Project NC31: Just a little TLC, I promise ;)

[craigs23]

As some may know, I picked up a little Superfour not too long ago, for a little over £600.

Overall, it was in good condition - just needed a suspension/tyres/brakes refresh and a bit of tidying.

https://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y51/whers84/DSC00943.jpg

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I've got a couple of days off, so decided to start work on the little beasty. The camera masks some imperfections - this is no where near to the level of my NC30, but it's going to be used daily after all, so it'll be pointless aiming for a constantly spotless finish (and way over budget for the reasons why I bought the bike).

Removing the rad revealed a few year's worth of grime. But cleaned up quite nicely.

https://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y51/whers84/DSC00955.jpg

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https://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y51/whers84/DSC00970.jpg

Not much planned really. I've got some fork springs and new oil on order to match the new rear shocks. My matching rear Roadsmart has now arrived. I've also got a second set of gloss black wheels to put on (there's some stubborn grime that just won't shift from the wheels no matter what I use), and I've got some chrome covers for the clocks and headlight to add. Hopefully be riding it to work by next week.

[Andy C]

Very nice, you seem to be eating your way though bikes these days!! How many you had this year so far?

What the super four like to ride compared to the cb-1?
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99 RS125 --> 02 SV650s --> 03 Speed Four --> 92 RXS100 --> 93 CB400sf --> 01 CB600f Hornet

[craigs23]

I have been a little greedy as of late.

This time last year I had the CBR and the NC30, then I got the CG, then the XR, then traded the CBR for the ER6, then I bought the Superfour to cut down on my habit.

Although there are 4 bikes currently with my name on the log book.

Plan is to trade in the ER6 for a DRZ, then sell the XR privately. Use the Superfour daily, but when the winter really sets in, swap over and use the DRZ. I might even take the NC30 out again before the end of summer.

In comparison to the CB1 - a lot more relaxed - or maybe that's just my riding these days. Both are about the same in terms of performance and handling ability - but the Superfour feels bigger, the weight lower, a lot more comfortable at under 40mph (or for extended periods in the saddle). The CB1 feels more like a sports bike without the fairing - mischievous, more inclined for a thrash.

Two of my friends both have CB1s, so it would be interesting to test them back to back (not to mention get their opinions too).

[stevo as b4]

Damn it! When i saw the pic with the down pipes removed, i thought you was about to do something very interesting to that cool bike, and show SOND how to finish a Honda 400-4 turbo project in a single decade!

[Blackwolf]

You call those down pipes clean...


https://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn236/blackwolf141/P4010159.jpg


Love that bike would like it again for something for the winter... loved it
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Current: Ducati Multistrada 1200s

[ajb]

I want one of those bikes !
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CBR125R '05 > CB500 '00 > CBR600F '99

[craigs23]

Sorry Stevo - TLC= To Like Cleaning, rather than Turboed Little Cibber.

See the bikes are relatively popular, naturally, I can see why. Does what I want from an unfaired bike.

A little more work today - brakes are done, rear Roadsmart fitted and new black wheels added. I've also started going silly with the stainless bolts.

https://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y51/whers84/DSC00971.jpg

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[Fnatic]

Craig where did you buy this from? So cheap for such a good looking bike.

[salty21]

it seems to me like you just buy a bike, go all OCD on cleaning it then sell it shortly after for a tidy profit , good plan
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04 NSR 125(sold) ---- 03 CBR 600rr(sold) ----90 pan euro ST1100 '' ----02 CG 125
94 CB400 Super Four ---- 2000 VTR SP1 (sold) ---- 08 ninja p8f(sold, meh) ----05 CBR600rr

[craigs23]

In a way - yes, but it's not enough of a profit to make any real money out of, and sometimes that's evened out by the amount that needs spending on the bike anyway to get it up to a standard. Last time I made a good profit was probably on my RVF.

I do find it an interesting hobby though - it's easier to service the bike when everything's been taken apart, and it allows me to know a little more about the bike's history when doing so.

The camera hides quite a number of this bike's imperfections - it's not bad for its age, but I don't have the time, patience or budget to go all out and make it spotless again. Although doing one up as an old 80s mini pre WSBK racer would be very cool.

