Kick Starters. How to add one
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Dropping the lower case with the engine in frame is not a practical way to do it. Much easier to remove it and flip it over for clear and easy access to everything and also for cleaning, applying Honda Bond to seal the case, etc. Hardest part of the engine R&R is the carbs and exhaust system
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Correct. But in case you don't have a very good machinist that can bore the side cover exactly, will require he has the lower case at least, it would be easier to get a 78/79 CB/CM 400 side cover.
The CB400's don't have the balance chain adjuster access port. The CB400T1 doesn't have a tach drive. The CB400T2 and CM400T have the tach drive. I think the CB400T covers look better myself.
The CB400's don't have the balance chain adjuster access port. The CB400T1 doesn't have a tach drive. The CB400T2 and CM400T have the tach drive. I think the CB400T covers look better myself.
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14 Posts
This was the exact thread I was hoping to find! I’m definitely going to be doing this for mine!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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Yeah, not an in-frame modification but not that hard. Just a case of dropping the engine, turning it upside down after draining the oil, pop the stator, clutch and shift rod off and then split the case. While you're at it you could also swap the lower case for a 450 unit and gain an oil cooler.
A few people have done this since I wrote this up 7 years ago
A few people have done this since I wrote this up 7 years ago
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The CM450 is a 6 speed so a straight swap won't work. The pinion/drive gear is too big. I may have a fix for that but have to revisit some research I've done partially.
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OK, here's the answer for adding a kickstarter to a 6 speed transmission. This does not apply to the CB450SC, see Notes at the end.
First you have to use this gear PINION,KICK START for CB400N SUPERDREAM 1978 ENGLAND - order at CMSNL available from CMSNL and Brazilian dealers. All the other kick start pieces are standard US model 1978/79 versions.
Next is replace all of the transmission and shift components with a 1980/81 CB400T, gear sets, shafts, forks, drum, etc.
Replace the clutch outer basket with a 400 basket, the others pieces are interchangeable between models. There is a different spacer behind the clutch basket that needs to be from a 400 also.
Replace the crankshaft drive gear with a 400 version.
Replace the neutral switch with a 400 version, you will lose the O/D 6th gear light. No choice there.
Notes:
The 1982 CB450T transmission will not work and the 1978/79 CB400T 1&2 were 5 speeds.
For this to work on a CB450SC all the above applies with the addition of getting an offset front sprocket. The sprocket has to be offset outboard by 4.2mm to achieve proper chain alignment.
The shift rod from your current model can be used.
First you have to use this gear PINION,KICK START for CB400N SUPERDREAM 1978 ENGLAND - order at CMSNL available from CMSNL and Brazilian dealers. All the other kick start pieces are standard US model 1978/79 versions.
Next is replace all of the transmission and shift components with a 1980/81 CB400T, gear sets, shafts, forks, drum, etc.
Replace the clutch outer basket with a 400 basket, the others pieces are interchangeable between models. There is a different spacer behind the clutch basket that needs to be from a 400 also.
Replace the crankshaft drive gear with a 400 version.
Replace the neutral switch with a 400 version, you will lose the O/D 6th gear light. No choice there.
Notes:
The 1982 CB450T transmission will not work and the 1978/79 CB400T 1&2 were 5 speeds.
For this to work on a CB450SC all the above applies with the addition of getting an offset front sprocket. The sprocket has to be offset outboard by 4.2mm to achieve proper chain alignment.
The shift rod from your current model can be used.
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And several hours comparing part numbers between the CB400N, CM450 and CB450T. I saw the kicker gear a few years ago and knew it needed a matching gear but never dug into it deeply to sort out.
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You are a persistent, dedicated guy Jim
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Your question just got me to finish up what I started a long time ago. When I converted the road bike to the 6 speed I lost the kicker and it's always bugged me. Not sure I want to tear it down to replace the perfectly good trans.
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4 Posts
May as well add this here.
I have a project on the go and am swapping the kickstart from a 79 CM400 into an 80 on my Apocalypse Bike.
Once I've split the case of the recipient motor I'll post pics but this is what the case of the donor looks like at the kick start point.
If all the machining truly exists in my recipient motor it should be a straight forward swap.
![315763]()
![315764]()
![315765]()
![315762]()
![315761]()
I have a project on the go and am swapping the kickstart from a 79 CM400 into an 80 on my Apocalypse Bike.
Once I've split the case of the recipient motor I'll post pics but this is what the case of the donor looks like at the kick start point.
If all the machining truly exists in my recipient motor it should be a straight forward swap.
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4 Posts
Recipient motor ready for the case split and kick-start installation.
![315780]()
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