From The Chattahoochee Skunkworks: Tastefully Modified Honda 400 Four…
When the Honda CB350F appeared in 1972, it was the smallest-displacement four-cylinder motorcycle ever produced. While it was a neat engineering exercise that showed off Honda’s technical prowess, it was too slow to attract many enthusiasts, running the quarter-mile in a yawn-inspiring 15.5 seconds.
In 1974, however, Honda responded with the CB400F, featuring a hot-rodded 408cc version of the same motor in a bike restyled as a production cafe racer. Though the 400 Four wasn’t as fast as some of its two-stroke rivals, it had a charm, balance, and allure all its own. Cycle summed it up nicely in the spring of ’75:
“The Honda CB400F is a marvel: It handles remarkably well, stops with authority, snaps through the gears precisely — and motors along smartly. The bike feels all of a piece, as if a hundred separate design systems fell into perfect synchronization. Yet the attraction of the 408 transcends its obvious competence. Even a card-carrying Anglophile would agree that the CB400F has real character. If you can’t respond to the CB400F’s electrifying mechanical presence, you should immediately switch your sport to checkers.” -Cycle, 1975
Our old friend Toby Jones of North Georgia’s Chattahoochee Skunkworks has become something of a 400F whisperer. He’s built up at least eight of them over the years, usually tacking toward a light customization that preserves the 408’s original mystique.
“I don’t know if there’s a proper term for it, but I like to stay away from drastic changes to a bike’s character, but I also like to personalize a project.”
This build is no exception, a bare-frame refurbishment with a few tasteful modifications, including side covers that celebrate the 50th anniversary of the CB400F.
“I finally got to do some seat time on it recently and it reminds me why these bikes have developed such a cult following. Not breathtakingly fast, but spirited. Not a road racer, but very nimble.”
Below, Toby gives us the full story on the rebuild in his own words. It’s great to see Toby back on two wheels after some four-wheeled projects took the bulk of his attention in the last couple of years. We hope he finally gets to keep one of these sweet 400’s for himself!
In the Builder’s Words…
For the last 12 years or so I’ve been preaching the accolades of Honda’s wonderful little CB400F. I’ve lost track, but I think this is the eighth one I’ve refurbished. I had been slowing down on motorcycle work while I pursued some four-wheeled projects when this one came up for grabs.
Many of the 400s I’ve done have come to me in pretty bad shape, but this one was very nice. In fact, I almost went with a sympathetic restoration, just cleaning and putting the bike in shape mechanically. I have the same affliction that many of my friends in the hobby have. Once I get started I tend to notice small areas that need to be addressed and before I know it I’m looking at a bare frame. Once you start down the restoration “rabbit hole’ there is no turning back.
A cylinder leak down test showed the engine was in good nick and after pulling the oil sump revealed a clean internal engine I decided to keep it as is. After all, the bike only showed 14k on the odometer which, for one of these bikes, is barely broken in.
One place where I differ from many of vintage motorcycle enthusiasts is originality. I don’t know if there’s a proper term for it, but I like to stay away from drastic changes to a bike’s character, but I also like to personalize a project. This bike got shouldered alloy wheels from Dime City Cycles, a Delkevic stainless exhaust system, and velocity stacks for the air intake. Beyond that it remains quite original.
I take a certain pride in doing as of the work much as possible right here in the shop. No matter how many bikes I’ve done it’s always a learning experience. Paint, lacing wheels, upholstering was all done in house and I’m well pleased with the results.
I finally got to do some seat time on it recently and it reminds me why these bikes have developed such a cult following. Not breathtakingly fast, but spirited. Not a road racer, but very nimble. Riding one is just a very enjoyable experience. Hard to fathom, but this year marks the 50th anniversary of this model and the bike carries the 50th anniversary logo on the side covers.
It’s been great fun to build and as much as I’d like to keep it at the Skunkworks, the little yellow bike will be headed to its new home in Virginia this week. I’ve definitely slowed down on the motorcycle work. But, who knows, maybe another CB400F will come my way and I’ll be able to keep it for myself.
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The bike became nicely done.
However, it looks to me that the right side 50 years sticker is not as well positioned as the left one.