'98 Honda CB400SF - bad idea or .....?

[Kinnock]

I started browsing an on-line selling site looking for a condo, but got distracted by some nice looking classic bikes.

 

Then the clever algorithm started tempting me with more and more interesting motorcycles ..... a 1964 Honda CL90 Scrambler, a 1700cc Yamaha MT01, a Triumph 650 Bonnie ..... but all looked to have issues or silly prices to keep me away, and I already have 2 bikes.

 

But then I saw a very nice looking, unmodified CB400 Super Four for 70k THB.  That's a nice looking bike for scooter money.

 

I remember the original 400/4 in the 70's when it would embarrass my 750 Commando (by not falling apart as well as performance).

 

Great looks, easy, limited power for Thai roads, smoooooth 4 cylinder with crazy rev-ability, 6 speed box, lots of shiny chrome - and its the last of the non-VTEC, non-FI models, so simpler home servicing, no LED display or ABS either.  Official import, Green Book.  Only non-standard part looks to be a Yoshi silencer.

 

I'm tempted.

 

But is it a bad idea?

 

It's a 21 year old bike, parts may be a nightmare, reliability an issue?

 

And it's still in production, so unlike the little CL90 for example - no chance of it being an appreciating classic.

 

But I have this vision of howling around warm Thai roads on an easy to ride classic-looking UJM.  You could red-line a 400-4 without going at warp speeds, spend weekends polishing chrome and balancing carbs, and riding somewhere just for the ride.

 

Views?

 

 

 

[DILLIGAD]

I started browsing an on-line selling site looking for a condo, but got distracted by some nice looking classic bikes.

 

Then the clever algorithm started tempting me with more and more interesting motorcycles ..... a 1964 Honda CL90 Scrambler, a 1700cc Yamaha MT01, a Triumph 650 Bonnie ..... but all looked to have issues or silly prices to keep me away, and I already have 2 bikes.

 

But then I saw a very nice looking, unmodified CB400 Super Four for 70k THB.  That's a nice looking bike for scooter money.

 

I remember the original 400/4 in the 70's when it would embarrass my 750 Commando (by not falling apart as well as performance).

 

Great looks, easy, limited power for Thai roads, smoooooth 4 cylinder with crazy rev-ability, 6 speed box, lots of shiny chrome - and its the last of the non-VTEC, non-FI models, so simpler home servicing, no LED display or ABS either.  Official import, Green Book.  Only non-standard part looks to be a Yoshi silencer.

 

I'm tempted.

 

But is it a bad idea?

 

It's a 21 year old bike, parts may be a nightmare, reliability an issue?

 

And it's still in production, so unlike the little CL90 for example - no chance of it being an appreciating classic.

 

But I have this vision of howling around warm Thai roads on an easy to ride classic-looking UJM.  You could red-line a 400-4 without going at warp speeds, spend weekends polishing chrome and balancing carbs, and riding somewhere just for the ride.

 

Views?

 

 

 

Most 400 fours are unregistered/dodgy books, if so don’t touch it. They were (are) a popular model for the Thais, so expect many(not all) to be badly maintained.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[OneMoreFarang]

I had a VFR400 NC30 for a couple of years in Bangkok.

I loved that bike and it was great fun to ride - when it worked.

I bought it for 80k in very good condition from a guy who was a specialist for this bike. And he did the service for me. All perfect.

But then, after a while, I needed spare parts. And that was first a little headache and later major headache. 

One day I had a leaking water pipe from the radiator. I ask the guy to fix it. And to be sure that nothing like this happens again in the near future I asked him to replace the all the pipes. I asked him to buy a new set.

And then he told me that is not possible, he can't buy anywhere a set of those pipes. He found a replacement for the broken pipe after a week or two. All cheap - just waiting.

I don't remember what the last problem was but then I decided enough is enough. I sold the bike for 40k.

 

I still miss the 14,500 red line and 100km/h in the first gear. But I don't want to remember all the time the bike did not work.

 

So my advice: If you like to use a bike like that from time to time buy one, you will enjoy it.

But don't think you can rely on it for everyday. You should have a 2nd bike for everyday riding you can trust.

[In the jungle]

I love the CB400F but if it beat up your Norton Commando 750 the Norton must have been running on one pot.

 

The CB 400 Supersport.  Doubtless a rock solid Honda but it is 20 years old and there are no parts in Thailand.  The price tells you the book is dodgy.

 

 

[thaiguzzi]

2 hours ago, Kinnock said:

But is it a bad idea?

Yeah.

2 hours ago, Kinnock said:

Views?

Just don't.

As OMF said above, vintage Jap bikes are not the same for a vibrant aftermarket of spare parts and knowledge as are European or Brit bikes.

2 hours ago, Kinnock said:

a 1700cc Yamaha MT01

Link please.

One of my fave motorcycles.

2 hours ago, Kinnock said:

a Triumph 650 Bonnie

Green book?

Very doubtful.

If yes, overly expensive.

[Kwasaki]

2 hours ago, Kinnock said:

I'm tempted.

 

But is it a bad idea?

