Ok, first post for this thread. Here we go.
Got the bike Spring 2017. Didn't run when I got it, figured out some electrical issues, cleaned the carbs, tried a new battery, replaced some fuses, and thanks to the folks here, got it idling roughly. The whole plan for getting this bike was to do a custom build and learn more about these machines. So knowing it had some life was sufficient for the time.
Fast fast forward to now and the start of the rebuild. As it stands now:
Engine is off the frame and the tear down has started. Opened the valve cover and.. hmm something looks odd... oh that valve spring doesn't have an adjustment bolt or lock nut.. oh and neither does that one. Thankfully I found those hiding right behind the springs with no signs of damage. Keep removing parts, start the cylinder head bolt pattern and #8 doesn't seem to want to move. Hmmm, maybe a touch more pressure *snap*. Remove the cylinder head and there is about 1" of the bolt sticking up from the threads... it's still there, soaking in penetrating oil.
One of the valves was stuck down and scored the top of the piston. Cylinders are spotless and piston rings have good movement, but will go for a hone.
Gunk on the clutch springs.
81 CB400t tank I'm thinking about using.
More pictures to come.
The plan: full tear down and rebuild. Trying to balance being on a budget and replacing what needs replaced. I want this to be my everyday bike (at least in the summer here in the PNW) and for long rides. Probably stock airbox/carbs, maybe 2-1 exhaust, LED lights, smaller battery, a rewire would be nice but we will see. I'd like to keep it stock for reliability, but upgrade where it's beneficial/affordable.
I'll be scouring the forum for help and asking questions here too I'm sure.
Any suggestions for tearing down/rebuilding would be appreciated. I've done some motor work before, but this will be my most in-depth thus far. I have the FSM and Clymer handy and the knowledge here.
I want to be thorough since I have the motor off the bike and mostly opened up.
Any suggestions of parts that have a better modern replacement? ie. charging components, etc.
Thanks in advance! I'm looking forward to learning from the folks here and contributing where I can.
Got the bike Spring 2017. Didn't run when I got it, figured out some electrical issues, cleaned the carbs, tried a new battery, replaced some fuses, and thanks to the folks here, got it idling roughly. The whole plan for getting this bike was to do a custom build and learn more about these machines. So knowing it had some life was sufficient for the time.

Fast fast forward to now and the start of the rebuild. As it stands now:
Engine is off the frame and the tear down has started. Opened the valve cover and.. hmm something looks odd... oh that valve spring doesn't have an adjustment bolt or lock nut.. oh and neither does that one. Thankfully I found those hiding right behind the springs with no signs of damage. Keep removing parts, start the cylinder head bolt pattern and #8 doesn't seem to want to move. Hmmm, maybe a touch more pressure *snap*. Remove the cylinder head and there is about 1" of the bolt sticking up from the threads... it's still there, soaking in penetrating oil.
One of the valves was stuck down and scored the top of the piston. Cylinders are spotless and piston rings have good movement, but will go for a hone.



Gunk on the clutch springs.


81 CB400t tank I'm thinking about using.
More pictures to come.
The plan: full tear down and rebuild. Trying to balance being on a budget and replacing what needs replaced. I want this to be my everyday bike (at least in the summer here in the PNW) and for long rides. Probably stock airbox/carbs, maybe 2-1 exhaust, LED lights, smaller battery, a rewire would be nice but we will see. I'd like to keep it stock for reliability, but upgrade where it's beneficial/affordable.
I'll be scouring the forum for help and asking questions here too I'm sure.
Any suggestions for tearing down/rebuilding would be appreciated. I've done some motor work before, but this will be my most in-depth thus far. I have the FSM and Clymer handy and the knowledge here.
I want to be thorough since I have the motor off the bike and mostly opened up.
Any suggestions of parts that have a better modern replacement? ie. charging components, etc.
Thanks in advance! I'm looking forward to learning from the folks here and contributing where I can.