1978 Honda CB400 Hondamatic: Getting It Ready to Ride

Hey there, fellow motorcycle enthusiasts! In this latest installment on Motorcycle Rewind, join me as I embark on a journey to wake up my beloved 1978 Honda CB400A Hondamatic from its long winter hibernation. As the chill of winter fades away, it's time to dust off the cobwebs, roll up our sleeves, and bring this classic back to life!
But it's not just about getting her engine running; it's about the connection between rider and machine, the nostalgia of a bygone era, and the sheer joy of resurrecting a piece of motorcycling history. As the engine sputters to life and the exhaust note fills the air, it's a reminder of why we're drawn to these vintage machines in the first place.
So, grab a wrench, grab a cup of coffee, and join me on this adventure as we breathe new life into my 1978 Honda CB400A Hondamatic. Let's awaken the spirit of the open road and celebrate the timeless beauty of classic motorcycles together! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share your own motorcycle revival stories in the comments below. Ride on! 🏍️✨
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[@kalaharimine]

Very nice original condition, testament to Honda build quality and being looked after.

[@motorcyclerewind]

You are so right. This motorcycle is in really great shape. Need to make an effort to find some unmolested mufflers.

[@user-fq9cs7zw2u]

like your dog in the shot

[@motorcyclerewind]

Cappy is our 12 year old Lab. Such a good boy. My wife is his human. He tolerates me but is her shadow. Thanks for watching.

[@evdallas123]

I remember those new and that one looks new

[@motorcyclerewind]

This one is in incredible condition. Thanks for watching.

[@Turleyswheels]

Had one with low miles and a joy to ride but takes time to get used to ❤

[@motorcyclerewind]

You're right it does take a few minutes to get used to! Thanks for watching

[@timparker9235]

I have to say, with a capacity for a garage full of various bikes, this is one I would have for sure - looks like great fun and the I loved the sound of the engine, very similar to the 250N manual I had in '84 - takes me back - thanks for sharing this.

[@motorcyclerewind]

This bike is great fun. Thanks for watching.

[@dextergleason9421]

Cool bike. Great color. It’s a keeper.

[@motorcyclerewind]

Definitely a keeper since it is for my wife, Keri! It is so comfortable to ride. Thanks for watching.

[@tcvan-nm2fx]

Nice little Honda, definitely a keeper I love the backroad/country road riding the best.

[@motorcyclerewind]

The good this that road is 1/4 from my neighborhood. Goes through Big Branch National Wildlife Refuge. Little traffic just a great place to ride. Just wish it was longer. May be I will video down the side road to the lake. Thanks for watching.

[@bigjohnson7415]

You have an amazing stable of 2 wheelers! Totally lusting for the GPZ! 😍

[@motorcyclerewind]

Thanks. The GPZ is an incredible motorcycle. Thanks for watching.

[@NorthWoodsWes]

Up here in the upper midwest we gotta watch out for deer 🦌 going down those back cruising roads lol.

[@motorcyclerewind]

We have deer but you really have to watch out for alligators 🐊. 😂. Thanks for watching

[@karlfonner7589]

I had a 78 manual that I bought for $100. Had a friend help me with the carburetor, and sold it for $800 about 10 years ago. I wished I never sold it. take some 0000 steel wool and some mothers, aluminum polish, to those forks, and the engine, casings and rear drum, and they can be shinier than the fenders

[@motorcyclerewind]

I hear you about the 0000 steel wool. I normally shy away from polishing aluminum. 😂 Thanks for watching.

[@donnydenfeld2394]

I own a '77 or '78 Honda matic 750 that I still need to get running great video thank you.

[@motorcyclerewind]

I want to get a CB750 version. Thanks for watching.

[@user-sq3jl4mk2u]

Great original 400 Honda... With less than 7000 miles

[@motorcyclerewind]

This is such a great example. Thanks for watching.

