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Anyone familure with the honda CM400T?
5/24/2012 3:08:05 AM
OK so I'm looking at getting a bike as a means to get to school and back. I'd be doing 50mph for about 15 miles both ways.
A buddy has a Honda CM400T and a second parts bike sans engine for $850. He say's it has 16'000k miles on it, starts right up on a cold start. Small oil leak if you don't let it warm up before hitting high way speeds. Tires are in serviceable condition, probably need to be replaced soon. Needs a tune up. Frame has a few small surface rust spots.
Thoughts? What kind of MPG could I expect? Would this make for reliable transportation or a money pit?
Thanks.
A buddy has a Honda CM400T and a second parts bike sans engine for $850. He say's it has 16'000k miles on it, starts right up on a cold start. Small oil leak if you don't let it warm up before hitting high way speeds. Tires are in serviceable condition, probably need to be replaced soon. Needs a tune up. Frame has a few small surface rust spots.
Thoughts? What kind of MPG could I expect? Would this make for reliable transportation or a money pit?
Thanks.
5/24/2012 10:10:33 AM
Hard to say without seeing pics, but I'd say your buddy is asking about $350 more than it's worth.
Generally when people selling motorcycles say "it just needs a tuneup" what they really mean is "the carbs need to be rebuilt and synchronized".
Count on $100 each for tires (plus mounting if you can't do it yourself), $70 for carb kits( if needed) plus $80+ per hour to install them if you can't do it yourself. The parts bike isn't worth much at all without a motor unless the remaining parts are very clean and rust-free.
Something to keep in mind - in the motorcycle world the statement: "It ran when I parked it" is the same as "I'll call you in the morning", "the check is in the mail", and "I promise I won't cum in your mouth". Pure BS.
Generally when people selling motorcycles say "it just needs a tuneup" what they really mean is "the carbs need to be rebuilt and synchronized".
Count on $100 each for tires (plus mounting if you can't do it yourself), $70 for carb kits( if needed) plus $80+ per hour to install them if you can't do it yourself. The parts bike isn't worth much at all without a motor unless the remaining parts are very clean and rust-free.
Something to keep in mind - in the motorcycle world the statement: "It ran when I parked it" is the same as "I'll call you in the morning", "the check is in the mail", and "I promise I won't cum in your mouth". Pure BS.
5/24/2012 11:44:58 AM
Originally Posted By Stasher1:
Hard to say without seeing pics, but I'd say your buddy is asking about $350 more than it's worth.
Generally when people selling motorcycles say "it just needs a tuneup" what they really mean is "the carbs need to be rebuilt and synchronized".
Count on $100 each for tires (plus mounting if you can't do it yourself), $70 for carb kits( if needed) plus $80+ per hour to install them if you can't do it yourself. The parts bike isn't worth much at all without a motor unless the remaining parts are very clean and rust-free.
Something to keep in mind - in the motorcycle world the statement: "It ran when I parked it" is the same as "I'll call you in the morning", "the check is in the mail", and "I promise I won't cum in your mouth". Pure BS.
Hard to say without seeing pics, but I'd say your buddy is asking about $350 more than it's worth.
Generally when people selling motorcycles say "it just needs a tuneup" what they really mean is "the carbs need to be rebuilt and synchronized".
Count on $100 each for tires (plus mounting if you can't do it yourself), $70 for carb kits( if needed) plus $80+ per hour to install them if you can't do it yourself. The parts bike isn't worth much at all without a motor unless the remaining parts are very clean and rust-free.
Something to keep in mind - in the motorcycle world the statement: "It ran when I parked it" is the same as "I'll call you in the morning", "the check is in the mail", and "I promise I won't cum in your mouth". Pure BS.
It actually runs, in a parking lot anyhow. I had him cold start it and it did start right up. He did make an hour long commute to get it down here. I can do the work on the bike, I just cant mount the tires.
ETA: I don't have my permit yet so I can't actually test drive it.
5/24/2012 4:21:10 PM
I had a CB450 of a similar vintage, and I averaged 60MPG. How long is your commute? $850 + tires + safety gear + whatever other $$ you end up sinking into it (and you will, I know) can buy a decent amount of fuel for a car. The only way you'll come out ahead is if you ride it everywhere, rain or shine.
Motorcycles are stupid fun, but they aren't as great at being cheap transport that people think they will be.
The CM400T should be a bulletproof little bike, provided that the carbs aren't gummed up, the chain and sprockets are serviceable, the fork seals are good, and you get new tires.
Motorcycles are stupid fun, but they aren't as great at being cheap transport that people think they will be.
The CM400T should be a bulletproof little bike, provided that the carbs aren't gummed up, the chain and sprockets are serviceable, the fork seals are good, and you get new tires.
5/24/2012 4:49:25 PM
I got about 45MPG on mine.
With 16 million miles, its gonna need a new top end 
but seriously these old bikes typically need top end service after about 15-20k miles. I'd get a compression and leak down test done.
but seriously these old bikes typically need top end service after about 15-20k miles. I'd get a compression and leak down test done. Check all the rubber bits, air filter, spark plugs, carbs, chain, tires, bearings, brakes, inside the gas tank (install an inline filter), throttle and clutch cables. Probably needs the cam chain tensioner and valves adjusted.
Old bikes can turn into money pits real fast.
I have a PDF of the clymer manual if you need it (you will if you buy it).