I bought it off Ebay Fnatic - not as much of a bargain as my CB1 was, because, as you can see, it's needed a little work. I've spent a few quid since then as well - pair of tyres, rear shocks, etc, bring the price up. But I did have a budget of under a grand to get something decent. Even the colour of the Superfour's growing on me now, whereas before, I wasn't too sure about it.

[craigs23]

A bit more work today, just smaller jobs really. Brakes are now bled, Hagon springs and oil added in the front, headraces greased and adjusted, lick of paint here and there and some more stainless bits. I'm liking how the new speedo covers turned out as well - the clocks are actually off a US spec CB1 (hence the mph dial running up in 5s), but the added chrome has made them look more like they should be.

Clocks before:

https://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y51/whers84/DSC00949.jpg

Clocks now:

https://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y51/whers84/DSC00985.jpg

https://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y51/whers84/DSC00989.jpg

Not much to do now until the grips and bar ends arrive, except for an oil and filter change, so might pop out on one of my other bikes tomorrow if the weather holds. Shame, as I'd really wanted to be riding the bike to work this week. Having said that, I could always do the final touches in the evening.

[st3v3]

How do you work the insurance out?

Multibike?
Different one for each?
Etc..
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Roger wrote: Women don't get damp for clingy puppies. Get some better happy pills, hit the gym & buy a medallion the size of a dinner plate. Job done

[craigs23]

The NC30 has its own policy due to the extent of its cover - it also holds my no claims discount.

The ER, Superfour and 125 are on a multi bike policy. Bit fiddly.

[rob_scott92]

Good work, I'm liking the Chrome bits. shiney !

[st3v3]

[Xenocide]

What did you use to clean up the yoke? Looks great!
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KTM LC4 400 | Honda VTR1000

[craigs23]

Everything was listed on the '30 Steve - wanted to make sure that if anything happened to the NC, it was fully covered.

Top yoke was scrubbed down and then resprayed. Quickest and tidiest way of getting a decent finish.

[chris-red]

Don't you think it would look good with Ohlins all round AP calipers and carbon Body work?
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Well, you know what they say. If you want to save the world, you have to push a few old ladies down the stairs.
Skudd:- Perhaps she just thinks you are a window licker and is being nice just in case she becomes another Jill Dando.
WANTED:- Fujinon (Fuji) M42 (Screw on) lenses, let me know if you have anything.

[chris-red]

Oh and don't forget the exhaust system made by an ancient Japanese master high up in a mountain cave using titainium rolled out on a virgins thighs.
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Well, you know what they say. If you want to save the world, you have to push a few old ladies down the stairs.
Skudd:- Perhaps she just thinks you are a window licker and is being nice just in case she becomes another Jill Dando.
WANTED:- Fujinon (Fuji) M42 (Screw on) lenses, let me know if you have anything.

[FreshAL]

Those chrome clock surrounds look great - where are they from?

[craigs23]

There's a chap on Ebay who sells new chrome clock backs for Hornets. It was nice of him to chuck in the surrounds as well - wasn't expected and not bad considering they were half the price of standard items.

It'll be tempting to Chris - a mini 80s esc Word Superbike clapped out in Moriwaki this, Ohlins that (Harris Performance sells the rear shocks) and Yoshimura the other is tempting - but kinda defeats the point of the bike's use, budget and condition.

I'll stick to my NC30 for that.

Pretty much there now, couple of finishing touches today - hopefully I can ride in to work tomorrow on the new steed. Looking forward to scrubbing in the tyres in rush hour traffic...

https://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y51/whers84/DSC01020.jpg

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[cicatrez]

very nice craig. I've got a friend who has a purple CB400 project 1. so i'll be watching your threat closely.
where do you source your parts?
also, where did you buy the mph speedo? as my friend's interested in converting his clocks from kph to mph. do you just replace the dials? or does it need abit more work then that.
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'02 Honda City Fly

[craigs23]

The clocks appear to have come from an American spec CB1 - they were on the bike when I bought it. Pretty much a direct fitment, but don't look as good as the Superfour's OE clocks in my opinion.

Mostly a direct fitment - but you have to make sure that the speed restrictor's been bypassed if you're fitting different clocks to a grey import bike.

[Charlie]