Clean, Raw, and Light: 400cc Bobber from JasinTom Motorcycles…
One thing we don’t see as much as we’d like are small, lightweight bobbers perfect for blasting around town or city. In fact, we were just lamenting this fact with bike-builder and land speed racer Neil Olson (@morto279) a couple weeks ago. Fortunately, there are a few folks still carrying the torch, and our buddy Tomasz of Poland’s JasinTom Motorcycles is one of the foremost builders among them.
We’ve featured two of Tom’s 400cc bobbers in the past: his Honda CM400 “Speedway Cowboy” and his Suzuki GN400 “Gold Nickel.”
Now he’s back with another CM400. As you may know, the CM400 — produced from 1979-82 — was the predecessor of the beloved Honda Rebel series. Tom is a big fan of the model:
“This engine is a classic – durable, flexible, high-revving, has a sound reminiscent of an old Triumph and rarely breaks down. That’s why I like them so much – I started my adventure with modifications with such models.”
Tom has a small collection of hand-built motorcycles he’s just now unveiling to the public — bikes he’s built for his own enjoyment and just can’t bring himself to sell. This is one of our most favorite yet — another raw, lightweight, bulletproof bobber for everyday riding. His vision was clear from the beginning:
“A motorcycle with character — clean, raw, without decorations. It has a soul. It attracts attention on the street, is a great toy, and the position behind the handlebar is comfortable. The motorcycle rides lightly, dynamically, not inferior to newer machines. I wanted to create something that can be easily and without problems ridden every day — and I think I succeeded.”
Below, you’ll find the full story and build sheet for how Tom transformed the relatively boring donor into the “Rawline 400” you see here. Dobra robota, Tom!
In the Builder’s Words…
A few technical facts:
I decided to go with one of my favorite models from the 70s-80s – a 1980 Honda CM400. A two-cylinder twin with 30 HP. This engine is a classic – durable, flexible, high-revving, has a sound reminiscent of an old Triumph and rarely breaks down. That’s why I like them so much – I started my adventure with modifications with such models.
I bought this particular motorcycle in Poland, about 200 km from home. The technical condition was very good – good compression, no smoke, it tears forward like crazy, flies 150 km/h. The motorcycle is healthy – I am very happy with the purchase.
Customization and style:
The original look of this year was not very attractive, so I decided to lower it a lot and give it a mixed style – brat style, Japan style, bobber.
I wanted to achieve fluid lines – the lower line of the fuel tank with the rear part of the frame, and the upper line of the lamp with the upper line of the tank. The dominant color is deep black – with a contrast between matte and glossy surfaces. I hand-painted the fuel tank and engine elements in a matte finish, which gives an aggressive, industrial look. I added gold details: stripes and lettering on the rear part of the frame and swingarm.
I removed unnecessary elements – the original plastics and massive covers disappeared, revealing the raw construction.
The reconstruction included:
• Suspension and frame: motorcycle lowered, rear part of the frame modified, painted gloss black with hand-painted gold stripes and lettering.
• Electrics: handmade can, removable sides and covers in raw, polished metal. Most of the installations hidden.
• Seat: small, fitted to the frame, upholstered in matte black leather, finished with a small chrome mudguard.
• Lamps: front lamp and housing made from scratch from sheet metal – polished metal with holes for LEDs and cables. Rear lamp also made entirely by hand.
• Rims: original – interiors sandblasted in aluminum color, edges black gloss. Tires: Firestone vintage front, balloon rear.
• Exhaust system: mufflers made by myself – loud, “blowing fire”. , with handmade metal covers.
• Engine: matte black, one cover polished and colorful in gloss.
• Carburetors: conical filters handmade.
• Tank: matte, with stripes and side lettering in silver, gold lettering on top. The tank comes from a Honda CB125.
• Handlebar: welded from scratch, motocross style, matte black.
I left the original, restored clocks (speedometer and tachometer), which in my opinion fit well, are super legible, visible. The indicator lights are new – LED, minimalist – mounted in the front lamp.
Many less visible details have been modified, which largely affects the final effect of the whole.
Final effect:
A motorcycle with character — clean, raw, without decorations. It has a soul. It attracts attention on the street, is a great toy, and the position behind the handlebar is comfortable. The motorcycle rides lightly, dynamically, not inferior to newer machines. I wanted to create something that can be easily and without problems ridden every day — and I think I succeeded.
Follow the Builder
Instagram: @jasintom_motorcycles
YouTube: @jasintommotorcycles2812
Photo credit: Aleksander Jasiński
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