CB1 vs Superfour? Same bike, or big difference?

[Richh]

Morning all. My first post here and maybe a very, very newbie question I'm afraid - which I've tried to find the answer for but haven't come up with a satisfactory answer yet.

I've been riding my Suzuki 125cc for years, have had my A2 (33bhp) licence since last November and am looking for get a second hand CB400. From reading and looking around at various folks opinions, I've decided I want to get a CB400 Superfour and restrict it myself which seems pretty straight forward.

But, during my searches I've found CB400 CB1's for sale too, and they're generally much cheaper than the SF's.

From what I can gather, the CB400 Superfour is and updated version of the CB400 CB1, right? i.e. Honda stopped making the CB1 and started manufacturing the Superfour instead?

The main question I have I guess is - In terms of the ride and the feel and the overall usability of those 2 models of CB400 bikes - is there a major difference? Am I likely to get a 'better' bike by getting one over the other?

Usage wise I'll be 90% commuting (50% of that on long A roads, 50% in town), but would like to do occasional longer ride and not be put off by motorways etc.

The used Superfours I can get my hands on will be slightly newer(?), and the CB1's therefore cheaper (generally less than £1000, whereas the SF's I've seen are usually >£1000+)?

Thanks everyone. Looking forward to getting my hands on a CB400, whatever it turns out to be I reckon :)

Rich

[CMSMJ1]

Welcome Rich,

The best answer- get the best you can afford, of either of them.

If you see any, let us know and the smart arses/experts on here will guide and advise.

Overall, I doubt there is much practical difference and I would personally rather have a nice CB1 than a scabby SF!

[Richh]

Cheers for the quick reply!

So, in general, there's not a HUGE difference and I can't really go wrong with either? :)

Found these 2 links as a direct 'specs' comparison...

CB-1...
http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/ ... 0%2089.htm

1992-95 Superfour
http://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/ ... r%2092.htm

And the CB-1 has a slightly bigger tank and is a few Kg heavier and looks a bit more 'meaty', more retro. Other than that I can't really glean much :)

Restriction wise, I've seen plenty threads on restricting the SF, but not come across much on getting the CB-1 down to 33bhp - but I take it that's still do-able.

At the risk of loosing out to someone else on here, I've seen this Version R for sale - http://www.gumtree.com/p/cars-vans-moto ... 1014833588 and it's still currently available. Looks in good condition and is a good price for the relative newness of it.

Unfortunately it's 4 hours away from where I live and I can't drive it away as it's not restricted, so I'd need to go down on the train to pay for it, then get some delivery company to deliver it to North Yorkshire, then get a 33bhp kit and fit that before I can ride it!

ALL the CB400's I can see, CB-1's and SF's, are MILES away from North Yorkshire unfortunately. Shame, as that one I linked to above would be ideal for me I think, just logistically it's not an easy purchase!

[CMSMJ1]

That is alright..

There are loads of places that can courier bikes to you. A friend of another forum I use is AC Bikes - he is in Kent..and does delivery to anywhere.

We also have plenty members in that area and I reckon if you asked and the could, they would have a look over it for you.

restrictors wise.. Pornodog is your man (I think) on here. the motors are CBR400 motors (NC23) as far as I know..and so getting the restriction is a piece of piss...

You could probably take them with you in the pocket, buy that bike, fir the restrictors and ride it home..

There are people who might say to ride it home and then, perhaps, maybe, fit the restrictors.

I'd fit them, but also budget for a dyno run to get the fuelling sorted out.

[Richh]

There are people who might say to ride it home and then, perhaps, maybe, fit the restrictors.

The thought never crossed my mind! :)

My only concern with an approach like that would be that I've never ridden ANYTHING other my 125cc since I started riding in 2009. So, getting on something bigger, even 'just' a 400cc will likely be quite an adjustment, and driving for 4 hours on a motorway on a bike I've never even seen or sat on before with a much bigger engine right after picking it up - that would no doubt be a pretty steep learning curve :)

If there was a secure easy way to remotely pay for it, so I didn't even have to spend a whole day getting to Kent and back again just to hand over the cash, I'd probably just take a punt and buy the thing and get it shipped up here.

My wife says "Just wait until one's for sale around here (Harrogate)". Sensible, but goes against my approach of "But I've seen it, and I want it, and I want it now."

[bikerbiffo]

you'll have got use to it after first 2 /3 miles...once its rolling you'll not notice extra weight.
just be careful when at right hand junction slow pull away full right lock..STALL on your arse. senario

apart from that just go steady very forgiving bikes

hang left at chesterfield up thru peak district.. it will feel like you owned it years by time you get home.

[RICKNC31]

Hi the CB1 has gear driven cams so no cam chain to worry about adjusting or going slack it also has monoshock rear suspension the fuel tank hold less than the superfour tank and the overall size is a little smaller than the superfour it has only a single disc brake on the front the suprfour has twin disc front brakes .the superfour has a camchain which has an automatic adjuster it also has twin shock rear suspention and a bigger fuel tank, although the engines are the same basic size due to mountings being diffrent the engines from one cannot be used in the other bike. I have had both types myself and i think both are great bikes i myself am likeing the CB1 more out of the two bikes but again they are both great bikes. Hope this helps rick

[Richh]

Hi everyone. Thanks for the detailed reply Rick, that's a nice comparison and just what I wanted to hear - that they're both great bikes :)

CMSMJ1, I'm going to take your advice on this...

We also have plenty members in that area and I reckon if you asked and the could, they would have a look over it for you.

...and give it a shot. Where's the best place to try ask, right here? I'll give it a go!

I know I'm a new member but - If there is anyone down in Maidstone, or close enough to there and willing to go kick the tyres of the bike I linked to above (http://goo.gl/B3U9e), over the next couple of days, I'd really really appreciate it.

I'll willingly send via PayPal whoever does it some money for a few pints for your time and efforts!

Any takers?

:)