 

It's a 21 year old bike, parts may be a nightmare, reliability an issue?

Do you wan'it or not, you can take photocopy of green book to DLT and see if legai.

I've just done it with a 1994 fireblade and DLT said no problem,  just got to get it to go etc. ???? 

[Kinnock]

51 minutes ago, thaiguzzi said:

 

There's currently 3 MT01's on Facebook Marketplace.  This seems to be the current best place for used bikes.

 

You can only send the links to other FB contacts, but Marketplace has a decent search function.

 

Here's a screenshot of one ....

 

[Kinnock]

56 minutes ago, In the jungle said:

I love the CB400F but if it beat up your Norton Commando 750 the Norton must have been running on one pot.

 

The CB 400 Supersport.  Doubtless a rock solid Honda but it is 20 years old and there are no parts in Thailand.  The price tells you the book is dodgy.

 

 

Yeah.

 

All good advice in the replies to my post.  I think it would be too much trouble.

 

I was originally thinking of the new CB300R as a nice little bike - not quite the same thing as the 400, but will be much easier to run and probably cheaper in the longer term.

 

[Isaanbiker]

I've had the honor to overhaul a 500 CB Four, but the engine was only five years old. Parts were easily available, but the problems already started when I needed some special parts. 

 

 Many bikes were involved in accidents, have low compression, something wrong with the book and a couple of other issues.

 

   If the engine is in a perfect condition and you can make all services including valve clearance by yourself, it might be worth a thought. A compression test tells you a lot about the engine. 

 

   Thais are not well known for their honesty if a vehicle was involved in an accident, they just put some pieces together after a crash and you can be happy that it's not driving backwards only.

 

  Please watch Thai mechanics how they work on bikes and you might think twice to buy it.

 

Another negative aspect is that they always turn back the clock. Just my 5 baht to it. 

 

     

 

   

 

   

[OneMoreFarang]

8 hours ago, Isaanbiker said:

Please watch Thai mechanics how they work on bikes and you might think twice to buy it.

Definitely not all of them!

I had a very good mechanic for my VFR400 in Bangkae.

I am sure he knew every nut and bold of my bike.

Unfortunately he does not work as mechanic anymore.

 

And then there is Red Baron near Minburi. I don't have much experience with that place but I showed them once a bike which I thought about buying and let them prepare a list what had to be done on it. It was a long long list and I have to admit I didn't even think about half the things which they found.

I heard from other people who go there good things about them. They seem to be competent.

[Kwasaki]

1 hour ago, OneMoreFarang said:

Definitely not all of them!

I had a very good mechanic for my VFR400 in Bangkae.

I am sure he knew every nut and bold of my bike.

I agree you can find excellent mechanics in Thailand for old big bikes but they are hard to find.

Moons ago and a less strict Thailand with large motorcycles my first bike in Thailand a CB400SF I found by word of mouth a son & father team in Phitsanulok they help me a lot initially getting the bike up to scratch. 

[JonnyF]

I was also tempted by VFR400's back in 2008 when I bought my Ninja 250. Given the low prices of second hand bikes now in Thailand, I'd stay away from it. Maybe spend a bit more (well, maybe double) and get one of the first CB650F's. Or if you're on a budget maybe a 2012 ish ER6N (I know that's a twin but still a good bike).

 

As others have said, the CB400 is likely to have a dodgy book, been crashed, poorly maintained and parts will be an issue.

 

[Kinnock]

2 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

I was also tempted by VFR400's back in 2008 when I bought my Ninja 250. Given the low prices of second hand bikes now in Thailand, I'd stay away from it. Maybe spend a bit more (well, maybe double) and get one of the first CB650F's. Or if you're on a budget maybe a 2012 ish ER6N (I know that's a twin but still a good bike).

 

As others have said, the CB400 is likely to have a dodgy book, been crashed, poorly maintained and parts will be an issue.

 

Yeah - a current model is a wiser choice. 

 

I currently have a CRF250M, it's been good, but as always with a 250 a bit more power would be nice, but to be honest on Thai roads, not much more power for me.  CB500 or ER6N are obvious choices, but both are a bit 'worthy' if you know what I mean?

 

Budget is less of an issue than wanting something interesting and different.  Leoncino perhaps?

[Skallywag]

OK, yes another slightly? off topic reply from me

Speed kills, yet fun for those who haven't experienced it.  I drove fast bikes and cars for over 45 years so no longer need that rush. 

Fun, slow sex is much more satisfying at my age.  Priorities change 555

 

Finding ways to speed down roads faster and faster on a 2 wheeler in the country that has the #1 motorcycle death rate per 100,000 people just seems stupid for someone over 60 (me).  (maybe anyone?)

 

As always, have fun, keep your eyes open, and your money in the bank.

[OneMoreFarang]

40 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

I was also tempted by VFR400's back in 2008 when I bought my Ninja 250. Given the low prices of second hand bikes now in Thailand, I'd stay away from it. Maybe spend a bit more (well, maybe double) and get one of the first CB650F's. Or if you're on a budget maybe a 2012 ish ER6N (I know that's a twin but still a good bike).

