda/motorcycle/models-with-no-year/cb500k1-a/cylinder-head-camshaft

[@kaylashawver]

I love carbs

[@GoldenBoyGarage]

Shhh Im goin somewhere with that

[@roberthocking9138]

Those camshaft bearing surfaces look pretty rough, I wonder if was run with low or poor quality oil at some point . Be interested to see the camshaft bearing surface

[@GoldenBoyGarage]

My best guess is it had been sitting a long while and someone fired it up or turned it over dry. The camshaft was fine, but some aluminum on it as you'd imagine. I just lightly cleaned them with scotchbrite. Ebay heads /cams have pretty blurry or inconclusive pictures, so I figure Ill check again after 10-20k miles if i keep it that long

[@wallacegrommet9343]

No cam bearings. Wonder if aftermarket bushings were ever offered.

[@GoldenBoyGarage]

Not that I could find. My other YT project is an old XL350 and folks have done a cam bearing mod for those, I figured maybe folks in Japan would have come up with something, but from hunting around there are others that seem much worse. Seems common on the 70s UJM to not have any bearings in the head

[@wallacegrommet9343]

Is that Kia Niro EV or plugin hybrid in your driveway? Trying to talk my GF into getting one.

[@GoldenBoyGarage]

That would be my mother's Soul. It has had an engine replacement at 10k. That said, my coworker has an EV6 and really seems to like it. Has done several pretty long road trips. Technology Connections YT channel has videos on the hyundai/kia EVs

[@yomommaahotoo264]

Don't feel bad about not being good enough to go to the moon. Nobody has.