[@markhinde6187]

Had a Honda dream 250 in 1980, same bike and colour but not automatic, brings back the old memories, great post

[@aussiebloke609]

Same here. We called them the CB250 Twin in Australia. Had a 5-speed and electric start over kick, which I later swapped for a 6-speed with electric start only variant. Had a few of them when I was learning. Underpowered, couldn't maintain highway speeds unless the road was straight and flat, and I lay down on the tank...but at least it revved to 10k, so it was fun on back roads. 👍

[@motorcyclerewind]

Keri loves her motorcycle. Thankfully I get to ride it every now and then.

[@yomommaahotoo264]

Soo Good!

[@s737500]

super smoothe......super slow :-) Great video, thanks

[@motorcyclerewind]

Low and slow!!! Thanks for watching.

[@ThatOldHonda]

They do take a little waking up after winter dont they :) That is so similar to my CM250T (not an automatic and tank is different, but everything else looks identical), really fun bike to ride. Hoping my MRS will graduate to that when she is done with the CM125, then she can have the VT500C Shadow. I bet your Mrs has a blast on that :)

[@motorcyclerewind]

Thankfully this one just needed a gentle nudging to wake up. Keri really enjoys riding this bike. Thanks for watching.

[@cyclebuster]

we have a mint CB750A 78 model with 3300 original miles. i need a set of 78 A carbs. they are different. Po took bike to a shop for carb clean and it became carb theft, took the sheriff to get the bike back. So it sets, like it has since it has since 1981

[@motorcyclerewind]

Very cool! I want a 750 Hondamatic. Thanks for watching.

[@sjv6598]

I use the same clamp for my selfie stick and Insta 360 x2. I can stop and change camera position in a few seconds. Ride safe 🙏🏻🙂

[@motorcyclerewind]

It makes riding videos way more fun to do. Thanks for watching.

[@0bm31770]

In '79 I bought a '78 CB400T that looked just like that. Wish I still had it, but last year I bought an '81 CM400A that's close enough.

[@motorcyclerewind]

In 78 they made 3 versions of the CB400. Thanks for watching.

[@user-jp7vj2ky4r]

I know a guy selling this bike in really good condition with 3,000 original miles…I would have bought it today but I failed the motorcycle test over a stupid stupid mistake..so now I’m bummed out and am watching ur videos thinking this could have been me:( 2nd attempt will be in 2 weeks..hope my nerves done get the best of me

[@motorcyclerewind]

You got this.

[@TarikZahran]

Love the channel! Im obsessed with these old classic bikes. Do you ever put any of these up for sale? Also where would you say the best place to find one of these I’m out in FL.

[@motorcyclerewind]

Awesome. I sell most of the bikes on the channel. Email me your contact info [e-mail] and we can talk. Where in FL are you? I’m in Louisiana. Thanks for watching.

[@Coldwarrior7781]

Flat. Gotta be Louisiana. My first bike was a 78 Hawk. Not so fancy though. Base model. Spokes, no electric start, drum brakes, no center stand, no Hondamatic.

[@motorcyclerewind]

Definitely Louisiana! Thanks for watching.

[@henryspencer1953]

I notice your channel through youtube,very interesting.......can i get a job to work out there?

[@motorcyclerewind]

Thanks for watching. Where do you live.

[@henryspencer1953]

@@motorcyclerewind India 🇮🇳

[@aaronhausken3226]

cold blooded hondas, gotta leave the choke part way on and just let it run a bit, easing the choke off as it warms up.

[@motorcyclerewind]

That’s the best way to do it. Sometimes I don’t do it the best way. 🤣😂🤣 thanks for watching.

[@yomommaahotoo264]

Always great not seeing tassles...

[@motorcyclerewind]

😂🤣😂thanks for watching.

[@js92css]

What tire pressures are you running? I have a 78 hawk tii

[@motorcyclerewind]

I put in 30psi front and rear. Owners manual call for 25-28 front and 28-36 rear depending on load. Thanks for watching.

[@juliettedelta3531]

Is It reliable?

[@motorcyclerewind]

It’s a Honda.