 

As others have said, the CB400 is likely to have a dodgy book, been crashed, poorly maintained and parts will be an issue.

 

When I still had my VFR400 one of those new ER6N was next to me at the red light. Ok, let's race.

He wasn't faster than me until 100km/h. That's when my bike was at the red line and it was time to switch to the second gear and slow down - we were in the city.

And that was the moment when I decided I won't exchange my VFR to a new 600cc ER6N.

To be fair he was only a little slower. But I am sure the experiment on my bike with 14,500RPM was very different from his experience.

The VFR and other bikes have an engine which wants to be revved up to the limit all the time. It's enormous fun. On paper other bikes might have the same power, but it's a different (much more boring) experience.

[thaiguzzi]

13 hours ago, Kinnock said:

There's currently 3 MT01's on Facebook Marketplace.  This seems to be the current best place for used bikes.

 

You can only send the links to other FB contacts, but Marketplace has a decent search function.

 

Here's a screenshot of one ....

 

Thanx for your effort & time.

I don't do Facebook. Or Twitter. Or Instagram. Obviously missing out.

That bike for that price has no green book.

MT01's over here are split approx 50/50 with have/no have green books.

No green book dealer price, mint, around 200-220k.

Green book dealer price, mint, some farkles, 280-340k.

Private, green book, unusually tatty, seen one as cheap as 220k. Missed it.

Edit;

Magnificent animal,

innit.

[OneMoreFarang]

1 minute ago, thaiguzzi said:

Thanx for your effort & time.

I don't do Facebook. Or Twitter. Or Instagram. Obviously missing out.

That bike for that price has no green book.

MT01's over here are split approx 50/50 with have/no have green books.

No green book dealer price, mint, around 200-220k.

Green book dealer price, mint, some farkles, 280-340k.

Private, green book, unusually tatty, seen one as cheap as 220k. Missed it.

Just out of interest, what is the big problem with a bike without a green book.

I know, if it's legal it should have a green book.

But then, I ride bikes in Bangkok since many years and the police never ever asked for a green book. So what is worst case scenario with such a bike? 200B cash for the police?

I once spoke with a Thai motorcycle guy about having an accident with such a bike. He told me it does not make a difference - but I have no personal experience with this. That's why I ask. 

[transam]

2 minutes ago, OneMoreFarang said:

Just out of interest, what is the big problem with a bike without a green book.

I know, if it's legal it should have a green book.

But then, I ride bikes in Bangkok since many years and the police never ever asked for a green book. So what is worst case scenario with such a bike? 200B cash for the police?

I once spoke with a Thai motorcycle guy about having an accident with such a bike. He told me it does not make a difference - but I have no personal experience with this. That's why I ask. 

No book = no tax or gov insurance. Risky if in an accident..

 

[thaiguzzi]

40 minutes ago, OneMoreFarang said:

Just out of interest, what is the big problem with a bike without a green book.

I know, if it's legal it should have a green book.

But then, I ride bikes in Bangkok since many years and the police never ever asked for a green book. So what is worst case scenario with such a bike? 200B cash for the police?

I once spoke with a Thai motorcycle guy about having an accident with such a bike. He told me it does not make a difference - but I have no personal experience with this. That's why I ask. 

They never ask you for a green book because you have a plate and annual tax showing.

No green book = no legit number plate.

These days (the last 5-6 years) you cannot drive a big bike in BKK, CM or Phuket without a number plate.

Unless its a real vintage chop or classic BSA or similar out on a special organized occasion etc.

Out in the countryside, if you have not got the paperwork to prove you have import tax and customs/vat tax and import papers, the bike can be confiscated on the spot. You are then forced to either pay the taxes @ 50% increase or lose the bike.

I can ride from Udon to Ubon to CM to CR avoiding the real big highways (1 & 2 etc) legally on my bikes without books & plates as long as i have the relevant p/work.

You can also get 2nd and 3rd class insurance if you wish.

[eisfeld]

1 hour ago, thaiguzzi said:

I can ride from Udon to Ubon to CM to CR avoiding the real big highways (1 & 2 etc) legally on my bikes without books & plates as long as i have the relevant p/work.

Wait what? You can legally ride a bike without plate on the streets? I am aware that it works for a recently purchased bike for a month, my Ducati Scrambler came without red plate and showing the purchase docs was fine when the police stopped me. But an old bike without recent purchase/import?

[Kwasaki]

8 hours ago, JonnyF said:

As others have said, the CB400 is likely to have a dodgy book, been crashed, poorly maintained and parts will be an issue.

Not really true there were some about legit but mine was well dodgy in my case, saw a CBR400SF in P/lock had book registration had govt Tax & Insurance with a silly price tag about 11 years ago.   

[Kwasaki]

7 hours ago, transam said:

No book = no tax or gov insurance. Risky if in an accident..

 

 Today you can still get govt insurance and 2+ or 3+ voluntary insurance, years ago you could get govt road tax too but there's been a clamp down on brown envelopes.  ????